text: Preparation is an important part of your congregational Gathering experience. We know through conversations and surveys that congregations that are diligent in their preparation together have a much better experience at the event. For the 2018 Gathering, three major resources will be provided to help you prepare.
  The Official Gathering Handbook: Tips and Tricks for Adult Leaders is available now. This resource was created by congregational youth ministry leaders and is filled with ideas and best practices to help you get your mind wrapped around the huge task of preparing a group to come to the Gathering.
  The Gathering’s Getting Ready resources are based in group building, Bible study and faith based conversation for use with congregational groups before and after the Gathering. Twelve lessons will be developed – nine for use in the months leading up to the Gathering and three for taking your experience home. Eight of the nine pre-Gathering lessons are available now! The ninth lesson will be for use in the final weeks leading up to the Gathering. Because it will contain last-minute details, it will not be posted until the spring of 2018. The three post-Gathering lessons will be available shortly after the Gathering. It is our goal to create most of the Getting Ready curriculum with themes that could be used for your entire youth ministry group, not just those attending the Gathering.
  To help you prepare, the Gathering is offering monthly webinars focused on our different program areas. Webinars will be held the second Thursday of every month at 7pm central. Check out our schedule, sign up, and mark your calendars.