As we get ready to welcome in a new year, the final days of 2018 are filled with reflections and blessings on the year; looking back at all that was accomplished, the good and the bad, and what that means for the year to come.

Here at Sparkhouse, we have plenty to be excited about and celebrate in 2018! For one, this little blog was launched back in March and from YOUR support, it has grown into something wonderful (and we love hearing from YOU about how we can continue to grow and change to make it work for you – leave us a comment to tell us what you would like to see more of in 2019!).

Now that we’re preparing to welcome 2019 in with open arms, it’s time to take a look back at the past nine months and celebrate the blog posts you loved most in 2018.

Oh no! What happened to all our Sunday school students?

For many churches across the country, Sunday school numbers are dwindling. Pastor Rebecca Ninke shares her perspective on what this means to our churches and what can be done to help boost your Sunday school attendance. Read now. 

The refugee crisis: How your church can help

What does the refugee crisis mean to your church, community, nation? In this blog post from 1517 Media’s Naomi Krueger, hear her opinion on what you – and your church – can do to help refugees in need. Read now. 

How to handle small group cliques

Whether your new to a church or if you’ve been a member for decades, cliques can be a turnoff for getting more involved. As ministry leaders, we’re charged with helping everyone feel comfortable and involved. Check out this favorite blog post that talks about what you can do if cliques arise in your small group. Read now.

Youth Ministry Podcast: 5 favorite summer episodes

While many of us are in the deep freeze of winter (brr!), summer seems further away than ever. This blog post features five of the best summer episodes you can find from the Youth Ministry Podcast, featuring your favorite episodes from Bryan and Erik. Read now.

A reason for hope

Minneapolis’ hometown newspaper, the Star Tribune, spent a chunk of 2018 covering the state of organized religion in Minnesota, which faces many of the same challenges as religion in other regions in the United States. In this blog post, Sparkhouse’s Carla Barnhill shares her thoughts about the data and analysis – and what that means to ministry leaders. Read now.