Beyond the Event

We sit down with student pastor Michelle Kruse from Summit Christian Church to explore how age-intentional programming can boost engagement without requiring more space or budget. She walks us through their midweek system, which alternates middle school and high school in the same room, explaining how teaching, small groups, worship, and pace shift to meet real developmental stages. For leaders facing limited space, volunteers, or mixed-age expectations, this conversation offers practical tactics you can implement immediately—from teaching twice in one night to swapping spaces and inviting high schoolers to mentor younger students—while honestly addressing quality tradeoffs, leader health, and the wisdom needed to separate where it matters and maintain a sustainable, life-giving pace.