Five Minutes with Marko

In this final episode of the season, Marko unpacks an experience of discovering a challenge in 1 Corinthians 3, and applies it to our work as youth workers.

Marko identifies five new(er) cultural realities that are shaping teenagers, and different from the youth culture most of us grew up in.

Marko unpacks four forces that corrode innovation, and two ‘thrusters' needed.

Winning with parents and helping them live into their own callings includes Listening, Communicating, Equipping, and Inviting Involvement.

Marko unpacks Formal, Hidden, Nonformal, and Null curriculums, and asks us to bring more intentionality to all of them.

Celebrating Emmanuel – God with us – shouldn't be limited to the Christmas season!

The increase in tribalism in our culture has brought with it an increase in judgmentalism. Marko suggests that Curiosity is our antidote.

In this second week focused on control, Marko talks about the opposite of control: releasing your grip.

In youth ministry, we often try to control the beliefs and behaviors of teenagers. But it doesn't work.

Consider this episode a ‘devotional' thought, an encouragement to stay connected to the only One who can truly fill you up.

Marko has talked and written quite a bit about teenage brain development; but in this two-part episode, he reflects on how we should respond to brain discoveries.

Marko has talked and written quite a bit about teenage brain development; but in this two-part episode, he reflects on how we should respond to brain discoveries.

A reflection on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, and what it might say about the approach to great youth ministry.

Marko shares the story of Marvin, a 60-something youth worker who tried to run away from his calling to youth ministry.

Marko shares a short and moving story about a youth worker who thought he'd blown it, but was actually being used by God in exactly the right way.

Part 6 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers.

Part 5 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers.

Part 4 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers. Learn more about The Youth Cartel's coaching and resources at https://theyouthcartel.com.

Part 3 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers.

Part 2 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers.

Part 1 of Marko's snarky 6-part sub-season of scripture rewritten for youth workers.

In what aspect of your ministry do you need to try something new?

Balance isn't a biblical goal; sustainability and thriving are.

Traditions in youth ministry are awesome until they become objects of worship.

These two choices--intentionality and faith--define the gooey center of great youth ministry.

Are you weary in ministry? Let's celebrate the unflashy path of consistency.

Naming and resisting the factors that have made adolescence of 20-year journey in our culture.

Marko unpacks why ease is the enemy of growth.

It's difficult not to see the value of determination and a ruthless commitment to one mission while standing on The Great Wall of China.

Even if accusations or criticism are 90% wrong, wisdom addresses the 10%.

If I could go back and start all over again in youth ministry, what would I change?

Let's help teenagers examine their childhood images of Jesus and meet the real Jesus.

A church capital campaign causes Marko to reflect on how he's exercising faith in youth ministry.

The pathway to great youth ministry is shorter in smaller churches.

Teenagers are naturally (and wonderfully) wired for risk. Our ministries should reflect this truth.

Staring at some massive redwood trees causes Marko to reflect on the kind of youth worker he'd like to be.

Marko could list 100 reasons to love young teens; but this episode highlights 12 reasons.

Adopting an attitude of curiosity will completely reframe your interactions with parents of teenagers.

Marko unpacks an area of his leadership that needed to change, how he became aware of it, and what he did about it.

Marko digs into research that reveals why a pastoral response to LGBTQ teenagers is more important than a theological response.

Excellence is a good thing. Marko's just not convinced it's a great thing.

Marko unpacks what it means to partner with God in youth ministry.

Balance is a misguided goal and not even biblical. Way better, and more in alignment with the life of Jesus, are the goals of sustainability and thriving.

Youth workers like to think of ourselves as fearless; but the honest truth is, most of us struggle with all sorts of fear. Let's talk about how to orient to that.

Let's reframe spiritual decisions (especially the big ones teenagers make at summer events) as Ebeneezers—mile-markers on a spiritual journey.

Marko talks about Divergent Thinkers. Are they good or bad for our congregations?

Marko explains what he means by "competency facilitator" and what it means for you, your volunteers, and students.

Join Marko to learn about the seven sins of reinvention in youth ministry.