Making Sense Of Ministry

In this episode, we walk through tales of memorable volunteers, the influences they wield on youth and children's ministries, and the lessons we can glean from their stories. Ever been amused by a volunteer who does something quirky? Or marveled at a longtime volunteer who creates a ‘happy place' of serving within the church? As we round off this episode, we lean into the life cycle and retention of volunteers. We share a poignant story, a single unpleasant encounter that drastically reshaped our volunteer recruitment process. We then tap into the art of trusting our instincts for volunteer selection and tactfully guiding volunteers onward when the time is right. Tune in and be inspired by the immense power volunteers offer to our communities.Subscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Support the show

Have you ever had someone complain, and now it's all you can think about? Have complaints ruined a meaningful moment in ministry? In this Five-Minute Mentoring episode, Brian discusses the interwoven web of joys and complaints. Understanding this web can help you stay positive and joy-filled as you serve in ministry.Support the show

Everyone goes through seasons of feeling spiritually dry. Perhaps that is you right now. You may even wonder if it is time to quit children's or youth ministry. In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss being spiritually dry and how to move forward in a positive way.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In this episode of Five-Minute Mentoring, we explore knowing your audience and why it may be one of your best ways to gain respect from both parents and church members while creating stronger relationships with young people.Resources For YouYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

Have you ever experienced drama in your ministry? No matter the age group we serve, there will be drama. In this episode, Kirsten and Brian discuss the drama they have experienced in ministry and how they handle it.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In this episode of Five-Minute Mentoring, we explore the concept of transparency in ministry, the danger of oversharing, and why these are important concepts to apply to your leadership and ministry.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In truth, we all face discouragement at times. So what do we do about it? How do you handle discouragement? And will it defeat you? In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss a few thoughts on discouragement in youth ministry and children's ministry. Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share the struggle many Youth and Children's Ministers face when connecting with parents. If you struggle to connect with parents, you will appreciate this episode.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share some of the mistakes they made as a rookie in ministry and some that they continue to make. Their discussion will give you confidence, insights, and ways to avoid these common mistakes in your ministry.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

In this episode, Brandon Sangster from St. Lukes's UMC joins Brian and Kirsten to discuss communicating values and upping your communication game to the next level. We encourage you to check out Brandon's youth ministry on Instagram and TikTok.Find Brandon on Instagram or TikTok.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkSupport the show

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share some of their hopes for ministry this fall, reflect on interesting summer stories, and discuss one BIG way you should support your volunteers.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show

Steve Schneeberger, YMI founder and Lead Director of Student Ministries across all locations for Church of the Resurrection (the largest UMC in the United States), joins us to discuss Summer ministry strategies, plans, and whether we love or hate ministry in summer.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RJCYUQB4YGRDL)

In today's conversation, Heather and Joel Pancoast from Gator Wesley join us to discuss serving in ministry alongside your spouse. If you are married and in ministry, this is an excellent episode for you.Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children's Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingYou can contact Joel and Heather through this email.Join Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RJCYUQB4YGRDL)

Do you struggle to get young people to engage with Scripture? Have you ever considered the impact of the ministry of presence?In this episode, Kirsten and Brian invite Joel Lusz into a conversation around how to engage students with Scripture and the impact of incarnational ministry.Resources Mentioned12 Month Student Discipleship Journal by Joel LuszYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth Ministry CertificationYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RJCYUQB4YGRDL)

Are you searching for your next ministry role? Or perhaps you might be in the near future?In this episode, Kirsten and Brian invite Maresi Brown into a conversation around how to land your next youth or children's ministry job. And because we work with churches all around the country, we know what they are looking for in candidates. You don't want to miss this episode!Resources MentionedYouth & Children's Ministry Job BoardYouth Ministry CertificationYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RJCYUQB4YGRDL)

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss the few essential elements they would focus on in 2022. Join us as we discuss discovering and focusing on the things that will make the most significant difference in your ministry this year.Resources MentionedYouth Ministry CertificationYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Josh French from Cokesbury United Methodist Church shares how a tragedy in his life lead him to become a better leader through compassion and curiosity. Resources MentionedYouth Ministry CertificationYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingBook - Experiencing GriefJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten talk with Emily Felgenhauer, Director of Youth Ministries at Hyde Park UMC in Tampa, Florida. Emily shares her experience with losing her ministry job, finding a new future at a large church, and the ways she has faced personal crises.Resources MentionedProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share 5 things you should do in 2021. These 5 things will engage the people in your ministry, set you up for success, and will inspire you to stay in ministry - even when it is difficult.Resources MentionedProfessional Youth Ministry CertificationProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Steve Schneeberger joins Brian and Kirsten to discuss your questions! These questions include re-engaging students and families, difficult students, balancing a hybrid ministry model, new pastors, and more! We also announce the winner for our giveaway.Resources MentionedDiscuss hard questions with our friends at BeADisciple.comProfessional Youth Ministry CertificationProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Brent Squires joins Brian and Kirsten to discuss your questions! These questions include "terrifying" parent meetings, 2021 budgets, and should parents be required to volunteer?In his third decade of youth ministry, Brent Squires is the cohost of the How'd They Do That? ministry podcast, and serves as the Student Ministry Pastor at Bay Area Community Church. Resources MentionedHow'd They Do That? podcastDiscuss hard questions with our friends at BeADisciple.comProfessional Youth Ministry CertificationProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Mikiala Tennie joins Brian and Kirsten to discuss your questions! These questions include priorities when starting a new job, Trunk or Treat, COVID policies, and more!Mikiala grew up in South Florida. She started volunteering in student ministry while still a student herself and hasn’t stopped serving students since. Mikiala works in ministry because of her desire for people to truly know Christ. For six years she has served at First United Methodist Church of Stuart and currently has the role of Director of Discipleship and Student Ministries. She lives with her little Yorkie, KiKi Okoye Tennie.Resources Mentioned8 Week Cohort Intensives (Start October 1, 2020)Kelly Minter - a youth pastor turned counselorDiscuss hard questions with our friends at BeADisciple.comProfessional Youth Ministry CertificationProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Kirste and Brian discuss your questions! These questions include family devotions, volunteers, planning during COVID, and more!Resources MentionedProfessional Youth Ministry CertificationProfessional Youth Ministry CoachingProfessional Children's Ministry CoachingYMI Job BoardYMI BlogJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Jesse Ernst, an experienced youth minister, and entrepreneur shares how he and his wife started a small business while they both worked full-time. We discuss how to pursue new ideas in ministry, time management, seeing God's movement in all situations, and why you need a local support network in ministry.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupYouth Ministry Institute Online - Check out our new Theology 101 course!Send Brian a question to answer on an upcoming episode by emailing Podcast@YMinstitute.comResources Mentioned:Contact Jesse to speak at your retreat, event, church or to go on your mission trip as a Spanish translator by emailing jessedernst@gmail.comIf you would like coaching for personal finance, building a budget, dumping debt, wealth building, college planning, etc. from Jesse then visit his Facebook page.Book mentioned by Jesse - EntreLeadership by Dave RamseyFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Chris Wilterdink from Young People's Ministries shares his expertise in discipleship with us. He discusses a new insight into how our brains are wired for feedback, the importance of formative and safe spaces in our ministry, and what faith formation looks like now in crisis and virtual ministry. If you are involved in youth, children, or family ministry then you definitely what to hear the insights that Chris has to share with us.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupYouth Ministry Institute Online - Grab your free course before time runs out!Send Brian a question to answer on an upcoming episode by emailing Podcast@YMinstitute.comResources Mentioned:Youth Ministry Institute Online - Grab your free course before time runs out!Find the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the showSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Kelly Minter, a therapist, 20-year youth ministry veteran, and author of our popular articles on grief joins us for a conversation around trauma and grief that Covid19 has caused everyone to experience. Your youth ministry, children's ministry, and family ministry are impacted by grief, and this episode will help you navigate ministry during this season.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupYouth Ministry Institute Online - Grab your free course before time runs out!Send Brian a question to answer on an upcoming episode by emailing Podcast@YMinstitute.comResources Mentioned:Youth Ministry Institute Online - Grab your free course before time runs out!Kelly's Favorite Feelings WheelKelly's Profile at Elbow Tree CounselingBook An Appointment With KellyFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In part two of this two-part discussion, a team of YMI experts (Steve Schneeberger, Kirsten Knox, Annette Johnson, and Brian Lawson) get together to discuss how to measure success in this season, what to do when it feels a supervisor expects too much out of you, and should we cancel our summer camp and VBS.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupResources Mentioned:Join the YMI Online launch email list to get the special launch offer!20 Free Zoom Games20 Ways To Celebrate Seniors During Social DistancingFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian Lawson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kristen Knox on Facebook or Instagram.Find Annette Johson on Facebook or Instagram.Find Steve Schneeberger on Facebook or Linkedin.Support the showSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In part one of this two-part discussion, a team of YMI experts (Steve Schneeberger, Kirsten Knox, Annette Johnson, and Brian Lawson) get together to discuss the church's early response to social distancing, the pitfall that we as leaders can fall into, and finally what parents, students, and children really need from us in this season.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupResources Mentioned:20 Free Zoom GamesThe Common Rule - Spiritual Rhythms for QuarantineResource for Parents Homeschooling & Working From Home The resource for parents was taken from the work of Becky Bailey.Find the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Find Brian Lawson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kristen Knox on Facebook or Instagram.Find Annette Johson on Facebook or Instagram.Find Steve Schneeberger on Facebook or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Savannah Rogers discusses the often overlooked resource in our churches and how she has recruited adult leaders. She also shares the way that she cares for and trains her unique adult leaders.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Find Brian Lawson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Mike Toluba discusses how our ministries can prepare students for college and the answer may just surprise you! We also discuss the mental health of college students and the role of campus ministry in relation to local congregations. Resources Mentioned:Youth Ministry Institute Online CoursesFlorida State University Wesley FoundationJoin Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Find Brian Lawson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this episode, Kirsten Knox discusses the traits of Generation Z and their greatest challenges. Kirsten shares why empathy may just be the key for Gen Z and why she believes that small to medium size churches may have an advantage in reaching students today.Resources Mentioned:"How To Speak Gen Z" video.Join Our Community!Subscribed to our emailsJoin our Facebook GroupFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Find Brian Lawson on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kristen Knox on Facebook or Instagram.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

In this trailer, we introduce the Making Sense of Ministry podcast - a podcast presented by the Youth Ministry Institute. We give you a taste of this podcast- what you can expect in each episode and clips from our first four episodes.At YMI we understand the challenges you face in youth ministry, children's ministry, and family ministry. We know what it is like to feel overwhelmed or underprepared. We know the diverse situations that full-time, part-time, and volunteers experience. With our vast network of experts and our many years of experience, we believe that through this podcast we can help you lead well in your ministry, transform lives, and impact generations.Join the Making Sense of Ministry Community by subscribing to this podcast!Sign up to receive our emails that are filled with youth and children's ministry insights, podcast information, and YMI promotions!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)