Pizza & Side Hugs

In last week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew talked about the importance of having a mentor as a youth minister...but for new youth ministers to have mentors, that may mean it is time for you to step up and be a mentor. In this week's episode, the team jumps into why you should be a mentor and what that means. Listen in for some great thoughts on mentorship in youth ministry. Intro (0:50)You Could be a Mentor (1:17)When Should you be a Mentor? (4:20)What do you Offer as a Mentor? (12:14)Conclusion (20:51) Self Care Episode pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Christ did not send out his apostles one by one, but two by two. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what that means when you are working in ministry- it is so important to be doing it with someone else. Having a mentor can mean having a person to help you troubleshoot, brainstorm, and celebrate. Listen in to hear thoughts on why having a mentor is important and just how to go about starting that relationship. Intro Slice (1:04)Leaders Need Mentors, Too (2:29)If you're the YM leader, how do you find someone who will mentor you? (6:53)pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Struggling to figure out the curriculum situation for your youth ministry? It can be an overwhelming topic! With so many different topics and options available, curriculum may be a frustrating part of your ministry. In this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team sits down to talk about the merits of different curriculums, including writing  your own! Intro  Examples of Youth Ministry Curriculum Curriculum PlanningLinks: Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for High School Students- USCCBHandbook on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process- IOCThe Reboot: The Vision- P&SH USCCB Framework and Timeline- LifeteenConformity Review Listing of Catechetical Texts and Series- USCCBpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

The average youth minister only lasts about 18 months...we want to help make sure that you don't fall into that statistic! In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about two main areas where you can take care of yourself: programmatically and personally. Listen in to this episode to learn some ways to care for you!Intro (2:18)Programmatic Self-Care (8:50)Personal Self-Care (26:15)Discerning Self-Care vs. Leadership (37:23)Conclusion(41:23)Links:Evaluating a Youth Ministry YearSecond Semester ScariesCampference Registrationpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Do you ever struggle to ask good processing questions with teens? In this episode Paul, Rachel, and special guest Charlie Hardesty from the Diocese of Owensboro, break down what it looks like to engage with teens and ask better questions. Intro (0:52) Charlie Hardesty: Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Owensboro (1:18)What Are Better Questions? (2:08)Creating a Space of Joy (7:44)Best Practice to Help with Conversations (17:30)Conclusion (22:40)LINKS: Spinal Tap: Amp to 11 sceneGrow GamesThrow and Tell Ball: All About MeConnect Deck: YDiscipleConnect Cards: Amazonpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Intro Slice (0:48)Hiring a YM is Tough (1:53)Decide What You NEED and is Possible with Your Resources (4:47)There are a lot of things you may want in a YM, but you need to decide what you need first. Do you need someone who is going to build a program? Or do you need someone who can spend time with your 5-10 young people? Do you need someone who is going to fire everyone up and move on? Or do you need a stable person to be there for years? Do you need a director or a minister (who will then be receiving direction)? Do you need a veteran or can you train a rookie? Are you willing to pay for the best? Or do you need to find a person with promise who may be more affordable?Around the Horn (11:09)What are some best practices you have when hiring a YM?Conclusion (25:14)pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Budgets are an important part of ministry and the work we do for the Church. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team breaks open budgeting and the ways that it can be an asset to you. Intro Slice (0:50)A Better Budget Perspective (1:08)In what ways do budgets help us in youth ministry? (3:51)pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

So you've asked your people and gotten a team together, but you may be wondering what it looks like to lead them in a positive and formational way. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew jumps into what it looks like to lead a team well and the positive impact that has on ministry. Leading a TeamBig Picture: After Recruiting (8:00)Show Up (10:21)Partner with Families (16:51)Cause Dialogue (23:18)Be a Follower (32:00)Play the Long Game (38:57)Conclusion (43:40)Recruiting a TeamHow to Say Thank Youpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

We know it's only February...but it's time to start talking about NCYC! Once again, Indianapolis will be the host city for NCYC 2025, November 20-22nd. Whether you are a new youth minister or have been to NCYC dozens of times, this episode will have something for you. We hope that this episode will help as NCYC approaches!P.S. Need help with fundraising ideas? Check out our episode on fundraising by clicking here! What's an NCYC memory that stands out most for you? (4:22)Big Picture: Why NCYC (11:40)We treat NCYC like a pilgrimage. What are some reasons for that? (16:54)I'm brand new. Where do I start? (22:24)I'm a veteran. How do I make this even better? (34:12)Timeline (46:57)Please reach out with any questions to the ArchIndy Youth Ministry Office by visiting our website or emailing Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Megan Lauritsen- mlauritsen@archindy.org. pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Are you filled with gratitude for the people around you but not sure how to let them know that you appreciate all that they do to help? Look no further than this week's podcast episode to learn how to thank the people in your ministry that you appreciate so much!Culture of Gratitude (2:25)Around the Horn (5:50)Conclusion (19:27)Most of the time, we can think of our own experiences here. When did you receive thanks that really meant something? Try to imitate that style in your own thanks.pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Welcome to Season 5! There are a lot of different facets when thinking about mental health in youth ministry, and it can be an overwhelming topic to try to cover in ministry. In this episode, the team talks about 3 different areas of mental health in ministry. Listen in to hear some thoughts. What's one practice of self-care you've employed for your own mental health in the midst of youth ministry?(2:15)Big Picture: Why Address Mental Health in Youth Ministry? (9:00)Discussing Mental Health in Your Ministry (11:28)Offering Support to Students Who Have Mental Health Struggles (21:27)Setting Boundaries between Ministry and Need for Mental Health Professionals (33:32)And introducing the newest P&SH segment...BOY'S CORNER!In this episode's Boy's Corner Paul and Jake talk about the boy, Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, and the USCCB's new document: Listen, Teach, Send and an awesome event going on in Indianapolis that you can register for HERE! Other links from the episode:Perfect Pan Pizzacatholictherapists.comOvernight Overhaul EpisodeJoyful CounselingRachel's Questions to ask:On a scale of 1-10How often are you feeling this way?How debilitating is this feeling?pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Liturgical living can and should be a huge part of of our Catholic faith, but it can be daunting to know where to start. In this SLICE the team breaks open simple ways to start liturgical living in ministry. Catholic Compendium for Liturgical LivingFrontiers of Faith PodcastIs This for Kids PodcastThank you all for a GREAT Season 4! Looking forward to seeing you in Season 5!pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

We think it's fair to say that we've all been there...you have a heart for ministry and are excited to serve the young people in the parish, but you can't seem to get them to show up. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team shares some stories and some laughs while talking about different strategies to recruiting people to ministry. Intro (0:13) When is a time you've been surprised by a turnout for youth ministry? (1:27)Relationships  (8:15)Adequate Time and High Quality (18:45)If People Don't Show Up (36:00)Conclusion (45:47)Show up for us. Send us something you'd like us to discuss!pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

All good things must come to an end, which means that eventually students leave our youth ministry program. The first semester out of high school is a big transition as students begin college, working, a gap year, or esthetician school. In this slice, the Pizza and Side Hugs team dives into what it looks like to support your youth ministry students into this new phase of life. pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Let's talk about fundraising! In this slice, the team talks about the joys and struggles of fundraising. For most people, it can be a bit of a thorn in our side, but there are ways to make it better! Listen in to get some ideas on how revamp your fundraising style. pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Putting on big events can be daunting, but sometimes even more daunting is the "what next?" conversation. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what it looks like to follow up after an encounter. Big Picture: What do we mean when we say “profound YM experiences” and why do we have these? (1:40)Challenges of Following Up (10:54)Why is it Worth It to Follow Up? (21:14)What Does Effective Follow-Up Look Like? (29:25)Conclusion (42:17)What do you want us to talk about? Share a topic or issue you've had and send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Do you ever find yourself wondering what you should have in your back pocket as a youth minister? In this episode, the team begins to scratch the surface with items that are helpful to carry with you as a youth minister. Promises for many links were made in the episode, but sadly, there is not enough character space. Below are the most niche links!What did we miss? What is the unique YM tool that you always bring with you?Power Point ClickerGaff TapeMini Catechism and BibleElectronic bull hornJBL Xtreme/ JBL BoomboxRemarkableHarmonica Flip chartpizzasidehugs@gmail.com

So you wanna take your youth group on a trip this summer...awesome! Summer trips can be a huge undertaking and cause some stress, so in this slice, the team covers some helpful tips and tricks for easing the worry that comes with summer trips. Listen in and hear why it might be best to start planning now! Reach out with your thoughts! We'd love to hear 'em :)pizzasidehugs@gmail.comVolunteer Episode: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244-recruiting-a-teampizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Are you trying to figure out how to empower the teens in your youth ministry program more? You might be asking questions like "How can I form youth leaders?" or "What does solid youth leadership look like?" These are great questions and one that deserve an answer. In this week's episode, the team dives into examples of what they have seen for youth formation. Listen in to get some answers to these great questions. Intro (0:47) What is something you got asked to lead as a YM leader that was unique or not quite your job? (2:04)Big Picture: Why should we spend time developing our young people into faith leaders? (7:00)Effective Leadership Examples (16:15)Formation for Youth Leaders (22:20/27:40)Limitations of Youth Leadership (34:24)Conclusion (40:37)What was the best leadership formation you ever received? Send us something! 

In this episode, the team tackles what it looks like to onboard volunteers. You may have the commitment that people are willing to volunteer, but now you might be thinking "what next?". Learn about getting your volunteers plugged in and rolling, from the first year newbie to the tenth year veteran. Intro (1:15) Do you have your own volunteering experience that stands out as especially well done? (4:20)Big Picture: What's the Long Game for your volunteers? (3:40)Team Meeting or Orientation (5:38)Extended Onboarding (24:10)Brand New Leader (26:00)Year 2-3 Leader (31:58)Veteran Leader (33:39)Feedback (38:16)Conclusion (41:47)Tell us about a fabulous volunteer of yours! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE!

In this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team covers parent meetings. You may have some questions about what it can look like to run a successful parent meeting, how to take first steps in building a relationship to be able to partner with parents, and how to encourage attendance. In this short slice, hear about all that and more! Intro Slice (0:30)What's Tough About Parent Meetings? (1:18)Conclusion (16:33)Parents listening, tell us what you want out of a youth ministry meeting? What should people be avoiding or including?pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Ever wondered what an out of the park kick-off event could look like? Look no further! The Pizza and Side Hugs team is coming in this week with all the ideas when it comes to a Kick-Off Launch. Intro (0:15)  What's an all-time YM Kick-Off game you've played? (8:22) Big Picture: What's the Purpose of a Kick-Off (2:00) Programming for a Kick-Off (15:00)Your Kick-Off Should Set You Up for Future Gatherings (20:03) Promoting your Kick-Off (27:42 ) Conclusion (35:55) Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something: pizzasidehugs@gmail.com    Game Links:Slip 'n' Slide Kickball: https://www.clarkscondensed.com/diy-slip-n-slide-kickball/Olympic Game Night: https://ministry-to-children.com/10-wacky-olympic-games-for-kids-ministry/Stand Up If: https://www.teachstarter.com/us/teaching-resource/sit-down-if-back-to-school-movement-icebreaker/

Calendar Pro TipsSeason 4, Episode 10Around the Horn (0:45) When do you put out a calendar? (1:37)Design (8:12) Calendar Consistency/Rhythms of Calendaring (10:05)Sanity Check/Ministry Check (14:18) Conclusion (17:17) Send us a screenshot of your calendar so we can get good ideas or judge it hard. We will also accept screenshots of embarrassing moments in ministry.  And anything that fits the tag: #loudjuliaEmail us: pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

So You're a New Youth MinisterSeason 4, Episode 5Intro (0:13) What's a Mistake You Made Early on in Youth Ministry? (5:15)Big Picture: You Chose an Incredible Job (3:30)Quick around-the-horn about why YM is an awesome field of work.What to Know Right Away (8:20)What questions should you ask immediately? Who are the first people you meet with?What are reasonable goals for your first year?Where to Start (23:45)Let's say you're in your first 3 months of being a youth minister at a new parish setting. What are you working on first?There are a lot of people you're going to be working with. What are the first things you're doing to serve those various groups?What are things that may sound exciting but need to wait until you've gotten going a bit?Where to not Start (31:40)You Don't Know Everything (36:44)What kind of mindset is needed at the start of this role?Where do you turn to for learning and support?How do you establish some habits of balance in your life from the start?Segment: Case by Case (44:04)Nora from New Albany:Confirmation is killing me. It seems as though I have so many parents and students who are looking for shortcuts or excuses, and the lack of real commitment is so disheartening. I find myself looking forward to Confirmation finally being over and dreading starting back up again in the fall. What are you supposed to do for students whose parents don't even really care?Conclusion (53:15)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.comNFCYM Link: https://nfcym.org/ 

Diverse TeamsSeason 4, Episode 4.5In our last podcast, we talked about the principles for recruiting a great ministry team. These adults will be core to your mission. One thing we touched on briefly was the need for “the right fit” for a ministry leader. Today, we want to highlight this even deeper by talking about having diversity within your team.  Julia: Diversity of ages (multigenerational) (4:00) Jake: Diversity of ethnicity and race (5:16) Rachel: Diversity of ability to connect with various student personalities (6:21) Paul: Diversity of skills and geniuses (7:13) Best Practices (11:09) What are some things you've learned about the value or challenge of diverse teams in ministry?Conclusion (12:44) Send us a message about a great youth ministry teammate of yours who had different ideas than you but brought a lot to the team. Or just send us a dad joke and we'll probably talk about it.pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Recruiting a TeamSeason 4, Episode 4Intro (0:05) Big Picture: We Need a Team for Good Ministry (1:30)Recruiting (9:33) Church volunteer recruiting vs. Notre Dame football recruiting operation. Find the Right Fit (17:25)Do Your Research (28:14)Consistently Reach Out (35:13) Retaining a Team Recruiting doesn't really stop, it just changes over time. We should anticipate it taking 2-3 years for a volunteer to be fully bought into a mission and their role as a mentor. We need to be always thinking about ways to support AND challenge our team to make sure this work is always fascinating teamwork.Final Thought (51:30)Conclusion (54:00)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Clear Labels, Full Bellies, Can't LoseSeason 4, Episode 3.5There are two things that are absolutely essential to nearly ever youth ministry gathering: 1. Prayer. 2. Food. (1:00)Maslow's Hierarchy (1:57)Advice for food at YM event (3:51)Allergies (8:40)Laudato Si (14:27)Conclusion (17:13) Send us a message about your youth ministry, or just send us something funny and we'll mention you. pizzasidehugs@gmail.comAbraham Maslow: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQne2iT1ghgKcHr0jJqpwMP5H-li4fdrR-NVix3kqgf-ZOpiSS Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html What it takes to host a Maslow Pyramid Party

Evaluating a Youth Ministry YearSeason 4, Episode 3Intro (0:20) What is Feedback You've Received in YM That You'll Never Forget? (1:45)Big Picture: What's the Purpose of Evaluating? (11:47)Evaluation obviously seeks to make your ministry better, but it can feel tough to justify given everything else you have to do. Here's why it's important:Creates accountability for leadersAdds intention to the full process of ministryGives others a chance to share their voice about a ministry they care forCreates metrics to measure success and data to advocate for your ministryHelps parish staff and parishioners understand the needs of the youth and youth ministryDetails: How Do You Evaluate Best? (18:15)Who evaluates your ministry? How do you get feedback or thoughtfully think through your ministry with different constituents?When do you evaluate? What time of the year works best for this?How much evaluation is needed? What kind of data will you keep or follow-up will you have?What questions are asked? What are helpful questions to ask of others or within a ministry's leadership?Google Drive Folder with Examples of Surveys you can use: https://shorturl.at/dksw5Segment: Case by Case (40:33)Isabel from Indianapolis:I am a volunteer in a youth ministry and want to relate to students, but I feel like I don't know what they're going through and I definitely don't know the slang for kids today. How do I relate to young people who have such different experiences than me?Conclusion (48:00)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE!Sign-off

Conference RankingsSeason 4, Episode 2.5 - A SliceWhy you should go to a Youth Minister Conference(0:35)Our top 3 youth ministry conference or professional development opportunities: (4:15)Conference LinksNotre Dame Vision: http://mcgrath.nd.edu/visionNFCYM Exchange: https://nfcym.org/featured-events/exchange/Life Teen Conference: https://lifeteen.com/events/catholic-youth-ministry-convention/ Thriveanooga: https://www.thrive.rs/thriveanooga/2024Orange: https://theorangeconference.com/John Bosco Conference: https://steubenvilleconferences.com/events/sjb/LA Congress: https://recongress.org/ National Catholic Network for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (La Red): https://www.laredpjh.org/  Campference: https://archindyym.com/campference Conclusion (19:50) What's one aspect of youth ministry that you dread? We'd love to address it. Let us know with an email! pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Intro (0:47) Memorable Overnight Experiences (5:15)Challenges in Ministry that Includes Overnight Stays (18:15)NEW SEGMENT! Case by Case (33:41)Pete from Plainfield:I'm at a parish with a school, and there seems to be a big divide between middle school students from the school and from the parish. How do I encourage both groups to participate in youth ministry?Conclusion (41:47)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.comd

Sacred Scripture is the Word of God, one of the two major sources of the deposit of faith. Together with capital T Tradition, Scripture comprises the Truth of the Triune God, Jesus Christ, and the Catholic Church. But, upon graduation from youth ministry, are our students literate in Scripture? Do they know the basics of salvation history? Have they prayed with the Psalms or can they draw conclusions to big questions from Gospel parables? Can they even navigate the Bible?

What's consistently tough about second semester in youth ministry? Whether it is  waning attendance, losing enthusiasm, prepping for big summer trips while doing everything else, calendaring for next year,  or just plain burnout from a busy first semester, January- May can be often be difficult or feel overwhelming.  This episode we dive into why that is and what we can do about it.Time StampsIntro (0:47) What are some of the unique nicknames we've had (5:15)Media Mentions - NEW SEGMENT!!! (11:06)Jake- Instagram account: sbmowing Paul- Book: Start Talking to Your Kids about Sex Julia- Confirmation Program Pilot Rachel- Book: Be Healed  Second Semester Scaries (18:15)Theories why this happens? (19:20)Antidotes to the second semester scaries this year? (20:33)Lessening the second semester scaries down the road? (31:00)Pep talk for the second semester scaries? (35:00)Conclusion (41:47)Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

At the start of a new year of ministry, it's easy to get caught up in, “What's new in your ministry?” But the fundamentals of YM should excite us even more. This episode is all about Running it Back to why you want to do this in the first place!Top 5 Fundamentals To Focus on At the Start of the YearSeeing the Kids- (6:50)Putting Yourselves in Parent's Shoes-(17:00)Being a Companion for First Year Leaders- (27:16)Getting Ahead in Order to Be Present- (34:58)Praying for Your Community- (42:45)Links from the ShowiGen- Dr. Jean TwengeDrawing from nationally representative surveys of 11 million young people as well as in-depth interviews, iGen is the first book to document the cultural changes shaping today's teens and young adults, documenting how their changed world has impacted their attitudes, worldviews, and mental health.From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic AgeEvery human society possesses a moral and spiritual imaginative vision, a set of assumptions and ways of looking at things according to which life proceeds. This essay is an attempt to contribute effective strategies to engage our own time and culture once more with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and – for a weary world – to awaken the Catholic imaginative vision.

Looking for something specific? 2:10 When No One Shows Up Stories 8:00 Getting People to Show Up to New/Different Events 10:30 Advertise Ministry Differently (Snapchat!) 14:17 Mentality of Hospitality 18:29 Advanced Notice is KEY 19:47 Syncing Ministry Calendars Straight to Phones 22:54 Who Needs to Have the Info? 24:45 Examine Your Processes 25:39 Save the Dates are Your Friend 27:25 Create "The Purple Cow"  34:34 The Ministry Stretch (Creep) 37:52 It's about the Relationship Shareables (resources)Snapchat is popular right now. Wanting to use it for ministry? Download our PDF on how to safely use Snapchat.  Interested in setting up your ministry calednar digitally so it can directly sync to your kids' and parents' phones? Check out these notes.  We love FLOCKNOTE and if you're looking for a new way to communicate (including texting), check them out.  Seth Godin wrote the fantastic book The Purple Cow: transform your business by being remarkable that caused Jake to rethink his ministry. It may be worth a read!

Looking for something specific? 2:31 We have another guest: Nick Vergatos 3:13 Finding Great Volunteers 7:03 Know What You Want From Volunteers 9:40 Why it's good to avoid the term "volunteer" 10:45 Alternative words to use for those that help in ministry 13:12 "Dating" vs. "Marrying" Your Volunteers 14:43 Creating Volunteer Job Descriptions 17:16 Equipping New Volunteers 19:40 Continual Training and Orientation is Vital 20:34 DTR (Define the Relationship) With Volunteers 23:25 Volunteers Understanding Wins 24:51 Interview with Nick Vergatos 31:35 What Keeps Nick Coming Back  Why he wanted to get involvedProcess of getting involvedWhy he keeps coming backHow to decide what roles to take onWhen he's been celebrated as a volunteer38:21 Playing to Strengths of Volunteers Volunteer Shout Outs Shareables (resources)Interested in learning more about your strengths - yes, we all have them. Take Gallup's Strengthsfinder assessment.Looking for an example of a volunteer job description? Check this one out for an idea!

Looking for something specific? 03:22 - Failed Games 14:18- Why we Play Games 23:25 - Things to be Aware of During Games 28:41 - Strategically Varying the Type of Games 37:35 - What if Youth Don't  Want to Play 40:33 - Tactics to make your games work   47:34 - Are Prizes Needed?      52:17 - Our Favorite Games Shareables (resources) Name Game Alert! We love this game and so do the kids. Take a look at what we call Pool Noodle Smack Down.One of our all-time favorites. All you need are some grocery bags and markers to play I'm Gonna Rip Your Face Off. Watch this video of the Game being played!Paul's Survivor Lock-in has almost 10K views on Youtube - watch it to hit that magical number. Also, maybe send us an email if you watch it past the 10K point...that would be SUPER!Need some good up-front games? Check out Download Youth Ministry or CrowdControlGames for tons of affordable downloads.This game can only be played ONCE and it's a bit of a prank on your kiddos. Check out the game Jerusalem. Here are Instructions on how to play and you'll also need the Print out of the cities to cut up and give out!Get to know your group with a couple rounds of Hot Seat.Emojis are a hit. We made a competitive game out of texting the emojis. Download the powerpoint here to run it yourself.Jake mentioned the movie Heavyweights (1995). Take a look at the trailer for fun!

Check out our great sponsor: Sock ReligiousStop wearing secular SocksEpisode DescriptionWhat is the best way to accompany young people on their faith journey? Learn the five tenets of establishing long-term small groups that every group organizer will want to share and every group leader will need to know in order to create, small effective faith groups.Episode OutlineIntro- Ministry is about People not Programs5 Principles of Small Group Leadership1. Show Up: Leaders need to be fully present.2. Partner with Parents: Become allies with students' greatest influences3. Cause Dialouge: Spur Authentic Conversation4. Be a follower: Small Groups follow a Savior and set boundaries.5. Play the Long Game: Aim for Lifelong DiscipleshipBONUS after outro- QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONRecorded at the National Catholic Youth Conference on November 22, 2019

Check out our great sponsor: Sock Religious. Stop wearing secular socks.Episode 03 Looking for something specific?04:10 - Discipleship is Overlooked…07:02 - Disciples Make Disciples9:50 - Ministry is about People not Programs10:41 - Holiness is Attractive 14:40- Discipleship is a journey and people are at different stages16:10- Reaching People on the Margin17:10- Problem with Confirmation Preparation being the center of YM22:22- Four Stages of Discipleship: Crowd, Seeker, Disciple, Apostle28:12- Creating Opportunities for people in the different Stages28:30- Opportunities for those in the Crowd32:44- Opportunities for those who are Seekers36:20- Opportunities for Disciples39:50- Ministering to Apostles44:50- Naming Discipleship and Trusting in the Holy Spirit!ShareablesSock Religious- Check out these great socks!- https://sockreligious.com/The article about Discipleship Quads: https://review.catechetics.com/disciples-forming-other-disciplesWebsite for Discipleship Quads- https://steubenvilleconferences.com/discipleship-quads/

Episode 02 - Next Level Youth LeadersDo you have emerging leaders in your youth ministry? This podcast is created for THEM! We give them ways to go beyond your ministry, based on the Scripture passage Acts 2:42. Also, you’ll find out how a prayer of fasting brought about a spouse, and how grunts are the sounds of discipleship…! Looking for something specific?00:57 - Lengthy Introductions of Podcasters7:46 - Shareable Podcast for your Youth 10:50 - Importance of Acts 2:4215:42 - Breaking of the Bread22:50 - Teaching of the Apostles33:12 - Devoted to the Prayers41:58 - Dedicated to Communal LifeShareablesWord on Fire by Bishop BarronJesus PrayerSock Religious - instagram & website Use Promo Code "pizzasidehugs"Pizza & Side HugsDo you have emerging leaders in your youth ministry? This podcast is created for THEM! We give them ways to go beyond your ministry, based on the Scripture passage Acts 2:42. Also, you’ll find out how a prayer of fasting brought about a spouse, and how grunts are the sounds of discipleship…! #PaulHasALotOfKids #Boots #ClapThatSteeringWheel #GoFlyers #GoIrish #Rocky4IsTheBest #PromoCode #SockReligious #Sponsored #FriendOfThePodcast #BreakingBread #Teaching #Prayers #Community #Pizza #CatholicYouthMinistry #YouthMinistry #Podcast #CatholicPodcast #SideHugs #PizzaSideHugs #Scripture #ActsOfTheApostles #GoAct

We're Back!After a short break, we're back in action with Pizza & Side Hugs, a podcast for Catholic youth ministry leaders. Whether you're a youth minister, priest, volunteer, or parent, this podcast gives you creative, joyful, and faithful resources for making disciples.Looking for something specific?01:00 - We’re SPONSORED! 03:10 - Why We’re Back09:32 - What You Can Expect to Hear10:16 - Creating a Youth Ministry Vision15:37 - If You Don’t “Think Big” Easily16:55 - How to Create a Vision & Vision Team24:19 - Define Why You do Ministry25:32 - What Changes Because of This Ministry?27:35 - Include the Gospel Message29:13 - Take Your Time32:25 - Don’t be the Leader34:10 - Vision NEEDS to be Shareable40:24 - Sock Religious (our sponsor) Gets Our Vision