Simply Youth Ministry Show (AUDIO)

Kurt misses his first show ever (he says it's because he was out helping an old lady cross the street), and nobody cares because A.C. is in the house! On this episode A.C. and Jason discuss transitioning children from the kids ministry to the youth group, how to calendar and plan, parents taking advantage of you, the myth of keeping up the pace and the fact that A.C.'s daughter is quickly becoming picky and pricey!

The Youth Ministry Nation mailbox is overflowing with emails so the guys are taking the next three episodes to catch up! This week, questions and conversation flow fast and furious....which makes sense in light of Kurt's occasional insistence that he looks like Vin Diesel (mostly just the arms).

This week, Jason commits the unforgivable sin: He badmouths George Lucas. In the meantime, Kurt isn't even sure who George Lucas is. As for youth ministry discussion....the guys tackle portions of a topic that is a constant challenge in youth ministry; creating a healthy volunteer ministry culture. As Kurt rambles off some of his thoughts, a disturbing trend is identified.

What do you do after a big event like a youth ministry conference of camp? How do you avoid losing the "mountain top" high? Should you avoid losing it? In addition to this rich discussion, Kurt saddles up his horse and we learn first-hand why Jason is a drummer, not a singer.

In honor of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference happening this weekend, Kurt and Jason share some of their tips for making the most out of attending a conference. A.C. gets a gift from a sponsor even though he's hardly ever on the show and Kurt hits a basketball shot even Michael Jordan would be proud of.

Dr. Tim Levert joins the guys via Skype to share three marriage and ministry tips. Also on this episode Jason riffs about Star Wars and Kurt doesn't care, there is a celebrity sponsor and the ongoing bet over the previous usage of the fancy black chairs is settled!

The focus on this episode is all about preparing your ministry for your absence....whether it's because you have to call in sick on a Wednesday night or because you are leaving the church. The big question: Can your youth ministry survive without you? Apparently Kurt has some feelings about this issue because he climbs up on a soapbox and has a hard time coming back down. But at his height, it's impressive he was able to climb up there in the first place.

The mailbox is full of questions from the Youth Ministry Nation and, for once, Kurt and Jason manage to stay focused long enough to get through a few of them. The wisdom and wit dripping from this dynamic duo is a sight to behold....not really, but we needed to make this week's show description a little longer so we added that part.

The guys still haven't got Skype completely figured out...and it shows. But that doesn't stop them from bringing in the one and only Jason Ostrander (the brains behind all things Simply Youth Ministry) for an interview via the technology of the world wide interweb thingy. They talk about lots of stuff, but mostly about the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference and why YOU need to be there!

It was Kurt's birthday this week and nobody remembered to mention it on the show. So this week's title is our attempt to put salve on his old man wounds. On this episode, the guys address the ongoing chair saga as well as share a few of their favorite teaching tips.

On this episode, Kurt and Jason are determined to get through the mailbox... but only get through two question (hey, that's profess!). They both share some nuggets of wisdom to new youth workers looking to land their first ministry position.

The mailbag is full with questions and input from the youth worker nation! AC joins the guys and is asked to be the first to chime in on a tough, but very important, issue. We're not sure they really ever answer the question... but they give it a shot! For a little more in-depth look at this topic, here is a recent blog post from AC http://yoacblog.com/2013/01/03/im-gay/

The show hits the ground running as it welcomes in the new year. On this show the guys share their favorite ministry memories from 2012 and a few goals for the new year. Jason whines that Kurt isn’t a hugger and the guys get some high-dollar sunglasses!

Steven Adams, Saddleback's Kids Ministry Pastor, pops in unexpectedly so Kurt and Jason change direction. The new topic? How can the children's and youth ministries of the church work together better? Hint: Puppets are not needed

Because you guys got so distracted last week, they once again try to empty the Youth Worker Nation mailbox of letters. As usually, the rambling takes a few twists and turns, but eventually they get down to business.

The mailbox is full with questions and input from the youth worker nation! Jason and Kurt take a shot at working their way through the various emails. Plus a debate (argument) breaks out about seating arrangement and Jason FINALLY gets some decent sunglasses from a sponsor!

This week, AC joins the action and brings his usual smoothness with him! The guys use the Simply Youth Ministry Today articles as a launching pad into a discussion about mentors, following up in a timely manner, following your leader.

Kurt and Jason read a couple emails from the Youth Ministry Nation and camps out on a discussion about lack of unity, cliques and divisiveness. Are cliques always unhealthy…or are they natural and neutral? What can we do to build a sense of unity in our youth groups?

We try something new this week by having a special guest interview via skype. Our guest? The one and only Greg Stier from Dare 2 Share. Greg and the guys talk evangelism and the Simply Youth Ministry Conference.

This week, Jason finally gets his sunglasses…well, sort of. The Youth Ministry Nation mailbox is full, so the guys answer a few questions including: How to deal with a former youth pastor who is still overly involved in students lives, how to handle highly awkward students and “must have” books/resources.

Jason is away, but never fear....AC is here! The show goes a little long this week, mostly because of AC's mellow, soothing voice. What starts out feeling like an infomercial of sponsors, The Simply Youth Ministry Conference and various blogs finally gets around to a powerful prayer request and some good discussion about parent ministry. Not to mention an interesting shout out to Eminem, AC's stomping grounds and the 7-mile community.

This week, the show hits the 12:00 mark....on the nose! They guys spend way too much time talking about "side gigs", and not enough time talking about Halloween and respecting your church culture on such issues.

On this episode, the guys tackle the tough topic of what to do when you don't feel respected by your Senior Pastor. They also enter into a Sonic showdown and....for the first time ever....pause to pray for a member of the Youth Ministry Nation.

AC is back by popular demand, and Jason seems a little nervous about being permanently replaced! The guys talk about Hollywood look-a-likes, and share their favorite teaching tips. Plus, Jason is looking to hire!

The one and only AC joins the boys and is introduced as the official "SYM Show Sub", and joins the conversation about caring for students. Plus, Jason brags about his new iPhone 5 and makes an incredibly bad joke (even by Kurt's standards).

They guys are hitting their stride....for the THIRD week in a row the show comes in under 15 minutes! This week they decide to clear out the mailbox one more time to answer a couple questions from the Youth Worker Nation. What types of policies should be in place for volunteers? What are the age restrictions? Should you show PG13 movies in youth group? And does Jason fold or wad (okay that wasn't asked....but we are dying to know).

This week Kurt shares a new resource that he's overly excited about, and the boys jump right into two emails from the Youth Worker Nation....including one that NONE of us would want to see! And, in a crazy twist...It's actually Kurt who quotes scripture!

On this week's show the fellas clear up the fact that Starbucks IS NOT an official sponsor, they get cool new shirts from youthHOPE and Jason takes issue with Josh and Kurt's articles about vacation and days off. These Supertones guys can be quite opinionated!

Two weeks in a row with no show sponsors has Jason in a fit, so he makes a passionate plea for somebody to send the guys sunglasses. This week's discussion includes student-lead worship bands (and the risk that come with them) and thoughts about how to dismiss a volunteer who "doesn't fit".

This week the guys discuss 50 Shades of Grey (even though they know nothing about it), overly powerful parents and when it's okay to leave your church. Plus, Kurt accuses a Christian band of lacking integrity.

On this episode, Jason and Kurt take a detour to discuss some of the struggles the've faced over the years. What do you do when you just don't "feel it" anymore? How do you navigate the self-impossed pressure for results? One of our more serious episodes...and also one of our more meaningful. Funny how those two things seem to go hand in hand.

Jason and Kurt spend some time talking about a few "frequently asked questions" among the Youth Worker Nation: "Should you have a formal check-in system?", "How do you become a better communicator?" and "What should we do about leaders who are dating?" Tune in for some of Jason's profound thoughts on each topic (Oh, and you'll hear some of Kurt's thoughts, too).

The one and only Katie Edwards joins the fellas this week! In addition to debating just how "Godly" Katie is, the trio talks about a variety of tips, tricks and tid-bits to kicking off an incredible fall. Plus, they spend way too much time on an email from the Youth Worker Nation, and a sponsor sends in two gifts....and somehow Jason ends up with both.

Jason and Kurt share a few things they're thinking about as the fall looms....specifically how to better empower volunteers and give away ministry. Kurt shares a weird "box" analogy, they talk old-school christian bands and they still don't have a properly functioning timer (Bring back the pig!).

On this week's episode, Jason and Kurt talk about their own approach to raising kids as youth workers. Should you give your own kids special privileges? Should you take them to youth group events? How do you handle the pressure they feel as "Pastors Kids"? And....the typical hijinks happen: they struggle with their new timer, proudly mention a sponsor and introduce a contest worth $5,000!

In this jam-packed episode Jason swings and misses, We discover who wins the "How Much Will Spider Man Make On Opening Day?" contest, A new contest worth $5,000 is started, the guys sport some sweet SWAG from a sponsor and read some emails from the Youth Ministry Nation. You might be thinking to yourself, "there's no way this all happens in twelve(ish) minutes. You would be wrong....especially if you take the "ISH" into consideration!

Jason and Kurt discuss the ongoing challenge of caring for and encouraging volunteers. Also, is there such a thing as "organically organized"? And why can't Kurt name one Supertones song?

This week's topic: relational ministry. Highlights include: Problems with the pig timer, a window word-picture, and a nonsensical debate. Where's Jake to keep things on track?!

Join Kurt and Jason as they discuss the pros and cons of a busy summer schedule, talk about their favorite comedy and drama television shows, read a letter from the the Youth Worker Nation, and reveal a few new show sponsors. NOTE: By “show sponsors" we mean anybody who sends them something in the mail!

Watch as the guys discuss everything from SNL to summer youth activities. All in (roughly) 12 minutes sharp!

Simply Youth Ministry is back with a brand new podcast! Check out episode one where Kurt reveals his new co-host!

Join Kurt Johnston and Jake Rutenbar as they chat life, ministry, comedy, etc with Jon Acuff and the Skit Guys. This was filmed LIVE onsite at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 in Louisville, KY!

Join Kurt Johnston and Jake Rutenbar as they chat life, youth ministry, head shaving techniques, and porn with Francis Chan, Craig Gross & Shane and Shane during the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Louisville, KY.

Group Magazine Live is a topical, live podcast that will run every two months to coincide with the current issue of Group Magazine. GML’s third episode will discuss “The Down-and-Dirty on Youth Ministry Salaries”. We will dive into everything from who decides, average salaries, large church vs small church, why, what, how to support a family, oh yeah and our GROUP Magazine’s biennial Youth Ministry Salary Survey! Guests will include: Rachel Cruze - Speaker, DaveRamsey.com representative, and daughter of Dave Ramsey Tony Myles - Senior Pastor of Connection Church in Medina, OH Brian Berry - Author, and Group Magazine's "Family Matters" columnist Hosts: Rick Lawrence - Editor of Group Magazine Toby Rowe - Group Missions Trips

Kurt and Jake engage in a freestyle session, answering email questions from viewers as well as some live via The Nation. Topics range from discipleship and practical methods to 'jump-start' your ministry, all the way to the origin of the phrase 'it takes a village.' Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (usually Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00am PST.) Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Kurt and Jake chat with Steve Adams, Children's Pastor at Saddleback Church, about the important relationship between youth and children's ministries. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Kurt and Jake talk big events with Johnny Scott, Program Director with CIY (Christ in Youth). Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Kurt and Jake talk lesson prep with Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Kurt and Jake answer some questions from The Nation, share some personal ministry stories, and as always, have a discussion about Tim Tebow. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Kurt and Jake discuss what it looks like to set spiritual goals for students with Tim Levert. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Since this is a holiday show, we kept this one nice and short. (We’d hate to take up your time watching us when you could spend time with your family!) In this show, we looked back. Kurt and Jake shared with us all their favorite memories of 2011. They also shared with us their goals for Youth Ministry (as a whole) in the coming year. • All churches would think of ways to break down the “silos” in their ministries • That all Youth Workers would feel valued by their church • A culture would be cultivated where we prepare Christ followers to grow on their own. • That a burden for lost people in our own community would grow. These are all powerful goals.. and goals that we hope will not only be ours but yours as well. We shared as well the coming year.. and some big changes that are happening to the show (all for the best.. we promise.) Lastly, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up!! Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon..