Youth Ministry Hacks

Welcome to Episode 122 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin and Sean are back after a summer hiatus to catch up on what's been happening in their ministries. They discuss Justin's new role and the journey that led him there, the process of delegating tasks, God's faithfulness, the importance of praying through strategy, and much more. Tune in to hear their latest insights and experiences in youth ministry!  Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com  Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/   Check out Coleader Youth Ministry Curriculum! Coleader.co

Welcome to Episode 121 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justinintroduces a new seasonal approach to youth ministry. Instead of spreading themselvesthin year-round, they're focusing on key aspects during specific seasons: Outreach andSchool Focus, Grow Deeper, and Training. Tune in to learn how this strategic shiftmaximizes effectiveness and impact!Check out our sponsor:MessageBible.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coeader Curriculum!Coleader.co

 In episode 120 of our podcast, Justin and Sean opened the floor for your questions, and they tackled a variety of topics on the show! From navigating growth in your ministry to establishing camp rules, defining student leadership roles, sparking interest in Bible reading among guys, and prioritizing church attendance, they covered it all.Tune in to the episode and grab your notepad because there are plenty of valuable insights to glean from this discussion! It's one you won't want to miss!Check out our sponsor: MessageBible.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Looking for a great curriculum? Check out DYM's Coleader! Coleader.co 

In Episode 119 of Youth Ministry Hacks, Justin and Sean are getting raw and real about leadership revelations. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest conversations about what God's been showing them and how it's shaking up their ministry game.From battling mental headspace to fine-tuning their strategies, they're laying it all out on the table. Forget the old ways of doing things; Justin and Sean are all about creating genuine moments for students to meet Jesus and ditching outdated practices.Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Looking for flexible, affordable curriculum? Check out Coleader! coleader.co

In this episode, Sean sits down with THE Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, coach, author… lots of other things… and talks through leading in 2024, identity as a leader, calling, mission, and ministry assignment. It is a great and challenging conversation that is perfect to start the new year. Check out Brad's Stuff here:http://www.bradlomenick.com/Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co

In this episode Sean Lord is solo going through what he walked through his all small group leaders through in their latest training. They walk through how to keep students engaged in groups and how they are to been seen and experienced. Check out his slide presentation:https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h420j8fvtvrreufsp1dct/YMH-Sean-Leader-Training.pptx?rlkey=m4k1yqrk2njir947ld7pwbvz1&dl=0Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co

Justin shares some of the content as he and his crew trained their own small group leaders on how they want to multiply their groups, split them, be more “sticky” in welcoming new students placed in them and the vision of why they want to grow them. Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co

Sean and Justin sat down and took your questions!Questions ranged from letting leaders go, to the age old bathing suits rules, to disruptive students, to how midweeks are set up and more. Check out Coleader! Coleader.co

This episode we talk with Matt Manno from Newlife in Queens, New York about what it means to be Emotionally Healthy. We talk about how Emotional Health is a necessity not only for ourselves, but for the leaders and students that we lead.Matt@emotionallyhealthy.orghttps://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/Check out Coleader Now! https://www.coleader.co/

Description: In this episode Justin and Sean sit down with Gary Garcia to talk about taking a back seat in leadership roles to raise up new and younger leaders. This is a vital part of building up God's kingdom and they chat through the in's and out's of how they have done that over their time. Gary is 31 years in youth ministry at the same church and the lead pastor of that church now. The conversation is a good one and worth a listen.Gary's IG:https://www.instagram.com/gary.daniel.garcia/

Sean and Justin dive into what are the top 4 things they are focusing in right now in the summer that will set them up better in the fall. Take a few minutes and see if they hit on anything that would be beneficial for your ministry. SPONSOR: APU Youth Leadership Initiative ​​Looking for a discipleship conference this summer for high school students? Join us at the Kaleo Youth Conference at Azusa Pacific University on July 8,, 2023. This one-day conference for high school students (and their leaders) will focus on hearing the call of Jesus in the small and big decisions of life. We will have dynamic speakers, impactful worship, engaging workshops, and Chick-Fil-A dinner, for only $25. For more information go to apuyli.org https://apuyli.org/kaleo-conference-summer-2023/Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclordCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Sean interviews Justin about effective follow up. It stemmed from a failure in Justin's ministry that they are trying to be more intention this year about. They walk through the spiritual implications of follow up and give some practical thoughts on follow up in your ministry.Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclordCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Show Description: Justin and Sean take questions from youth pastors around the country and answer them on the podcast live! They hit on the following topics as well as let Chat GPT answer one as an experienced youth pastor:ParentsSummer eventsThe introverted friend whose mom wants them to make friendsHow to develop systems in your ministryHow to create buy in from your regular attendersCreating a good atmosphere for youth nightsAnd more!Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclordCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Show Description:Justin and Sean sit down with Bryan Forbes COO & Co-Founder Forbes Individual and Family Therapy, Inc. to chat through how youth workers can best be aware of their mental health and best practices from his experience as a former church ministry staffer to help do ministry for the long haul. For people needing a therapist or wanting to connect with me more:https://www.forbesift.comBryan's Podcast: Everything Is Finehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-fine/id1679830576Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Justin sits down with co-worker Vivi Diaz who does a lot with youth and young adults at Sandals Church. They have worked together to create a plan for senior transitions and senior retreat and they talk about how Vivi has set up the young adult ministry in this next season of Sandals Church.Vivi Diaz on IG:https://www.instagram.com/viviiidiaz/Check out DYM C0-Leaderhttps://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons Collegehttps://flatironscollege.com/

Show Description: Justin and Sean go over a diagram detailing what Justin's ministry is focusing on this year. The diagram is based on where Justin felt they were not doing so well in ministry. Join Sean and Justin as they talk through leader development, retention and outreach. Link to Justin's diagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI91QRPhzm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Justin and Sean answer YOUR questions you submitted! They hit on programming, parents, summer camp, leader care and firing, student leadership and more.Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Justin and Sean chat about what they are implementing in this new year to take their leadership to the next level. They talk about weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly habits and hopefully it can challenge you to start your own.EHS Daily OfficesEmotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day: A 40-Day Journey with the Daily Office - Kindle edition by Scazzero, Peter. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Atomic HabitsNEW-Atomic Habits (Lead Title): Clear: Amazon.com: BooksRuthless Elimination of HurryThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World: Comer, John Mark, Ortberg, John: 9780525653097: Amazon.com: BooksSandals Church Youth Leader Hubmove.sc/scyleader

Show Description:Justin and Sean chat about how to plan for the new year most effectively as a leader. They go over “heads up” time, times of training, mindsets to keep in mind to keep a good rhythm and so much more. Make the best of 2023 by listening to this and share the episode with others. The Hill Teen Center Link:https://rogofoundation.com/teencenter/

Episode Title: Episode 103: Hacks On How Lead Volunteers WellShow Description:Justin and Sean sit down and talk through their thoughts of what they have loved over their 30+ years of youth ministry on how to lead volunteers well. We feel no one in youth ministry has ever said, “Man, we have enough of the right people leading right now” so they thought they would share some of their ideas and things they have learned on how to set up leaders well. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, there is something in this episode for you.

Hacks On How To Create An Outreach Culture Show Description:Justin flies solo and walks through what he has learned on how to build an outreach culture and strategy to where students actually invite friends He walks through 5 big rocks in the bucket for you to think through in hopes you can create your own strategy in your ministry Blog Mentioned:Download Youth Ministry Blog - Dissect Your Ministry Part 1&2Resource Mentioned:Leader On Boarding Process - DYM Store

Justin and Sean sit down with Brock Morgan, a youth pastor and author, about his new book called “The Anxious Teen: Ministry With Stressed and Fearful Students” and how we can best care for an anxious generation post-covid. This episode is longer than most but full of practical gold. You can check out his book in the link below.

Justin and Sean celebrate 100 episodes of helpful hacks in youth ministry! This episode was recorded live on September 8th (so all prizes, competitions and codes were for the live audience only). The guys answered questions that were in the live chat and they even had Josh Griffin and Doug Fields pop in for a little bit!

Justin and Sean sit down with Jay Kim, Pastor of Westgate Church and author of Analog Christian & Analog Church, to chat through how youth workers can think through how to lead and minister in person better and more effectively in a digital world.Check out Jay's Books:Analog Christian Analog ChurchSPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Check out this quick little episode with updates before episodes 99 & 100.SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Notes:Justin and Sean sit down and go through some ideas on how to care for youth, leaders and prep for all things summer camp. They talk training, decision night, not leading your own group and much more. SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin and Sean sit down and talk about metrics. Everyone's favorite topic. Why do numbers have to be weird? Now they don't talk about specific numbers but they talk about best practices of what to track and why. It's something every youth pastor should know. SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin and Sean sit down and talk about hacks on how to practically rest and take time off well. Too many youth workers do not know how to rest well, which then leads to burn out. Some don't know what to do when they are off. Some don't know how to set themselves or their teams up for success when they want to take time off. They talk about all of these different things on resting well in this episode. SPONSORS: 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/MVMNT 2022 Conference https://mvmnt2022.com/#DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Josh Griffin joins the hack boys to chat about how to last longer in ministry when we are seeing a ton of burnout and turn over. Josh gives some practical thoughts, we dive into some great discussion and laugh along the way. We also chatted about the 1st Few Years Conference for newer youth workers in October!SPONSORS: 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ MVMNT 2022 Conference https://mvmnt2022.com/# DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

In his first Q&A, Sean answers a bunch of questions with Justin covering:- What does online ministry look like now that most are back in person?- How do I start a band and siciple them?- What does work/life balance look like with a new baby?- How do you develop content for your students?- What does your multi-site model look like?- How does ministry change as you get bigger?- How do you cast a compelling vision?Side note: We know Justin sounds bad in this. We will fix that next episode. SPONSORS: 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/MVMNT 2022 Conference https://mvmnt2022.com/#DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

As Sean is starting in his new position and wanting to walk through some change, he talks with Justin about the process of how to do that. Justin has refreshed a few ministries over the last few years and so what started as a conversation between two friends turned into a great episode that was recorded. Whether you are starting at a new ministry and starting fresh or are looking to refresh your current ministry, this one is for you. SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin and Sean are talk through how they have made some major adjustments in their own ministries to make sure that small groups ACTUALLY match the values of the ministry. Sometimes we can say that we value something but how we execute the ministry shows something different. @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin and Sean are chatting through questions to ask yourself and your ministry in order to see growth in 2022. There is no easy way to hack on to grow something, but there are some good questions to ask to hack your thinking. We discuss them in this episode. SPONSORS: @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin welcomes new show co-host Sean Lord to the show and they talk through how to be a better leader in 2022 by not giving answers, but asking questions to make you a better leader. SPONSORS: @youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin answers your questions that people submitted. He goes rapid fire through a bunch of questions ranging from hardship to leadership, how to remove a volunteer, setting culture and training.SPONSORS:DYM's Program Like A Pro:https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IG:https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Pastor Matt Brown's Book On Enneagram:https://abookcalledyou.com/Justin's Resources:https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin talks with Blake Faris, who is a youth lead on the Sandals Church Youth team, about the intentionality of on-boarding your volunteers will help you have better leaders and a better leader culture. We talk through practical tips on how you can do that in your ministry. SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Pastor Matt Brown's Book On Enneagramhttps://abookcalledyou.com/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin walks you through what he is personally doing right now to try and become and better leader in asking questions to his supervisors, his team, and himself. Self-realization is kind of a big deal and asking questions to help you grow is part of growing as a leader. SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course@youthministryhacks on IGhttps://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/Pastor Matt Brown's Book On Enneagramhttps://abookcalledyou.com/Justin's Resourceshttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

Justin takes you through his ministry's own strategy and playbook for their youth ministry. It's important to write things down, think through, and define the wins, the whys, the whats, and the hows so you can keep focused on what is most important. SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course Onward Leadership Traininghttps://onwardleader.com/@onwardleader on IG

Justin talks about how to build community amongst your leaders. This is something that we tend to think just happens but it really takes some intentionality to do it and do it well. Something happens when your leaders actually like to be around each other and Justin talks about how they do it in their ministry. SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Prohttps://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course Onward Leadership Traininghttps://onwardleader.com/@onwardleader on IG

Justin and Josh Griffin talk about all things programming and the new course that is coming out for free on downloadyouthministry.com. Head there now to sign up to receive this free 6 session + bonus sessions on how to program like a pro. Josh's links:Josh's IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshuagriffin/Mariners JH IG:https://www.instagram.com/mariners.jhm/Justin's IG: https://www.instagram.com/justinknowles3/SPONSORS: DYM's Program Like A Pro - SIGN UP TODAY!https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course

Justin literally walks through the process has done with his youth team and now the kid's team at Sandals church to begin to assess and evaluate where the ministry stands now so you can move forward in making it more effective for the future. He walks through 4 areas with a bunch of different questions for each area to walk through with people you do ministry with. Take a look at our new first-time sponsor ONWARD LEADERSHIP!SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coachinghttps://onwardleader.com/

We get to sit down with Joseph Kellogg, a youth ministry veteran, to talk about the 4 C’s that he and his teams are focusing on right now in regards to youth ministry as things are picking back up since the country shut down. Super practical. Super powerful. HYM https://www.hymconference.comHYM Instagram @hymconference YouthPastor.co https://youthpastor.coFeedhttps://feed.bibleJoseph Kellogg @josephkelloggTake a look at our new first time sponsor ONWARD LEADERSHIP!SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coachinghttps://onwardleader.com/