Youth Worker Collective Podcast

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about leading youth ministry as a parent.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about how to stay relevant within a super fandom culture you can't realistically keep up with.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about how to handle when less people than you expected show up to an event.

This week, Chris and Jeremy are addressing the hard truth of having to fire a volunteer. We talk about best practices and how to be graceful and kind.

Chris and Jeremy are continuing their series of rules of youth ministry. We're talking about the importance of knowing and understanding your job title and ways that you can foster sustainability in ministry work.

This week, Chris and Jeremy give some tips on how to take some old games that have been popular in youth ministry for years and give them a new twist!

This week Chris and Jeremy sit down to discuss the "He Gets Us" ad that aired during the Super Bowl. They explore the importance of authenticity as well as diving a little deeper before sharing content with others.

Chris and Jeremy are continuing their series of Rules of Youth Ministry. This week we are sharing 6 tips on how to be yourself.

This week Chris sits down with Rev. Stephanie Dunn and Deb Arca to talk about spiritual practices for Lent. You can get a copy of Stephanie's new book, "Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent" is at https://store.upperroom.org/product/draw-close (Enter discount code "DC20" for 20% off!) ABOUT THE BOOK: On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

Chris and Jeremy are kicking off a series of episodes about the Rules of Youth Ministry. This week, they're sharing SIX tips for how you can be easy to work with.

This week Chris and Jeremy look at youth ministry through the metaphor of car maintenance. If you don't take care of it, then it will break down. What are some of the things you need to be looking at in order to maintain your youth ministry?

This week Chris and Jeremy are talking about what to do when someone stops attending your youth ministry events.

As we start back with a new year and a new semester for your students, we pulled a back-to-school episode from our livestream this past summer.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about drama. Every youth ministry has it, so let's talk about how to deal with it.

This week Chris and Jeremy are talking about money! Learn some new (READ: creative) ways to find funding for your youth ministry.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about Tik Tok and how you can use it in your Youth Ministry. Get tips on what to do and what to avoid.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about what leadership in youth ministry can look like, and how different it might be from what's always been the model for most youth groups.

Join Chris and Jeremy for a three-part non-political political series that will hopefully help you talk to teens about the political climate and season we're in. In this episode, we talk about young adults within the church who may be voting for the first time and what you as a youth worker can do to help them navigate that process without influencing their decision directly.

Join Chris and Jeremy for a three-part non-political political series that will hopefully help you talk to teens about the political climate and season we're in. In this episode, we talk about what churches can and can't do when it comes to elections. We also discuss the United Methodist Church's call to being active in the political process.

Join Chris and Jeremy for a three-part non-political political series that will hopefully help you talk to teens about the political climate and season we're in. In this episode, we're talking about John Wesley's three rules for voting.

This week Chris and Jeremy are joined by Alejandra Salemi to talk about her experience at General Conference, the hope she has for the church, and her podcast that blends religion and health, called "Healing Theology." Check out more about Alejandra and her podcast at healingtheology.com

Sometimes things get stale when we never change them. That's why Chris and Jeremy are talking about "blowing up" your youth ministry. How can you change some things up in order to open up opportunities for new things?

This week Chris and Jeremy share what some of the best youth leaders are doing right.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about conspiracy theories and christianity.

This week we're talking about what it's like dealing with parents of teens. As parents of teens themselves, Chris and Jeremy share a unique perspective on this week's topic.

This week Chris and Jeremy each share their top three youth ministry books that you should have on your bookshelf. Reading List: Helping the Struggling Adolescent: A Guide to Thirty-six Common Problems for Counselors, Pastors, & Youth Workers - https://a.co/d/0iARNhiL To Know as We Are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey - https://a.co/d/0fhazwRQ Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church - https://a.co/d/0c1x133J The Godbearing Life (Revised Edition) - https://a.co/d/05G5iPmG Taking Theology to Youth Ministry - https://a.co/d/03y2hskm Changing the Game for Generation Alpha: Teaching & Raising Young Children in the 21st Century - https://a.co/d/0dDgZh9B BONUS: Innovating for Love: Joining God's Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation - https://a.co/d/0gWQKCkf

This week Chris and Jeremy wrap up our three-part series on General Conference. In this episode we touch on the major things that came out of General Conference.

This week Chris and Jeremy continue our three-part series about General Conference. In this episode we discuss some of what was voted on and what that means for the church.

This week Chris and Jeremy kick off the first of three episodes about General Conference. In this episode, we talk about what General Conference is and what people can expect to happen at this event.

This week Chris and Jeremy dive a little into generational studies to talk about how different age groups experience and interpret things.

This week Chris gives us a brief history of adolescence in the U.S. since the Industrial Revolution. Link to presentation slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1w0ybYagQYeYc5pzjr0T0hDV2Av9NHyE-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=112307649728267594145&rtpof=true&sd=true

This week Chris and Jeremy discuss the importance of talking about vocation with young people and the ways to do so.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about the hidden messages in youth group games, and things you should consider when planning games.

This week Chris and Jeremy sit down to talk about the seven biggest trends in youth ministry for 2024.

This week Chris and Jeremy reflect back on Episode 150 with special guests AJ and Sam as they talk about when you should embrace the Spirit and when you should stick to the schedule that you set. Episode 150: https://soundcloud.com/youth-worker-collective/episode-150-revival-at-asbury

This week Chris and Jeremy are joined by Brad Laurvick who shares his experience using Tik Tok to start a successful ministry.

This week Chris sits down with two special guests from Asbury University. AJ and Sam are both juniors in Media Communications who join us to talk about the revival that happened at Asbury in 2023.

Jeremy and Chris sit down to talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and various ways you can use it in your ministry.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about christianity from a global perspective. Chris shares about his recent trip to Vietnam, and they discuss youth ministry around the world. They are joined by a special guest to share his experience from West Africa.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about John Wesley and share some important perspectives of his and how they connect to the United Methodist Church.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about denominational identity in your youth ministry. How much is too much, too little, or the right amount?

This week Chris and Jeremy share some of their best reasons for and against messy games or food based games.

This week Chris & Jeremy share their best ideas & tips for your ministry during December and January.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about the concept of systems thinking when approaching not only your ministry, but your local church and THE church. Resources mentioned in today's episode: Atomic Habits - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits seeallthepeople.org Faith Beyond Youth Group - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/faith-beyond-youth-group Growing Young - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about the "inside" stuff that happens in youth ministry (and church in general). What are some ways we may be unintentionally (or intentionally) leaving some people feeling alienated?

This week Chris and Jeremy address the tough issue of what happens when you don't like a student in your youth Ministry.

Jeremy and Chris share some wisdom for how to have a smooth transition into a new youth ministry role. They sit down to share helpful tips to make things better for you, your family, students, and church leadership too.

When it comes time for you to move on from the church you are serving, there are some things you can do to make the transition smooth. This week Chris and Jeremy sit down to talk about those things...and a few things you should avoid as well.

This week Chris talks about sacred cows and how to identify them in your ministry. He shares an article with 5 steps to help you bury your sacred cow. Burying the Sacred Cows: https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/lead/burying-the-sacred-cows?fbclid=IwAR0ucabvfvQA1XqzQSsrRQlgGfzeY9I0t685dsOFxW8kvdX7KD0beLtKOJY

This week Chris and Jeremy share a list of seven things that could be key elements of your confirmation program. United Methodist Heritage & Beliefs - https://store.umcdiscipleship.org/product/methodist-heritage-beliefs/?fbclid=IwAR1zSkxB8B3EXdgvGchpBlmMzW0FoqVnhacnojEdX4VLKdlkPyhVIMkHom0

Chris and Jeremy talk about "failure to launch" and why that's a phrase and a mindset we should reconsider when it comes to the next stage in life for graduating high schoolers.