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Student Pastor, Johnny Luvender, continues our series "Iron Sharpens Iron.” Be sure to join us in person every Tuesday at 6:00 AM at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, TX. If you have a question that you want answered, please text “STUDY” to 77978. Whether it be, Scripture, Family, or Life, no topic is off limits to have your question answered! Do you need help building a Men's Ministry at your church? Text “JHILLHOUSE” to 77978! Visit @saturday-at-the-creek for sermons from our Teaching Pastor, Graeme Golding. Are you looking for more scripture-based content and materials? Visit www.johnmarkcaton.com
Message: NO Excuses - God Revealed Psalm 19 Paul Dunbar, Student Pastor Prayer Requests: https://fbco.wufoo.com/forms/m1a1pr9e0v0l9b9/ Subscribe to our Email Messenger (Weekly Newsletter): www.fbcopelika.com/messenger Guest Registration: https://fbcopelika.com/guest-registration/ Online Giving: https://www.fbcopelika.com/give Serve: https://fbcopelika.com/serve/ Sermon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/ OR fbcomedia.com.
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** Why is it that some youth groups immediately feel alive the second you walk in while others feel like a room full of students waiting for something to happen. In this episode, we are taking a look at what actually creates an “alive” youth ministry culture, not hype, not personality, not better snacks, but repeatable leadership decisions that build ownership and spiritual momentum.
Send us Fan Mail**FOR A PDF OF THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL OF THE GAMES - EMAIL US AT MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com - and put in the subject or description "Games for SUPER Small Youth Groups" and we will send it over to you!** We have done game episodes in the past in regards to youth group games for small youth ministries, but what about REALLY small youth ministries? Today, we will be going over the instructions for 5 super fun, no prep & low prep youth ministry games that work great for super small youth groups. We will walk through how to run each game, how to ref it, and how to adjust the rules when your group needs more challenge or less chaos.Subscribe, share this with a youth leader friend, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review so more small youth ministries can find practical help!=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========Shopping List:Ball Pit Balls - https://amzn.to/3Kc9beAKiddie Pool (or Large Plastic Bin) - https://amzn.to/4e3Kw8JBuckets: https://amzn.to/3izZdT1 (you can get these cheaper at the dollar store)Painter's Tape: https://amzn.to/40Qll58Cones: https://amzn.to/2BtSp9KBlindfolds: https://amzn.to/4uQYMcaPool Noodles - https://amzn.to/3V26dhhSoccer Style Socks: https://amzn.to/3lfcS4NBulk Candy: https://amzn.to/3wkGYNJPlayground Balls: https://amzn.to/49bYNPB===========You may also enjoy these episodes:7 Youth Group Games for Smaller Youth Ministries4 Icebreakers for Smaller Youth Groups5 NO COST Youth Ministry Games - FREE YOUTH GROUP GAMES5 Simple Youth Group Games - Last Minute Games for Youth MinistryICEBREAKER GAMESDodgeball Variation GamesUp Front Games7 Low Prep Youth Group Games7 NO PREP GAMES for Youth Ministry=======
When Life Is Overwhelming • Psalm 142 Paul Dunbar, Student Pastor Prayer Requests: https://fbco.wufoo.com/forms/m1a1pr9e0v0l9b9/ Subscribe to our Email Messenger (Weekly Newsletter): www.fbcopelika.com/messenger Guest Registration: https://fbcopelika.com/guest-registration/ Online Giving: https://www.fbcopelika.com/give Serve: https://fbcopelika.com/serve/ Sermon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/ OR fbcomedia.com.
Send us Fan MailHow do we reach the Next Generation in youth ministry? Gen Z can spot a fake a mile away, but they respond fast to something rarer: an adult who is fully present. In this episode, we have collaborated with Josh Williams from Beyond the Numbers podcast to talk about what healthy youth ministry looks like when the goal is real discipleship, not just a full room.We dig into the myths that keep churches stuck, what great volunteers look like and then we get concrete about vision, strategy, and program. Adding events can feel productive, but program for program's sake does not fix a discipleship problem. We talk about creating a culture that “drips” the mission into everything, building space for deeper worship experiences, and helping students grow in a relationship with Jesus that outlasts youth group.If you lead a student ministry, coach volunteers, or care about the future of the church, this conversation will give you practical next steps you can use this week. Subscribe, share with a youth leader, and leave a review then reply with your biggest next gen challenge so we can talk about it together. What's one change you want to make in your ministry right now?Be sure to check out, like and subscribe to Josh's podcast: Beyond the Numbers Podcast and also watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheNumbersPodcast/videos==========The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info ***==========You may also enjoy this episode:(#029) How Can Youth Pastors Reach Gen Z?=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Date: 5.10.2026 Speaker: Cody Moser, Student Pastor Text: Romans 8
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** You can love students and have a huge heart for youth ministry and still feel like you're falling behind as a youth pastor. I've been there, and I've made plenty of mistakes the hard way. In this episode, we will be sharing 5 things I wish I'd made earlier in youth ministry, the kind that would have saved time, lowered stress, and helped grow a healthier youth group faster. Don't make these same mistakes!Subscribe, share this with a youth pastor friend, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so others in youth ministry can benefit from this podcast.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#164) Why You Need Multiple Speakers in Your Youth Ministry(#165) Last Minute Youth Ministry Lesson Ideas - Youth Pastor Resources=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us Fan Mail*** Would you like a FREE Student Ministry Volunteer Application? E-mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com and we can send one over! *** In this episode, we take a intentional, practical look at youth ministry safety and student protection, focusing on prevention policies that reduce risk, remove secrecy, and make it easier for parents to trust your student ministry team. We walk through the safeguards we actually use and teach as well as specifics about youth pastor and volunteer text communication policies. Finally, we cover some important additions you should consider in regards to church facilities and accountability.The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com ***Subscribe, share this with a youth leader, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more youth pastors can listen in!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#286) How to Protect Your Youth Ministry Students - (Safety at Youth Group Pt. 1)(#012) Creating a Safe Ministry - 3 Areas to Focus On(#031) Training Your Youth Ministry Volunteers - Onboarding & Acclimation=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us Fan Mail*** Would you like a FREE Student Ministry Volunteer Application? E-mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com and we can send one over! *** Protecting your youth group students is top priority, so who are the volunteers you are allowing into your youth ministry? What is the vetting process for who you are allowing to serve in your student ministry? What guidelines must youth ministry volunteers follow? How are you protecting your students? Today, we are taking a look at a very serious topic - student safety within your youth ministry. In this two part episode, we get practical and candid about how we give extra protection to students.In this episode, we walk through a multi-layered volunteer screening process along side acute behavior observation and finally strict prevention rules & policies. These steps can dramatically reduce blind spots.The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com ***Subscribe, share this with a youth leader, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more youth pastors can listen in!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#012) Creating a Safe Ministry - 3 Areas to Focus On(#031) Training Your Youth Ministry Volunteers - Onboarding & Acclimation=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** Sometimes the biggest mistakes that occur in youth ministry are the ones that are so common, that youth pastors will simply not see them. In this episode, we get practical about three mistakes we see youth pastors make over and over, and how to fix them before they become youth group killers.If this helps you and your student ministry, make sure you subscribe, share it with a youth pastor friend, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more leaders can build healthier youth ministries.=======
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** Youth ministry leadership doesn't always look how you expected it to look. In this episode, we will be discussing three things nobody tells you about student ministry leadership...the kind of lessons you usually only learn the hard way. As a youth pastor, you will quickly learn that your job will often morph into something you may not have expected, but that's not always a bad thing. If you're serious about growing the size and health of your youth ministry, this one will challenge you in the best way.
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Your future self as a youth pastor is going to here sooner than you think, and youth ministry has a way of making that painfully obvious. In this episode, we talk about the “Morning You vs Night You” problem in youth ministry and how small choices stack up into either burnout or strength, especially when you're carrying students, parents, volunteers, and a full student ministry calendar. We walk through five moves your future youth pastor self will genuinely thank you for. Along the way we get honest about why youth leaders slip, how avoidance multiplies stress, and why authentic listening builds the kind of youth group students actually want to invite friends into. If this helped, make sure you subscribe, share it with another friend in youth ministry, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ with the habit you're committing to next!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#083) 5 Healthy Habits for Youth Pastors to Implement Into Youth Ministry(#224) 5 Leadership Habits of Highly Effective & Visionary Youth Pastors(#020) Increase Your Influence in Leadership w/ Emotional Intelligence(#038) How to Plan Your Week in Youth Ministry - Time Management Tips=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** My first year as a youth pastor was rough but it definitely helped shape my future in youth ministry. Here are 5 things I learned that I've carried with me since then. These mindset shifts can completely change your first year as a youth pastor and they can rescue you from the traps that crush a lot of youth leaders. In this episode, we cover topics like comparison vs. learning, youth leader growth, the real reason students stay, how to build upon your strengths and more!If you got a lot of value out of this episode, please subscribe, share it with another youth leader, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more youth pastors can find it. What's one lesson you wish YOU knew in your first year?=======
After growing up in a broken home and chasing the empty promises of sin, Terrell Medina encountered the gospel at a winter camp that changed everything. In this episode, he shares how God saved him, shaped his calling through discipleship and missions, and ultimately led him to serve as Student Pastor at Redeemer Bible Church.
Send a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** If you've ever looked at your youth group and just felt disconnected from your students, this episode is for you. In this episode, we get very practical about how to connect with students in youth ministry, especially when you're new, you're rebuilding relationships after graduation season, or you're trying to reach the quiet teen who keeps coming and going to youth group, unnoticed.If you lead students as a youth pastor, director, intern, or volunteer small group leader, hit play, take notes, and try some of these ideas this week. If you received value out of this episode, be sure to subscribe, share this with another youth leader or your team, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#215) How to Connect With Introverted Students in Your Youth Ministry(#115) 6 Easy Ways to Connect With Your Students Outside of Youth Ministry=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Sam Rapp teaches from Exodus 17:1-7
Send a textDo you ever feel like you've aged out of youth ministry? Maybe you've heard the jokes, felt the sideways comments, and watched one too many trends come and go in your student ministry. What hasn't changed is the power of a steady, caring presence of a youth pastor. In this episode, we dig into why your calling doesn't age out, how warmth with always beat "cool" and what older leaders uniquely bring to moments that actually shape a student's faith.If your inner critic says you're past your prime, here are four perspective shifts that will reframe the mindset of being “too old” or "no longer cool.Thank you for listening in! If you got value, make sure you subscribe, share with another youth leader, and leave a quick review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more youth workers can find this podcast. Your calling didn't expire; it matured.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#276) Why I Almost Quit Youth Ministry...and Why I Stayed(#263) 5 Popular Youth Ministry Myths You Need to STOP Believing!=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
In this episode, our Student Pastor Aidan sits down in the studio with Cole Maupin, Student Pastor at Ridgeview Baptist Church and Associate Director of Bible Study Two Ministry.Cole shares his personal faith journey — searching for truth and ultimately finding Jesus — and how that story continues to shape his heart for students today. Together, Aidan and Cole talk about student ministry, what they're seeing in this next generation, and the hunger many young people have for truth, purpose, and authentic faith.They also discuss Bible Study Two Ministry, its mission, and the impact it's having by helping students engage deeply with Scripture.This conversation is thoughtful, hopeful, and encouraging — especially for anyone invested in the next generation and the work God is doing in their lives.Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biblestudytwoFollow them on Instagram @BiblestudytwoIf you'd like to view the video version of this episode, you can find that here: https://youtu.be/t3NIX7g8KVo
Send a textWhat if youth ministry camp didn't feel like chaos management, but like a well-led, deeply spiritual retreat where students feel seen, leaders feel supported, and emergencies stay small? We just pulled off one of our our smoothest youth ministry camps yet, and we're opening the playbook to 9 things that made it work! Whether you are planning for a summer camp, winter camp, weekend retreat, DNOW or similar, this episode will give you some practical tips to walk away with and implement into your next student ministry camp!if you got value out of this episode, make sure to subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#098) Get More Sign Ups for Your Youth Ministry Camp!(#264) How to Plan a Youth Ministry Winter Camp from Start to Finish!(#048) Surviving Youth Ministry Summer Camp: Youth Pastor's Guide(#043) DIY Church Camp Planning - Youth Ministry Summer Camp Checklist!=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send a textJoin our Spring 2026 Cohort with Onward Leadership Training - Sign Ups are Limited and end March 1st - www.onwardleader.com! New families & students decide in seconds whether your youth ministry feels clear, warm, and worth a visit and your Instagram is often the first viewpoint. In this episode, we will be breaking down the best practices for creating social media accounts that bring students in. From the cadence of your posting rhythms to what you should be posting, this episode will give you a clear path to audit your current accounts and to see where you can improve. These five practical tips can turn your youth group's social media accounts into an active front door for your student ministry.If you want Instagram to grow attendance, build trust, and reflect your youth ministry's real heartbeat, this conversation gives you the checklist and the why behind it. Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you got value out of this episode!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#239) Your Youth Ministry Website is ALL WRONG! (Here's How to Fix It)=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Sam Rapp teaches from Genesis 3
Send a textJoin our Spring 2026 Cohort with Onward Leadership Training - Sign Ups are Limited and end March 1st - www.onwardleader.com! What will 1,200+ midweek youth group programs teach you? In this episode, we open the youth ministry playbook on the 7 biggest lessons I learned from doing over 1,200 youth group services spanning over 2 decades. These tips will help you keep a student ministry healthy & growing - so you can build a program that's both fun and spiritually focused without burning you or your ministry volunteers & staff out.If this helped, subscribe, share it with a fellow youth pastor, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more leaders find practical youth ministry tools they can use this week!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#208) Youth Ministry Growth Starts With This ONE Thing...(#111) Plan a Whole Year of Youth Group Games in Under 30 Minutes(#093) Youth Pastor Self Care: Making Time for Yourself & Avoiding Burn Out=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Have you ever stared at the youth ministry calendar, dreading another midweek youth group program or overnight event and wondered "is time to quit student ministry?" I've been there...more than once. This conversation is a candid look at 4 moments that nearly pushed me towards leaving youth ministry and the surprising anchors that pulled me back. If you're looking for honest stories, tangible tools, and a reminder that your work as a youth pastor matters even when the metrics feel fuzzy, this one's for you!If this resonated, share it with a leader who needs a lift, subscribe for more practical help, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ with your biggest takeaway...we read every single one!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#168) Listen to This If You Are Thinking About Quitting Youth Ministry(#210) The #1 Reason Most Youth Pastors QUIT Within the First 2 Years(#019) How to Deal with Difficult Students in Youth Ministry - Protecting Your Flock(#093) Youth Pastor Self Care: Making Time for Yourself & Avoiding Burn Out=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
In Exodus 32, God's people traded trust in the living God for a golden calf—and the consequences were devastating. In this message, our Student Pastor walks through the story of the golden calf and shows how idols corrupt hearts, distort worship, and pull people away from faithful obedience to God. The message doesn't stop in Exodus. It challenges us to examine the modern idols that compete for our affection and trust today, reminding us that God alone deserves first place in our lives.
Send us a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Today, we will be taking an in-depth look at 6 growth-killing mistakes we see all the time in youth ministry and laying out a clear path to build momentum that actually lasts. From fixing inconsistent youth group programming to creating student-owned culture, this is a practical, field-tested guide to growth rooted in health.If you're ready to remove barriers, raise the bar, and see students take ownership, this student ministry conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a fellow youth leader, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more youth ministries find these tools. =======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#239) Your Youth Ministry Website is ALL WRONG! (Here's How to Fix It)(#040) How to Start a Student Leadership Team in Youth Ministry(#242) Youth Ministry Room Set Up & Decorating Ideas - Youth Room Remodel!(#047) Youth Pastors & Parents - Best Communication Tips!(#170) The 7 Essential Tips on How to GROW Your Youth Ministry!=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========
Send us a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Do you ever feel like a bigger youth ministry will fix everything? Think again! Today we unpack 5 common myths about youth group growth and share what it really takes to build a healthy, sustainable student ministry...one that can handle momentum without losing its purpose. If you're ready to prioritize health over hype and build a youth ministry that lasts, this conversation will give you the mindset and tools to do it. Subscribe, share with a youth leader who needs it, and leave a quick review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more youth ministries grow the right way!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#170) The 7 Essential Tips on How to GROW Your Youth Ministry!(#243) 5 Mistakes Youth Pastors Make When Their Youth Ministry Isn't Growing=======
Fire For God's Word Jeremiah 20:9 By Paul Dunbar, Student Pastor
Send us a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** What if the girls in your youth ministry aren't disengaged—they're just not being invited in? In this episode, we unpack simple, high-impact changes that help female students feel represented, included, and excited to serve, without sidelining anyone else in your student ministry.We will be breaking down how simple adjustments to visible leadership, sermon topics & illustrations, discipleship, games and events can bridge the gap that may be existing in how you are currently running your youth group.The result is a youth ministry culture where fairness, representation, and relational depth make space for every student to belong & feel connected.Ready to rethink the playbook and raise engagement for your female students? Listen in and if you get value, then subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Your feedback helps more youth leaders find these tools and build healthier youth ministries ❤️.=======
In the opening conversation of 2026, Student Pastor, Aron Neal, shares his heart behind spiritual freedom. Throughout this week's gathering, we consider how a rooted identity, constant communication, and vulnerable worship allow us to experience spiritual freedom every single day! We would love for you to join us in the Student Space at Eubank Baptist Church on Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m.! We also stream our services on Facebook (Impact Student Ministries) & YouTube (Eubank Baptist Church) for those unable to join us in person!
Send us a textThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com ***Are you looking for books that will actually move the needle in your youth ministry and your leadership as a youth pastor? In this episode, we are presenting nine books that don't just inspire, but they reshape how you lead, preach, and disciple within your student ministry. This is a great time to compile your reading list and this conversation aims straight at the places youth pastors feel stuck and offers practical ways forward.=======
Russ Daniels, Student Pastor
Cody comes out strong with a challenge for us as we wrap up this Christmas season and head into 2026 with a Word from Romans 6 which is all about Remembering Jesus. You will definitely be blessed and encouraged by this challenging message. Thank you for listening to our podcast! We hope you have been encouraged today.Check us out on social media, or to learn more, you can visit our website at www.freedomcanyon.com.
Send us a textAre you ready to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Start the New Year strong with these 5 essential youth ministry planning strategies! In this episode, we break down five planning moves that create real margin, sharpen your focus, and lift the quality of everything from student ministry leader care, youth group games, sermons, calendar planning to small group time. If you're ready to grow your student ministry with clarity and margin in the New Year, hit play, share this with a fellow youth worker, and subscribe so you never miss new tactics!!=========Books mentioned:
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** One of the best ways that you can get your youth ministry on the right track for the new year is to get YOURSELF on the right track! Today, we will be going over a ton of beneficial systems to get you and your youth group from where you are to where you want to be! We will also map out practical rhythms across the five engines of a thriving youth pastor: physical health, spiritual devotion, social connection, mental growth, and emotional care. Finally, we will get tactical about habits that stick: pairing tough tasks with small rewards, using time-blocking to protect non-negotiables, and converting idle moments into learning opportunities. If you're ready to swap pressure for a plan and design a year that actually aligns with your calling, this conversation gives you the framework to start and stay consistent. Like, subscribe and share this episode with a fellow student ministry leader or youth pastor!=========Books mentioned in this episode:
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Sometimes warning signs inside of a youth ministry can be subtle while other times they can be very loud and clear...either way, we need to be paying attention and address them as soon as possible. In this episode, we unpack six warning signs that signal trouble in your student ministry and begin the process of diagnosis so that we can restore momentum, culture, and depth to youth group. This conversation is one that youth pastors need to have and will help build a youth ministry students love and invite friends to. Be sure to subscribe, share with a youth leader, and leave a review!=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#074) Going from New Student to Student Leader in Youth Ministry(#156) How to Minister to the 4 Different Types of Students in Youth Ministry(#197) How to Gain Control of a Wild Youth Group - Leading Up Front in Youth Ministry=======
In this message, Cibolo Creek's Student Pastor, Ashley Tran, invites us to slow down and remember the moments God has shown up in our lives. Through the story of Israel in 1 Samuel 7, we learn what an “Ebenezer” really is and how intentional remembrance strengthens our faith, anchors our emotions, and passes God's story to the next generation.
Psalm 122:1-9
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to grow with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Ready to host a youth ministry volunteer Christmas party your leaders won't forget? We break down four super fun party ideas that turn a simple get-together into a tradition! Each idea scales for different teams and venues, and every one is designed to build camaraderie, spark laughter, and show real gratitude to your student ministry team. We also talk about some youth group leader Christmas gift ideas and some ways to remember and share wins from the past year.Be sure to celebrate the people who make youth ministry possible and give them a night that feels like a thank-you, not an obligation. Don't forget to email us if you'd like to get 17 Christmas games and icebreakers for your party!Email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com for 17 Christmas Party Games & Icebreakers! Put in the subject line: "Christmas Party Games" and we can send them over!=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#023) Christmas Event & Party Ideas for Youth Groups(#028) Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Youth Ministry Team - 10 Fun Gift Ideas(#123) Youth Ministry Games for Christmas Parties - My 6 Favorite Games!=======
Send us a textThis week's Midweek Motivation dives deep into one of the most important conversations we can have as parents, leaders, mentors, and followers of Jesus: How do we raise up the next generation well? Jess introduces a powerful, heartfelt conversation between Tim Wooten (Family Ministry Director & Student Pastor at Westside) and Pastor Mike Martindale (Lead Pastor of Epic Life Church). Together, they unpack what it really takes to invest in students and why the next generation is central to the future of the church and the world.Discover:Why presence matters more than perfection in parentingThe power of modeling character instead of just teaching itWhy consistency in church and faith rhythms shapes lifelong disciplesTheir history together across decades of ministryHow God used a chaotic 2020 to reveal Epic Life Church's missionThe three essentials every parent, teacher, and grandparent must prioritizeThis conversation is filled with stories, encouragement, challenge, and hope—and it will equip you in a fresh way to invest in the young people around you.Whether you're raising kids, mentoring students, or simply wanting to make an impact, this episode will help you step in with greater purpose and confidence.Key TakeawaysPresence earns you influence. Kids remember who showed up.Character is “caught” more than it's taught.Consistency—especially with church and spiritual habits—shapes a child's entire future.Every person, no matter their age, has a role in raising the next generation.What we do in moderation, our kids do in excess.A Question for You to Think AboutWhich of the three essentials—presence, modeling character, or consistency—do you most want to grow in this week?Calls to ActionSubscribe so you never miss an episodeShare this with a parent, teacher, or leader who needs encouragementJoin us for a service at Westside: westsidecommunitychurch.com/volunteeringFollow along for more resources and weekly motivation#MidweekMotivation #NextGeneration #ParentingFaith #WestsideCommunityChurch #FaithInRealLife #StudentMinistry #Discipleship #FollowingJesus
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** The unfortunate truth is that "church hurt" is a real thing and it's only a matter of time until you have a student in your youth ministry or a parent of a student who is dealing with it. So how, as a youth pastor, should you react and handle those dealing with church hurt? In this episode, we open up about how church hurt happens, what it looks like across a wide spectrum, and how youth pastors and student ministry leaders can respond with empathy, patience, and integrity that rebuilds trust and relationships.If you're a youth pastor, youth leader, or youth ministry volunteer looking for a steady path through delicate seasons, this conversation offers tools to listen well, move slowly, and lead with the kind of consistency that heals.
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Youth ministry events are such a great way for students to attract new visitors, to reconnect with some students who haven't been attending church recently and a great opportunity for your youth group students to invite friends...but what if your student ministry event is a complete wreck? In this episode, we take a look at 3 (actually 4) mistakes youth pastors commonly make with youth ministry events that can kill their overall momentum and trust with parents & students.If this helped you rethink your next event, follow the show, share it with a fellow youth leader, and leave a quick review so more youth pastors can find it. Tell us: what's one change you'll make before your next event?=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#159) Your Youth Group Event Failed...So Now What?(#217) 5 Vital Tips to Make Your Next Youth Ministry Event a HUGE Success!=======
Send us a textStart the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Winter camps don't plan themselves, and waiting until the last minute is how budgets break and leaders burn out. We're opening our full playbook for planning a youth ministry winter retreat that can be cost effective, high-energy, and spiritually impactful! In this episode, we discuss three proven models and show how to pick the one that fits your size, budget, and resources. Then we get practical...how to plan your student ministry winter camp from start to finish! You'll learn the true cost breakdown, a repeatable planning rhythm that works great and finally a step by step schedule you can plug in for your next youth group winter camp.Finally, stick around until the end where we give you a free game that can be played ANY time of year!Game materials mentioned:White Paper Coffee Cups: https://amzn.to/3WfOeUSIf this playbook helps, subscribe, share with a fellow youth pastor or youth worker, and leave a quick review so more youth ministries can run better retreats this winter!=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#050) Games for Youth Groups at Church - Up Front Games!(#221) Youth Ministry Winter Olympic Games - Indoor Youth Group Games! =======
Send us a textNow is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** If you've been in youth ministry for more than a minute, I'm sure someone has told you at least a couple of these 5 youth ministry myths which are simply not true. In this episode, we dig into five stubborn youth ministry myths and replace them with field-tested strategies that actually move the needle. If this episode equips you or challenges a myth you've carried or heard about student ministry, share it with a fellow youth pastor, subscribe for weekly tactics, and leave a review so more youth leaders can find the show. Your feedback helps us serve you better and keeps this youth ministry community growing.=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#200) Are You Busy or Burning Out? Youth Ministry Tips(#093) Youth Pastor Self-Care: Making Time for Yourself & Avoiding Burn Out(#004) Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout - How to Avoid Both!!=======
Send us a textNow is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Are you trying to keep your students engaged during small groups in your youth ministry? Small groups are one of the best models for discipleship in student ministry, but what do you do when you can't keep them engaged? In this episode, we give a ton of practical tips on how to keep students listening and sharing during small group time at your youth group. =========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#066) Writing Effective Talk Sheets for Small Group Time in Youth Ministry(#064) What's the BIG DEAL About SMALL GROUPS in Youth Ministry?(#052) Small Group Leader Training for Youth Ministry=======
Send us a textNow is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Youth group just ended....now what? Go home? No! Here are 5 things you should do immediately after your youth ministry program night is over. These tips are deceptively simple but are huge in preventing morning fires, strengthening parent trust, and building a resilient team culture. If you lead student ministry, these moves require zero budget and deliver compound results: faster follow-up, fewer surprises, cleaner spaces, and a tighter volunteer community. Try one tonight...Then tell us what you'd add to make the system even better. If this was helpful, follow the show, share it with a fellow leader, and leave a quick review so more youth pastors can find it.=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#204) 4 Things I Started Doing Before Youth Group that Changed Everything!(#213) 3 Things I Stopped Doing Before Youth Group (and Why YOU Should Too!)=======
Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort *** Are you afraid your youth ministry might be dying? Every youth pastor dreads the moment when they realize their student ministry might be on life support. The energy is gone, attendance is dwindling, and that spark of spiritual growth seems to have dimmed to barely a flicker. Whether you've inherited a struggling youth group or watched your once-thriving program slowly fade, that feeling of failure can be paralyzing. But what if the path to revival is clearer than you think? Before you can apply the defibrillator paddles to your youth ministry, you need an accurate diagnosis. Ready to breathe new life into your dying youth ministry? Let's go!!!=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#085) How to Do Youth Ministry at a Dying Church(#259) Top 10 Bible Resources for Youth Ministry(#256) Best Practices for Emailing the Parents of Your Youth Ministry Students=======