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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 *** Summer camp can be the best week of the year for your youth ministry students while being the most stressful week for you and your team, and the stress usually comes from the simplest gaps: parents who missed an email, leaders who did not get fully aligned, and “tiny” forgotten details that turn into last minute problems. In this episode, we are sharing FIVE home-stretch youth group summer camp planning tips that keep logistics tight and ministry outcomes clear.We talk through a parent meeting that actually works, what to cover (itinerary, packing list, emergency contacts, spending money, expectations). Then we shift to a leader and driver meeting focused on safety, roles, communication, and wise decision making, including practical boundaries and the mindset that leaders are the stand-in parents on the trip. We also dig into summer camp checklists and why shared leadership beats heroic solo prep. You will hear ways to review shopping lists, tech gear, rec supplies, and medical prep, plus a simple visualization tactic that helps you catch the "I can't believe we forgot that" type of mistakes before you leave. If you want a smoother, safer, more spiritually focused youth ministry summer camp, hit play, share this with a student ministry leader, and then subscribe and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review so more youth pastors can find it.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#063) How to Keep Your Youth Ministry's "Camp High" Momentum Going(#043) DIY Church Camp Planning - Youth Ministry Summer Camp CHECKLIST!(#044) Best Games for Summer Camp - 14 Fun Camp Games Ideas!(#053) How to Plan a Low Cost Summer Camp for Youth Ministry(#098) Get More Sign Ups for Your Youth Ministry Summer Camp!=======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=========
2026-06-07: After healing a blind man, Jesus turns to the image of sheep and shepherds to reveal a deeper truth about humanity: we are all sheep in need of a shepherd. But why sheep? Why a shepherd? As we continue our series on “The Church,” we'll explore John 10 and discover what it means to belong to the flock of God — one flock under one Shepherd.
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 *** If your youth ministry calendar is packed but the room still feels flat, the problem might not be effort. It might be direction. Today we get painfully practical about vision casting in youth ministry and why a clear, God guided vision is often the dividing line between a youth group that feels alive and one that feels like it's dead.We talk about the difference between a good idea and a real vision, then we show you how to turn vision into a simple filter for everything you do as a youth pastor: your events, your teaching plan, your leader meetings, your budget, and your weekly schedule. We share how our church frames mission around discipleship and a healthy church environment, and why focusing on health over growth keeps you from building a youth ministry that looks impressive but burns people out.From there, we get specific about what vision looks like on the ground. We unpack how to teach students to think biblically about everything, how to help teenagers know Jesus instead of just knowing about Jesus, and how student leadership teams can change the return rate for new and unconnected kids. We also share simple ways to communicate vision so volunteer leaders actually buy in, including quick “locker room talk” moments before youth group and redefining goals for tough small group dynamics.
Listen as our Youth Director, Caleb Thomas, preaches from Matthew 22:37-40 & Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
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 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=========
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=========
We had the honor to speak with Jo and Yvonne. Jo Bjorgaard DNP, RN, PHN, CSSBB (she/her) is the Operations Director at the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) North America Hub. She is a nurse leader based in St. Paul, Minnesota, specializing in health innovation, leadership, and planetary health. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Minnesota and has extensive experience in planetary health education, climate advocacy, and healthcare sustainability. Her professional roles include Instructor & Teaching Specialist at the University of Minnesota, Senior Climate and Founder and Principal Consultant of RISE Climate + Health Collective and Board Member and Committee Chair with Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate. Yvonne Monger is the co- Youth Director at the PHA North America Hub and an undergraduate Nursing student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities' School of Nursing and serves as the Youth Director of the Planetary Health North American Regional Hub. Her work centers on health equity, environmental justice, and public health policy. She currently coordinates the Climate Resilience Public Health Task Force within the University's Office of Sustainability, where she helps bridge climate action and community well-being.
This Sunday, Tyler Wilhelm, our Youth Director, walked through the building of the tabernacle, where God's people respond with generosity and faithful obedience. As the work is carried out exactly as the Lord commanded, we're reminded that God cares about both our hearts and our faithfulness in the details. every piece coming together reflects His holiness, order, and intentional design. We also see a connection back to Genesis 1. Just as God finished creation and saw that it was good, the tabernacle is completed in a similar way. It's a reminder that God is forming something through His people. Not only are we called to give, but to participate in what He is building for His glory. Want to watch a version of this message? Check out our live broadcast archive at www.declarationchurch.net/live.
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=========
We celebrated our graduating high school seniors this weekend! Youth Director, Zack Seals, shared a message from Hebrews 10 on how the Church is a place for all to belong.
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?=======
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=========
www.vcb.churchGuest Speaker Raffi WrightRaffi Wright serves as Music Director and Youth Director at Lancaster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, NY. A Buffalo, NY native, he graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 2022 with a B.M. in Vocal Performance, an Honors B.M. in Musical Arts (Arts Administration, Institute for Music Leadership), and a Secondary Piano concentration in English Literature. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in Worship Leadership (Biblical Worship) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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=========
What if one of the greatest threat to a youth ministry isn't culture… What if it's you?Absalom didn't start with open rebellion. He started with handshakes. Conversations. Sympathy. He built loyalty quietly — and by the time anyone realized what was happening, hearts had already shifted. He wasn't loud. He wasn't dramatic. He was subtle.If you have influence over young people, the Absalom mentality is something you cannot afford to ignore. This episode is a warning to anyone who leads, teaches, or influences young people. Because sometimes the most dangerous rebellion doesn't look like rebellion at all.
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=========
Watch this insightful presentation on the topic "Engaging Deeply With The Youth Of Today" delivered by the Youth Director of The Church of Pentecost and NGN Africa Co-Chair, Apostle David Nyansah Hayfron. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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=========
This week, Tyler Wilhelm, our Youth Director reflects on the moment that God's covenant with His people was sealed. We see the beauty of mediation, the gift of inscripturation, the necessity of substitution, and the invitation into communion. Through the written Word and the shedding of blood, God makes a way for His people to draw near and share in His presence. Want to watch a version of this message? Check out our live broadcast archive at www.declarationchurch.net/live.
This week, Tyler Wilhelm, our Youth Director reflects on the moment that God's covenant with His people was sealed. We see the beauty of mediation, the gift of inscripturation, the necessity of substitution, and the invitation into communion. Through the written Word and the shedding of blood, God makes a way for His people to draw near and share in His presence. Want to watch a version of this message? Check out our live broadcast archive at www.declarationchurch.net/live.
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=========
The annual State of the Child Report released by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth shows fewer kids are living in poverty.The report also indicates academic improvement post-pandemic, particularly in TCAP Math scores. However, mental health remains a concern, as does the integration of technology in everyday life. On today's show, we speak with representatives from Tennessee state government and also focus on School Choice legislation impacting public school funding. This is a roundabout edition of This Is Nashville. Join the conversation by calling 615-760-2000 or pop into chat on our YouTube livestream.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. Guests Camellia Burris, WPLN Education Reporter Kylie Graves, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth Director of Data, Policy, & Communications Chelsea Crawford, TennesseeCAN Executive Director Maryam Abolfazli, Rise and Shine Tennessee Founder
Episode Notes This week's guest is certainly near and dear to my heart...not only because he is my former Youth Director at First Methodist Church of Henderson...but also because his wide array of career pursuits gave me a considerable amount of water to tread during our conversation!! His name is Bert Montgomery, and he has worn various hats over the years ranging from Senior Minister, to College Professor, to even Juvenile Probation Officer! We'll learn a bit about his service as a Probation Officer in Jackson, Mississippi and Memphis prior to his full-time commitment to ministry work. We'll also hear about his experience teaching courses and leading a church at Mississippi State University, and briefly discuss two fascinating books he has authored: "Elvis, Willie, Jesus and Me" and "Going Back to New Orleans: Post-Katrina Re-Connections and Recollections". Feel free to drop Mr. Montgomery a line at bert@bertmontgomery.com, and be sure to visit his website linked here: http://bertmontgomery.com/. Find out more at https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co
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=========
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=======
My in-person interview with Roderick Epomba in Mufulira, Zambia. He is the pastor of four churches in Solwezi, where he lives, as well as Mufumbwe, Manyinga, and Zambesi. Catch a glimpse here of life in this part of the world. Roderick also hosts a weekly radio program on Solwezi FM, a station with a potential audience of more than 120,000 people, plus online streaming. He gets a good response and talks to people on the air. He is also the youth and camp director for the United Church of God in Zambia. We have known Roderick Epomba from previous visits. This is our first meeting in seven years. We are here in Mufulira for a three-day pastoral conference with all of Zambia's five pastors and two deacons, during which we discussed pastoral skills and church administration.
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 ❤️.=======
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:
In episode 123 of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim sit down with Jake Watson—former world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete, commentator, and now Youth Director at LifePoint Church. Jake shares his explosive testimony of walking away from fame, athletic success, and a rising media career to follow the unmistakable call of God.Together, we dive deep into Jake's new book Chasing God: Cultivating the Heart of David, exploring what it really means to pursue God with raw authenticity, emotional honesty, and a warrior-spirit grounded in intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Jake unpacks how King David became his blueprint—not because David was perfect, but because he was repentant, passionate, and relentlessly after God's heart.This episode challenges men, leaders, and believers of all ages to:• Rediscover intimacy with God• Break free from cultural masculinity and embrace biblical manhood• Learn the rhythms of repentance, worship, and passion that marked David's life• Discern God's calling—even when it costs you everything• Build unity in the Church and stop dividing over non-essentialsJake's story will stretch your faith, stir your heart, and remind you that your calling is bigger than your comfort.Get Jake's new book here https://a.co/d/fkYJu7hFollow Jake on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakewatson_2432/See Jake's sermons here https://youtube.com/@lifepointignite?si=_0IMFHeMg8GcACUoCheck out our brand-new merch store! https://eyesonjesuspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/Get all our links in one easy place! https://linktr.ee/eyesonjesuspodcastGet the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotionalhttps://a.co/d/3v8963sJoin our Group on Facebook- Eyes on Jesus podcast community https://www.facebook.com/groups/eyesonjesuspodcastEmail feedback, questions or show topic ideas to eyesonjesuspodcast@outlook.comFor more information on Drew Barker: Follow Drew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pastordrewbarkerDrew's church's website https://yes.online/For more information on Tim Ferrara: Get all his links in one place- to his social media, all 3 of his books, and more at https://linktr.ee/discerning_dad
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=======
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.
This week, we had the privilege of hearing from City Central's Youth Director, Elijah Hippe, as he shared about three key elements of evangelism. God invites us to partner with Him in reaching others through intercession, invitation, and initiation. As we pray for people, invite them to encounter Jesus, and step out in faith wherever we go, we become living witnesses of His love and power in the world.
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 *** As every year and season of youth ministry goes by, there is always something new that you learn as a youth pastor. In this episode, we wanted to reflect on a few important pieces of advice that I've gotten along the way that I wish I had known sooner.If this resonates, share it with a leader who needs encouragement, subscribe for weekly student ministry tips and tactics, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we'd love to hear what you're sowing right now.
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! =======
The Lord made a beautiful covenant with King David that would shape the rest of redemptive history. David's response: one characterized by zeal for the presence of the Lord. Do we display this same zeal in response to the New Covenant the Lord has made with us? Join us as Youth Director, Gage Skivington, continues our Unified Kingdoms series!Support the show
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!!=======
Today's episode is part of our Christian parenting mini-series we are offering on “Motherhood Taboos” and we are tackling a big taboo of finding out you're pregnant ... and you weren't planning to be. Our guests are both priests who found themselves unexpectedly pregnant and want to narrate the grief and the joy, the surprise and the wonder, and the challenge and hope of a blessing that can leave you limping from a worldview that supports women's autonomy, choice, and freedom. MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS:Rev. Mia Kano is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Massachusetts, where she serves as the part-time Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Ayer. She lives in Acton, Massachusetts with her husband and two children. Rev. Mia's childhood was shaped by both Catholic and Congregationalist churches. She found her way to the Episcopal Church in her early twenties after exploring secular humanism and Islam. She was ordained as a priest in January 2020. Rev. Reagan Gonzalez was born in Odessa, Texas and raised in Bozeman, Montana. She grew up attending St. James Episcopal Church in Bozeman and later served as its Youth Director and Christian Formation Director before attending seminary. She is a graduate of Montana State University with a degree in Microbiology. After college, Reagan spent a year living in intentional community during a year of service with the Episcopal Service Corps. This experience deepened her faith and confirmed a desire to formally discern a call to ordained ministry. She earned an MDiv from the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas and was ordained to the priesthood in 2018. Reagan has a passion for community life that is grounded in inclusivity. She loves to preach, teach, tell Godly Play stories to children, and introduce people to an open-minded Christianity where questions are welcomed, and where we trust that we learn best by struggling together to hear where the Holy Spirit is calling. Reagan is married to Bryan, they have two children, and one on the way. +++Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project. SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcastThere's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons!+++Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.comOur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/++++MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/++++More about Father Lizzie:BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/RevLizzie.comhttps://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzieJubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org ++++More about Mother Laura:https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peachesSt. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA++++Theme music:"On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST!
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=======
Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort *** Are your youth ministry students getting enough spiritual nourishment? Most youth pastors know the feeling of wondering if their sermon is the only biblical engagement students get all week. The truth is, we need to equip our youth group to become "self-feeding Christians" who can navigate Scripture independently.In this comprehensive guide to Bible study resources, we share our favorite tools for studying the Bible. From discipleship-focused materials to leadership development resources, these recommendations cover both teaching aids and student-directed studies.Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching or put materials directly into students' hands, these carefully selected resources will help bridge the gap between Sunday sermons and daily discipleship. Check out the links below!Materials Mentioned in this Podcast:LeaderTreks
Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort *** What's the difference between making decisions and making disciples? For many young Christians, the journey of faith begins and ends with "asking Jesus into their heart," but Jesus called us to so much more than a one-time prayer. He invited us to follow Him.In this transformative episode, we will unpack 4 powerful discipleship strategies that move youth ministry students from surface-level faith decisions to becoming genuine Jesus followers. Whether you're a youth pastor or a volunteer, these strategies will equip you to develop disciples who follow Jesus for a lifetime. Every conversation in your youth group can become discipleship—are you ready to make each one count?
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