Podcasts about youth ministers

Send us Fan Mail

Joshua: A Man After God's VictoryJoshua 6Chris Coker, Youth Minister

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info - or feel free to email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com with any questions *** In this episode, we walk through four things to avoid before preaching in youth ministry.  Youth ministry sermons land best when our hearts are fully engaged, not just our notes. We talk about surrender, staying with the people in the room, and leaning on the Holy Spirit instead of trying to carry the moment ourselves.  If you care about student ministry preaching, sermon preparation, and spiritual leadership that's more than stage presence, this conversation will help you refocus on what matters and lead with humility and power of the Holy Spirit. Subscribe, share this with another youth pastor or youth leader, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review with your best pre-message routine!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#241) 3 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Youth Ministry Sermons(#107) How to Deliver Better Sermons - 5 Youth Pastor Tips(#089) How to Get Better Engagement During Sermons in Youth Ministry(#218) Steal These 5 Tips to NEVER RUN OUT of Sermon Ideas for 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 Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info - or feel free to email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com with any questions *** In this episode, we discuss two surprisingly powerful ways to earn real parent buy-in in your youth ministry and break down each one into multiple aspects of trust. We get practical about “early and often” communication: weekly parent emails, leader updates, an always-current website and calendar, social media that actually answers questions, and using a church app or targeted messages so the right families get the right info. We also talk about planning ahead like publishing camp dates far in advance, plus a simple test for your system: if parents are constantly texting basic questions, your other communication channels may not be clear or consistent yet.  If you want more volunteers, smoother events, stronger camp sign-ups, and fewer frustrated emails, this is the leadership muscle to build.Then we shift to professionalism in youth ministry, not as a stiff corporate posture, but as maturity. We share how to create “no surprises” when incidents happen, and why owning mistakes quickly builds credibility. We also unpack the owner mindset: being prepared, starting and ending on time, handling conflict directly, and holding students accountable with kindness so parents see real leadership.If you've ever felt the tension between being fun and being trusted, this conversation will help you lead both ways. Subscribe for weekly youth ministry coaching, share this with another youth pastor and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. What's one change you can make this week to earn more trust with parents?=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#256) Best Practices for Emailing the Parents of your Youth Ministry Students(#047) Youth Pastors and Parents - Best Communication Tips(#057) Getting Parents Involved in Youth Ministry(#025) Best Practices to Handle an Upset Parent=======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=========

Deacon Victor Valenzuela is assigned to St. Mary Church in Fullerton.  He is married, with two adult children.  He is a licensed social worker who is retired from 31 years of employment at Kaiser Permanente.  He is a former seminarian who has worked in a variety of ministries.  His wife is Diane.  Today, Deacon Victor talks with Eric Brunter. Support the show

Noah Vann, our recently hired Youth Minister here at Great Oaks, speaks to us for the first time from Mark chapter four. What does fear do to our faith?

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** Youth group event mistakes...we've all experienced the stress, the embarrassment, the pit in your stomach knowing you forgot something or the sinking feeling when youth ministry planning goes all wrong.  In this episode, we will walk through three common youth pastor mistakes in student ministry event planning, then break them into practical steps you can apply to your next youth group night, outreach event, retreat, or camp.  How many of these mistakes have you made??Subscribe for more weekly tips, share this with a youth leader who plans events, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review with your biggest takeaway from this episode.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#265) 3 Unacceptable Mistakes that Youth Ministries Make With Event Planning(#285) 3 Common Mistakes Youth Pastors MUST AVOID in Their 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=========

Description You're gonna, love this conversation. Gian Gamboa is a youth ministry leader and Catholic speaker with more than 10 years of experience serving parishes, Catholic schools, and youth conferences across the country. He previously served as a full-time missionary with The Culture Project International for over two years and has collaborated with major Catholic organizations, including LifeTeen, FOCUS, NFCYM, and EWTN. Gian is currently completing his master's degree in theology and sacred scripture through the Augustine Institute. He is deeply passionate about discipleship-based evangelization and helping Catholics fall in love with Jesus by sharing the gospel with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Gian lives in Hutto, Texas, with his wife and three children, And is the world's self-proclaimed number one fan of Taco Bell. Connect with Gian at his website: www.giangamboa.comAnd in his speaking coaching community for youth ministers at: www.skool.com/micLinksFor more information about the Better Preach Podcast visit: www.ryanohara.org/betterpreachBetter Preach Podcast is now on YouTube. Here's a link to the channel.Check out Ryan's FREE course on “sharing your faith as a Catholic.”Follow Ryan on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or FacebookJoin the Better Preach email list.

June 11th, 2026 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X Listen to past episodes on The Ticket’s Website And follow The Ticket Top 10 on Apple, Spotify or Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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=========

Brandon Samuels walks right back into your life with the ultimate reset episode for Year 11 of the SamzSportz Multimedia Network. After stepping back since the Super Bowl to prioritize mental clarity and navigate real-life challenges, Brandon is back in his brand-new studio. In this episode, he details stepping up as Youth Minister at Star Bethlehem AME Church, introduces his personal custom streetwear line Chadel, shares his journey teaching himself how to DJ, and plugs his latest collaboration with Vanessa on Off The Field (powered by REALITEA Recap) Plus, Brandon weighs in on the new 2026 Baltimore Ravens schedule gauntlet, the latest $30M lottery true-crime drama, Maryland's controversial Pre-K potty-training law, and the massive gaming debate surrounding the newest Halo release. Stay Connected with the Network: Text Brandon directly at 410-575-4299 to give show feedback, share pictures of your recent graduates, or get direct links to shop the apparel and books!

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.

Today's headlines include: Australia has recorded its first trade deficit in almost nine years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Lebanon has announced ‌a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. Victoria’s Youth Minister has apologised for providing character references for two men who had been convicted of domestic violence and sexual assault while they were appealing decisions about their ability to stay in Australia. And today’s good news: The GOAT returns. Serena Williams is making her return to professional tennis, almost four years after “evolving away” from the sport. Subscribe to the Sports newsletter here. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy TassellProducer: Rosa Bowden Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 

Hebrews 1:1-4| The Son | May 24Thank you for joining us. This morning we will be hearing from Cole, our Youth Minister, as we dive into who God is. Let's explore together the identity of the One who gives you yours. We're glad you're here! ABOUT US | We are cultivating a vibrant community of faith, hope and love that follows Jesus into the world so our neighbors may also experience God's goodness. Learn more at https://www.cpchb.org/core-values/PRAY  | To request prayer or pray with us, visit https://www.cpchb.org/prayer GIVE  |  To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people, visit  https://www.cpchb.org/give/ PRAYER REQUESTS | https://www.cpchb.org/prayerGIVE  | https://www.cpchb.org/give/CONNECT  |  We want to connect with you!  Visit us at  https://www.facebook.com/cpchb/    https://www.instagram.com/christpacificchurch/    Weekly eBlast: https://tinyurl.com/swy75ujv  MORE INFO | https://www.cpchb.org/

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=========

On this senior Sunday, we are reminded of Colossians 3:12-17, a theme passage for our Pine Tree Roots group. Aaron, our Youth Minister, brings a message for the seniors and our church centered around a prayer that we all need to pray.

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=========

Jesus Over Everything Colossians 1:15-23Chris Coker, Youth Minister

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.=======

April 3rd, 2026 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X Listen to past episodes on The Ticket’s Website And follow The Ticket Top 10 on Apple, Spotify or Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  

Join us this Palm Sunday as we hear from Elijah Prakash our Youth Minister here at KPC. We hope you enjoy what you hear!Luke 19:35-44 NIV

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=========

In This House... We are blessed. We point others to Christ. We value accountability. We are faithful to one another. We go the extra mile. We keep our word. We love our enemies. We give to those in need. We serve God. We do not worry. We treat others how we want to be treated. We pray. We walk the narrow road. We bear Godly fruit. We have a firm foundation. In This House is a 13 week sermon series through the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where Jesus shows the crowds what life in the Kingdom of God truly looks like. More than rules or religion, these teachings reveal a transformed way of living—shaped by grace, integrity, trust, and wholehearted devotion to God. The scripture for week 8 is Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6, and 1 Peter 2:9-10.

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=========

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Jonathan Holmes unpacks what it means to pursue true rest in ministry. Framed around four key movements—the problem with rest, the answer to rest, how to rest personally, and how to build cultures of rest—this session offers practical and theological insight for leaders who want to lead from a place of peace rather than burnout. Jonathan Holmes is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for fifteen years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. Jonathan graduated from The Master's University with degrees in Biblical Counseling and History and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author and contributor to a number of books including, The Company We Keep, Counsel for Couples, Rescue Skills, and Rescue Plan. He and his wife, Jennifer, have four daughters. When The Fire Goes Out: Finding Comfort in Ministry by Isaiah Marshall Caring for Your Soul as a Youth Minister by Mark Upton Burnout: The Cost of Caring by Christina Maslach Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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=========

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=========

Grant had roots in both Baptist and Assemblies of God congregations, and went on to seminary to prepare for ministry. While there, he was introduced to the Church Fathers, who had a very different view of Baptism than the one he'd grown up with. Seeing that they treated it as a sacrament made him wonder if his view of Communion was also out of step with historic Christianity. After serving seven years in ministry, as both a children's and student pastor, Grant ended up coming home to the Catholic Church.

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=========

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=======

January 16th, 2026 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X Listen to past episodes on The Ticket’s Website And follow The Ticket Top 10 on Apple, Spotify or Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.=======

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:

It's hard to listen to Mark Schultz greatest hits and not shed a tear. No one tells stories through song quite like him. This is easily one of my favorite conversation on the Pure Joy podcast this season. Mark has a piano in front of him and several times, plays pieces of his songs as he unveils the real life stories behind them. From the elderly couple who inspired "Walking Her Home" to the student facing health struggle that "He's My Son" is about we see how his youth ministry job actually fueled his music. Mark shares why he almost quit and went home before he had his big break and how his heart for adoption led to him adopting 2 girls later in life.  

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=======

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 textWhat if the fastest way to build a strong student ministry isn't a bigger stage, but a crowded living room? We pull back the curtain on our biggest do-overs: why we'd start with relationships, not programs; why a right-sized room beats a flashy setup; and why coaching volunteers weekly will outperform any event on your calendar.• starting in homes to build belonging• coaching volunteers rather than just filling roles• using the 80 percent rule for room choice• fast handoffs from staff to leaders and peers• connecting new families to adult community quickly• becoming the storyteller to senior adults• reframing criticism with real student wins• choosing joy and hospitality as strategyMake sure to drop a comment below or email us at chad.higgins at lifeway.com your stories of what it's like to be ministry in the new place that you are, or the wisdom that you would give to be featured on an upcoming episodeSupport the showJoin the community!

November 14th, 2025 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X Listen to past episodes on The Ticket’s Website And follow The Ticket Top 10 on Apple, Spotify or Amazon MusicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 *** 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.