Podcasts about youth ministries

In this episode of Faith Talks, Anna Faith Fuller interviews Terrilaina Gillmore about her journey of faith, missions, and surrender to God's will. From her salvation as a young girl to her burden for orphans and medical missions, Teri shares how God used His Word, missions trips, and even painful trials to make His calling clear. Her testimony challenges young ladies to stop chasing the easy road and instead follow the fulfilling road of knowing God, hearing His voice, and stepping forward in faith. Topics Discussed Teri's salvation testimony and early desire to know God through His Word How missions trips shaped her view of the world and burden for others Her heart for orphans and how nursing became part of that calling Lessons learned through medical ministry in Ghana How God used an injury in Papua New Guinea to confirm His direction The sufficiency of God's grace in moments of weakness The danger of worldly voices crowding out God's Word Why young ladies must make clear decisions to follow God's will The difference between an easy life and a fulfilling life Key Takeaways God's will is not always easy, but it is always fulfilling. Weakness does not disqualify you from usefulness; it may be the very place where God shows His strength. God often uses trials to clarify His direction in your life. Young people must intentionally silence competing voices if they want to hear God clearly. Time in God's Word transforms your desires, decisions, and direction. The world is not neutral, so passive Christianity is not safe Christianity. God wants to use surrendered young people in ways far bigger than they realize. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

In this session, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny discuss how to best handle crises in their ministries. Youth ministers often play the first responder role, and it's crucial to think proactively of how to handle a crisis well, whether it be with a student, a family tragedy, or leadership.  Resources: Ministering to Students in Crisis - Rooted Ministry Dr. Gordon Bals on Discussing Grief with Teenagers: Grieving, in the life of a teenager, can result from many events (not just death). In this podcast Anna Harris (Rooted Parent Editor) speaks with the remarkable Dr. Gordon Bals about bringing the gospel to a grieving teenager. Dr. Bals specializes in grief, trauma, and religious and spiritual issues. How Are We Preparing Our Kids For Suffering in this World with Michelle Reyes: Examining 1 Peter 4:1-19, author and speaker Dr. Michelle Reyes discusses how Christians suffer at the hands of non-believers, the ways that the believing community should care for each other as fellow suffering Christians, and how to find hope in the midst of suffering. Adopt the "first responder" model for crisis care. Establish a clear communication protocol with church leadership. Prioritize presence and prayer with families in crisis. Proactively set boundaries and recovery practices for personal well-being. Consider Rooted's mentorship program for support. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The U.S. Surgeon General just dropped a massive warning on what's trending with our kids regarding screen time, and the message it sends on how screen-time is impacting our children and teens is a wake-up call for all of us. Today, on this episode of youth culture matters, I chat with three youthworkers to break down the reports data and recommendations, and to strategize about how we can best respond for the good of our kids, and God's glory. 

God knows, loves, and calls every generation. Through the story of Jeremiah and the voices of our Children's and Youth Ministry leaders, this message reminds us that no one is too young to have purpose and that God faithfully equips His people to walk in the calling He has placed on their lives.

Dorsey Ross' birth was a surprise. Dorsey's parents were in their forties, had two grown daughters, and were considered past child-bearing age. When Dorsey was born, the doctors believed he wouldn't survive due to his life-threatening disability.    Dorsey was born on January 16th, 1977, with a congenital disability known as Apert's Syndrome. His forehead was pushed outward, his nose and mouth were pushed inward, and his fingers and toes were fused, meaning he had no individual movement of them. Doctors gave Dorsey's parents no hope for his survival and advised them to put him into an institution.  His parents both knew and trusted in God, and they believed that God would do great things in Dorsey's life. Throughout his life, Dorsey has had to overcome a lot of obstacles, including being bullied, called names like monster and freak, and undergoing multiple operations.   68 Operations Later...... Teachers told Dorsey he would not make it in college, and with all odds against him, he entered Queensborough Community College. After four years there and after attaining an associate degree, he entered the University of Valley Forge. After years of hard work and perseverance, he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry.  His life saying is, "can't is a word not in his vocabulary" because, for most of his life, he has never used the word can't. He believes that with God, all things are possible and that he can do all things through Christ, who gives him strength. It's with God's help that he is overcoming life's obstacles. GRAB YOUR COPY HERE Dorsey has undergone multiple operations over his lifetime. However, regardless of what he has had to face, Dorsey has not given up. He does everything he can to accomplish the goals and dreams God gave to him.

What happens when a mentor says, “I was wrong”? In this honest and faith-filled conversation, Zach and Derrick unpack how humility, repentance, and authentic apologies can transform mentoring relationships, rebuild trust, and model the heart of Jesus to kids from hard places. If you've ever wondered whether admitting mistakes makes you weaker as a mentor, this episode will challenge you to see vulnerability as one of your greatest strengths. Make sure to follow Derrick @derrick.sier!If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

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=========

Send us Fan MailBefore we know it, youth ministry can become really good at running events—and not as effective at making disciples.In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. David Odom and Deconstructing Youth Ministry, we tackle one of the biggest questions facing churches today.How do we build student ministries that produce lasting faith, not just busy calendars?We explore why teenagers today are both different and surprisingly the same. Students still wrestle with identity, belonging, purpose, and faith, but they're doing it in a world shaped by social media, digital overload, and increasing isolation. That's why relational youth ministry matters more than ever.Dr. Odom shares two powerful truths every youth leader should remember:✅ True discipleship happens in the context of relationships.✅ The leader is the lesson.We also unpack Dr. Odom's research into the three arenas of effective youth ministry:

What are the best card & board games for Youth Ministry in 2026? I've played all of these games with students, and here's what happened! PLUS! One lucky winner will have an opportunity to win one of these games. Details inside the episode!

Why are so many Gen Z students turning to tarot cards, crystals, mindfulness, and alternative spirituality while walking away from the church? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mark Matlock, Executive Director of Urbana and Senior Fellow at Barna Group, unpacks what younger generations are really searching for and why many are asking not just “Is Christianity true?” but also “Is it beautiful?” From global missions trends to the church's discipleship crisis, this episode explores the spiritual hunger shaping Gen Z, the future of missions mobilization, and what it will take for Christians to authentically reflect the transforming beauty of Jesus in a skeptical culture.Mark Matlock joins Ted Esler and Matthew Ellison on the Mission Matters Podcast to discuss Gen Z, discipleship, and the future of global missions through the lens of decades of ministry experience and research. The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God's people to be a part of His mission.

What do you do when ministry gets heavy, life gets complicated, and your calling feels harder than you expected? In this interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards talks with Justin Terry, Experience Pastor at Journey Church in Colorado, for a powerful conversation about discipleship, calling, ministry leadership, burnout, family, and the faithfulness of God. Justin shares how God met him as an angry middle school student after his parents' divorce, how intentional discipleship changed the direction of his life, and how mentors like Scotty Priest, Hugh Kirby, and his dad helped shape his faith and future. In this episode, you'll hear about: • How Justin came to faith in middle school • Why discipleship and accountability changed everything • His journey from wanting to be a sports broadcaster to serving in ministry • What it was like serving in Alaska and later moving to Colorado • How ministry, parenting, church leadership, a house fire, and the pandemic nearly emptied his tank • Why leaders need spiritual disciplines, counseling, rest, and honest support • How the book of Jonah reveals God's grace, pursuit, second chances, and patience • Why Justin still carries a heart for Alaska, the UK, and spiritual renewal in America Justin also shares a phrase that has helped him through difficult seasons: Remember your calling and trust the process. Whether you are a youth pastor, student ministry volunteer, church leader, Christian educator, parent, or someone trying to stay faithful through a hard season, this episode will encourage you to keep walking with God one step at a time. ✨ God is still working in the silence, the unknown, and the process. _________________________________________________________________________________

This week Chris and Jeremy thumb through an ancient text of youth ministry games, and decide if they should be retired, modernized, or kept as is.

Al James and Annemarie Rivers discuss moving from “principle (theology/belief) to practice” in youth and children's ministry, arguing against copying what's always been done or what merely “works” and instead letting biblical and theological convictions guide intentional, reflective decisions. They outline their "thinking framework": start with a biblical/theological framework, bring in new knowledge (e.g., research, development, culture) in dialogue with Scripture, then assess context, current practice, and move toward “better practice” (the best fit for a particular context rather than universal “best practice”). They explain how using this framework over time forms a ministry philosophy—articulated principles that justify and shape ministry choices—highlighting Youthworks' seven principles and offering tests for writing good principles (truth-statement form, not too broad/narrow, risk-aware, applicable, avoiding “should” language).Register For House - Anchored and Adaptable House Conference is happening the 25-27th August 2026 and will be on a Theology of Contextualisation with Mike Dicker (Principal at Youthworks College) and Derek Brotherson (Principal at Sydney Missionary and Bible College)Register here: youthworks.net/house Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net00:00 Why Best Practice Fails00:28 Principle to Practice Intro01:51 House Conference Contextualization03:16 Meet Emory and The West04:11 Course Sneak Peek Setup04:53 Why Theology Drives Choices05:27 Avoiding Habit and Hype07:34 Reflective Practice Link08:08 The Thinking Framework08:37 Biblical Framework First09:58 Adding New Knowledge11:29 Dialogue Between Both13:23 Context Shapes Ministry15:37 Current to Better Practice19:27 Building a Ministry Philosophy21:02 Articulating Your Why23:01 Shared Principles Across Churches23:57 Seven Ministry Principles25:54 Principles Versus Theology27:07 From High Level to Specific27:33 Identity Example in Practice29:33 Building Truth Statements32:00 Keeping Principle and Practice Separate32:30 Testing Your Principles38:54 Avoiding Should Language42:24 Final Takeaway Theology to Practice

What does it mean to thrive as a youth worker in today's rapidly changing youth culture? And what are the best practices we can employ to insure that we are faithfully serving the Lord in this high calling of ministering to students? We're tackling those questions and more as I chat with a trio of seasoned youth workers from the National Network of Youth Ministries – Wayne Morgan, Travis Deans, and Tony Villafane, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the critical role of saying no in youth ministry. They explore the importance of setting boundaries, understanding personal capacity, and crafting clear missions to avoid burnout. The conversation delves into how to navigate complaints and emotional responses, redirect ideas effectively, and the role of pastors in supporting youth ministers. The episode emphasizes that saying no is not just about rejecting ideas but about maintaining a healthy and sustainable ministry.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Saying No in Youth Ministry02:54 Understanding Personal Boundaries and Capacity05:59 Crafting Clear Missions and Goals08:56 Navigating Complaints and Emotional Responses12:10 Redirecting Ideas and Encouraging Leadership22:10 The Role of Pastors in Youth MinistryLinksListen to more episodes of Pizza & Side Hugs: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/697273/episodespizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailThe time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** 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.

Send us Fan MailYouth Ministry Deconstructed with David Odom | What If We've Been Doing Youth Ministry Wrong?Have we built youth ministries that attract students… but struggle to form lasting faith?In this first episode of a 3 part series of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac Workun sits down with Dr. David Odom from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and author of Youth Ministry Deconstructed, for a conversation about the past, present, and future of student ministry. Together we talk  the history of youth ministry, the assumptions we've inherited, and why many youth pastors are feeling both hopeful and exhausted in today's ministry landscape. This isn't a conversation about abandoning youth ministry. It's a conversation about rethinking it, breaking it down to rebuild it.Dr. Odom challenges youth leaders to evaluate whether our ministries are producing attendance or discipleship, activity or transformation, participation or ownership of faith.In Part 1✅ The surprising history of youth ministry in America✅ How Youth for Christ helped shape modern student ministry✅ Why youth ministry became a "church within a church"✅ What David Odom means by "deconstructing" youth ministry✅ Why doubt can be a sign of spiritual growth✅ The problem with measuring success only by attendance✅ Better discipleship metrics for youth pastors✅ The difference between programs and environments✅ Why small groups may need to become even smaller✅ How mentoring relationships help students own their faithKey TakeawaysYouth ministry isn't broken because youth pastors aren't trying hard enough.Student doubt is not always a crisis.Attendance matters, but it isn't enough.Programs don't disciple people. Environments do."We're not just trying harder. We're rethinking what we're doing.""Student doubt is not a freak-out moment. It's often a faith-forming moment.""The question isn't simply how many students showed up. The question is whether we're helping students build a faith that lasts.""Think in terms of environments, not programs."About David OdomDr. David Odom serves as a leader, researcher, and professor with decades of experience in student ministry. His book, Youth Ministry Deconstructed: Rethinking Your Ministry to Build Lasting Faith in Students, challenges churches to evaluate the assumptions behind modern youth ministry and reimagine discipleship for the next generation.Support the showJoin the community!

What does “success” in youth ministry actually look like?Is it numbers? Growth? Energy in the room?Or have we been measuring the wrong things all along?In this episode, we challenge the pressure to perform and reframe success through a biblical lens. You'll be reminded that God is far more concerned with faithfulness than visibility—and that some of the most meaningful ministry moments are the ones no one else sees.If you've ever questioned whether what you're doing is “working,” this conversation will help you reset your perspective and lead with clarity again.Key takeaway: Success in ministry isn't about what's impressive—it's about what's obedient.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we'd love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they're not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite:⁠ www.studentministryconversations.org⁠Connect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic

Join me, Pastor Kendall, and Libby as we talk about the children and youth ministry this past school year and what is to come this summer and into the fall.

On the 403rd episode of You Know I'm Right, hosts Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Survivor season 48 star Mitch Guerra to discuss:- First app he checks everyday- Attending Texas A&M and studying Liberal Arts and Psychology while Johnny Manziel was the Quarterback and then getting his MA in Youth Ministry from Dallas Baptist University- Working at Chick-fil-A in college- Working as a camp counselor and other jobs with Sky Ranch- Being a tennis coach and Physical Education Teacher for Midway ISD- Being a stuttering advocate- What made him want to go on Survivor?- What was the audition process like for Survivor?- How was the eating, bathing and going to the bathroom situations like on Survivor?- How did his life change after Survivor aired?- You Know I'm Right moment

What if the separation you're feeling is not rejection... but preparation? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message about calling, wilderness seasons, spiritual preparation, and trusting God when people, opportunities, or familiar places seem to disappear from your life. After hearing a simple but profound statement, "Before God elevates you, He clears the room", Doug reflects on how God often prepares leaders by creating space, removing distractions, and drawing them closer before the next assignment. In this episode, Doug unpacks: • Why God sometimes separates you before He elevates you. • How Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness prepared Him for ministry. • Why David had to spend time in hiding before becoming king. • How seasons of loss, transition, and confusion can become preparation. • Why seeking God's kingdom first changes everything. • How God can redirect your life into a calling you never saw coming. • Why wilderness seasons are often where leaders are formed. Doug also shares from his own journey—how a music career path suddenly disappeared, how that season felt confusing and painful, and how God used it to prepare him for decades of student ministry. Whether you are a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, Christian educator, parent, or leader walking through transition, this episode will encourage you to trust that God may be doing more in the quiet than you realize. ✨ Sometimes God clears the room not to punish you—but to prepare you for what He has already planned. _________________________________________________________________________________

Jason's first episode as the new solo host! He invites youth worker Alex Tufano in for a discussion about the importance of teaching about The Holy Spirit to teens. Alex describes why he taught on this subject and why he thinks it is important to do so. He shares the resources he used to help develop the teaching series. Jason acknowledges the mystery of The Holy Spirit, different views regarding the Holy Spirit and he addresses how that can make it a subject which youth workers often avoid, but we are encouraged instead to spend time addressing this topic biblically with our students. Rightly teaching about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is an important subject we must prepare for.

Most ambitious men are accidentally building a "Job-Trap," a life that looks successful on paper but is structurally broken. Today, we perform a clinical audit on legacy with the man who built an indestructible brand: Dave Munson of Saddleback Leather. Dave transitioned from a barefoot youth pastor in Mexico to the CEO of a global empire with a 100-year warranty. In this diagnostic deep-dive, we identify the "Atomic Tasks" stealing your time and the systemic failures that keep most men from true "Internal Sovereignty." From living in safari tents for a decade to surviving a million-dollar theft involving the FBI, Dave reveals the specific roadmap for building a life with no breakable parts.   CHAPTERS:  00:00 - The "No-Breakable-Parts" Life  03:00 - Why I moved my family into safari tents for 10 years  10:05 - Youth Ministry to CEO: When the business became the ministry  15:21 - The sketch that built a 100-year legacy  18:52 - Marriage Systems: Why we switched to a smaller bed  25:31 - The FBI, stolen millions, and the "Job-Trap"  27:42 - The only 2 questions you need to ask your team [High-Leverage]  41:53 - "Success starts at home": Zig Ziglar's final lesson  47:53 - The legacy audit: What will they fight over when you're dead?   Munson's Links: Website: https://saddlebackleather.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcmunson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidcmunson  

In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach sits down with Derrick Sier to unpack how every moment with a mentee—big or small—can become a powerful teaching opportunity. Together, they explore how mentors can respond with humility, curiosity, and self-awareness when kids seem dismissive, helping them uncover meaning, growth, and even glimpses of Jesus in everyday situations. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and honest conversation, this episode will challenge mentors to slow down, stay Spirit-led, and recognize that the moments that seem ordinary may shape a young person's life forever. Make sure to check @derrick.sier out on all social media platforms!If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

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. 

Have you felt it? The winds of change? In this episode I'm going to share what has changed from a data driven perspective. How I'm adjusting my social media strategy moving forward to accommodate it Plus, how you can adopt my strategy for the summer, without neglecting your other important ministry priorities. Let me show you how! ☀️Summer Seasonal Social Media Pack | New & Improved Strategy! https://www.patreon.com/posts/summer-seasonal-157209659?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link THE CAROUSEL ENGINE https://www.patreon.com/posts/carousel-engine-155124829?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the dynamics of group projects and the concept of Working Genius. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with group work, highlighting the challenges and successes they faced. The conversation transitions into an exploration of the Working Genius framework, which categorizes different types of work styles and strengths. The conversation also highlights practical applications of the Working Genius framework in organizing work, enhancing team dynamics, and fostering a supportive environment in ministry. Listen now!Chapters00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings03:09 Group Projects: Memories and Experiences09:07 Understanding Working Genius15:03 The Six Geniuses of Working Genius20:24 Applying Working Genius in Ministry Settings24:20 Organizing Work for Sustainability29:25 Team Dynamics and Working Genius38:51 Getting Involved with Working GeniusLinksWorking Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

This week on Connecting the Diocese, Father Martin talks with Chris Rogers (Director of Youth Ministry and Family Life) and Father Steven Weller (Vocation Director) about Adventure Camp, a longstanding summer program in Mason, Wisconsin. They describe four Sunday-to-Friday weeks featuring outdoor adventures (rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, ropes courses) alongside daily Mass, catechesis, small groups, […]

Send us Fan Mail**FOR A PDF OF THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL OF THE GAMES - EMAIL US AT MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com - and put in the subject or description "Games for SUPER Small Youth Groups" and we will send it over to you!** We have done game episodes in the past in regards to youth group games for small youth ministries, but what about REALLY small youth ministries?  Today, we will be going over the instructions for 5 super fun, no prep & low prep youth ministry games that work great for super small youth groups.  We will walk through how to run each game, how to ref it, and how to adjust the rules when your group needs more challenge or less chaos.Subscribe, share this with a youth leader friend, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review so more small youth ministries can find practical help!=======We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========Shopping List:Ball Pit Balls - https://amzn.to/3Kc9beAKiddie Pool (or Large Plastic Bin) - https://amzn.to/4e3Kw8JBuckets: https://amzn.to/3izZdT1 (you can get these cheaper at the dollar store)Painter's Tape: https://amzn.to/40Qll58Cones: https://amzn.to/2BtSp9KBlindfolds: https://amzn.to/4uQYMcaPool Noodles - https://amzn.to/3V26dhhSoccer Style Socks: https://amzn.to/3lfcS4NBulk Candy: https://amzn.to/3wkGYNJPlayground Balls:  https://amzn.to/49bYNPB===========You may also enjoy these episodes:7 Youth Group Games for Smaller Youth Ministries4 Icebreakers for Smaller Youth Groups5 NO COST Youth Ministry Games - FREE YOUTH GROUP GAMES5 Simple Youth Group Games - Last Minute Games for Youth MinistryICEBREAKER GAMESDodgeball Variation GamesUp Front Games7 Low Prep Youth Group Games7 NO PREP GAMES for Youth Ministry=======

I've been doing social media for ministry the same way for years… mostly reels, short-form video… But recently, I added THIS one new strategy… And it's getting more engagement than almost anything else I post. And the crazy part? Most people are either ignoring this… or doing it completely wrong. I'm not replacing video… I'm stacking this on top of it. Stick around, because I'm going to show you how you can get a tool, to do it for you, for FREE. Yeah, not joking! THE CAROUSEL ENGINE https://www.patreon.com/posts/carousel-engine-155124829?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Like the episode? Let us know!How do we uphold life through our vocations? Join Michelle Bauman, Director of Y4Life and YA For Life, as she explores how vocation and life are connected. This week, Michelle talks with Mr. Matt Nieman and Mrs. Mackenzie Christmas about the work that Directors of Christian Education (DCEs) do to uphold life in churches, schools, and communities.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mr. Matt Nieman is currently serving Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, Indiana as Director of Youth Ministry. You can connect with Mr. Matt Nieman by email at mnieman@immanuelseymour.com.Mrs. Mackenzie Christmas is currently serving Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana as Director of Christian Education. You can connect with Mrs. Mackenzie Christmas by email at mchristmas@immanuelvalpo.org.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lutherans For Life and Y4Life are funded by donors like YOU. To support the mission and ministry of LFL and Y4Life, you can donate at LutheransForLife.org and Y4Life.org.Support the showDiscover your Gospel-motivated voice 4 Life at Y4Life.org.

One survey found that one third of 11 year-old boys had gambled in the last year. Smartphones and gambling apps are now driving the numbers up among children and teens. As Christians we need to embrace a biblically-faithful theological perspective that not only informs our personal behaviors and choices, but which we can pass on to our kids as they grow up in a world that is doing everything it can to nurture them into a lifetime of gambling. That's what we talk about in this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

Send us Fan MailMorning Prayer (Jesus Our Great High Priest; Service to LORD; Young People; Neuropathy; God of All Comfort)Thank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peaceaimingforjesus.comYouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesusX https://x.com/AimingForJesusTik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

Send us Fan MailSt. Gabriel Youth Ministry (@stgabrielyouthministry) • Instagram photos and videosE-mail Samantha: scoffman@st-gabriel.org

In todays conversation with Derrick Sire is a powerful reminder that mentoring doesn't just transform the mentee—it transforms the mentor. Through humor, honesty, and biblical wisdom, this episode unpacks how mentoring in the name of Jesus reveals our weaknesses, deepens our faith, strengthens community, and shapes us to look more like Christ. From learning humility to staying youthful through relationships with the next generation, this episode is packed with practical encouragement and heartfelt truth for anyone investing in kids from hard places. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

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=========

Rev. Dr. Trevor Sutton joins Mark and Julianna to break down the complexity of how AI and technology are impacting our world, our teens and our youth ministry.   Bio: Rev. Dr. A. Trevor Sutton is the Senior Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. Sutton has written several books, including Redeeming Technology (coauthored with Brian Smith, M.D.) and Authentic Christianity (coauthored with Gene Edward Veith Jr.) and serves as an adjunct professor of theology at Concordia University, Irvine in Irvine, California. He teaches, writes, and speaks frequently about technology and the church in a digital age.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com

These youth ministries are crushing social media, and here's the thing…. You've probably never heard of a single one of them. Today, I'm breaking down 5 accounts that are absolutely crushing social media right now — and more importantly, I'm going to show you exactly why their posts work. Because here's the truth… it's not about having a big church, a big budget, or a full media team. It's about strategy. And if you stick around, I'll show you how you can start applying the same ideas this week — even if you're starting from scratch. These Churches are Crushing it! https://www.instagram.com/lexumcyouth/ https://www.instagram.com/impactfindlay/ https://www.instagram.com/harrodsburg.students/ https://www.instagram.com/wakymc_stumin/ https://www.instagram.com/crosscreekstudents/ SHOW NOTES Shownotes & Transcripts https://www.hybridministry.xyz/201 Bracket Episode: Links in Video Description https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntXEQG8KW0o Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=a5d361 Mic Guide (in Act 4 “The Execution Layer”) https://www.patreon.com/posts/hybrid-ministry-151264417?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link [FREE] HYBRID STRATEGY GUIDE https://www.patreon.com/posts/complete-guide-142500019?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Kyle co-hosts once more while handing the hosting baton off to Jason. Jason grabs the reigns and interviews Kyle on strategies for teaching Psalm 23. Kyle gives us insight into what his Bible studies look like and how the Psalms can be a great tool to help small group Bible studies learn more about Scripture and how to study the Bible in general.

In this episode, the hosts dive into their personal pet peeves related to youth ministry, discussing common misconceptions, frustrations with presentations, challenges in event management, and the impact of youth trends. They share their experiences and invite listeners to engage with their own pet peeves, creating a light-hearted yet insightful conversation about the realities of youth ministry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Pet Peeves02:00 Common Misconceptions in Youth Ministry06:30 Frustrations with Presentations and Communication11:15 Challenges with Event Management18:10 Youth Trends and Their Impact25:18 Final Thoughts and Listener EngagementLinksemail: pizzasidehugs@gmail.compizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Isaías Muñoz • Luke 15:11–15:24

Isaías Muñoz • Luke 15:11–15:24 • 180 Ministry

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 thrives off of momentum and shutting down for the summer crushes that.  There are so many benefits to continuing youth group through the summer and so many negatives to stopping.  In this episode, we talk honestly about why we're not fans of shutting things down and how staying consistent can protect spiritual growth, relationships, and momentum going into the fall.  But what about attendance dips and leader burnout?  Valid concerns...in this episode, we get practical about the two objections we hear most from youth pastors. You'll hear simple summer youth ministry strategies to make your schedule more flexible and keeping the vibe fun even if the room might feel emptier.  We also dig into what burnout can really signal, from unclear roles to volunteers feeling underused, and how healthy leader care keeps people excited to show up.If you want to keep youth group going all summer without exhausting your team, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a youth leader friend, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so more youth pastors can find it.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#108) Summertime Event Ideas for Youth Ministry(#060) 7 Dodgeball Variation Games for Youth Ministry(#045) Preventing Your Volunteers from Burning Out in 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=========

The number of parents expressing concerns and confusion regarding smartphones and screentime is on the rise. And as we learn more about what kids are seeing during screentime and what they are opting out of in order to spend time on screens, the worries are rising. What our parents need is a robust theological and practical response to these issues. Youth pastor Jake Bier decided to dive in to provide information, theological insights, and response strategies not just for parents, but for the entire adult population in his church. You can hear how Jake addressed the technology issue with integrity and depth, as I chat with him on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

Technology impacts culture, education, social lives, and more. Youth Ministry isn't exempt from feeling those changes, even as the Gospel stays the same. Mark and Julianna discuss some of the key topics we are hearing from youth leaders about how those changes are impacting healthy youth ministry.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com

Segment 1 • A federal court just disrupted abortion pill access—does this finally close the “mail-order” loophole? • Lawmakers press the uncomfortable question: if you advocate abortion, will you actually defend the methods used? • Graphic realities surface—what does it say about a nation that funds and normalizes this? Segment 2 • Are cultural elites trying to turn your kids against you—and calling it “justice”? • A new push claims older generations are the problem… but is this just recycled Marxism? • What happens when society blames grandma instead of bad policy, debt, and inflation? Segment 3 • Why are pastors apologizing for Scripture—and what does that reveal about modern preaching? • If God commands something the culture hates, who do you trust: your instincts or His authority? • One word—“likewise”—could reshape how you understand roles, submission, and obedience Segment 4 • Are churches discipling kids—or just entertaining them to keep families coming back? • What if youth ministry isn't broken—but fundamentally misaligned with Scripture? • Could older believers—not programs—be the missing key to lasting faith in the next generation? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

What does it mean to truly invest in the next generation? In this powerful message, Jacob unpacks what it looks like to have strong, available, and faithful shoulders for the young people around you — using a simple but unforgettable moment of lifting his son up to a basketball hoop as the entry point.Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:12, Mark 10, and Matthew 11, this sermon explores three types of shoulders the next generation needs from us: strong shoulders that call them up, faith shoulders that make room for them to encounter Jesus, and shoulders yoked to Jesus that are healed and formed through intimacy with God.You'll be challenged to reflect on the condition of your own heart — whether life's circumstances have made it old, hardened, or guarded — and invited to receive rest and renewal from Jesus before you pour into others.Whether you're a parent, teacher, coach, pastor, or mentor, this message is for anyone who wants to leave a legacy that goes beyond what they accumulate and extends to who they lift up.Big Idea: True legacy is not what you leave behind — it's who you lift up.0:00 - Introduction: Basketball, Kids & Lifting Them Up 1:55 - The Bigger Picture: Standing on Someone Else's Shoulders 2:38 - Big Idea: True Legacy Is Who You Lift Up3:54 - Biblical Examples of Passing the Torch 4:40 - Strong Shoulders: Call the Next Generation Up 5:03 - Paul's Letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12) 6:39 - Correction With Calling vs. Correction That Crushes 7:02 - Practical Challenge: Speak Life Over Someone Younger 8:18 - Faith Shoulders: Make Room for the Next Generation 8:36 - Jesus and the Children (Mark 10) 10:19 - The Kingdom of God Belongs to Such as These 10:37 - Has Life Made Your Heart Old? 11:25 - Young at Heart: A Story From the Bahamas 13:43 - Wonder, Trust & the Childlike Kingdom of God 14:36 - Receiving From the Father vs. Achieving for the Father 16:26 - LVC Kids: Discipling, Not Babysitting 17:22 - Honoring Teachers: Your Influence Changes Legacies 18:23 - Youth Ministry & Creating Belonging for Teenagers19:41 - Strong Shoulders Must Be Yoked to Jesus 20:03 - Your Shoulders Are Only as Strong as Your Intimacy With God 20:52 - For Those Who Never Had Shoulders to Stand On 21:45 - Jesus Invites the Weary to Come (Matthew 11) 24:05 - Jesus Wants to Work In You, Not Just Through You 25:33 - Why Daily Time With God Matters 28:17 - Whatever Is Forming You Will Flow Through You 29:19 - We Pass Down What We Carry 30:12 - Jesus Wants to Be Part of Your Life, Not Just Use It 30:44 - Let Jesus Heal Your Shoulders 31:27 - Altar Call: Bringing Your Tired, Wounded Shoulders to Jesus 32:07 - Come to Simon (Coming to Jesus First) 32:43 - Closing PrayerSupport the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

On this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Stephen Murray unpack three powerful truths every mentor needs to hear when the journey gets hard: growth is slow, relationships are often uncomfortable, and opposition is inevitable. Through humor, honesty, and biblical wisdom, they challenge mentors to stay faithful when results aren't immediate and remind them that consistency can change a life over time. If you've ever felt like giving up, this episode will renew your perspective and strengthen your resolve to keep showing up. Special Thanks to Stephen Murray for being todays guest on our podcast! Be sure to check out forerunnermentoring.comIf this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.--Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

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=========

Mission trips and service projects can be meaningful for students—but planning them well takes more than good intentions. Brad M. Griffin chats with Carlos Piñero of YouthWorks and youth leaders Dick Lee and Jen Bradbury about why mission trips still have value in youth ministry today, and what the caveats are to that statement! They share real-world examples of some of their best practices from over the years, and what they are continuing to learn.   This season explores mission trips, or service trips, and why they can still be a really valuable part of youth ministry. But the key, as we hear from youth pastors and ministry leaders, is that planning them well takes more than good intentions. Episodes in this season will explore cultural humility, alternative ideas to a trip, and how to process a trip with your students.  This season is brought to you by the On-The-Go Youth Leader resources Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides), and created through support from Tenx10. Mentioned in this episode: Get the free Youth Leader Guide on Intergenerational Mission Projects Youth ministry resources: Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides). YouthWorks: Immersive service experiences across North America 00:00 - Introductions 05:33 - Why still do trips? 15:00 - How to prepare students to enter communities with humility 22:05 - Free Youth Leader Guide for Intergenerational Service Projects 22:32 - Practices for long-term discipleship vs. quick emotional highs 31:50 - Preparation, processing, and follow-up 40:33 - Final word: Why are mission trips still valuable?