POPULARITY
Categories
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.
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.
Seth Kaplan's article on the After Babel Substack reads like a secular argument for why youth ministry matters.Joel and Tim trace the arc from 1950s street culture to the latchkey generation to the screen-based void that smartphones were custom-built to fill, and ask what the church uniquely offers in response. The answer, according to both secular sociology and Christian theology, is the same thing: thick, embedded, multi-generational communities where kids are known, challenged, given genuine responsibility and can't just opt out when conflict arises.Tim also pushes back on one of Kaplan's conclusions, and the pushback is worth hearing.00:00 Welcome, studio upgrades, the Soul Revival car door and half marathon training05:50 We Took Away the Phones. Now What? Seth Kaplan's After Babel article10:00 How we lost the street, from 1950s community to suburban isolation13:30 Overprotection, the latchkey generation and the void screens filled18:00 What kids actually lose when they stop playing outside22:00 Organised activities as a poor substitute for free play27:00 Board games, conflict resolution and what teachers are being asked to fix32:00 Scouts, third places and the church as embedded community36:00 The 30-year generational arc: Miranda campus now vs Kirrawee in the 90s43:00 The cognitive shift: from "my parents' church" to "my church"48:00 Sport vs church: what non-negotiables reveal about priorities54:00 Tim's pushback on Kaplan: why experiences AND instruction both matter1:00:00 Church attendance as covenant, not option. Plus Tim's takeawaySubscribe, leave a review, and send your thoughts to joel@shockabsorber.com.au
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
Many churches struggle with ageing congregations - but it doesn't have to stay that way. Explore the key principles and practical support we offer to launch youth ministries in your church and community.Emma is the Limitless Pioneers Team Leader, helping launch new youth ministries across the UK. She was previously part of the Eden Project with The Message Trust and a Youth Pastor for 10 years.
Coffee Conversations w/ Samantha Coffman, Fr. Joshua, and Deacon Bob
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
The Sacred Sanctuary Podcast Instagram: @sacredsanctuarypodcastJonathan's Instagram: @tumtumsongDavid's Instagram: @k1mdavid00:00 - start 09:00 - What prompted YOU to be in Youth Ministry? 26:00 - What kept us grounded in our identity in Christ while leading Youth? 43:12 - Walking in Community 53:10 - The struggle of boasting with David Kim 01:01:40 - How do we not stay prideful while watering the next generation? 01:30:00 - What is Kintsugi?01:34: 40- Advice to Youth PastorsHi y'all, this is Jonathan, who is typing this. I remember when I first asked Rai and David to be on the podcast to share their perspectives and personal journey regarding youth ministry. My hope for listeners, especially youth preachers, as they listen to this episode, is that they are aware that we are literally all in this together. I was personally convinced to talk about this topic because one of the main reasons was that I haven't seen much exposure to youth ministry. Not only do you have 1 perspective, but 3. Obviously, the main goal for this channel is to be peacemakers for the kingdom, and to do that is to stand on God's truth, yet simultaneously have some real and difficult conversations or questions. I hope this helped you in some sort of way, and I'll catch y'all next time. Peace:)See you all on August 1st with the 23nd episode of Season 2:) Our mission at The Sacred Sanctuary Podcast is: Matthew 5:9: " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God.See you all soon, and catch you on August 1st with Episode 23Please don't forget to like and subscribe :)TO WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: / @jonathanysong For business inquiries / Ad placement: email: thesacredsanctuarypodcast@gmail.comCheck The Team Instagram Out: Host/Producer:@jonathanysonggSound Operator: @nahtand_Social Media Manager: @nahtand_ and @alyssashealyVideographer: @zeke.barrera | @nahtand_ | @alyssashealyEditor: @tumtumsong | @zeke.barreraTo listen to this podcast, check it out onSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0AWYKLt...Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Music by Epidemic SoundsLink: https://www.epidemicsound.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 *** 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?
In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the importance of structures in youth ministry that foster team buy-in and engagement. The conversation explores how leaders can create environments that encourage their teams to thrive, emphasizing the balance between understanding team members' personal lives and the vital nature of ministry work. They discuss how to create a thriving ministry culture by setting clear expectations, providing support, and fostering individual growth among team members. The conversation highlights the significance of checking in with leaders, adjusting expectations, and partnering for success in ministry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Conversations02:30 Examples of Just Showing Up12:13 Exploring Team Buy-In and Structures18:11 Balancing Leadership and Team Needs20:31 Casting Vision for Youth Ministry22:45 Setting High Expectations and Individual Gifts28:02 Creating Leadership Opportunities in Ministry32:13 Building a Thriving Ministry Culture35:58 The Importance of Structure and Support40:02 Tailoring Leadership Development for Youth43:59 Checking In and Adjusting Expectations47:54 Partnering for Ministry SuccessLinksPrior Episodes: Working with Volunteers | Helping Volunteers Thrive | Evaluating Your Ministry | End-of-Year Evaluation https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/ The best Antoine de Saint Exupery shirt I could find to buy for Jake: https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Antoine-De-Saint-Exupery-by-helenacooper/178142079/lrcwpizzasidehugs@gmail.com
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=========
Mark is a graduate of The Expositors Seminary (MDiv) and moved to Cape Cod with his family in January 2019 to become the Pastor of Cape Cod Bible Church. Prior to moving to the Cape, Mark served as the Pastor of Youth Ministry and Music Ministry at Grace Bible Church Naples, in Naples, FL. Mark and his wife Kelsey were married in March of 2012 and have 4 beautiful children: Piper, Penelope, Ryle, and Cora.
Effective youth ministry isn't about changing more programs—it's about deep listening and real relationships. Josh Packard, sociologist and researcher, explores how sacred listening transforms faith formation, the unique needs of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why scaling relational ministry requires curiosity and humility.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Markus Watson asks Josh Packard to share the origins and findings of his research on relational ministry.Josh Packard explains that listening itself plays a formative role in faith development, not just as a trust-building step.Relational ministry requires new strategies for scalability, especially with large groups of young people.Josh Packard points out that ministry processes often lag behind the changing needs and contexts of young people.Churches should critically examine whether their programs and timelines match the lives and developmental journeys of today's youth.Josh Packard observes that artificial time containers like confirmation years may not accommodate the real-life disruptions and traumas kids experience.Adapting ministry to stages and individualized journeys, rather than rigid timelines, better serves young people.Josh Packard emphasizes that trust in institutions has shifted toward trust rooted in personal, listening-based relationships.Practicing sacred listening involves a theological commitment to seeing others as made in the image of God (imago dei).Effective listening involves aligning communication with the needs and backgrounds of those being heard, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.Recognizing patterns in conversations helps ministry leaders know whom to focus on, making it possible to scale relational ministry.Josh Packard recommends using tools to systematize relational information and connect young people to multiple trusted adults.A network of trusted adults (ideally five per young person) significantly boosts the impact of any ministry.Humility and genuine curiosity, not judgment or presumption, are essential for adults seeking to connect with and serve youth.Loneliness is now most acute among young people, and ministry approaches need to shift from large events to individualized relationship-building to overcome this challenge.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Future of Faith Sacred Listening StudyBooks mentioned:Faithful Futures, by Josh PackardRelated Episodes:Identity, Belonging, Purpose, with Kara PowellHow Churches Can Engage and Support Gen Z, with Tanita Tualla MaddoxSend me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.
There is so much more to youth ministry than pizza parties and “Chubby Bunny.” But is there a place for fun and games in youth ministry? Danny, Josh, Becca, and Isaiah discuss the role that games can play in youth ministry, namely, to create and build community. They can also pave an important path relationally for gospel-centered conversations. Mike McGarry on Theology of Fun and Games Tips for Gospel-Centered Games in Youth Ministry by Chelsea Kingston Erickson When God Shows Up: A History of Youth Ministry by Mark Senter Subscribe and follow Rooted's youth ministry podcasts: Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable and Youth Ministry Unscripted podcasts. 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.
Kyle and Jason co-host together again as Kyle continues to hand over full hosting duties to Jason. They discuss the topic of manifesting and self-actualization. Kyle asks Jason some questions about his CPYU Parent Prompt on the topic. It leads to a great discussion about biblical identity and how we can help teens navigate these topics as youth workers.
I sit down with Andrew Root to talk about his new book Baal and the Gods of More and the ways fertility idols still shape how we think about growth in the church. We explore how the drive for more - more people, more influence, more momentum - can pull us away from the way of Jesus, even when we think we're being faithful. This conversation moves from Elijah to Mary and reframes growth as being formed into Christ, not building something bigger.Andrew Root (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He writes and researches in the areas of theology, ministry, culture, and younger generations and is the author of more than twenty-five books, including the six-volume Ministry in a Secular Age set. Root is also the coauthor (with Kenda Creasy Dean) of The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry. He serves as staff theologian at Youthfront, is a frequent speaker, and cohosts the Ministry in a Secular Age podcast.Andy's Book:Baal and the Gods of MoreAndy's Recommendation:The Logic of the SpiritConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below NEW PODCAST: American Evangelicals - A History PodcastA thoughtful, deep dive into one of the most talked-about movements in American history.Support the show
Sunday Evening, April 19, 2026Given by Clay Anderson | Pastor of Youth Ministry, Christ Covenant ChurchTo Die is GainGenesis 22Heidelberg Catechism—Lord's Day 16YouTube VideoDownload our mobile app
Mark is a graduate of The Expositors Seminary (MDiv) and moved to Cape Cod with his family in January 2019 to become the Pastor of Cape Cod Bible Church. Prior to moving to the Cape, Mark served as the Pastor of Youth Ministry and Music Ministry at Grace Bible Church Naples, in Naples, FL. Mark and his wife Kelsey were married in March of 2012 and have 4 beautiful children: Piper, Penelope, Ryle, and Cora.
This episode of You Can Mentor tackles the real reasons people hesitate to step into mentoring—and boldly dismantles every excuse holding them back. Through honest conversation and practical wisdom, Zach and Derrick reveal that mentoring isn't about being perfect, relatable, or “qualified,” but about showing up with consistency, love, and a willingness to grow. If you've ever felt unsure or unprepared, this episode will challenge you to see that God can use you right where you are—and that you truly can mentor. 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 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=========
Social Media is like the beast that never sleeps. In this episode, I have two experts to argue both social media philosophies. Should you use a pack that's done for you, so you can set it and forget it? Or should you focus on more custom content for your church instagram feeds? Find out, listen to the debate, and you decide! [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
What if the biggest thing you're missing in ministry… is right in front of you? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message on how prayer changes your awareness, your leadership, and your ability to see what God is doing around you. Drawing from insights by Mark Batterson's 40-Day Prayer Challenge and biblical teachings from Colossians, Ephesians, and Habakkuk, this episode explores how prayer transforms you into what Doug calls a "first-class noticer."
In this episode Alex Rojas and Stacey Sarmiento are joined by Youth Ministry students Bella Limcolioc, Jizele Saquiton and Rafael Perez who just attended their Youth Ministry retreat in March. They recapped retreat especially digging deep into your faith and discovering what people on the outside don't see, but God does
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.=======
Lock-ins... is there a more polarizing youth ministry topic? Should you do them? Are they valuable? Or are they the worst idea ever? In this episode, two youth pastors go head to head, and you get to decide! Take Advantage of Andrew's FREE Lock-in Planning Session: https://www.hybridministry.xyz/contact [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
In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Becca, Isaiah, and Danny talk candidly about productivity as a key component of gospel-centered youth ministry. Productivity is not about chasing results or proving worth, but faithful stewardship of the limited time we've been given. The hosts highlight common obstacles like constant crises, unclear expectations, misalignment with broader church vision, and fluctuating motivation. Then they share tips, tricks, and resources that have helped them in their youth ministry roles. The Busy Youth Minister by Josh Cousineau Redeeming the Time: Managing the Nebulous Work of Youth Ministry by Connor Coskery Youth Ministry Management by Mike Work and Ginny Olson The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Getting Things Done by David Allen Register for the 2026 Rooted Conference 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.
Kyle invites Jason Engle onto the podcast. He re-introduces Jason to our listeners and lets them know that over the next few episodes Jason will be stepping in to take over hosting duties of The Word in Youth Ministry. Kyle will be stepping aside to focus on ministry at his church as well as taking some time to promote his upcoming new book "Youth Ministry and the Vine: A Ministry Mind-Shift for Discipling the Next Generation." Jason and Kyle discuss what the transition will look like, talk about their favorite books of the Bible to teach from, and provide some helpful book resources.
On this episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, host Zach Garza is joined by Steven Murray from Forerunner Mentoring to discuss the power of outdoor adventures in mentoring. They explore how experiences like camping, hiking, and fishing create powerful opportunities for mentees to safely fail, process big emotions, and learn what it means to bear one another's burdens. Through stories from real mentoring trips, they highlight how stepping outside normal routines helps build resilience, deepen relationships, and create lasting memories. 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 *** 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.
Tim Gaddy shares insights and stories about preaching, especially in youth ministry. Youth workers are called to feed God's sheep God's Word through preaching.Find all your youth worker resources at EducateandEngage.com
Terry Mattingly of Rational Sheep Rational Sheep Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture GetReligion.orgThe post Media Coverage of Youth Ministry – Terry Mattingly, 3/18/26 (0771) first appeared on Issues, Etc..