Student Ministry Podcast

How can we multiply the amount of teenagers we’re reaching in our community? Many of us might think it has to do with bigger events and more programs, but our guest, "Mr. Bill" Freund, who has been a very successful youth pastor for a long time, says it’s more about focusing on the right things. What are those right things? Get ready to take some notes from all the amazing wisdom Mr. Bill shares on this episode of Student Ministry Connection!   Links referenced in this episode:  Follow Bill on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mrbill6761  Follow Bill on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mrbill6761  Register for The Orange Conference at https://theorangeconference.com  Save 10% off your OC24 ticket by using promo code: OC24NNYM10  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or co

Each year, high school seniors are excited to finish their education and graduate. Many churches, however, are not too excited, because they fear these students will also graduate from their faith in God. Many of us are all too familiar with teenagers who walk away from the church and their faith when they leave youth group. So in this episode, Steve shares 5 tips for helping students not graduate from their faith.  Links referenced in this episode:  Learn more about the statistics and research surrounding teens leaving the church at https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/are-young-people-really-leaving-christianity/  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: https:

What does it look like to not only share Jesus with the next generation but to also equip parents as the spiritual leaders in their homes? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’ll talk with Sam McDowell, author of Parent Equip, about what all of that means and share some practical steps on how youth leaders can take equip parents in what the Bible says is their role.  Links referenced in this episode:  Check out Sam's website at https://sammcdowell.com and his book at http://parentequip.com (discount code shared near the end of the interview)  Follow Sam on Instagram at https://instagram.com/sam__mcdowell  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: https://

 Should we take a  break from our student ministry over the holidays, canceling our programs that week. I've heard this question from youth pastors a lot. And my short answer is yes, but today on student ministry connection, I'm going to share five reasons of why it's important for you to take a break over the holidays.  Links referenced in this episode:  Read about 5 Youth Ministry fixtures that need to die at https://bit.ly/5mymftntd  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Contribute to the 2024 Youth Pastor Compensation Survey before November 30, 2024, at the following lin

While we often talk about the importance of partnering with parents, what does that actually look like? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we brought on a parent to ask her directly what she has appreciated and what she believes all youth pastors should know.  Links referenced in this episode:  Email Michelle at teamgreger@gmail.com  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Contribute to the 2024 Youth Pastor Compensation Survey before November 30, 2024, at the following link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx-js1VfoX8scimVovqAD9KxXD_-RS7aipfMHOCclQ9W32

How can we take a Cobra Kai approach to our ministry? I don’t necessarily mean how can we strike first and strike hard and show no mercy, but how can we take some of the principles we see in that show and apply them to our ministry with teenagers. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Travis Deans joins us to discuss what we can learn from Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence, and he also provides 5 things that student ministry must do to keep moving forward.   Links referenced in this episode:  Email Travis at tdeans@nnym.org  Read Travis' blog post at https://www.youthworkers.net/blog/cobra-kai-youth-ministry-3160.htm  Learn more about 9 Month Mission Trip at https://www.9monthmissiontrip.com/  More from Travis on episode 87 - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/087-9-month-mission-trip-with-travis-deans/  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at

Are you a bivocational youth leader, or are you curious what it’s like to be bivocational, where your ministry is not your only source of income? Maybe you’re wondering how you can even do that. While it’s not for everyone, Caleb Julin joins us to talk about how he’s balancing everything and also writing a huge Bible study series that he’s giving away. Even if you’re full time, you will still learn a lot from Caleb.  Links referenced in this episode:  Connect with Caleb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.julin  Join the Bivocational Youth Pastors group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2144550492548279  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Fo

Once we have our student ministry team, and we’ve begun to train them, what do we do with them? Where exactly can they serve in the ministry, and how do we set them up for success now and in the future? This is part 3 of Student Ministry Connection’s mini-series on teams, and today we’re talking about sending that team through empowerment and multiplication. Links referenced in this episode:  Episode 48 on Networking - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/048-networking-with-jonny-radcliff/ Episode 100 on Networking - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/100-importance-of-networking-with-kevin-miles/ Episode 107 on Connecting with other Ministries - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/107-how-to-connect-with-others-in-student-ministry/ Episode 61 on Importance of Leaders - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/061-the-importance-of-leaders-with-billy-mcmahan/ Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at htt

How do we help our leaders become better leaders, setting them up to succeed? And how can we continue to develop them with the skills and abilities they need, as well as help them grow as a follow of Jesus? This is part 2 of Student Ministry Connection’s mini-series on teams. On this episode, we talk about equipping and discipling them.  Links referenced in this episode:  DYM's Youth Ministry University - https://www.ymuniversity.com  DYM's National Day of Training - https://trainmyvolunteers.com  YM360's MyYouthMin - https://myyouthmin.com  Leadertreks - https://trainmyvolunteers.com  Axis - https://axis.org  CPYU - https://cpyu.org  Lead Small book - https://amzn.to/44HSYo7  Lead Small study guide - https://orangeleaders.com/resources/lead-small-study-guide/ Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, sp

Whether you’re a full-time youth pastor or a very part-time volunteer, along the way, we've all realized we can only do so much our own. On top of that, we need to build something that doesn’t rely solely on us. So welcome to Student Ministry Connection’s 3-part mini-series of podcast episodes focused on student ministry teams. This episode is all about forming and onboarding your team.  Links referenced in this episode:  Blog: Creating a Volunteer Strategy - https://stevecullum.com/2018/05/14/creating-a-volunteer-strategy-in-student-ministry-oc18/ Episode 69: Recruiting a Great Team - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/069-recruiting-a-great-team-with-steve-cullum/ Episode 61: The Importance of Leaders - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/061-the-importance-of-leaders-with-billy-mcmahan/ Episode 82: Wearing Many Hats - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/082-wearing-many-hats-with-jeremey-veal/ Episode 104: The Volunteer Playbook - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast

It’s no secret that teenagers all over are dealing with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and all kinds of mental health struggles. So how do we support them? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we are joined by Dr. Chinwé Williams to talk about mental health and teenagers. Among many things, Dr. Williams is a licensed and board-certified counselor, supervisor, speaker, and author of Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens Through the Power of Connection.  Links referenced in this episode:  Get a chance to win one of Dr. Williams' books by liking this episode's post on Instagram and leave a comment. @studentministryconnection  Check out Dr. Williams' website at https://drchinwewilliams.com  Follow Dr. Williams on Instagram @dr.chinwewilliams  Purchase her "Seen" book - https://amzn.to/3Kxlu4h  Purchase her "Beyond the Spiral" book - https://amzn.to/3KzEvDc  Learn more about NNYM's Footprints and Funds campaign at https://donorbox.org/footprints2023/fundraiser/steve-cullum  Learn

Camps, mission trips, and retreats are great for those times when we can get away and spend longer uninterrupted time with a group of leaders and students. But how do we make it through those times without feeling incredibly tired and burned out? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve offers 3 tips that can help you not only survive but thrive during camps and extended ministry programs. He also provides some other resources and reads some tips provided by some of our community.  Links referenced in this episode:  Episode 34: Overcoming Burnout with James Sabin - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/034-overcoming-burnout-with-james-sabin/ Episode 90: Avoiding Burnout with James Sabin - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/090-avoiding-burnout-with-james-sabin/ Youth Ministry SoulKeeper Podcast - https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/youth-ministry-soul-keeper  Free Refills Podcast - https://www.youthworkers.net/podcast.htm  The Art of Rest by Adam Mabry - https://amzn.to/

How do we prepare for camp, what do we do during camp, and what is our process for following up and evaluating after camp? It's important to have dedicated experiences within student ministry like camps, mission trips, retreats, and more. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Jeff Harding, of the Youth Ministry Maverick podcast, shares some wise tips on preparation, engagement, and follow-up as we dive into the secrets of a successful camp experience.  Links referenced in this episode:  Check out Jeff's Youth Ministry Maverick podcast at https://youthministrymaverick.com  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's NNYM newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Con

How do I start a youth group? How do I re-build a student ministry? How do I go from being a volunteer to the paid youth pastor? What should I focus on when starting a youth ministry? How do I go from ministering at one church to another one? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve gives 5 tips addressing these questions.  Links referenced in this episode:  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve and Yvette's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Picture this… You’ve gone to a conference, or you’ve read this amazing book, you found a great curriculum, or you heard about this awesome event from another youth pastor, or even from a podcast. And you’re so excited to put it into practice, but then it fails. What happened? More than likely, you didn’t contextualize the idea for your ministry. On this episode, Brooklyn Lindsey joins Steve to talk about adapting ministry ideas for your own context.   Links referenced in this episode:  Follow Brooklyn on Instagram at @brooklynlindsey  Check out Brooklyn's work at stuffyoucanuse.org  Check out Coy and Brooklyn's church at somos.church  Find a network or start one at http://nnym.org  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve and Yvette's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read

Are you struggling to connect with others doing student ministry in your community? On this "quick-hit" episode, we'll share a couple tips on how to find other youth leaders in your area to get connected and begin collaborating for a more impactful ministry.   Links referenced in this episode:  Find a network or start one at http://nnym.org  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve and Yvette's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Be sure to join us in prayer every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET.  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Sha

Middle schoolers can be an interesting bunch, can’t they? One moment, they are bouncing off the walls; and the next, you can have a really meaningful conversation with them about their purpose in the world. And sometimes, those are happening at the exact same time. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we talk with Heather Mahoney about how middle school ministry has changed over the years, what to keep in mind when working with middle schoolers, and share a few tips to maximize your ministry.  Links mentioned during this episode:  Email Heather at heather@crossroadsgrace.org  Follow Heather on Instagram - @heatherthemahoney  Follow Heather on Twitter - @ettermahoney  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM in episode 105 and at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's NNYM ministry newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support Steve's ministry with NNYM by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at ht

Steve has recently answered God's call to be a full-time missionary with National Network of Youth Ministries. So today on the podcast, he'll explain what led to this decision, why this mission is so important within the world of student ministry, what he will be doing as a missionary, and share some ways you can support and partner with the ministry.  Links mentioned during this episode:  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve and Yvette's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Be sure to join us in prayer every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2p

Would you like to recruit more volunteers and build a thriving team to reach even more teenagers for Jesus? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve is joined by Nick Blevins, author of The Volunteer Playbook, co-founder of Ministry Boost, and NextGen Pastor at Community Christian Church in Baltimore, MD, to discuss how to better recruit, train, and empower ministry volunteers.  Links mentioned during this episode: Buy a copy of The Volunteer Playbook at https://amzn.to/40phLLy  Win a copy of The Volunteer Playbook (until May 2, 2023) at https://bit.ly/volunteer-playbook-giveaway  Check out The Volunteer Playbook website at http://volunteerplaybook.com  Check out Ministry Boost at http://ministryboost.org  Check out Nick's website at https://nickblevins.com  Check out Nick's Family Ministry Podcast at https://nickblevins.com/family-ministry-podcast  Follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickblevins  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/s

How do you define success in ministry? Are you always striving for higher attendance and bigger programs? Or is ministry success something different? On this episode, we’ll talk with Dan Istvanik about what success should look like in student ministry and how you can begin to measure the right things to know whether you are succeeding or not.  Links mentioned during this episode: Email Dan at distvanik@youthminhub.com  Check out Youth Ministry Hub at https://youthminhub.com  Follow Dan & Youth Min Hub on Twitter: @YouthMinHub  Follow Dan & Youth Min Hub on Instagram: @Youth_Min_Hub  Book Dan to speak at https://youthminhub.com/speaking  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Be sure to join us in prayer from wherever you are every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET.  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G S