Youth Ministry For The Longer Haul Podcast

Ah, middle school students... They're full of energy, goofy, often smell bad, and are tons of fun.  I think most of us are just glad to have survived middle school and are glad we never have to go back and relive those "glory days." What do we do with Middle School students in our youth ministries though, and how can we make sure they are really getting our best? In this episode we talk all about what youth ministry to middle school students looks like.  Most of all, Chris brings his years of experience to the microphone and pours out tons of wisdom about what makes the middle school years challenging to work with as well as the opportunities that they present. This episode is a must listen for all who work with middle school students. Links mentioned: The Longer Haul Mailing List Welcome to the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast (episode 1) Resources mentioned in this Podcast: http://www.9squareintheair.com/ http://www.carpetball.org/tabledesign.html Brooms for Broomball - http://amzn.to/2HMRRKx Portab

Episode 50 brings BIG CHANGES to the Longer Haul, we also dive into some serious truths about longevity in Youth Ministry and there is even a Live Magician (like for reals...a live magician). In this episode you'll hear about some really exciting and big changes happening at the Longer Haul.  What kind of big changes?  Well you'll just have to give a listen... I'm so excited and know that these will only help strengthen, resource, and equip youth pastors and youth workers to be more effective for the longer haul in youth ministry. And...we're giving away free stuff! Links mentioned: @ChrisTrent Weariness is Part of the Job Choosing to Stay in Youth Ministry when You Can Leave (episode 42) When Youth Pastors Leave Too Often (episode 31) Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Consider This by Chris Trent #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS! If you're enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subscribe an

How do you respond when facing criticism in youth ministry? Let's be honest, ministry can be very personal.  We generally pour ourselves into our youth ministry in practically every way.  So when there is some kind of criticism with how we are doing things, it can be really hurtful. How we deal and address any criticism in youth ministry can be the make or break moment in our longevity.  Beyond this it can be a determining factor to our own personal health and stability.  But how should we respond? In this episode I'm diving into this essential subject.  In this episode you'll learn the value in receiving criticism, how to prevent it--or at least some of it, and the steps you need to take when dealing with it well. Links mentioned: Dealing with Expectations in Youth Ministry (Episode 037) Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition In this particular episode, you will learn: What you can do to help prevent criticism in youth ministr

What does it take to see students in your youth ministry actively and consistently sharing their faith? Getting students to live out and share their faith can be tough.  I mean let's be real, getting them to see their schools as a mission field and notice the lost around them can be difficult.  Getting them to actually share the gospel?  Well, that's another thing altogether. In this episode Greg Stier from Dare2Share Ministries offers up a ton of wisdom.  In this interview you'll learn the values that exist in an evangelistic youth ministry, what it means to be a gospel advancing youth ministry, and a REALLY cool event that Dare2Share is hosting to help you equip your students to share their faith. Links mentioned: Dare2ShareLive.org Dare2Share.org @gregstier gregstier.org Resources mentioned in this Podcast: 21st Century Youth Ministry by Chap Clark Firing Jesus by Greg Stier Gospelize Your Youth Ministry by Greg Stier In this particular episode, you will learn: The MUST HAVE values to REALLY b

What might it be that causes you to leave youth ministry? Maybe that's easy to answer.  Maybe you feel like you're there now. There are lots of reasons you could leave youth ministry.  I've shared previously seven reasons that could be legitimate considerations. Unfortunately most of the time, it isn't these that drive us away. Youth Ministry is tough.  Really tough. And sticking it out for the longer haul is harder that one would think. In this episode I'm sharing six reasons that Youth Pastors leave youth ministry.  Sometimes it means leaving a current position for another.  Sometimes it means leaving ministry altogether. Recognizing and being aware of these could mean the difference between staying or leaving. Links mentioned: The Longer Haul Mailing List Why Youth Pastors Leave Around the 2-3 Year Mark When Youth Pastors Leave Too Often Choosing To Stay When You Can Leave Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Leading On Empty by Wayne Cordeiro In this particular episode, you will learn: Si

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed, on the verge of burnout, and need a downshift in your youth ministry? One of the MAJOR keys to sticking around and have longevity in your youth ministry is being able to recognize and navigate slowing down from time to time.  Sometimes slowing now allows you to do more later. In this episode Justin Knowles shares awesome practical steps to take when you need a downshift in your Youth Ministry.  In this interview you'll learn how to recognize when you need to downshift, what that looks like, and how to go about having the needed conversations to enable you to do so. Links mentioned: When you need to downshift in ministry (blog post on DYM) by Justin Knowles @justinknowles Resources mentioned in this Podcast: The Longer Haul Mailing List An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus' Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling Burnout Graphic from Crossway Slack Wunderlist In this particular episode, you will learn: How to recognize the need to downshift What downshift

Let's be honest the culture has shifted drastically.  We can no longer assume that the teens who come into our ministry have an understanding of even the basics of the Christian faith.  This drastically changes how we minister to youth. So what are the keys to reaching these post-christian students in our youth ministries? In this episode Kolby Milton and I tackle this and more.  In this interview you'll learn the things you need to do, evaluate and consider how to reach these students in your community. Links mentioned: YouthMinistryMedia.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World: A Hopeful Wakeup Call by Brock Morgan Black Nomatic Planner- Agenda, Whiteboard, Organizer, and Daily Planner In this particular episode, you will learn: Essential keys to reaching students in a Post-Christian world Mistakes we often make when attempting to reach lost students The scary exercise Kolby had to do in seminary that has changed what he does in youth ministry HELP OTHER

If you stay in youth ministry long enough you will face a season of a downturn in your youth ministry numbers.  Knowing how to push through this and strengthen your ministry in light of it is essential.  If though you manage this well you can actually come out stronger in the end having gone through this. Managing this well helps keep you from being discouraged, helps you communicate what success really is for your ministry, and helps you strengthen those within your ministry.  It isn't a matter of if this will happen, rather it is one of when it will happen. In this episode Paul Turner and I tackle this and more.  In this interview you'll learn the things you need to do, evaluate and consider you work your way through and lead through a downturn in your youth ministry numbers. Links mentioned: DiscipleProject.net Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Evernote Evernote Essentials TLH014: Seasons in Youth Ministry In this particular episode, you will learn: Why you should expect a downturn in your youth

Bringing in a guest speaker for you youth can be a great thing...or it can go terribly wrong.  So what are the secrets to a great guest speaker? In this episode Chase Snyder and I tackle this and more.  The secrets to a guest speaker aren't complicated, but they are really important.  In this interview you'll learn the things you need to do, ask, and consider BEFORE you bring them in so you can avoid disaster and make sure you bring in a great guest speaker. Links mentioned: MinistryBubble.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Evernote Evernote Essentials Slack Trello Fuge Camps Student Life In this particular episode, you will learn: Expectations for your guest speakers What to ask your guest speakers ahead of the event What, when, and how to communicate to your guest speakers about your event HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS! If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the

What happens when you choose stay in Youth Ministry when you could leave?  It won't take long serving in Youth Ministry before you will hit a point where you feel you could--or should--leave the position you're in.  Choosing to stay in Youth Ministry, and choosing to stay in your position in Youth Ministry can be really difficult. I've written about why you should stay, and why most will leave, but today you'll hear first hand what happens when choosing to stay in Youth Ministry.  It certainly isn't easy, but the payoffs can be HUGE. So, what happens when you stay? Today, Mike Kaczorowski, a listener and reader of the Longer Haul shares his "stay story" and what staying has done for his ministry.  You'll hear how he ended up serving where he is, the opportunity he had to leave, why he stayed, and what staying has done for his ministry. So, if you're struggling with whether or not to stay, listen to Mike's story.  I know you'll find it encouraging. Links mentioned: TLH014: Seasons in Youth Ministry 3 Reaso

Fighting pornography addiction is a battle not to be taken lightly.  If you're in ministry it definitely affects you.  Whether in the lives of the teens you serve, their families, or maybe you're own personal struggle. It is in many cases the BIG secret that seems all too present in the lives of those we serve, and many times in those that are serving.  That there is no question that it is an epidemic. The days of having to go look for pornography are long gone making fighting pornography addiction even more difficult.  With so many carrying around a smartphone with access to the interwebs and all of its perils we must guard our hearts and minds. But, how do we fight pornography addiction?  How can one gain victory over it? Today, David Martin, with I Am Second is back on the show to share his own personal journey as well as some helpful tips and resources with fighting pornography addiction. So, if you're fighting pornography addiction personally, or just helping those you serve, this episode is for you

In ministry we are constantly finding ourselves ministering to many different types of people.  This seems especially true in youth ministry. One group that is often lost in the mix are introverts.  Ministering to introverts brings a unique set of challenges.  Doing so effectively requires intentionality and thoughtfulness in every aspect of our ministries. Added to this the fact that many youth pastors are closet introverts who feel the pressure to be an extrovert, and suddenly we find ourselves conflicted ourselves.  Everything around us seems to be aimed at and geared toward the extrovert making ministering to introverts even more difficult. So how do we minister to the extrovert while effectively ministering to the introvert? Today, Tim Gough, from YouthWorkHacks.com sheds light on this topic bringing loads of thought-provoking wisdom. So if you're naturally an extrovert, this episode is HUGE for learning how to relate to the students within your group who are introverts.  If you're an introvert, lea

Struggle with staying organized in youth ministry?  How can you keep track of everything without going crazy along the way?  How can you keep track of all those receipts?  Wait...anyone else struggle with losing these?  No?  Just me?  Oh, okay. If you have been around the blog or the podcast for a day or two you probably know by now that I LOVE Evernote.  It literally keeps me sane...and employed. Without question Evernote is the most used tool in my toolbox.  So as you can imagine, having the guru of Evernote on the podcast today makes me a bit giddy. Today, Brett Kelly, creator of Evernote Essentials tells us how to use Evernote to help manage our ministries more effectively, and helps us with staying organized in youth ministry with Evernote. And these aren't your normal pointers, and are extremely helpful.  This episode will easily be one of the most practical and helpful of any to date on the podcast. Brett also shares some about Evernote Essentials which in my opinion is a must have, and I would hi

Ever feel overwhelmed at a Youth Ministry Conference?  I know I do. There's always so much to do.  There's so much to see and hear.  Often times if I'm honest I come back more tired than when I left rather than being refreshed and encouraged.  Many times I even return a bit discouraged after hearing all of the things I feel like I should be doing in my ministry and can't do. Today, Rick Lawrence from Group Publishing and Simply Youth Ministry, shares some helpful tips to getting the most out of your next Youth Ministry Conference. And these aren't your normal pointers, and are really helpful things to consider. He also talks about the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference as well and gives us the nitty-gritty about what to expect from it this year. Links mentioned: Group.com SimplyYouthMinistry.com SYMC16.com @RickSkip Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence The Jesus Centered Life by Rick Lawrence Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of

What kind of expectations do you find yourself having to navigate? In this episode we talk all about dealing with expectations in youth ministry.  We talk about what some of those expectations are, where they can come from, and what you can do when managing and dealing with expectations in youth ministry.  We also chat about the importance of networking and what the real purpose should be. Links mentioned: Expectations Youth Pastors Have For Churches on Day One 20 Youth Pastor Expectations that Churches Have on Day One After9Ministry podcast @ZacWorkun   Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Remind.com Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible In this particular episode, you will learn: What expectations you may face What to do when dealing with expectations in youth ministry Why networking matters and how to do it the right way Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available

When it comes to longevity in youth ministry there are many things that are important to consider.  If you fail to do so, you will never make it in youth ministry over the long haul. In today's episode you'll find out some crucial things you need to consider with it comes to your ministry.  These will make or break you. Links mentioned: Benchmarks in your Youth Ministry (blog post) Seasons in your Youth Ministry (podcast episode) Minivan by Foreknown @ChrisTrent YellowShoeTravel.com YM360 Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Consider This by Chris Trent #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World Lion of War Series by Cliff Graham Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible In this particular episode, you will learn: Crucial Considerations for Longevity Warnings when starting out Why minivans are cool...well, kinda Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available o

Knowing how to set goals in Youth Ministry is extremely important.  Setting the right goals and setting them correctly is even more important. In today's episode you'll find how to set goals in your Youth Ministry.  These will help you stay encouraged and moving forward. Links mentioned: Benchmarks in your Youth Ministry (blog post) Seasons in your Youth Ministry (podcast episode) @jodyLivingston The Longer Haul on Facebook Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible Jesus, Continued...: Why the Spirit Inside You is Better than Jesus Beside You In this particular episode, you will learn: Why setting goals is so important 6 Keys to setting goals the right way How setting goals can help you stay encouraged and stay longer.New Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS! If you're enjoying the podcast p

If you want to be an effective leader you MUST be a consistent reader.  Reading is one of the best (and cheapest) way to learn and grow.  Many struggle with reading consistently or at all though.  It is a worthwhile discipline to be learned. In today's episode you'll find how to build better reading habits and finish at least one book at week (if not more). Links mentioned: @jodyLivingston The Longer Haul on Facebook Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible Remember Everything You Read: The Evelyn Wood 7-Day Speed Reading and Learning Program In this particular episode, you will learn: Why reading is so important for Youth Pastors and Youth Workers Practical How-to's on how to read more and faster Tools and helps to read more and faster Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS! If you're enjoying t

What does it mean to really build disciples in your Youth Ministry?  What does it take? In today's episode Duffy Robbins joins me to talk about how to build a youth ministry that builds disciples. This is a great episode and is packed with lots of practical advice and how to's. Links mentioned: @duffyrobbins Eastern.edu Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Building a Ministry that Builds Disciples by Duffy Robbins The Ministry of Nurture by Duffy Robbins In this particular episode, you will learn: What real discipleship looks like in Youth Ministry The must haves every Youth Pastor and Youth Ministry needs for discipleship Why there really is no silver bullet Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS! If you're enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subscribe and write a review on iTunes.  It goes a long way in helping other Youth Pastors and Youth Workers find the podcast. You can do

Every Youth Pastor wants youth who share the gospel at school.  Wanting that in our students and creating that in our students is an entirely different thing altogether. In today's episode David Martin from I Am Second joins me to talk about how to help youth share the gospel at school. This is a great episode and is packed with lots of practical advice, resources, how to's. Links mentioned: @realdavidmartin I Am Second I Am Second - Students TLH025: Getting Your Youth To Share Their Faith Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields The Ministry of Nurture by Duffy Robbins Throat Coat (magical goodness) Tea In this particular episode, you will learn: How to help your students use story to share the gospel The importance of 3 words The most important quality a Youth Pastor needs for students who share their faith Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Grab a free 30 trial and free download of any of the 250,000+ books available on Audible HELP OTHER YOUTH PA