Youth Ministry For The Longer Haul Podcast

I don't think most Youth Pastors take a position thinking they will leave soon.  The reality is though that for many this is the case.  Many times Youth Pastors leave too often.  The damage left behind as a result can be devastating. In today's episode I interview on of my students and he shares what it is like to be on the receiving end when Youth Pastors leave too often. This is a great episode and is packed with really helpful insight and perspective. Links mentioned: How to make changes without getting fired How to kill the sacred cow Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung In this particular episode, you will learn: What students deal with when youth pastors come and go How to overcome apathy in students when you're new Important factors when transitioning in and out of new ministries 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 ple

If you've been in Youth Ministry for more than a day or two you know that burnout is a real possibility for anyone in ministry. In today's episode Ben Trueblood joins me to talk about burnout in Youth Ministry and how to avoid it.  This is a great episode and is packed with lots of practical advise and how to's. Links mentioned: @bentrueblood http://www.lifeway.com/studentministry/ 5 Reasons You Struggle To Get Along With Your Pastor TLH007: Why They Stay Resources mentioned in this Podcast: The Gospel Project for Students Why They Stay by Steve Parr In this particular episode, you will learn: Signs of burnout in Youth Ministry Causes of burnout in Youth Ministry How to avoid and come back from burnout in Youth Ministry 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 oth

As a Youth Pastor you often find yourself wearing many hats.  There also come times when you must assume additional responsibilities.  In this episode I'm giving you six lessons for taking on additional responsibilities. Links mentioned: TLH007: Why They Stay TLH024: Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Building The All Star Team Course The upcoming book by Jeremy Lee and Jim Burns: Pass it On The upcoming book by Steve Parr: Why They Stay In this particular episode, you will learn: One mistake we often make when we are new to a Youth Ministry How to approach new responsibilities 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 that right here! Support the Show

It's a little Q & A today on the podcast.  What things should a youth pastor do when first starting out?  How should a volunteer or bi-vocational youth pastor best spend their time? Links mentioned: TLH008: What to do with busy teens with Aaron Helman TLH006: Crafting Vision for Youth Ministry with Nate Turner   In this particular episode, you will learn: What kind of things a new Youth Pastor should focus on How to prioritize and make best use of your time as a volunteer Youth Pastor Show Sponsor: Xorbee.com - Be sure to use the discount code "TLH" to save 10% at checkout! 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 that right here! Support the Show

Youth Pastors often find themselves serving in a dual role within their church.  How do you manage it?  How do you get it done?  In this episode we tackle how to do it well. Links mentioned: DownloadYouthMinistry.com @JustinKnowles3 Resources mentioned in this Podcast: The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration Download Youth Ministry In this particular episode, you will learn: Advantages/disadvantages of being dual role Tips for getting it all done What if you don't have team (yet)? Show Sponsor: Xorbee.com - Be sure to use the discount code "TLH" to save 10% at checkout! 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 that right here! Support the Show

Having the right tool for the job is essential.  This is especially important in youth ministry.  In this episode I'm giving you the top 5 tools to help manage your youth ministry. Links mentioned: Evernote Essentials Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Click Here to Download The 5 Top Tools I Use To Manage My Youth Ministry In this particular episode, you will learn: Tools to help manage the day-to-day of youth ministry Tools to help you manage your team Tools to help you be more effective as a Youth Pastor Show Sponsor: Xorbee.com - Be sure to use the discount code "TLH" to save 10% at checkout! 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 that right here! Support the Show

Teaching your youth to share their faith is one thing...getting them to actually share it is another thing altogether.  In this episode of the podcast Dr. Alvin Reid shares how to help get your youth to actually share their faith. This episode is packed with resources, helps, and practical steps to get your youth to share their faith. Links mentioned: AlvinReid.com @alvinreid ViewTheStory.com gregstier.org Resources mentioned in this Podcast: As You Go by Alvin Reid Get Out: Student Ministry in the Real World by Alvin Reid The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission by John Dickson Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris Margin by Richard Swenson Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung Almost Christian by Kenda Dean ViewTheStory.com Three Circles Sharing Jesus without Freaking Out: Evangelism the Way You Were Born to Do It In this particular episode, you will learn: Practical steps to take to help youth share their faith Resources and ideas to help youth What Youth Pastors need to be d

Are you effectively partnering with parents in your Youth Ministry? In today's episode Jeremy Lee from ParentMinistry.net shares why this is important, and some helpful tools to do it effectively.  Make sure you stick around to the end of the episode where Jeremy gives an AWESOME free resource to listeners! Links mentioned: ParentMinistry.net Parent Ministry Podcast Resources mentioned in this Podcast: A REALLY cool freebie In this particular episode, you will learn: Why partnering with parents in important for you personally Why partnering with parents is essential for your students How to partner with parents more effectively 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 that right here! Support the Show

When should you write your own Youth Ministry curriculum and how do you do it well? In today's episode we are giving you practical and helpful tips for creating curriculum that will really teach your students in a way they will process and learn.  Kenny and Elle Campbell share from their experience crafting and creating youth ministry resources and lessons. Links mentioned: StuffYouCanUse.org Youth Ministry Answers Podcast Resources mentioned in this Podcast: It's Just a Phase In this particular episode, you will learn: When you should write your own instead of using already made curriculum The 5 step process of creating a great message How to craft great small group questions 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 that right here! Support the Show

What if you could REALLY get Adults to pray for students in your Youth Ministry? In today's episode we are tackling that very topic.  Tony Souder shares about the Pray For Me Campaign and how you can launch it in your church. Links mentioned: Pray For Me Campaign Chattanooga Youth Network THL007: Why They Stay Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship In this particular episode, you will learn: Why having more adults investing in students matters How to foster authentic relationships between adults and youth How to get adults to REALLY pray for your students 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 that right here! Support the Show

Summer in Youth Ministry can look WAY different from the school year.  With summer comes huge potential for your Youth Ministry. This doesn't happen automatically though.  It cannot be assumed.  So what things are needed to make sure that you really do make the most of your Youth Ministry in Summer? Links mentioned: Building the All Star Team TLH008: What To Do With Busy Teens Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Evernote Evernote Essentials In this particular episode, you will learn: How to accomplish more in less over the summer What things you can do to be ready for fall Practical steps to take to make sure you make you summer in Youth Ministry a success 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 that right here! Support the Show

What does a vibrant Youth Ministry look like?  You might be surprised.  In today's episode Mark Oestreicher (Marko) shares 4 qualities of a vibrant Youth Ministry.  These are qualities that ANY Youth Ministry COULD have.  There are some huge takeaways from this episode. Links mentioned: WhyIsMarko.com @markosbeard TheYouthCartel.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Hopecasting: Finding, Keeping and Sharing the Things Unseen Saying Is Believing: The Necessity of Testimony in Adolescent Spiritual Development The Summit In this particular episode, you will learn: What qualities are needed for a vibrant Youth Ministry What students are thinking when they think of you Practical steps to implementing these qualities in your Youth Ministry I need your help!  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 that right here! Support the Show

In a culture that tells students it is all about them, how do we inspire teens to serve others?  How do we encourage them so see those around them and be moved with compassion to serve? In today's episode Brooklyn Lindsey shares how to inspire teens to be more and do more, especially when it comes to serving others globally.  You'll also hear some lessons she learned early on in her ministry. Links mentioned: brooklynlindsey.com @brooklynlindsey justicemovement.com @thejustmove Resources mentioned in this Podcast: The Wisdom of Stability: Rooting Faith in a Mobile Culture The Kingdom Experiment, Youth Edition: A Community Practice on Intentional Living XP3 Middle School Curriculum In this particular episode, you will learn: Lessons in stability from Brooklyn's early years in ministry How to inspire students to serve others Way to get students involved serving other globally I need your help!  If you're enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subscribe and write a review on iTunes.  

Change is inevitable.  Regardless of how long you've been serving where you are you will need to make changes in Youth Ministry.  This can certainly be tricky and there are tons of examples of how to do it poorly.  The question is then, how do you do that without royally ticking everyone off and getting yourself fired? In today's episode I'm giving you 5 keys to making changes in your Youth Ministry without getting fired.  These are easy, actionable items that are essential to making changes the right way.  The truth is, how you make the change is almost as important as the change your making. Links mentioned: Why Your Youth Ministry Numbers Are Seen As Success Resources mentioned in this Podcast Bruchko by Bruce Olson In this particular episode, you will learn: Essential keys to make changes successfully Why waiting for 1 year to make changes isn't really the magic pill Why little changes can be worse than a big one I need your help!  If you're enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subs

The transition from Youth Ministry to life that follows is crucial for the longevity of your student's faith.  How do you do that? In today's episode Shay Osborne shares from his experience working as a Youth Pastor, College Campus Missionary, and Pastor with practical help and direction on successfully transitioning your Youth to College. Links mentioned: TLH007: Why They Stay (Keeping Teens From Graduating From God) WinchesterChurch.com Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Concentric Circles of Concern: Seven Stages for Making Disciples Gospel-Centred Life In this particular episode, you will learn: An essential step in preparing students before they leave your ministry Practical steps to encourage students AFTER they leave your ministry Examples of how to challenge college students to reach their campus   I need your help!  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

How do you create real community within your youth leaders?  How long does it take? In today's episode Terry Huey dives in with practical help on how to begin building community within the team in your Youth Ministry. Links mentioned: TLH012: What Youth Leaders Need From Their Youth Pastor @TerryHuey Terry Huey on Instagram Turned By Design Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry: A Personal and Practical Guide to Starting Right Youth Ministry That Transforms (YS Academic) Click Here to Get The 5 Top Tools I Use To Manage My Youth Ministry Slack.com In this particular episode, you will learn: Three essentials in building community in your Youth Leaders How long it really takes to build community in your Youth Leaders Practical ways to work towards community Giveaways!  2 Ways to Win FREE stuff! Win $100 Amazon Gift Card Win a bunch of Youth Ministry Goodies! I need your help!  If you're enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subscribe and write a r

What if I could go back and start over?  What things would I do differently? In today's episode I'm giving you the five things I would do differently if I could go back and start over.  These things are really simple, but REALLY important! Regardless of whether you are new to Youth Ministry or a Youth Ministry veteran I think you'll find these important for your ministry. Links mentioned: If I Could Say One Thing To A Youth Pastor TLH003: Youth Ministry Lessons From A Rookie TLH006: Crafting Vision For Your Ministry TLH007: Why They Stay (Keeping Teens From Graduating From God) A Crucial Element in Your Leadership (This Will Make or Break You) Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Foolproof Fundraising 5 Tools I'm Using To Manage My Youth Ministry In this particular episode, you will learn: Mistakes that many Youth Pastors make early in their ministry The number one thing I tell Youth Pastors Steps to finding a mentor in Youth Ministry Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Free 30 trial and your choice of a

Want to be in your ministry for a long time?  You'll need to know this. In every Youth Ministry there are certain seasons that can be expected.  Knowing what these are and being prepared for them when they come can make or break you.  If you are not prepared for these when they come; you will find yourself looking for greener pastures quickly. Regardless of whether you are new to Youth Ministry or a Youth Ministry veteran, you'll benefit from knowing these six seasons in your ministry. Links mentioned: Why Youth Pastors leave around the 2-3 year mark 3 Reasons You Should Stay in Your Current Youth Ministry Position TLH006: Crafting Vision For Your Ministry Resources mentioned in this Podcast: The Ministry of Nurture (How to build real-life faith into your kids) Raising the Bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millennium In this particular episode, you will learn: What the key seasons are in your ministry so you can be prepared What to look for and how to survive difficult points in ministry When you ca

Balancing family and Youth Ministry is an impossible task.  Today my guest is my amazing wife Sarah Livingston.  We give you an honest inside look at how we manage our family and Youth Ministry.  We share what works...what hasn't always, and give you some practical advice on making it all work. Links mentioned: Dear Youth Pastor, Stop Fighting For Balance The Key to REAL Influence In Youth Ministry @sarahlivingston https://instagram.com/livingladydesigns Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life Graceful (For Young Women): Letting Go of Your Try-Hard Life In this particular episode, you will learn: How we manage our family and Youth Ministry Helpful advice for making it all work The challenges we face in our family and ministry Show Sponsor: Audible.com - Free 30 trial and your choice of a free book.   Support the Show

Having a team around you is SO IMPORTANT.  Those Youth Leaders that serve alongside you have things that they need from their Youth Pastor.  What are they?  Matthew Hart shares from his years of Youth Ministry experience to help you invest well in your Youth Leaders and learn what Youth Leaders need from Youth Pastors. Links mentioned: When You Want To Stay and Can't (part 1) When You Want To Stay and Can't (part 2) Communicating with Parents (and what your biggest problem probably is) Communicating with Parents (6 FREE ways to do it more effectively) @RidingPastor Resources mentioned in this Podcast: Youth Ministry Tracker App Slack.com Anonymous: Jesus' hidden years...and yours Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry: A Personal and Practical Guide to Starting Right Refuel: An Uncomplicated Guide to Connecting with God In this particular episode, you will learn: What Youth Leaders expect from Youth Pastors How to build community among your Youth Leaders How to defend your call to Youth Ministry bibli