My Third Decade In Youth Ministry

Longest episode yet, and it’s talking about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I made a commitment for 2019 to re-watch every MCU movie, then realized I might as well do this leading into Avengers: End Game. I wasn’t alone, so 3 other youth pastors join me to talk through their Marvel re-watch experience. We spoil a lot of the previous 21 movies as we share, and in the final 30 minutes we play out a lot of speculation. Sit back and enjoy.MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:-Watch the MCU in chronological order according to the MCU timeline: https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/8eqqgo/my_friends_and_i_have_been_watching_the_entire/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x -Ironman didn’t have a script: https://io9.gizmodo.com/jeff-bridges-admits-iron-man-movie-had-no-script-5417310?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=gizmodo_copy&utm_campaign=top -Universal and Disney came together to pull of Stan Lee’s cameo in Captain Marvel: From Marvel Us Disney Podcast (story starts at 11:40) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/

Every once in a while I’m going to highlight attitudes and/or actions that can stunt or kill longevity in youth ministry or at the same church. Today I focus in on The Big 3; three things that, when handled inappropriately will not only end your time at your church, but do significant damage to you and the ministry.NORTHEAST US FRIENDS, CHECK OUT THE YOUTH LEADER SUMMIT at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference May 22-24. Join Todd and Josh Griffin! More info at http://www.hcbcyouthleadersummit.com/ Send me your epic fail, embarrassing moment, or story that just sums up youth ministry, and you could be featured in the opener of an upcoming episode. DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in othis online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot The Sponsor: http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthmin

My story is about longevity in youth ministry and at the same church, but what happens when staying at the same church is not an option? How do you transition well and keep in youth ministry for the long haul? Enjoy Todd Pearage’s story! There is much to learn from him:Mentioned in the show:SIGN UP FOR 30 DAYS OF DYM GOLD MEMBERSHIP, and help my wife and I get three days away to California!!!! If you sign up through MY LINK (http://fbuy.me/mfug_) you help me with a chance to win a three day trip to California, plus I’m throwing some added incentives. Send me a screen shot of your confirmation, I will throw in some freebies as well.1. My Third Decade stickers and a button if you haven’t gotten one yet. (Value $2.50 plus shipping and bragging rights)2. Dropbox link to a one off message, 4 games (one being a special version of 12 in 12), 30 day devotional, and an interactive worship experience... all not yet released on DYM... (combined value approx. $35). 3. You will get a shout out from Moses on an upcoming

I put a call out on Instagram for some questions, and I got some great ones, so this episode walks through the following:-What responsibilities do you give middle school students in your ministry?-What’s been the biggest thing to change in student ministry in the last 20 years for you?-Favorite pizza topping?-Favorite scripture/story and why?-How can I slow down my male pattern baldness?-What’s your take on the sports-as-competition-for-youth-group-commitments issue?-Getting ready to lose several leaders after this school year. What are great recruiting tips?-If your spouse isn’t in ministry with you nor is that their calling, how do you include them?SIGN UP FOR 30 DAYS OF DYM GOLD MEMBERSHIP, and help my wife and I get three days away to California!!!! If you sign up through MY LINK (http://fbuy.me/mfug_) you help me with a chance to win a three day trip to California, plus I’m throwing some added incentives. Send me a screen shot of your confirmation, I will throw in some freebies as well.1. My Third Deca

Welcome to a different type of episode. In Time Capsule Epsiodes, I’m going to either go back to a specific year and share experiences, or pick out a highlight from every year since I’ve started, then give you my top 3-5 of each of those years. To start it off, I’m going deeply theological and heavy in ministry with… MOVIES. These are my favorite movies from each year I’ve been in ministry, and in the end I narrow it down to my top 5.You can see the entire list at: http://www.mythirddecade.com/23-years-23-movies/ SIGN UP FOR 30 DAYS OF DYM GOLD MEMBERSHIP, and help my wife and I get three days away to California!!!! If you sign up through MY LINK (http://fbuy.me/mfug_) you help me with a chance to win a three day trip to California, plus I’m throwing some added incentives. Send me a screen shot of your confirmation, I will throw in some freebies as well.1. My Third Decade stickers and a button if you haven’t gotten one yet. (Value $2.50 plush shipping and bragging rights)2. Dropbox link to a one off message

Brock O’Dell and John Michael Lindsay both serve on the Junior High Staff of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. If you are familiar with the Download Youth Ministry World, they have created some of the best games DYM has to offer (like Dead Cat, Maze Craze, Jingle Battles, MQ, just to name a few). In this episode we talk about collaboration, the value of games, and some best practices on leading games. Check out John and Brock’s games at the DYM store. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=232 Send me your epic fail, embarrassing moment, or story that just sums up youth ministry, and you could be featured in the opener of an upcoming episode.NEW SPONSOR!! Emory University’s Candler School of Theology Looking to further your education, build your critical skills in ministry? Check them out at http://candler.emory.edu/mythirddecadeDYM University. If you haven’t, jump in othis online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasin

Meet the replacement of my replacement. Sam Olson is the High School Pastor at my church. He is the 5th person on staff to lead our High School Ministry, and all 5 people are still on staff at our church in different roles. We talk about that, along with a lot of other great stuff. You can find Sam all over Social Media as @SamOlson_13Send me your epic fail, embarrassing moment, or story that just sums up youth ministry, and you could be featured in the opener of an upcoming episode. Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (released monthly): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot The Sponsor: http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE f

Run the Race is in theaters February 22nd, 2019! A great inspirational film for your youth group or family with great themes to discuss together. Enjoy this special show with executive producer Robby Tebow! Derry Prenkert, host of the My Third Decade podcast here on the DYM Podcast Network, speaks with him in this exclusive interview just 10 days before release. If you don't subscribe to My Third Decade, please make sure you find his show here:Run the Race Official Sitehttp://runtheracemovie.com DYM's Youth Event Guide for Run the Racehttps://www.downloadyouthministry.com/run-the-race-youth-event-guide My Third Decade in Youth Ministry Podcast w/Derry Prenkerthttps://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/my-third-decade/ Reeling from his mother’s death and his father’s abandonment, Zach, an All-State athlete, finds glory on the football field, working to earn a college scholarship and the brothers’ ticket out of town. When a devastating injury puts Zach—and his dreams—on the sidelines, David laces up his track cl

It's just me in your ear holes. Some recommendations, a powerful story of a former student breaking the silence on an important ministry topic, and a principle that has been key to help me think longevity inside youth ministry.Mentioned in the show:-5 Star Ratings and Reviews for this or any other DYM Podcast Network Show are appreciated.- The updated Super Sexy Super Pack on DYM https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/super-sexy-super-pack 11 total resources now! 3 series (one JH, one HS and one Parent), 5 games, 2 devotionals, and one set of Instagram images that can all stand separate or can create one killer month of relationship, dating and sex content for your Student Ministry.- 3 movies to check out: 1. 8th Grade is on Amazon Prime2. Fyre Fraud on Hulu3. Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened- Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (1st edition not released yet): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter - Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online v

I’ve talked about sex and dating with students a lot over the years. However, in 2016, I did a deeper evaluation on the why, who, what, when, and how of covering these topics inside our ministry. I share what I learned and tell you about a resource packet that is about to get an updated release on DYM. Mentioned in the show:- The updated Super Sexy Super Pack on DYM (comes out Monday, January 28): https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/super-sexy-super-pack 11 total resources now! 3 series (one JH, one HS and one Parent), 5 games, 2 devotionals, and one set of Instagram images that can all stand separate or can create one killer month of relationship, dating and sex content for your Student Ministry.- YM Hacks most recent podcast Episode on balancing student and leader investment: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-48-hacks-on-how-balance-investing-into-leaders/id1229403372?i=1000428200194&mt=2 - Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (1st edition not released yet): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter - B

At the beginning of 2018, I set a goal to realease 30 episodes of this podcast, and on this last Thursday of 2018 my this is my 30th episode* #goalz Mentioned in the show:- Youth Pastor Diet: http://youthpastordiet.com Starts January 1. Get healthy (and maybe win some incredible prizes along the way)- Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (1st edition not released yet): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter - Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot - New DYM Podcast! Leading Youth Ministry https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/category/leading-youth-ministry-podcast/ The Sponsor: http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.c

It’s the first Podcast crossover for My Third Decade as I sit down with the Youth Ministry Sherpas to discuss why we do what we do and what we are learning this year. Between the three of us there are 54 years of youth ministry at three churches and 84 years overall.Steve Anderson and Matthew McCabe are youth pastors and good friends serving in Maryland. As veteran youth pastors, they are in the trenches with you. They love youth ministry and those who do it. They started Youth Ministry Sherpas because they know what it's like to feel the weight of this calling. Their goal is to create conversations to encourage you to stay in youth ministry for a long time and experience the blessings of longevity. Check out their show on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/youth-ministry-sherpas/id1333665959?mt=2 The website: http://youthministrysherpas.comOn Instagram: @youthministrysherpasOn Twitter: @ymsherpasMentioned in the show:- Youth Pastor Diet: http://youthpastordiet.com Starts January 1. Get healthy (and

Dan Hamrick has been at the same church for 13 years (making him a Youth Ministry teenager, get it?) We sat down together and talked through his story, lessons learned along the way, and things you can learn from it. Grab something to take notes… this is a good one…Mentioned in the show:- Youth Pastor Diet: http://youthpastordiet.com Starts January 1. Get healthy (and maybe win some incredible prizes along the way)- Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (1st edition not released yet): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter - Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot - New DYM Podcast! Leading Youth Ministry https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/category/leading-youth-ministry-podcast/ - Follow Dan on Instagram @DanHamrick. Find Dan on Facebook: http

You should go to a youth worker conference/convention. If you do, here are my thoughts and tips on how to make the most of the convention. This episode was recorded live at National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) 2018 in St. Louis. If you didn’t go this year, be sure to register for NYWC 2019 in Tampa.Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot Check out @MyThirdDecade on Twitter and Instagram or on the Facebook Page for the before/after pictures of our guests.The Sponsor: http://givecentral.org The Podcast on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/mythirddecadeFollow on Twitter and Instagram @mythirddecadeCheck out Derry's

Be careful having people turn to Verse 6. In this episode I walk through my recent shift in roles at my church and how I’ve had to hold three “L” words in balance as I seek to discern my direction in ministry.Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot Find me at National Youth Workers Convention: Friday 3:30 p.m. – Live My Third Decade Recording. Come to get free sticker, pin and a download of a new series for Parents: “Adolescence, Technololgy, and Parenting”Saturday 3:30 p.m. – I’m sitting on a panel about becoming a DYM AuthorFind me at one of the DYM booths throughout the weekendMentioned on the show:Youth Ministry Sherpa Podcast Episode 34: Hitting the 4th Decade (holy cow; we’re old)! https://youthministrysherpas.com/2018/11/06/yms-episod

In this episode, we talk physical health. Bobby Cooley, Jeff Selph, Josh Mitchell, and Janelle Prenkert join me to discuss how they got healthy. Together, we have lost just under 400 collective pounds since beginning our journeys toward health.Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot Mentioned on the show:My Fitness Pal: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/ Crossfit: https://www.crossfit.com/ 30 Day Plank Challenge (start slower): https://eastcobbyoga.com/2014/03/07/completed-week-1-30-day-plank-challenge/ 30 Day Plank Challenge (aggressive): http://www.top.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/30-day-plank-challenge.png Check out @MyThirdDecade on Twitter and Instagram or on the Facebook Page for the before/after pictures of our guests.Keep your eyes on Do

Marty Graverson joins me on this episode to share his story and provide some important thoughts on mental health. There are three valuable conversations in this interview that apply to any of us in youth ministry1.Empowering High Level Volunteers2.Navigating and addressing mental health with our students and parents.3.Navigating and taking care of our own mental health.Be sure to check out the NEW sponsor to the show DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in our this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already taking part in. By purchasing through this link, you actually help this show out! https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10524/2Hn9zuot Keep your eyes on Download Youth Ministry for a bunch of my new resources that are out or coming out in the next several weeks.“The Questionator” uses Pick Me in Sidekick to randomly generate discussion questions you can use in your next gathering. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop/the-questionator-volume-one “Celebrity Mood Ma

Live from DYM 200, I am joined by a youth ministry legend!In youth ministry since 1988, Kurt Johnston has been at Saddleback Church since 1997. Although he leads Saddleback’s kids and youth teams, he’s still a junior high pastor at heart. Kurt and his wife, Rachel, live in Southern California and have two adult children. Many would argue that Kurt literally wrote the book on Junior High Ministry… “Controlled Chaos,” which is coming out with a Revised and Expanded version on October 10, 2018 through youth cartel.Pre-order or order here: https://theyouthcartel.com/product/controlled-chaos-making-sense-of-junior-high-ministry/ In this episode Kurt drops a ton of wisdom bombs on how to last at your church and in youth ministry. It was an honor to meet and talk with him. He’s the real deal, humble, encouraging and full of insight.Keep your eyes on Download Youth Ministry for a bunch of my new resources that are out or coming out in the next several weeks.“Celebrity Mood Match” is a Sidekick game that is basically

Janelle joins me for her THIRD appearance as we talk about the why, the what and the how of our Small Group ministry.It was great connecting with all you amazing folks who were along for the ride with DYM200. Look for some more episodes in the week to come that happened at the event.Are you a Download Youth Ministry Member? Check out the September Freebie in Sidekick for a fun “Poser”-style game I made called “Celebrity Mood Match.” If you aren’t a member, you should become one today! https://dymmembership.com/ The Sponsor: http://givecentral.org The Podcast on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/mythirddecadeFollow on Twitter and Instagram @mythirddecadeCheck out Derry's resources on Download Youth Ministry: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=28 Email: derry@mythirddecade.com

Geoff Cocanower joins me for a conversation on internships. Geoff took part in all three types of internships we do at our church, and he was my first-ever resident intern, joining us for three years post-college to be trained up and take ministry responsibility before being launched out.Mentioned in the show:- We are in the third decade of episodes! Thanks for joining us on the journey.- Can’t wait to see you at DYM200.- I have my first My Third Decade swag.. stickers! If you want one, find me at DYM200 and tell me your favorite episode or moment from the show.- 5 star rating/review challenge: Over the next two weeks, leave an honest 5 star rating/review on iTunes, then message me with your name and address, and I’ll send you a sticker AND my son will give you a shoutout (aka roast you) on an upcoming show.Are you a Download Youth Ministry Member? check out the September Freebie in Sidekick for a fun “Poser”-style game I made called “Celebrity Mood Match.” If you aren’t a member, you should become one today!