My Third Decade In Youth Ministry

EPISODE 58 – We Back Baby! (Release Friday, January 27, 2023) It’s only been 1013 days, but we are back and relaunching! I reintroduce what this all was, where I’ve been in the silence, and where things are heading. My Third Decade: a podcast for youth ministers. Check out Coleader and get 4 weeks of programming completely free!https://share.coleader.co/GCitcP/join Starting, stuck, or struggling in ministry and looking for someone to talk?Email derry.prenkert@standingstoneministry.org Find all the links online: http://linktr.ee/mythirddecade

The show has been on a 18+ month quarantine. But, it’s coming back in 2022. And this episode is just a fun conversation with two guys who love Jesus, movies, and Spider-man. SPOILERS abound. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more shows to come in 2022.Thanks to Download Youth Ministry and the DYM Podcast Network: www.dympodcastnetwork.com Find me online:Twitter and Instagram: @mythirddecadeFacebook Page: http://facebook.com/mythirddecade Teaser: Healthy Youth Ministers = Healthy Youth Ministry

The show has been on a 2-month quarantine for various reasons, but it’s back in this weird season of youth ministry. Here are 5 values I landed on at the outset of this unprecedented season. As you walk through trying to figure out how to do the best youth ministry possible in this season, may you let the “why” drive the “what’.Welcome to three new amazing shows on the DYM Podcast Network:Youth Ministry Sherpas: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/youth-ministry-sherpas/ Middle School Ministry Podcast: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/middle-school-ministry/ Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/youth-ministry-soul-keeper/ Check out the “Grow on Your Own” resources at the DYM Store: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop/online-ministry/grow-on-your-own Find me online:Twitter and Instagram: @mythirddecadeFacebookpage: http://facebook.com/mythirddecade

As I get rolling at a new church and in a new role, I’m asking lots of question. In Episode 53, I gave you 5 questions I’ve been asking myself. In this episode, I give 5 questions I’m asking the team I’m now leading. Whether you are transitioning or not; Whether your team is a staff or volunteers, these questions could be valuable for you as well.Sponsor to this Episode: I Still Believe (In theaters March 12… Take your Group!!)https://istillbelievemovie.com/ Other Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org

Ms. Allison Elizabeth Williams, 36, of Seymour, lived a life of ministry and was a source of infectious joy to those around her. She was loyal, playful, passionate, and smart. Opinionated, yet humble. Through acts of bringing joy to others with simple gifts from the Dollar Tree or showing up for life events, Allison embodied how to live in Christ and how to be Christ to others. She first learned to be this example through the witness of her parents, Ted and Lisa.Allison was a graduate of Johnson University and served Seymour for fifteen years, eleven of those years at Reddington Christian Church. With her creativity and love for youth ministry, she joined DYM, serving thousands of youth workers around the world. As a second parent for "her kids" she always protected and pushed them to be and do better. She encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones to be witnesses, and at the end of every lesson she would say, "Carry this and teach all your friends."She now has the view for which she worked her entire

As we go into 2020 and I continue to get acclimated to a new youth ministry setting, I’m asking myself some question. Here’s 5 of them.Mentioned in the Show:I Still Believe (In theaters March 12… Take your Group!!)Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnxHyBbYwQQ What does the Bible say about who you are in Christ: https://vintagelawrence.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ANDERSON_WhoIAmInChrist.pdf Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org

It’s another Time Capsule. I walk through one key event, trend, device, or social media platform for each year 1996-2019 that had a significant impact on Youth Ministry.Mentioned in the Show:Time Capsule Episode: 23 Years, 23 Movies: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/34-mtd-time-capsule-23-years-23-movies/ Evolution of Dance on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg Steve Jobs 2007 Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4 Kony 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc YM Lab Episode on Tik Tok: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/14-tik-tok-church/ Check out Derry's resources on Download Youth Ministry: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=28 Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solut

It’s a plethora of youth Ministry Veterans dropping some rapid fire Wisdom!Thanks to all who showed up for the party!Mentioned in the show:•Center for Parent/Youth Understanding: http://cpyu.org •Youth Culture Matters with Walt Mueller: https://cpyu.org/resource_category/podcast/ •The Longer Haul Podcast: https://thelongerhaul.com/ •The Youth Ministry Sherpas: https://youthministrysherpas.com/ Check out Derry's resources on Download Youth Ministry: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=28 Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org

Made it to the ½ century mark!!! Recorded on my last day in office at Nappanee Missionary Church. Released on the day we pulled out from our Nappanee home to head to our new Louisville home. I answer your questions that were submitted, and throw out some closing thoughts of gratitude.Mentioned in the show:- National Youth Workers Convention: http://nywc.comLISTEN TO THE previous two episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-big-announcement-leaving-my-church-not-youth-ministry/id1338273697?i=1000452597738 CHECK OUT THE OTHER AMAZING PODCASTS FROM THE DYM PODCAST NETWORK: The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comCheck out Derry's resources on Download Youth Ministry: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=28 Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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.dym

After 23 years at the same church, I’m leaving my church. In the end, it’s not just me leaving. My family joins me. More specifically, my wife Janelle has played a crucial role in this whole story of transition. She joins me today as we talk through her side of the story.Mentioned in the show:LISTEN TO THE previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/48-big-announcement-leaving-my-church-not-youth-ministry/id1338273697?i=1000452597738 CHECK OUT THE OTHER AMAZING PODCASTS FROM THE DYM PODCAST NETWORK: The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com EPISODE 50: Submit your question about this transition.Through Twitter or Instagram @mythirddecadeThrough the “Submit a Question” tab at http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comEmail: derry@mythirddecade.comCheck out Derry's resources on Download Youth Ministry: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/shop?author=28 Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on this online volunteer training course that 20,000

On Thursday, September 26 news went public that I am leaving my church. You may be saying, “WHAAAAAAA?” Fortunately, this is not your normal “Youth pastor got fired/ burns out/ can’t get along with his/her church” story. Today’s episode in Three Acts to share my story of making one of the biggest transitions of my life:ACT 1: The Announcement – A reading of my letter to the Church family and friends (with some wicked sweet music underneath – slightly too self-important – but give me a a little latitude y’all; it’s been 23 years!)ACT 2: The Explanation – There is no back story on this all in the sense of anything toxic, bad blood, etc., but there is a fuller story than 5 paragraphs can unfold. I take a little time to lay out a timeline dating back three years in how I see God preparing me for this move.ACT 3: The Interview – My good friends Andrew Larsen and Timothy Miller from The Morning After Ministry Podcast asked me a ton of questions about this move. Including a big one: So what now with this podcast? Me

Do you have that kid or kids from a unique or rough home situation. Carter was one of those kids who entered our ministry. Now as a youth pastor serving at Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church in Goshen, IN, he and I look back on those years to highlight some lessons learned from his experience where the church became his family in so many ways.STAY TUNED FOR A SPECIAL EPISODE COMING SOON TO TALK ABOUT SOME BIG NEWS.Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (released monthly): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter Facebook Page: http

He’s at the host church for Student Leadership Conference. He’s only worked at one church for 15 years. He a great dude and a great friend with some strong wisdom to pass your way. Listen all the way through on this way, because there is pure gold toward the end.Connect with JohnFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnkeimTwitter and Insta: @john.keimEmail: jkeim@grangerchurch.comSign up for National Day of Youth Ministry Volunteer Training at http://trainmyvolunteers.com Or sign up specifically to join us at Nappanee Missionary Church at https://downloadyouthministry.brushfire.com/events/451755Enter Promo Code PODCASTFRIEND for a $20 discountSponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts o

You’ve got your entire school year planned out, I’m sure. BUT, I want to throw out 5 thoughts to consider as you walk through another ministry year. There are a lot of youth ministry-focused podcast, but this is a youth minister-focused podcast. Stick around post-show to hear some recommended DYM resources that you could use heading into the Fall. Here are the links:Meet Your Leader: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/meet-your-leader-profiles Parent Letter Templates: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/parent-letter-templates Holiday or Not-a-Day Bundle: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/holiday-or-not-a-day-bundle He Speaks Series: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/he-speaks-series Listen To God Interactive Worship Experience: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/listen-to-god Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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

It’s been a crazy and full Summer for me on many fronts. Has it been for you? Have you taken time to reflect and evaluate? I take some time (while on the road, sorry for the added road and engine sounds) to share some reflections on the importance of reflecting!Check out What Happened/What’s Next debriefing tool on DYM: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/what-happened-whats-next Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (released monthly): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/mythirddecadeFo

It’s Camp Season. Be intentional with it. In part 3 I take time to answer your Camp Questions you submitted. Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (released monthly): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter 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

It’s Camp Season. Be intentional with it. In part 2 I walk through some specific things we’ve done with Camps to move toward our four goals with Camp that I outlined on Episode 41. For Episode 43 I’m going to answer your questions about Camp. Submit those questions through social media, email, or on the DYM Podcast Network site (links below)Post-Credit Plug:12 in 12 Summer Edition: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/twelve-in-twelve-summer-edition-game First to 10 Summer Edition: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/first-to-ten-summer-edition-sidekick-game Clumps Summer Edition: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/clumps-summer-edition Digital Engagement Parent Notebook: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/digital-engagement-workbook-for-parents Adolescence Parenting and Technology: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/adolescence-technology-and-parenting Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on this online volunteer training course that 20,000 other youth ministry workers are already tak

It’s Camp Season. Be intentional with it. For this episode and the next two I will share some of what we do with Summer Camps. This one is all about our 4 goals with our Camps, how we landed on them, and why they are the ones we chose.Sponsors:DYM University. If you haven’t, jump in on 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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org The Podcast and other DYM podcasts on the Web: http://podcast.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for YM Resources: http://downloadyouthministry.com The Socials:Sign up for the MTD Newsletter (released monthly): http://mythirddecade.com/newsletter 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?autho

Two Thoughts. One Question. On Prayer.I take some time to reflect on the amount of situations and stories surrounding youth ministers leaving their church or losing their job over the past few months. What is happening? Is the youth ministry sky falling? How should we respond?Mentioned in the show:My conversation with Justin Knowles about partnering with Children’s Minsitry on the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast:On iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-hacks-on-aligning-childrens-student-ministry-in/id1229403372?i=1000439434425 On the Web: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/54-hacks-on-aligning-childrens-student-ministry-in-your-church-w-derry-prenkert/Sponsors: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 Give Central. Your online giving solution. http://givecentral.org Post-Credits

Wait, can I be both an advocate for longevity in youth ministry and encourage those youth pastors who make the transition to senior pastor? Yup! Enjoy a conversation with Andrew Larsen who made this exact transition. Learn from his journey and mine as you will likely have times where the opportunity is there, and you have to discern where the Lord is leading. Check out the Morning After Ministry Podcast live on Facebook Monday mornings at 11 EST or on the DYM Podcast Network:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morningafterministry/ DYM Network: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/the-morning-after-ministry-show/ 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.downloadyouthministry.comTHE PLACE for Y