Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered if chaotic cafeteria brawls could turn into life-changing spiritual moments?  Welcome special guest Brian Preston! NextGen pastor-awesome Brian joins us this week, filling in for Chad, to share his wild and wonderful camp stories straight from our garage recording setup. It's the end of CampSZN and we reminiscing about youth camps. Brian shares the unforgettable stage-diving episodes that epitomize the essence of these transformative gatherings. Big Question this week? What happens when you shift your ministry focus from numbers to nurturing meaningful connections? This week we dive into this shift, this transition to explore the benefits of prioritizing people over statistics. Our reflections on this summer and previous  camp experiences emphasize how stepping outside comfort zones can create lifelong memories and foster incredible bonds. Discover how seeing the next generation engage in these traditions brings immense joy and enriches our spiritual journeys. Plus, learn about pivotal moments in ministry that redefine our perspectives and growth.This episode also tackles the  challenges in youth ministry and the importance of humility and compassion in our faith journeys. Whole-heartedly we need to be more honest and more humble than ever before. Brian and Zac also discuss how technology can be both a hurdle and a helpful tool in extending ministry beyond traditional settings.Support the Show.Join the community!

Send us a Text Message.Can the magic of the Olympics transform your youth ministry? Join us as we celebrate Summer Olympic Month with a spirited debate comparing the allure of summer versus winter games. We'll dive into the exhilarating speed of track and field races, the unique thrill of the biathlon, and the intensity of events like speed skating and swimming. From international sports showdowns in hockey and basketball to our whimsical dreams of hybrid sports like Mario Kart bobsled, this conversation will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll also share our favorite Olympic events like the 4x100 relay, shot put, javelin, and diving, and ponder the idea of more frequent games to maintain the thrill.But the fun doesn't stop there. Discover how the Olympic spirit can invigorate your youth ministry with team games that foster camaraderie and friendly competition. We’ll discuss organizing cohesive events from smaller activities, integrating new students, and ensuring a variety of games to highlight different talents. We’ll also delve into strategic evaluation, emphasizing the importance of assessing involvement, leadership, and spiritual growth beyond mere attendance numbers. By gathering feedback from all stakeholders, we aim to refine and enhance our initiatives, making them even more impactful for our community.Support the Show.Join the community!

Send us a Text Message.It's Shark Week fam!  We are celebrating what about you? It's a big deal in the Higgins and Workun households.But wait.. could Shark Week  transform your youth ministry? Join us as we tap into the fervor of this annual oceanic extravaganza,  and let's draw some  parallels to youth ministry strategies. We discuss how identifying and leveraging kids' passions—be it video games, sports, or anime—can create captivating standalone events that enhance engagement and strengthen connections within the broader ministry.Chad Higgins joins us to talk about his fascination with the Mako shark, dubbing them the "cheetahs of the sea." His dream of cage diving with sharks encapsulates the essence of breaking free from routine and embracing bold new directions in ministry. We even throw in a playful shark trivia challenge, where Chad's enthusiasm and knowledge are put to the test, adding an element of fun and friendly competition to our conversation.From sports to music, we explore how youth ministry leaders can form deeper relationships and foster discipleship by aligning with students' passions. Tune in to discover how blending the excitement of Shark Week with impactful youth ministry strategies can bring about meaningful connections and lasting impact.Support the Show.Join the community!

Send us a Text Message.Aww if middle school you could see you now... they would be proud! Switching gears, we tackle a pressing question in youth ministry: (When) Should we split middle school and high school programs? Chad and Zac explore the pros and cons, offering creative solutions for engagement without doubling efforts. From leadership roles for older students to special events for the younger crowd, we dig into strategies that accommodate growth while keeping the community's best interests in mind. This episode is invaluable for anyone grappling with when to make the change in their own ministry.But here is the real issue! Organizing and managing youth ministry split between high school and middle school without pulling your hair out. Let's talk about the importance of a solid leadership structure and understanding your strengths and weaknesses. We also discuss the broader implications for parents and the community, emphasizing the need for thoughtful scheduling and resource allocation. As we embark on new initiatives, we remind ourselves to savor the  excitement and celebrate the achievements. Don't forget to connect with Youth Ministry Booster on social media to share your thoughts and gain further support for your church!Support the Show.Join the community!

Send us a Text Message.People can be mean! Or if we are being honest... how do you handle the unfiltered honesty of middle school girls in youth ministry? In this fresh episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zah and Chad bring their humor and truthfulness to tackle it! Chad +  tortilla = hilarious. What is something you have  been told something that was hateful... by a student? We’ve got stories like that and more as we confront the tough reality of receiving criticism in youth ministry. Check out this episode for practical strategies process feedback without losing your cool. Friendship, filters, and fresh air all help!  This episode underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile. So get ready for a laugh and some heartfelt stories that reflect the resilience needed to handle the candid feedback from our young students while still forging meaningful connections.Support the Show.Join the community!

Smmer camps can transform your youth ministry experience! Join us for a special crossover episode where Zach and Chad from Youth Ministry Booster team up with Amanda and Corinne from His Glory Her Good. We share our personal camp memories, from childhood to recent leadership and we highlight the profound impact camps have had on our  lives. Planning a camp and unsure where to start? We've got you covered. In the second half of our discussion, we explore the practicalities of organizing a successful camp. From meticulous planning and community transitions to maintaining personal boundaries, especially for female leaders, we cover it all. Learn more how to prepare your camp leaders for their intensive roles, handle urgent situations with a calm presence, and ensure a productive environment. Check in for creative ideas and expert advice that guarantees a memorable and impactful camp experience for everyone involved.Support the Show.Join the community!

Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion? There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours...Join Zac and Chad as they  swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys). In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- like whether gaming streams are the new radio or if there's a method to the madness of K-pop fandom. It's an honest ride through how relational connections are really made. Today's conversations get deep as we explore what drives us to grow and who we trust with our future. So, whether you're in ministry, passionate about youth engagement, or just looking for a blend of banter and wisdom, pull up a chair for an episode that promises to enlighten as much as it entertains.Support the showJoin the community!

We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. Remember  school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those valleys. This heartfelt episode is a reminder for all our ministry friends out there: while we're passionate about serving others, we must also cherish and prioritize our own health and happiness.Healthy ministry, starting with soul-care, is about striking that elusive balance between ramping up activities and maintaining our personal and family well-being.Support the showJoin the community!

Facebook marketplace is safe right?  Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned  navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers. For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies  to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community. Support the showJoin the community!

JEREMY SIT DOWN!  Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right? If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you! Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues:If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen hijinks we hope this chat is helpful. We're unpacking the chaos of disruptions with real stories (we have been there!). Can we just send these kids to time-out? Hey YM friends let's talk about how to foster a culture of respect by clearly setting expectations and  involving students in the process and explaining the 'why' behind the rules. It's about making an impact that goes beyond Sunday and into their daily lives, ensuring that every interaction plants a seed for positive behavior and engagement.Lastly, let's break it down so you can take it home. From ninja-like non-verbal cues between leaders to a 'three-step process' that's more like  four steps, we're laying down our take on behavioral management. We're sharing our blueprint for establishing clear boundaries, all while nurturing growth and fostering a safe space for teens to thrive. So, gear up for some real talk on crafting an environment where respect is the norm, and chaos is shown the door. And hey, don't forget to drop us your thoughts! [email protected] the showJoin the community!

Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong?  Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coaching up what makes games great. So enjoy our queasy missteps and food-related fiascos, all while highlighting the true aim of youth events—safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for every student involved.ChatGPT GamesBalloon Pop Fruit Lumberjack Human BowlingWe've packed this episode with innovative game ideas that steer clear of athletic prowess and instead, celebrate teamwork and pure, silly fun. So get ready to stock your youth ministry playbook with some fresh, creative game ideas that are guaranteed hits.Support the showJoin the community!

Ever bitten off more than you can chew? Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting.This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a lesson in embracing the unexpected and learning from our missteps—not just in cooking but in our ministry efforts too.Rolling up our sleeves, Chad and I tackle the hefty topic of expectations in youth ministry. We peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. And finally, we're not just talking shop on what could be; we're want to push you on how student ministry adapts to the times. Join us as we question the norms, from worship times to the structure of our gatherings. We hope you'll be just as bold in reimagining how to connect and grow with your youth groups. Support the showJoin the community!

Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'll even tell you why your friend who has no inkling about a multi-tool could end up loving it as a gift!Venturing into deeper waters, we grapple with the delicate issue of helicopter parenting in youth ministry. Through our exploration, we underline the need to examine each scenario in its unique context and how it transcends individual parents, pushing us to consider the home and generational backdrop. But amidst these challenges, there's the golden opportunity of nurturing relationships in youth ministry. We uncover the essence of deep discipleship and faith formation in impacting the next generation while unearthing the surprising ministry opportunities with parents. So buckle in for an enlightening journey of faith, relationships, and yes, some chuckles along the way!Support the showJoin the community!

Could you eat faster than Zac?  No One's Going To Take It!Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty start to an episode that gets you laughing and wondering about your own eating speed.ParaSocial RelationshipsThen, things take a more profound turn. We journey back to the 1950s as we explore the realm of parasocial relationships and their tremendous influence on present-day youth culture. From their roots in celebrity culture to their evolution and widespread acceptance, it's eye-opening to examine how even individuals with a minute online presence can significantly impact young people's relationships. As we steer this conversation, we also analyze these relationships' potential hazards and how they can impact their connection with higher powers, like God. Improving Our Present ConditionBut we're not all about identifying problems; we aim to bring solutions to the table. Therefore, in the concluding part of our discussion, we delve deep into the importance of relationships in youth ministry. We emphasize the need for safe social spaces for students and meaningful connections among youth ministers. We believe that humor and fun serve as glue in cultivating these connections, and we take you along as we look into how this can elevate the ministry. Support the showJoin the community!

Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode. Chil or No-Bean Chili?We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of a friendly debate on Wolf Brand chili and I share the recipe for my favorite homemade version. Chad's friend eating it cold is a monster by the way!Youth Ministry's Greatest Leverage = RelationshipsAs we shift gears, we dive deep into the world of youth ministry and the unique relational opportunities it offers. But How? We share our insights on how to best utilize these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time before services to build connections with students and leaders. We explore the various activities that can foster stronger relationships, such as pre-gathering activities and casual chat spaces. Consider the potential of high school and older student leaders leading these activities and how an inviting atmosphere can be created at the door with clear expectations set for adults. It's almost a new year friends, so buckle up and get ready to hear some real-life strategies that have transformed our youth ministry experience.  It's an important time for thinking relationally about your youth ministry. Support the showJoin the community!

How do I get students to actually read their Bibles? Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks? Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of only reading it during crisis or reciting it as cliche. Remember, your goal is to create an environment where teenagers can explore the Bible's teachings in a way that resonates with them. It's about fostering a genuine interest and understanding rather than forcing them to open to it. Join us as we dive into these practical strategies to help your teenagers build a meaningful connection with the Christian Bible.The role of a great youth minister is as a guide. You are taking people out on the boat to show them how deep and beautiful the ocean really can be. You are creating a safe space for exploration and that support will help your students journey through the scriptures.Support the showJoin the community!

What are we going to do next?  What do we have planned? It's something we say often as youth ministry leaders, but is that really all there is? Is ministry just a matter of planning?Do we really need a better calendar? Is all about what we can plan? We are talking spiritual health inside of Youth Ministry Booster and we have been asking what we need.What we really need is...Discernment. The collective effort to not ask, "what do we have planned?" but to seek what God might have for our ministry through story-telling, celebration, and noticings. God's Plan.It is something we have to be reminded about, like our almost 8 year history of podcasting. Back in 2015, our 'After 9' era, we were self-funded *resourceless* and attending our first conference in Texas with a pop-up banner, borrowed office chairs, and a bowl of gummy bears. There is an invaluable lesson you can only learn when you feel like you have nothing,. It's the lesson about asking the right questions and discernment in youth ministry leadership. So we hope this humorous and helpful reminder gives you hope. Support the showJoin the community!

Piles. Stacks. Mess. UGGGHHHH! Are you tripping over clutter, both in your physical space and your digital life?  Same.Until...Join Chad Higgins and Zac as we take a deep dive into personal organization. This is part 3 of our organized for impact series for youth ministry leaders. There is power, power, wonder working  power of labeling and how designating a space for each item, no matter how small, can rein in the chaos.*BONUS discover the secret to protecting your personal email from the undesirables.We discuss the benefits of breaking up your day into manageable chunks and how setting timers can keep you motivated. And if things get too overwhelming, don't worry - we've got strategies for resetting and refocusing your energy. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. This week, take a step towards a more organized life by listening to this episode and make a new friend who shares your goal. You might just be surprised at how much you grow!Support the showJoin the community!

The battery was dead! Taking control of schedules, creating task lists, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, we discuss how these skills are critical in improving focus, efficiency, and dealing with student ministries.Zac and Chad wrap up their discussion by exploring the significance of organization in student ministry. Learn from our experiences on how to stay ahead of deadlines, manage stress, and plan effectively. 0:00 Organizational Tips and Car Troubles7:39 Strategic Planning and Bigger Calendar13:07 Time Management in Student Ministry21:13 Developing Leadership in Student Ministry33:23 Effective Leadership and Delegation for Tasks37:00 Importance of Organization in Student MinistryWe are here to stress the importance of anticipating tasks, creating oversight, and providing guidance and support to leaders. Get ready for an episode filled with practical insights, intriguing stories, and plenty of laughs!Support the showJoin the community!

I CANT FIND IT! If you have ever been frustrated when looking for an old email, a file, or even a thing in your office then we have your back! Youth may be chaotic, but your ministry doesn't have to be chaotic. Honest talk. Have you ever considered how this lack of organization might be affecting not just yourself, but the people around you and the leadership you provide? Booster is here to help! Seriously, it's one of our favorite topics. This episode and a few more to follow are all about the impactful role of organization in youth ministry and how it can enhance your leadership skills and give you more clarity and rest.We're not just talking about tidying up your desk or sending emails on time. We're going a step further to talk about intentional neglect of certain tasks to focus on more important ones, and how a clean workspace can provide clarity, focus, and create a welcoming environment for others. You have to see the big picture! It's not just about planning the next event but connecting the dots in your ministry. It starts in taking a broader view, setting clearer expectations, and integrating new students really well into the community. This episode is a reminder for how to structure your ministry for different seasons, and how to break down big projects into manageable chunks for better organization.We want to help you grow your youth ministry! as we delve into the importance of organizational planning and goal setting. Zac and Chad discuss practical ways to increase your bandwidth for ministry work, like setting up templates and clear goals. This episode is part one in a wealth of practical tips and insights for anyone involved in youth ministry. Let's get organized and make a difference!Support the showJoin the community!

Summer fun is almost done, but are you fall ready in youth ministry yet?Zac and Chad have some laughs, stories, and insights to help get you ready for a big fall early.In this episode the guys talk about recruiting and training leaders, transitioning new recruits via camp experiences, and launching key spiritual initiatives in September. Summer fun isn't over yet! We're also going to walk you through the steps to a successful fall launch in student ministry. There's ideas for creating a vibrant environment, outside activities and a grand launch, sprucing up the space with new artwork, and hosting dedicated parent meetings. Get fall ready before summer is even over! Support the showJoin the community!

Struggling to fill those last-minute spots for your summer camp?We hear you! It's one of the biggest weeks of ministry, budget, and responsibility of the whole year! Fear not, as in this episode, we'll provide you with valuable insights and strategies to ensure a successful camp season. Join Chad and Zac as they talk about what makes camp extra great! In this episode we discuss the importance of being prepared for potential changes, proactive communication with senior leadership, and how to motivate students who may not have been considering attending camp. Let's talk about how personal invitations and sharing stories of previous camp experiences can make all the difference. As you finalize for the summer camp season, this episode will help you plan, adapt, and communicate effectively to create an unforgettable experience for all involved. So, let's get ready to make this summer camp one for the books!Support the showJoin the community!

On this episode of Youth Ministry Booster, the hosts announce the exciting news that Season 5: Revival Generation registration is now open! In this season of Booster, we are focusing on the topic of revival and providing five challenges to help leaders reshape the conversation around it. The hosts and special guest Chad Higgins emphasize the importance of personal revival and the need for pastors to lead by example. Season 5: Revival Generation discusses the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, accountability, and intentional growth in ministry. Join the conversation and community! We encourage youth pastors to have honest relationships with those around them and work towards creating a community that prioritizes the church and the gospel. You can join the conversation and learn how to make a positive impact in student ministry and create lasting friendships with others.Support the showJoin the community!

What's the most important thing youth ministry offers? The first answer is Jesus, but is there another layer that students need to experience to help hear the name of Jesus more clearly.In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk one of their most beloved principles for healthy student ministry. It's a vital part of every ministry, the ministry of fun.And no, we don't mean fun as in games. Yes, maybe games sometimes, but fun is so much more than the silly 5 mins before the 2nd song on Wednesday nights. Fun is so much more. When done right fun is revolutionary. Fun is the counter-cultural experience of being a safe space where people care about you and welcome you to be know.So in this episode we want open up what fun might mean for your youth ministry.Lend us your ears and let's chat about what a ministry of fun looks like for your teenagers.Chad and Zac are here for you because quality fun is hard work and there is no better way to get fun done than on a team! Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s..Support the show

Do you ever get caught up in your feels?Your students will be up in their feelings this summer (especially at camp)... so what's your plan?In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk about how emotions are an important part of youth ministering. It's part of their development and an important piece of pastoring faithfully.And there is no season more emotional or emotive than summer. It's big events, it's the relief of less school, it's a new rhythm for life. They might actually even get a few naps in...So in this episode we wanted to prep with you, for you, the emotional journey students might take this summer.Lean in and review what your space and time allocates for emotional development. Are you steamrolling through? Are you often derailed at the first signs of sleepy-tired tears? How are you prepping yourself and your team? For the middle schooler and high schooler make plans not just for what you will do, but perhaps how it will affect your students when you gather this summer.Chad and Zac are here for you emotionally as you are planning, pastoring, and caretaking for students. Reach out and let us know how we can help.Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

What would you say you want me to do here? In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad challenge each other back and forth to ask the most important questions a candidate can ask when interviewing for a ministry position. A lot is at stake when applying for a job and a candidate should have as much interest in the church/organization as they should have in the candidate. We should all come to an interview with great questions!It is possibly a decade long decision and so the process should be painstakingly truthful, perhaps brutally honest, and helpfully healthy for all parties involved. Zac and Chad share some of their insights from coaching youth ministry leaders across the country for the last 8 years. Write down the ones you like, craft them into your own language and then take them with you before your next interview. Chad and Zac are here for you as support as you endeavor in perhaps a decade(s) defining set of interview. Longevity starts in the first interview! Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

What does it take to make a disciple? How do teenage disciples grow?Resources. What an important word to define.In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad reflect on their experiences with other resource events (*cough book fairs cough*) and what those previous moments have taught them about youth ministry's work to equip students, leaders, and parents.Truly, your students need resources and you cannot be the start and end of their discipleship informed/formation journey. Zac and Chad talk  about why your youth ministry needs more helpful stuff and we aren't just talking books in the lobby! Your space: the physical layout of a room/building, the community space of how people might gather, and the relational/social space of how students are welcomed are all part of the resourcing of your ministry. Take a listen and then take a moment to reflect on the pathways and purposes of disciple-making in your space. Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to evaluate not just what you can do, but the space, program, and relationships you can foster as you minister. Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

What makes a sermon/teaching moment great? Like for serious though? More than just relaying insight, feeling clever, or speaking with passion, what makes a sermon or teaching moment great? In this episode of Zac and Chad bound their way through what makes a great communicator. Biblically sound, yes! Quick to the Gospel message, of course! But what about the other bits that folks either reject, forget, or overlook? Seriously, what grows a communicator-teacher-preacher beyond just the importance of the message to a connectedness with their receiving audience/group? Zac and Chad talk  about why youth ministry needs more self-aware communicators.  For most the pain is too great, but for those who are willing to receive great feedback there is so much potential! Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to dig deep into your own growth, spiritual formation, and willingness to receive feedback to uncover what makes you uniquely gifted as a communicator. The best Gospel communicators are Biblically sound and authentic and true in their delivery. Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

Why aren't more parents coming to your parent meetings? But for real tho...This episode is a how to plan, run, hook, and pop off the next time you are working to get your youth ministry parents/guardians together in one room. It's also about birthday parties.For this episode Chad, Parent Ministry Specialist, spills the tea on what are the most important elements of a parent ministry meeting.HOOK- What's the felt need of the meeting? Is it even right to call it a meetingPROMISE- What are we going to get when we get there? People don't want to sign up in the dark for another meeting when they are already double booked?**If you don't tell them what might happen they will probably assume the worst, like it's boring? or they can just find out from somebody else.**CONNECTION- The one thing an email cannot do is deliver on connection. The reason to be at a meeting/event/symposium/party is for the connection. You will miss something if you are not here. It's a chance to be seen, heard, or have a need met. Otherwise it's just a gathering to communicate information. TIMING- Does this meeting/party/event exist additionally or can you maximize the time and frequency you are asking them to meet with you?LAUNCH- Don't read the next few months notes to them, give them away and create the channels of where they can learn more about what's next. But seriously, what did we miss what would you add? Let us know.Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to enjoy the ways in which our work in youth ministry matters. Parent meetings are one of the 7 most important things you can and should be doing in a regular way. Email Chad about Cupcakes & Connect [email protected] Parent Partner For 1 Month Free:https://www.lifeway.com/parentpartnerUse code "Parent2022" to check it out.Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

Greatest.Of.All.Time. or GOAT as the kids would say...This is another episode in a (random but timely) series of episodes in which Chad and Zac talk about ministry things that are "GOATED." So for this episode of Greatest Of All Times, let's ask what is your idea of a GOAT Volunteer... wait, don't say their name out loud!But seriously, what moves a volunteer from the middle of the pack to the top of the charts? Is it an innate gifting? Coached skill? Or is it just unbounded enthusiasm?Zac and Chad talk also about why youth ministry leaders need great volunteers and who they think are the greatest for your team (secret time... it's not just one person!).So how who is your GOAT and have you recruited them or do you already have them? Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to enjoy the ways in which our work in youth ministry matters. So much starts in the ways in which we perceive what we get to do with the time we have been given.Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

New. The feeling of the New New.This episode is for all of those who have ever felt new at church, youth group, student ministry...This may be you right now, or when you were a teenager, but this episode is especially for those who have NOT been new in a LOOOONNNGGG time. There is a whole set of feelings, experiences, and unguided expectations when you are walking up new to a church building, a small group circle, or a youth ministry activity. If we want to connect with new folks, we need to take a walk in their shoes.Zac and Chad talk also about why youth ministry leaders need to see it from the other side. Often times we are asking students to invite new friends, or we are hoping to connect with new families but we are unsure of how all that new really feels.  So when was the last time you were new?Looking for a resource that is NEW and designed to help you connect with NEW students? Check out HyFi! https://myhyfi.com/Chad and Zac are here to encourage you in not just the work but the ways in which we minister faithfully! Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s..Support the show

Greatest.Of.All.Time. or GOAT as the kids would say...This is the first in a (random) series of episodes in which Chad and Zac talk about ministry things that are "GOATED" So for this episode of Greatest Of All Times, let's start with your ideal work day. What's the best way you could spend a day doing the work you were called to do?Zac and Chad talk also about why youth ministry leaders need a vision of what work could  and should look like because otherwise we are just spinning our wheels. Chad is loading up a day with time creating and Zac conversing. So how would you best spend your perfect, most "goat"-able work day?Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to enjoy the ways in which our work in youth ministry matters. So much starts in the ways in which we perceive what we get to do with the time we have been given.Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

Don't believe the lie. Numbers do matter, we just need better ones! 2022 was a year of great consistency and we want to share what we have learned about healthy and better numbers for all of us! It's another episode of Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. In this episode they talk about why numbers actually do matter.They talk about why youth ministry feels like it needs more numbers, and how to find better ones. They discuss importance of getting below the surface of what the numbers mean and what you are really looking to track if you want a healthy youth ministry.They are here to encourage you to delve a little deeper into what you desire when you say grow and if you have thought it down all the way to the most basic unit.Tracking - what's the number you are recording.Consistency- what's the interval you are measuring.Discipline- what's the habit that is forming.Growth- what's the goal for the tracking.Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/Join us for a preaching event like no other!https://www.lifeway.com/experienceLet's hang out in your town!https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...Support the show

What's the most important thing you could do in the next few weeks for your own health? For your ministry? We think we have an idea that might serve as a really healthy new year resolution, resolve? commitment? Hey YM friends we are excited to be back for our 8th year and in 2023, our collective 23 year, the GOAT year let's talk about a few important things in a few different ways. This year we are going to circle back to 3-4 big ideas that we believe will help make this the best and most fulfilling year yet. In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the importance of building trust above all else in how we work, what do we, and how we relate honorably in our church, leadership teams, and with our students. If you have some added tips or insights then please reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] Love you youth ministry friend, health is important in seasons of busy and we hope you find it amongst friends. Support the showSupport the show

Merry Christmas! Hey YM friend & family, whether you are in finishing up this year in the office or hitting the road, or relaxing at home we hope you enjoy this episode from our team to you.  In this episode Zac and Chad talk about Christmas traditions, the season, and what healthy youth ministers need for the end/beginning of this year. We are spending this episode talking about what we have learned and hope you will practice in the last few weeks of the year. If you are feeling the stress of the season or an impending tough choice please reach out. You are not alone. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] Love you youth ministry friend, health is important in seasons of busy and we hope you find it amongst friends. Support the show

What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? For us one of the most important is playing the long game (lifelong discipleship) in a short season (3-6 years at best).In this episode Zac and Chad talk through one of the 7 Youth Ministry Booster House Rules that matter the most towards shaping our community and defining the tone and language for our conversations and goals. For review here is the full 7:Booster House Rulescare over compare person before pastor work hard, rest hardquestions not comments never do ministry alone play the long game (it's only a short season)fill, then serve We are spending this episode talking about the importance of playing the long game in our ministry work. This means thinking about today a little differently, planning next year a little differently, and reflecting on the importance of your work a little more broadly than just week to week.If you are feeling the stress of a difficult season or an impending tough choice. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend, health can be defined, sought, and fought for, if you are willing to do the good work and find the good rest.Support the showSupport the show

What about D-Now? Or Winter WKND?  Campference?  Or Big Retreat Thing? No matter what you call your winter-spring thing, it's almost here, and we want to help you have the energy you need around your big upcoming D-now event (or winter camp, or WKND, or whatever... you get it.)In this episode Zac and Chad chat about what's so great about Winter time events and why the planning and vision casting is more important than almost any other event you do. Youth Ministry Math Basics2:11 Adult To Student Safety Ration5:1 Mentors To Students Discipleship Ratio A1.8 slices of pizza per person7x communications (Email, Post, Story, Text, Call, Stage, BulletinBoard/Lobby)At least 1 month of prep and planning for each one day of your event. It's true if you are planning a winter weekend that spans 3 days in February, you should already be in deep on planning the small details and preparing your leaders, and promoting it with your students. But if you are not quite there yet, then take a listen and assess the plans you were hoping to make with us! Not AloneIf you are feeling the stress of a tiring fall  or just generally rundown. Reach out. Seriously message us via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend, health can be defined, sought, and fought for, if you will. Support the show

What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through one of the 7 Youth Ministry Booster House Rules that matter the most towards shaping our community and defining the tone and language for our conversations and goals. For review here is the full 7:Booster House Rulescare over compare person before pastor work hard, rest hardquestions not comments never do ministry alone play the long game fill, then serve WORK HARD, REST HARDWe are spending this episode talking about the importance of working hard AND resting hard in the field of doing youth ministry long term.Click this to read, watch, download more.If you are feeling the stress of a difficult season or an impending tough choice. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend, health can be defined, sought, and fought for, if you will. Support the show

It's been almost 7 years and 250 episodes, but what haven't we covered?In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the IG questions we have received in the last few weeks that really mattered to our YMB podcast listeners.Seriously though, y'all are really concerned about food and condiments...We are spending the next few weeks talking about some important topics to us. Come back and join us as we explore what we think matters most to YMs. If you are feeling the stress of a difficult season or an impending tough choice. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend, health can be defined, sought, and fought for, if you will. Support the showSupport the show

What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the 7 Youth Ministry Booster House Rules that matter the most to shaping our community and defining the tone and language for our conversations and goals. A lot of ministries have rules, principles, or posters in the hall. If you do and they are working, great! If not...Here are ours. Borrow them, steal them, utilize them in however they make sense with your team, leadership, and youth ministry. Booster House Rulescare over compare person before pastor work hard, rest hardquestions not comments never do ministry alone play the long game fill, then serve We are spending this episode and the next one unpacking how each of these important phrases play out in our conversations, coaching, and community. If you are feeling the stress of a difficult season or an impending tough choice. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend, health can be defined, sought, and fought for, if you will. Support the show

Why don't more stores have environments that match their titles?In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the wisdom it takes to navigate the hard choices, the difficult seasons, and make pivots inside the ministry, for the ministry, and possibly for your life.A counsel to surround you.We all need wise counsel, a group of people who know you so well that could maybe speak for you.Wisdom is a skill. We are slow to accumulate wisdom, quick to dispense with it. We sharpen the saw to grow and learn.If you are feeling the stress of a difficult season or an impending tough choice. Reach out via Instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] you youth ministry friend.Support the show

Chad is here to apologize.  His apology and stance on table clothes is fully covered in this episode. If you wondering why check 3 episodes earlier when he was unable to set the record straight.But, this episode is also a chance to talk about perspectives in designing sacred spaces.  Whether you love or hate your youth room, building, or space there is a chance to make it really meaningful for your ministry.Parents, Students, Leaders, and Stakeholders all care about how your space looks. They do. They really do! In this episode Zac and Chad talk you through the importance of perspectives, professionalism, and ministry best practices when considering space.Send us your pick for obscurity via instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] Us For Youth Ministry Booster Season 4Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

What is the most obscure youth ministry topic that we could cover in a few episodes? Send us your pick for obscurity via instagram @youthministrybooster or email [email protected] Zac and Chad get a little more open about restaurant food, corner cases, and Soul Care.Register for Launch 2022Let's answer the Parent Ministry Question August 25th 1pm CThttps://studentministry.lifeway.com/launch2022Join Us For Youth Ministry Booster Season 4Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

Orange you glad you have a plan for August 25th? Zac and Chad get a little silly, giddy, excited for Launch 2022. Summer was full of big events, travels, and surprises. BOOSTER SIGNUPS END September 1st, 2022What are you doing to get ready for fall after a busy summer?Register for Launch 2022Let's answer the Parent Ministry Question August 25th 1pm CThttps://studentministry.lifeway.com/launch2022Join Us For Youth Ministry Booster Season 4Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

This is an episode about Girl Scout cookies. It's also an episode about the real feelings many of your students are probably feeling, right now...  Zac and Chad get a little confused if this a phone or a podcast and maybe share a little too much, but there is a really important conversation that youth pastors should be having today. Embarrassment v. Guilt v. ShameAre your students more afraid of being embarrassed more now than ever before? EmbarrassmentThe way that many of our students (and us) are feeling relating to the world around them.GuiltTied to actions that are based on internal moral/ethical standard."I don't lie."ShameTied to actions that are based on an external moral/ethical standard."Am I a liar?" What are you thoughts and experiences with embarrassment, guilt, and shame as a youth minister? What are you students wrestling with the most?Join Us For Youth Ministry Booster Season 4Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Register for Launch 2022Let's answer the Parent Ministry Question August 25th 1pm CThttps://studentministry.lifeway.com/launch2022More reading: Why Sensitive?https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201310/why-so-sensitive-adolescence-and-embarrassmentSupport the show

This is a sparkling episode of fresh tips and insights on how to welcome new (young) students into your existing ministry. It's almost Promotion Sunday? Howdy week? Yeet Week?Zac and Chad get us practical as an ice chest full of cold drinks on a summer day with this episode of helpful insights into transitioning your new students well into your existing student ministry.3.5 Big TipsFresh & Familiar CommunicationCross-pollinate with your kids ministry's communication plan. If they text, we text also! Get inside the same lane as your kids ministry team and get your message through the familiar channels. Also, nudge them towards your regular pattern of messaging.Prioritizing Positive Pastoral ConnectionBuild a relationship with parents through a  personal communication as well as professional communication. More than just clear information, build a relationship through invested personal connectionPlant Mentoring And Matchmaking Amongst Older StudentsHelp do the work of matching new students up with awesome, current leadership students. More than a "group" get them connected to a person. People show up for people, not programs.Give A Spiritual GoalWhy does this matter? Why in the world would youth group matter beyond just "fun" or habit? What is the spiritual, life benefit of showing up every week to youth ministry?Join Us For Youth Ministry Booster Season 4Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Student Ministry EssentialsOur free one-day strategic regional roundtables are back this fall and next spring. If we are coming to a state near you get signed up and don't miss out on your free spot, swag, and chance to connect with fellow youth ministers from your part of the world! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/studentessentialsSupport the showSupport the show

Momentum. It's a word that sparks or fizzles depending on what just went right (or wrong). It's the never-ending wash of waves on the seashore. It's Zac and Chad disagreeing on exactly how much time we could or should spend on this...Mo' Momentum, it begs the question... when will it ever end? The answer. Never, and yet, we find seasons, waves, moment(ums) of rest. Yes, friends, rest is the reward of the work. Let's swim in that this episode...This episode is part two of two in getting mo' momentum for your youth ministry. It starts in the pieces and processes that we can plan in advance and it ends with the kind of rest that allows you to have more for the next round, ride, wave of enthusiasm. How did we do? Let us know and send us some feedback, via email [email protected] to give us your thoughts on summer, momentum and on this episode of the podcast. REMIX!Youth Ministry Booster Season 4 here! Its 90s Rewind time! All the best things we learned (and maybe loved?) about the 90s are back and for 2022-2023 we are talking about them in our leadership community at Youth Ministry Booster.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Student Ministry EssentialsOur free one-day strategic regional roundtables are back this fall and next spring. If we are coming to a state near you get signed up and don't miss out on your free spot, swag, and chance to connect with fellow youth ministers from your part of the world! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/studentessentialsSupport the show

Momentum. It's a word that sparks excitement into the heart of every senior leader and an is an exhale for every leader who feels swallowed up by the current wave. In this episode Zac and Chad break down the waters inside the wave of momentum you may or may not be feeling right now.Summer is halfway done! Yeehaw! or so what? How are you feeling about where you are today? This episode is part one of two in getting mo' momentum for your youth ministry. It starts in the pieces and processes that we can plan in advance and it ends with the kind of rest that allows you to have more for the next round, ride, wave of enthusiasm. Or send us some feedback, email [email protected] to give us your thoughts on summer, momentum and on this episode of the podcast. REMIX!Youth Ministry Booster Season 4 here! Its 90s Rewind time! All the best things we learned (and maybe loved?) about the 90s are back and for 2022-2023 we are talking about them in our leadership community at Youth Ministry Booster.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Student Ministry EssentialsOur free one-day strategic regional roundtables are back this fall and next spring. If we are coming to a state near you get signed up and don't miss out on your free spot, swag, and chance to connect with fellow youth ministers from your part of the world! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/studentessentialsSupport the showSupport the show

What makes a sermon a sermon? Last week we talked about the necessity of text, THE TEXT. This episode we invite you to ask, "what's the response?" It's the now what of whatever was read and said. It's the impetus to action, the immediate and/or lifelong application. We believe every good sermon demands a response. So let's ask about what you are asking the hearers to hear.This episode is part 3 in the art of talking to teenagers. Chad and Zac investigate what it means to craft a message that is thoughtfully presented, biblically founded, and demanding of a response.This is part 3 of 3 in our Art of Communicating To Students Series. Give us some feedback on IG or FB on how and where you will be teaching this summer. Or send us some intel, email [email protected] to give us your feedback on this episode or the podcast. Youth Ministry Booster Season 4 here! Its 90s Rewind time! All the best things we learned (and maybe loved?) about the 90s are back and for 2022-2023 we are talking about them in our leadership community at Youth Ministry Booster.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

"Hurry up. Move. Get in to it!" These are probably all thoughts you have had while preaching and teaching to students and we are here to confirm that they are normal and it is right for us to "get into it" (the it being Scripture) as soon as it makes sense. So let's talk about teaching and TEXT.This episode is part 2 in the art of talking to teenagers. Chad and Zac unpack the idea of what it means to be "quick to the text" both in your preparation and your effectiveness of preaching and teaching. This is part 2 of 3 in our Art of Communicating To Students Series. Give us some feedback on IG or FB on how and where you will be teaching this summer. Or send us some intel, email [email protected] to give us your feedback on this episode or the podcast. Youth Ministry Booster Season 4 here! Its 90s Rewind time! All the best things we learned (and maybe loved?) about the 90s are back and for 2022-2023 we are talking about them in our leadership community at Youth Ministry Booster.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the showSupport the show

Hey, hey, it's summertime in student ministry and that means we have a lot of unique opportunities to teach and preach that might stretch us from our usual weekly/monthly habits.In this episode Chad and Zac talk about the art of talking to teenagers. Whether you are preaching at (a) camp, leading a worship night, gathering students for devotion on a mission trip, or getting called up to preach during a summer sermon series there is probably a new/rare chance or two for you to teach in a new setting and in a new way. This is part 1 of 3 in our Art of Communicating To Students Series. Give us some feedback on IG or FB on how and where you will be teaching this summer. Or send us some intel, email [email protected] to give us your feedback on this episode or the podcast. Youth Ministry Booster Season 4 here! Its 90s Rewind time! All the best things we learned (and maybe loved?) about the 90s are back and for 2022-2023 we are talking about them in our leadership community at Youth Ministry Booster.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

Summer camp is a time honored student ministry tradition. Whether you head off into the hills, chill at the beach, or serve a neighboring community the corporate spiritual discipline of retreat, renew, and community is important for modeling faith for students.After a busy Easter season it's easy to forget that summer and specifically big week long events like camp are almost here, but Chad and Zac have got you! In times of stress, worry, and wonder, here are some careful things to do to prep your ministry and yourself before you go loading up a bus or van load of teenagers. In this episode Chad and Zac break down what it takes to get prepped for camp season. If you wanting to mark off the checklist of readiness queue up this episode and start crossing off the boxes. Season 4 here! Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.Support the show

The rumors of our disappearance were greatly exaggerated.After a relentless 6 weeks on the road Zac and Chad are back to share why someone else's expectations of your job are not always your problem, immediately. In this episode Chad and Zac wade into the relational waters around managing expectations, pierce through the "ask," and find hope for the critic who really has your best interests at heart. If you are feeling down and out or overwhelmed here is the pick me up you need this Post-Easter season.Season 4 is almost here! Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

Why are the teens not coming to youth events, programming, or small groups?Is it something we said?No. But. Maybe yes?Students are hungry for connection and we are often caught shouting or promoting. How can we turn ministry programming and promotion into Good News proclamation?In this episode Chad and Zac delve into what lies beneath the surface of students feeling disengaged, distant, or apathetic these days. *Spoiler* it's not specifically you, but we must adjust our care and deepen our connection before we proceed! If you are feeling like you are fighting a losing or uphill battle. Tag us or DM us on IG or FB. We are here to support, converse, and collaborate in the tough times. Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)March 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022! Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, community, and soul-care. YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!https://slulead.com/yps/Southern California:  March 28-29Orlando, FL:  April 4-5Dallas, TX:  April 11-12Nashville, TN:  April 25-26Experience 2022: Practice What You PreachMay 2-4 in Nashville TN!Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event! https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experienceYouth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

What is the ultimate snack? Protein? Fried? Dippable? This episode of the YMB podcast was recorded live in Houston,  at Houston's First Baptist, during one of our Essentials sessions with some friends and commentary about the content of the day, the strategy for the day after, and banter for our favorite snacking.In this episode Chad and Zac and guests Sean and Tony share some reflections on the state of youth ministry today, the content we covered at Essentials, and the predictions for the Big Game!If you are hungry for more check out when Essentials is coming to an area near you!Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)March 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022! Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, community, and soul-care. YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!https://slulead.com/yps/Southern California:  March 28-29Orlando, FL:  April 4-5Dallas, TX:  April 11-12Nashville, TN:  April 25-26Experience 2022: Practice What You PreachMay 2-4 in Nashville TN!Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event! https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experienceYouth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

So this is episode 216 and we put off posting it, but no longer... Apathy is a haunting word in student ministry today and it is really important that we spend a few episodes talking about how it can affect us and affect our students.This week's episode is the honest talk, first about the minister, and then next week about the students in your ministry. In this episode Chad and Zac share some honest reflections for how and why apathy might creep in on the most daring and bold youth minister.If you are going to Essentials, YPS, or the Experience hit us up and let us know! We want to give you the good swag! Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)March 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022! Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, community, and soul-care. YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!https://slulead.com/yps/Southern California:  March 28-29Orlando, FL:  April 4-5Dallas, TX:  April 11-12Nashville, TN:  April 25-26Experience 2022: Practice What You PreachMay 2-4 in Nashville TN!Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event! https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experienceYouth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

Are you planning a relationship series to start next month (February)? If so, what are you going to say? It's true that students are really into, well, each other, and we get it. But, what do we say...This week's episode is some honest talk about the role that relationships play in our teaching and leadership. Students are feeling the feelings. How are you addressing that in the time that you have? In this episode Chad and Zac share some wisdom and experience when it comes to dating, teaching, and instructing students heading for the romance highway. If you are going to Essentials, YPS, or the Experience hit us up and let us know! We want to give you the good swag! Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)Feb 7: San Antonio TexasFeb 8: Houston TexasFeb 10: Houston TexasMarch 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022! Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, community, and soul-care. YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!https://slulead.com/yps/Southern California:  March 28-29Orlando, FL:  April 4-5Dallas, TX:  April 11-12Nashville, TN:  April 25-26Experience 2022: Practice What You PreachMay 2-4 in Nashville TN!Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event! https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experienceYouth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

Q: Is All Dogs Go To Heaven A Theological Movie Statement?A: We don't know but it sure is scarier than we remember it as kids.This week's episode is a lil bit of YM fun/banter about the Mount Rushmore of Ministry-Safe movies and how to enjoy the most at your next ministry conference event. In this episode Chad and Zac are hitting the circuit for a lot of them this spring and we hope to see you at one soon! If you are going to Essentials, YPS, or the Experience hit us up and let us know! We want to give you the good swag! Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)Feb 7: San Antonio TexasFeb 8: Houston TexasFeb 10: Houston TexasMarch 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022! Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, community, and soul-care. YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!https://slulead.com/yps/Southern California:  March 28-29Orlando, FL:  April 4-5Dallas, TX:  April 11-12Nashville, TN:  April 25-26Experience 2022: Practice What You PreachMay 2-4 in Nashville TN!Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event! https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experienceYouth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

What is up! It's 2022. Happy Holiday return everyone! Does it feel like the year just got started this week? 2022, the slow roll up amma right?This week's episode is a festive recap into a discussion of some of our monthly Booster content. Every new year at Booster is themed and this month's theme is the hard work of long division. The challenge to see all the parts that make up the whole. So dive in and tell us what we got right, what we got wrong, and what still remains! It's the new year and how are you feeling about it? Tag us in a post on Facebook or shoot us a DM on Instagram to let us know! In this episode Chad and Zac we just want to say hey! You are doing great and this is a good week to take a break, to take a breathe, and see what God has placed around you.Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)Feb 7: San Antonio TexasFeb 8: Houston TexasFeb 10: Houston TexasMarch 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

What makes the meal? What makes for enjoyment? This week we are unpacking our Thanksgiving leftover lunches.This week's episode is about holidays, rest, and the importance of being pastoral and parental. It's also a chance to feel a little lighter and a little more fresh about the new year, next year! It's the week after a holiday so we know it's hard to get some things done. But, you.have.got.this! Enjoy this light and humorous helping of ministry, life, and future hopes.In this episode Chad and Zac we just want to say hey! You are doing great and this is a good week to take a break, to take a breathe, and see what God has placed around you.Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)Feb 7: San Antonio TexasFeb 8: Houston TexasFeb 10: Houston TexasMarch 7: Norfolk VirginiaMarch 8: Richmond VirginiaMarch 10: Annapolis Maryland*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSupport the show

Congrats Chad welcome to the team?  This week's episode is about good news,  holiday eats, and parent ministry practices. All 3 are very welcomed this seasonIt's an important time of year to reflect on where we are and what we are thankful and hopeful for this season.In this episode Chad and Zac want to thank you! For listening, reviewing, encouraging, DMing, and doing the good work whilst hopefully loving your family well! Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Youth ministry is important work that can often suffer from competing visions of what is best now and next. This week's episode highlights the feelings that come around expectations of what is the next best and how we ought to get there even if/when you disagree with your boss.It's a hard look at an important topic of who and how you might start feeling used for what you can do versus who you are in the middle of it all. In this episode Chad and Zac relay the importance of owning the process of keeping the vision clear, the work in front, and perspective on what it means to be called and faithful.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Youth ministry is weighty work and sometimes the burden can leave us feeling used or create space for us to use others. How do we not? It's November so let's be thankful for the help we have and the important work we need to do, but the people we need to love and care for more.In this episode Chad and Zac share some their new classification game (starting with Halloween candy) and the importance of leading others well so that everyone might feel good about their time serving.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Youth ministry is a chance for teenagers to find faith, community, and mentors. Yet, releasing students to join a community like that is scarier for some than most student pastors will admit.It's October so let's talk about fear. Who's fear? Parents fears, youth pastors fears, and the space in-between.It's time we tackle the unspoken fears and bring to light the importance of thinking about how we minister with a beginner's mindset.In this episode Chad and Zac share some of their realized fears, stories about the Pioneer Woman, and what youth ministers can do to make fear less of an unspoken arrangement.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Youth ministry is about providing relational and physical space for students to know they are loved, hear the Good News, and connect in discipleship relationships with friends, community, and mentorsHow do you provide a safe space?  There is a need in this new season of student ministry for leaders to audit the safety of the spaces they are creating physically, emotionally, and relationally. In this episode Chad and Zac share the conclusion of the fish saga and examine their own understanding of what it means to provide a safe ministry space for healthy youth ministry to flourish.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Youth ministry means challenges and sometimes we face challenges that demand a kick in the pants or a pat on the back. How do you receive encouragement?  There is a tension in church work, ministry leadership that we identify as internal vs. external. Or, how much can we really control? affect change? or relieve ourselves from when the challenge comes. This episode is pastoral look into how to receive words of love, truth, and encouragement from the peers you need them from the most.In this episode Chad and Zac share honest and humorous insights from their own friendship that others might need to hear as well. Sometimes being known and loved means receiving tough love that comes only from the place of true knowledge.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show(http://community.youthministrybooster.com/)Support the show

Ministry is difficult. Parenting is difficult. How do you face the challenge of doing both... well? In this episode Chad and Zac share honest and humorous stories of what is like to be both parent and pastor. The delight and difficult and the importance of presence above all things.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Why do we put stuff off? A: I don't know....No but srsly, why?Well in this episode Chad and Zac get to the bottom of what and why we put things off. Sometimes it's obvious other times it's personal, really personal.  Whether or not you think you do, or whether or not you think you know why, this is a really important listen for however you are thinking or feeling about work today.Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

What is the greatest N64 game of all time? Why is professional ministry a lot like pro wrestling? Why do I feel competitive against the youth pastor down the road?In this episode Zac and Chad discuss pro wrestling,  N64, and the youth pastor "down the road." Let's talk and tackle comparison that breeds competition and puts us in the cage of selfish emotions. This episode is not what you think and oh so what you might need.Road To Wrestlemania Week, any takers? (1:24)@wrestlingpastor (3:13)The Best N64 Game of All Time (4:31)"Halo conference" (7:42)Be prepared to be surprise (16:01)"You can't be mad until you have made the ask" (20:53)KD Ratio (23:50)Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookSupport the show

Do you believe in hope? Do you believe in the word of believe? Are you watching Ted Lasso? In this episode Zac and Chad discuss Ted Lasso, the importance of honesty in our church strategy, and when the right idea is the wrong idea...Ted Lasso is Sports Gilmore Girls (2:14)The next season of Booster (5:38)The right thing done wrong (8:35)When small groups aren't appropriate (13:13)I can't control those things (23:21)I believe in hope (27:01)Launch 2021Click here to get registered for Launch 2021 (8.19 1pm CT!)  Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookRegister for Launch 2021 here: https://studentministry.lifeway.com/launch2021Support the show (http://community.youthministrybooster.com/)Support the show

Hey, who is the wind in your sails? I know cheesy right... In this episode Zac and Chad discuss the upcoming Launch live event (8.19)Launch is basically TRL (4:38)The bellcurve of ministry maturity (7:33)Spirit-led youth ministry (9:01)Health of you the minister (12:13)Swimming in the dark (18:01)Launch 2021Click here to get registered for Launch 2021 (8.19 1pm CT!)  Youth Ministry BoosterLearn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.https://www.youthministrybooster.comSocialsYou can follow the guys on social media here: InstagramFacebookRegister for Launch 2021 here: https://studentministry.lifeway.com/launch2021Support the show

And We're Back! After a long winter hiatus and the whole world turning upside down, Zac and Chad are back to podcast about youth ministry, honest leadership, and the changing culture of the church.This week's episode is about E-words: Entertainment Vs Engagement.Your students want engagement way more than entertainment, but what does that even mean. Lean in, as the guys ask one level deeper questions on how to form an engaging ministry as students return to your youth ministry.Want to be a part of the conversation check out the Youth Ministry Booster network of membership, collaboration, and care. It is intentional community for those that are leading in youth ministry.Support the show

In episode 199 of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast Zac chats with church communications guru Seth Muse. We recorded this pre-COVID, but wow it feels almost prophetic. About the guest: Seth, "met Jesus while fighting with his cousin over a bike.We professed our passionate hatred for one another in an exchange that ended with a stunning comment that I’ll never forget. That cruel statement would later lead me to Christ." He was called to ministry in high school and have been chasing down God’s call on my life for the last seventeen years. Seth is a pastor, innovator, and coach for those looking to improve the most important weekly function of church leadership [communicate].Check out more from Seth Muse here. You can hear more from Seth and friends for free @ the InstaSummit! https://www.theinstasummit.com/Support the show (http://community.youthministrybooster.com/)Support the show

In episode 198 of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast Zac sits down with new author and new mom Heather Quiroz to talk about her book "First-Century Youth Ministry: Exploring Our Jewish Roots to Reclaim Discipleship." About the guest: "Heather loves Jesus, youth ministry, laughing at silly things, and eating at Indian lunch buffets. She’s the wife of Rodrigo and is a gifted teacher and speaker with over fifteen years of youth ministry experience. She and her husband recently welcomed a baby girl to their family. Heather is learning to speak Spanish (hola) and is the student ministries pastor at Shelbyville Community Church in Shelbyville, IN. She also works as a staff consultant with Ministry Architects and holds a master’s degree in youth ministry leadership from Huntington University."Check out more from Heather here.Support the show

In episode 197 of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast Zac and Chad break it down as real, struggling, pastors, and humans. This is a difficult and unprecedented time. It requires muscles and leadership that we have never exercised so we lack the endurance.However, there is a hope, there is a faith stronger than ours. We turn to that in this time of increasing weakness to find promise beyond our current circumstances. Show Notes: This is a season to fix the deeper problem.Our pain is not a problem to be solved or program to be tweaked but an existential pain to experience, to walk through, and deepen our trust and faith in God. The real fix we need in this season is in our willingness to abide in him.Check the source of your strength and fortitude. We can no longer fake it. Stop pretending like this is happening to someone else. Don’t allow this challenge to become our character, but to change our character. Above all, your people need a pastor who will walk with them through this as it is happening, guide, care, and point them back to the Love that is with us through it all.Support the show

Everybody answers to somebody. In the world of youth ministry this usually means your senior pastor, leader, or direct report. No matter what size church you serve there is someone senior to your youth ministry leadership and that person and your relationship with them is vital for your ministry and for you.It's true. Better working relationships with senior leadership is the number one improvement metric for most exiting youth ministers. In this episode co-host Kristen takes the driver seat to ask her senior leader Chris Brown about leadership and the importance of youth pastor and senior pastor relationships.Check the show notes and quotes for some goodies about humble leadership and teaming up for better ministry. Connect With Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthministrybooster/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ministrybooster/Facebook:.https://www.facebook.com/youthministrybooster/Website: https://community.youthministrybooster.com/Show Quotes Notes:"The bridge that truth travels over is relationship. Ministry is always incarnational.""There was not one moment of leaving, there was a constant feeling of those thoughts of leaving.""If there is anything else you would rather do, pursue that first. When it is absolutely clear that you cannot be satisfied doing anything else, then come back and do ministry.""Don’t commit to this for a job. Get another job and do this for volunteering.""The greater you can lead is directly parallel to the thickness of your skin."If you are not good with people being frustrated with you then do it a different way.If you don’t feel called then become the high powered volunteer who is praised."Leadership means living with low level of frustrations toward you"“Senior pastors remember back... Do you remember when you were an intern? Do you remember when you were in youth ministry? How important was the investment of the senior leader in your life?"My teaching gifts are not alone to draw and keep the crowds. Families will come to church if their kids are loving church. "Your senior pastor is probably feeling more insecure than you are feeling right now.""Your senior pastor is you, just 20 or 30 years older. None of us feel like when have what it takes.""Do the job your senior leader should be doing relational. Ask them out to lunch, coffee, or soft drinks.""Shared leadership is better than your leadership.Support the show

It's alive! It's alive! Well Zac is at least back alive and healthy (after Flu B and some quasi-tragic recovery). In this holiday recorded episode Zac and Chad talk about the necessity of the practice of silence for the the lives of youth pastors and their youth ministry. Check the show notes and quotes for some goodies and let's have a conversation about the things we aren't saying. Hit us up on social! Connect With Us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthministrybooster/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ministrybooster/Facebook:.https://www.facebook.com/youthministrybooster/Website: https://community.youthministrybooster.com/Show Quotes Notes: According to Chad you have gotta read the Starlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson "Only guy I know in Eddie Bauer button-down wearing Sunoco brand undershirts."Why do we fear the silence? 1. It exposes our worries or anxieties 2. We fear of what could happen in the unexpected 3. We worry that we didn't fill enough time"We are missing out on the neutral space of contemplation"Have you made space for silence in your ministry, in your life? The importance of Silence for:  Hearing from GodProcessing what was just saidDisruption: Pushing back on"Youth ministers love to subvert MTV and Disney culture. Silence is a way to do that.""Youth ministry is cultural when it emulates where it makes sense and subvert and push back where it is not right.""There is a truth in the silence that your sermon words will never convene.""Silence will free us from having to say everything all the time.""We speak and ask for response but we never allowed silence to speak in between." "Youth ministry is most formative when it helps students do things they can’t do themselves.""Your students are longing for peace."“The Presence Is More Important Than the Program” A.W. Tozer“If the Holy Spirit didn’t show up would we even notice?” A.W. TozerSupport the show

What's up everybody! This episode is an important word of care for both your students and you the student minister. Hear the encouraging words of our new friend Dwight Johnson share about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and how being more informed and trained about trauma will better serve you to serve your students. Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthministrybooster/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ministrybooster/Facebook:.https://www.facebook.com/youthministrybooster/Website: https://community.youthministrybooster.com/Connect With DwightFacebookInstagramEmailShow Quotes: How well do you know the room?Walk the roster. Whose student’s story do you not know? Their formative experiences will shape how they hear from you, how they engage with your ministry. We need to listen and adapt so that we may help.We so often put ourselves on islands of serving others, but living alone.Too often, we place all the worry of what needs to happen on our shoulders. Our work is to put a team together around our students to walk through the trauma well. Doing ministry well comes through training. Vicarious Trauma. The painful resonance of working with people We need people to help us when we take the work home with us.  We are not exempt from facing our own trauma.Resting isn’t sleeping.Resting is your work ethic.Resting is worship.We need eyes in on our lives, for the purpose of being whole, aware, and healed.When the people of God learn how to rest, the Holy Spirit will give everything we truly need.Acknowledge your brokenness. God wants to heal your busy and broken body.There are valleys and mountains to this work and God is in both places.Support the show

We made it y'all! 4 years of meeting, interviewing, and recording and we are here to high five and kick the tires for at least 4 more! Thanks for all the support, encouragement, listenership, subs, ratings, and reviews! They mean the world to us. Whether this is episode #1 for you or you have hit all #193. Thank you! Join up with collaborative and caring youth ministry leaders @ Youth Ministry BoosterSupport the show

"I'll see you at the moo oovie movies" #FYPJust in case you haven't heard there is a brand new app that more than just the kids are in to nowadays. It's called TikTok and it's making us question everything we thought we knew about social (in a good way!).Whenever we want to talk about leading edge tech and social media we turn our eyes north to Brady Shearer and his team at Pro Church Tools. They have been creating great content and apps for churches of every size to rethink and level up their interactions online.Join up with collaborative and caring youth ministry leaders @ Youth Ministry BoosterPro Church Tools: https://prochurchtools.com/Brad Shearer on InstagramShow Quotes: "The exciting state of social media right now requires little to no gear.""Tik Tok is Adobe After Effects within in free application.""70% of TikTok is 18-24 year old young adults."TikTok is the the auto sound app.TikTok is creating a cultural moment of TikTok of famous. It is deeply concerned with Virality is not just possible it is probable.TikTok is not based on your friend and family network. It is purely algorithmic based. Where you are and what you It tunes itself to build a profile of what you like. GenZ was known for keeping things intimate and disappearingHowever, the also aspired the to be famous Youtubers.Tiktok is a performance app for dancers, creatives, and comedians. TikTok is social for the sake of being social. The biggest problem for most churches is that we are using social to promote and not connect or relate.We need to social as a ministry itself.If someone is already paying attention then go to where their attention is already gathered. Don’t reschedule when you already know you have their attention. Sunday morning is more of an experience than communal. The better metric than past attendance is measuring next steps. The tough truth is that most folks just don’t care about churchOur job is not to get mad but to respond to it. Finding the intersection between faith and culture. People are just as curious about faith as they have ever been before. TikTok is like a puppy.  It is trained to go wherever you train it to go.Support the show

Chad is back and we are talking everything #NYWC19, YS In Tampa, and this month's theme for Youth Ministry Booster "Culture of Worry." Our students are more anxious and worried than ever, and we think that Student Pastors are too! Youth ministry leader you must address the balancing the emotional and relational load of ministry creates within you. The cup of stressors has to overflow eventually but where will you put the spill? Your family? A regrettable habit? An addiction to video games, Youtube, or Netflix?We all find ways to self-medicate through the strain that ministry creates. Where are you going to put all the stress, exhaustion, and desire to do good?Show Notes: "Social is the multiplier for our insecurities. We were always insecure but now we just reach our maximum capacity quicker and on an almost daily basis."We are just broken down faster and faster."Facebook comments can collapse around those who are really in need."“We are far too quick to offer answers instead of listening for wisdom.” “There is pain on my face that I can’t always speak with my typed words.” “I need to see your face to help you heal in your faith.” “Comments are not good for counsel and care.” “Care stems from relational investment.”“Face to face conversation holds us to a level of integrity “Anxiety often comes from feeling over-worked or under-worked. It is related to how we feel about what we have or have not accomplished. Better big picture plans usually facilities better day to day feelings of worry.” Support the show

When is it time to "make a change?" What does it mean to "make change" in your youth ministry?If leadership for youth ministry is important then a measure of change is always necessary.Hear from Kristen Lascola and Zac Workun as the discuss what it means to navigate change as a process and lead through change as a leader!Live Episode 200 Party @ NYWC 2019. Join Party Join The FunFollow Youth Ministry Booster On InstagramShow Notes:“When is the change necessary?”“We need this move to be smooth.”At a leadership level change is happening all the time. It may not always be huge, but there is always something to be changing towards improvement.Some times the most important changes are not significant but subtle.Where are you putting your relational energy?Change Management is simply doing it what it takes, or making the changes to remove the friction to make ministry better. Who you are and is directly related to your characters and capacity to lead. You have to know what you are best at, we can’t mis-guess this quality. You know you need to recruit more help when you are utterly dependent on the wireless mic. The minute you can go wired on your Stop trying to be the Swiss army knife of your youth ministry. “We all have been there, stop trying to stay there.”“You could be all things to all people, but it doesn’t mean you should be all things to all people.” “If you have to be everything you are really a less version of who you are.”“There is a critical point in your leadership where I am I no longer the touch point for everything in the ministry.”’ “Your role, your position, give so much value and authority to what you say to the leaders who show up to help you.”“Your adult leaders are your small group to lead.” “The mark of the great is your ability to produce a great leader.”“We are emotionally attached to some of our ministry tasks.”“We are really protective of our titles.”“Leadership preys on your insecurity.”Inviting Folks Into The Process Helps To Make Leadership:Less ScaryMore FunStrengtheningSupport the show

Hey-oh! It's time to talk about the important work of connecting with students just outside your door! At Youth Ministry Booster, we believe that there is really important student ministry work to be done just outside the walls of the church. Campus ministry in multiple forms is an invaluable asset to the ways in which students can become connected into the life of a church community. It will always look a little different everywhere, but one thing is always true, schools are full of students who need the gospel of Jesus! Learn more how you can connect and collaborate with youth ministers nationwide and in your neighborhood. We wanted to talk with someone who is leading out and has learned a lot about it.Meet Matthew Swifty PerryConnect With Swifty Matt on FacebookMatt On InstagramShow Notes: The Story behind “Swifty” He really likes Taylor Swift, like he is a “fearless” Taylor Swift fan!“You’ve known about God, but now know about me!” - Jesus“I knew that God had called to me to church plant one, so I knew I needed to leave home to go learn what I didn’t know.”“Sometimes you get interns because you go out and recruit them, other times you get them because they recruited themselves.”“Don’t wait around to get asked, go and invite yourself to see how you can help and learn.” "What did you learn in the first 6 years. Serving."Your chance to lead is when you pick a vacuum after the service. Learn how to serve without being asked. Leadership 101: taking the initiative to start serving. My job as a leader is to learn. I don’t want to be the smartest person in the room.“Everyone has something to teach us.”‘There is nothing I can plan that will have better production than what students can see on TV or game on their phone.” “My competition wasn’t another church but it was all of the activities of downtown San Diego: food, concerts, and bands.” “It has to be student-led.” “Campus ministry is encouraging and empowering students”“We have 15,000 students within a 15 mile radius of our church.” “I don’t want to reach 10% of my church, I want to reach 10% of my schools.” “I don’t want to just reach my church people, I want to reach the people of my city.” 3 Roadblocks To Developing On Campus Ministry: Roadblock 1: Staffing and Resources: Have a prayerful, written plan for your senior leaders.Communicating the Vision of Campus Ministry To Senior Leadership Finding fresh volunteers Recruiting moms, college students without Wednesday classes“School campus time of 30 minutes is the best way to connect with new students.” “We moved everything to Wednesdays. AM into PM, 8am-9pm on Wednesdays.” “When it comes to spending your time and their finances, have clear communication on the front end and not the back end.” Roadblock 2: Mobilizing The Students: What Comes Next? “How do you get the students excited?” “It was more important to have a club and a presence and be on campus “We have 7 churches that are ready to be a part of this thing together.” “Campus ministry can be good for the hype, how do we make it good for the church?” Roadblock 3: What Has This Done For The Student Ministry of Your Local Church?“Don’t be afraid to partner with what they are doing!” 4 Things We Want To Happen For Every Student In Through Our Aux ClubsConnect With Our MidweeksDeeper In Our House GSupport the show

A little less than four years ago Chad Higgins and Zac Workun started a podcast to help youth pastors. The last few weeks have pushed some really exciting developments! This October Lifeway Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) has acquired Youth Ministry Booster to become its primary training vehicle for coaching and equipping youth ministers nationwide.This move enables Youth Ministry Booster to become the premier live video environment for youth ministry training, resourcing, and coaching. We are so excited for this continuing collaboration as youth ministers are matched into cohorts of masterminds and sharpening their skills, and getting the support and encouragement of soul care that is so deeply needed! What Does This Mean?YMB membership means you now get a whole library more of content! There has never been a better time to join! New & Upcoming For Youth Ministry Booster in 2020: Community Based CoursesThe high quality on-demand videos of Lifeway Students + the live video environment of Youth Ministry Booster means we will now offer in-depth learning with live elements inside of our community! Every semester we are going to dive deep into the practical life and leadership lessons it takes to run a successful youth ministry. These new community-based interactive courses will rocket your growth as you learn from leading youth ministers, some of the very best of us!“Funny for how you do, or funny for how you did!”About the #NYWC19 Youth Ministry Booster BoothCrown The Funniest Youth Pastor @ YS YMB #Live200Post short Instagram Story VideosFriday night @ The Late Night Podcast 9:45pm-10:45pm the top 3 finalists (as determined by social media) will be given a 5 minute set to compete for the title of Funniest Youth Pastor! Follow the Facebook event to learn moreThanks again for your listenership and support! Support the show

What is the future of youth ministry? What hopeful work should we as youth ministers engaged with today? YS NYWC19 In TampaWe are going to be there? Are you? The Youth Ministry Booster team is going to the biggest conference in youth ministry to hang out with all of our YM friends and we can't wait to see you there! Friday Night Late Night: YMB is the late-night podcast option for all NYWC goers so make your plans now to be a part of the special live recording of episode 200 as we play games, tell stories, interview friends, and give away prizes. We are also crowning a comedic champion of NYWC so you won't wanna miss that! About This Episode's GuestMark Matlock is one of the leading voices in youth ministry and has deep and storied experience serving youth ministry leaders globally. His most recent work Faith For Exiles co-authored with David Kinnaman is an important read for those reflecting critically on the important work of youth ministry. Faith For Exiles BookShow Notes: Mark The Magician (did everyone but me know this?)They gave me a shot to do this before I was probably ready. "I fell in love with working with youth and the church. The parachurch was serving the local church and it gave me opportunities to see ministry in a variety of places."14:00 Are You Helping Or Hurting Youth Pastors? If you see youth ministry as a game and easy creativity then you are unprepared for the hard work.14:48  The resource you provide could actually cause them to atrophy in the ways you are trying to free upPutting the program together has never been more convenient. 16:38 What We Lost In the 90s18:00 The Millennial Gap In Leadership"We stayed in our spots too long..." Jim Burns"Youth Ministry is a very small niche and there were just not enough spots to go around to span the generations"22:02 Youth Pastors are starting to get seats at the table. This is a good thing. "Begin to learn to leverage the cumulative wisdom of your life."26:04 Faith For Exiles Book DiscussionThe Way We Weren’t by Jill Talbot “It’s about bending and not breaking and in the bending, it’s about growing stronger” God has designed us to be resilient.We don’t need a robust faith, we need a resilient faith. We need assimilation of the right belief into the rest of our life. There is a danger that we are socializing people to Christianity rather than meeting Jesus. Their understanding of faith extends beyond just attending weekend church and into the work, they are about during the week. “Redefine Faith: live on earth as it is in heaven” Rethinking the word vocation for young people todayWe must rethink our work as a vocational coach. We should be about people development. What every Christian parent wants for their kids: 1. To have a relationship with Jesus.2. A healthy and loving family and kids.3. A sustainable career that they will enjoy.Vocational coaching would redefine not only our work at youth ministry but redefine Codename: Bowstring- the untitled and unfinished YS project that Mark left behind.How do we help youth pastors live into the Support the show

This is episode 186 and today we give away something really nice...This is the weekly bonus episode on Friday featuring the voices of members of Youth Ministry Booster's network featuring audio from the real-life coaching calls and discussions that real-life youth ministers are asking and sorting out in our weekly live video call environments.Learn how you can join Youth Ministry Booster and accelerate your leadership!NYWC Schedule! We have a booth and a podcast show slot! Don't miss out! Friday night late night has never felt so good! Giveaways, cookies, games, and a chance to be apart of our special episode 200!Stay boosted! -zw Big shoutouts to Kenan Klein and Jen Willard who won free tickets to NYWC19! Show Notes: How do we get students involved in the bigger picture of the church? Is it the lack of structure in our churchor Is it on us as youth ministry staff? Is it our fault?orIs it their fault? Does student ministry always have to be seen as a silo ministry?  We often forget to include youth as a part of the planning of our church-wide activities. The ministry of most churches is doing for students and not doing ministry with students.“I forget that it is my responsibility to invite students up” When was the last time you created a structured opportunity for students to connect with adults? Take the time to teach your congregation to ask students questions. Help them navigate the relationship cues. "Youth ministry has hurt the church in the ways in which it has not created good relational opportunities for adults and students to connect."Where are the entry points that adults can connect with the youth of their church?"Everything changes when you are invested in the life of a student."Support the show

Episode 185 is here and it's clear that youth ministry fall season is in full swing! Kristen and Chad are back for a fun discussion about vegan food fairs and reaching students just outside your door! Learn how you can join Youth Ministry Booster and accelerate your leadership!We are going to be @NYWC 2019 this year in Tampa are you?NYWC Schedule! We have a booth and a podcast show slot! Don't miss out! Friday night late night has never felt so good! Support the show

Today’s show is a quick and extra special one! This is episode 184 and it is something really really nice....We are celebrating 184 episodes and we are taking this opportunity to share that in a few weeks we will have important and exciting updates regarding Youth Ministry Booster, the podcast, and what is next! Before we make some big changes, we wanted to offer up some small and important tweaks. We are moving to 2 episodes a week.1. A weekly episode on Wednesday will be the hosts discussion and interviews of the show you have come to love over these last 4 years! and2. A weekly bonus episode on Friday or Monday featuring the voices of members episode of Youth Ministry Booster's network will feature the real-life coaching calls and discussions that real-life youth ministers are asking and sorting out in our weekly live video call environments. Learn how you can join Youth Ministry Booster and accelerate your leadership! NYWC19 Ticket Giveaway NYWC Schedule! We have a booth and a podcast show slot! Don't miss out! Friday night late night has never felt so good! Stay boosted! -zw Support the show

WE ARE BACK! Episode 183 is a kick-off to a whole new year and season of Youth Ministry Booster (with some big prizes and announcements in the works!) After much-needed summer rest and reset the podcast is back in full force (weekly) with new content (more episodes and more media!) for you, the hard-working, fun-loving youth minister! So wherever you are while you are listening know that this team of fellow youth ministry leaders is praying for you and hoping that this little bit of humor and insight keep you boosted! Also this... Our friends at Youth Specialities gave us some tickets to give away!! Win A Free Ticket To NYWC2019! Want to go to #YouthMinistry Homecoming? Then enter for a chance to win a free ticket to #NYWC19Click here to enter! Key Quotes and Takeaways! “If you can gain their heart, you can get their hand.” Will Cumby “There is more at stake than just the program tweaks you made for the new school year.” Most neighborhoods are changing, the climate and cultures are shifting in new and different ways. “Let me serve you without the promise of a return.” Expand Your Vision“Learn who the gatekeepers are in your community and learn to meet them at the door.” “Who are the most influential people in the lives of your students?” Do you know them?”  Adjust the Depth Perception For Your Students” “Serving others in a new context removes the limitations of seeing the truth of your own community.” This is why your students need to see how God is working in other places!“The vision of the church needs to be expanded beyond the address of a student’s home church” “You are more than the show you put together or program you put on each week.” “We need to find ways to show up in places that students are daily.” Support the show

Dr. Andy Root is back y'all! With a new book and summer session on the history, hope, and reimagination of what it means to be a pastoral figure in this new age we are living! Episode 182 is only the warm-up for the live session. Don't miss it! Learn more with and from Dr. Andrew Root @ our FREE LIVE Webinar June 12th 2:00pm CDT Show Notes & Quotes: For both the yellow book and blue book the key writings in the background are, A Secular Age by Charles Taylor. Andy declares that A Secular Age is, "the first book of the 21st Century that will be read in the 22nd CenturyYouthfulness and the importance of authenticity in this age. The hurt of pastoral identity in this secular age. “I know how to write a sermon and run a meeting, But when it comes to seeing God’s living presence in their lives I feel at a loss. ““Where is the place of the pastor in the world?”A Sketch Of HistoryWhat does it mean that in 1500 AD you can’t help but find Christians and evidence of Christianity? And now 500 years later it is harder and harder to find anyone that believes in God. That to do ministry is to have an encounter with the presence of the living God. This means working towards a deep connection with how God works in the world. The stakes are wrong. We misdiagnose what’s actually going on. It’s possible that Youth Ministers have been playing checkers in a chess world.The game or environment is more complicated than we had originally thought. There is a whole cultural imagination that makes it difficult to live in the presence of a living God. Key Historical Figures Sketched Out In The New BookSt. AugustineThomas BeckettJonathan Edwards Henry Ward BeecherHarry Emerson FosdickRick WarrenIn this new age, pastors are hurting and either they make the turn to self-blame or congregational blame. If Jesus is better than our church will be larger is the trap we have been lured into, so how do we talk about Growth as transcendence  Forming imaginations and proclaiming where God is active in the world. When non-traditional people became pastors? Ministry itself, the sharing of a life with another, is the call to pastor. A refreshed theological lens. God as a minister. God as pastor. “The only God we can known is the God who is made known inSupport the show

Hey, student ministry leaders how hard is it to get the stuff done we know is important? It's a continuing part of monthly them on setting and getting our goals done! In this episode, Chad Higgins and Will Cumby give life and oxygen to an important conversation about goals, focus, and getting a better grip on getting the big stuff done in youth ministry. Even the most relational ministries need to set the work before them to get it done! Show Notes & Quotes: Goals oxygenate our hopes and dreamsGoals require focusFocus is the outflow of good habitsThe Habit Formulas requires: action, duration, and locationWhat are you doing, for how long, and where are you going to practice it. The bigger the goal the more singular focused we have to be on the weekly practices towardsBigger goals require more diligent calibration. Sometimes where we are is a reminder of where we are goingDon’t let comparison deter you from what you are called, set to doConsider the magnifying glass. It doesn’t generate power it redirects it by focusing it. “If you aim at nothing you will hit every time”  Zig Ziglar Are we modeling our expectations for our students? Is your lifestyle a model for your students to see what they hear from you? Goals are not just about getting things done but creating the space for enjoyment in our lives.Goal ManagementWhat do you want? Passion Management.How long is it going to take me? Time Management. Who can help me achieve it? Resource Management.Support the show

This interview episode with Matt Overton is a jam! Engaging and energetic for those who are feeling a need for fresh wind in youth ministry (Matt would appreciate the boat joke).Grow volume 3 drops this month! Did you know that you can get a year of Youth Ministry Booster free? Just buy Grow volume 3 here and a year of YMB is free ($240 value!). About the Guest:Matt Overton is a Princeton educated Virginian doing youth ministry in the Pacific North West. Matt's thoughtful, savvy, innovative approach to remodeling youth ministry is an exciting beat for frustrated or tired youth ministers. Learn more about Matt's Team, Vision, And Mentorship Program The Columbia Future Forge Here.Get Matt's New Book Mentorship and The Marketplace here Get Grow+Booster for the price of Grow! Show Notes and Quotes: "No student is ever finished” Students are less ready to make commitments in lifeStudent’s developmental plans have slowed down in their lives. “One of the ways I have learned how to be a christian in public is work. My jobs revealed the values that I had learned in Christ.”The church is sometimes an environment of too “niceness” A social enterprise is a new kind of business: Double bottom line: profit and impact.What are the problem areas in youth ministry?What is the urgency for youth ministry? MowTown Teen Lawn Care https://mowtownteenlawncare.com/Do what you are already good at... what are you good at? “It’s the passion that you desire for your students why would you not start with yourself.” Theological Movement: all of us are called to reflect on our internal and external livesYou have to start with missional theology.  Move it, settle in, pay attention, look for the gospel holes, and find ways to do the gospel work.Ministry is actually very patient work. Innovation usually comes about when someone takes something that they were already good at on the side and they invested in it in their primary day to day activity. Support the show

In this warm and wise interview episode with Dr. Philip Nation we examine what it means to make disciples. You are going to love the wit and wisdom that takes shape in the next 45 minutes. May 16 2019 Grow Volume 3 drops! Don't miss out on the latest volume of the hottest selling curriculum. Get a year of Grow Curriculum & Strategy + Youth Ministry Booster Membership For The Price of Grow! SHOW NOTES: Learn more how you can interact with awesome guests like Dr. Philip Nation live @ https://community.youthministrybooster.comAbout Dr. Philip Nation. "It takes solid volunteer leaders: My volunteer leader Matthew shaped how personal the faith journey could be for me."“It’s difficult, that’s the youth ministry” “I need you to fix my kid. That is one of those memories that hang with you. That a parent would just want you to step into the boundaries of their child’s life” “There are parents that feel like they are drowning. Parents feel this way because they have never been discipled themselves.The Discipleship Deficit “We are living in a generation where parents are having to parent and learn the technology.” We are not living in a culture crisis we are living in a church crisis. Disciple making is a spiritual discipline. What are you trying to create? An Evangelical version of an amish community. .. Pepperoni and Purity.Being a fully formed follower of Jesus is possible as a teenager.  “Youth ministry is more than meeting the immediate discomfort with immediate correction."“We are just trying to play the substitution game to stitch together a “fix quilt” “Youth ministry is more than solving this week’s problem.” What is the good medicine for youth in your youth ministry? Be willing to an honest evaluation of where you are right now. "Some of you in ministry are alone because you are all alone, you never invited anyone else: coach, mentor, guide in to lead you. They need to know that you need them.”GET YMB FOR FREE! (Buy Grow Get Booster!)3 Bad Models of Discipleship 1. Plastic Christianity: Pain-Free2. Knowledge Transfer Ministry: Making jeopardy contestants about Jesus-following. the Bible is open, but the questions are closed. They are answering the questions of a previous generation. 3. Behavior Modification: Keep time of doing the same good things. How are we going to deepen the good news of the Gospel in the lives of young people?Students need to live with an eternal perspective. “You can’t operate by metrics that your seniors leadership rejects.”You might be thinking in a different  way than you senior pastor, which is okay,  youth ministers are typically rogues and rebels, but you need to talk about the formation of those metrics and what you are working together to measure. The metrics that you value. The system of your ministry is perfectly designed to get the results you are getting. If you want different results you are going to have to retrofit the system. How are we building biblical hospitality into the lives of students? Are you training the adults who are volunteering and leading in your ministry to the ways and measures of success in your ministry? Are you inviting those leaders into your home? How will you ignite the spiritual imaginations for students in your ministry and church? Support the show

In episode 178 Zac sits down with Daniel IM to talk about the importance of vision, strategy, and values for leading in a church and a youth ministry. Get Grow Curriculum + Booster for one low price! Our Guest:  Learn more about Daniel IMDaniel Sangi Im is the Director of Church Multiplication for NewChurches.com at LifeWay Christian Resources. He also serves as a Teaching Pastor at The Fellowship, a multisite church in Nashville.Daniel is the the author of No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry and Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply (2nd Ed).He also co-hosts the New Churches Q&A Podcast, the 5 Leadership Questions Podcast, and a brand new podcast with his wife on marriage and parenting called the IMbetween Podcast.Daniel has served and pastored in church plants and multisite churches ranging from 100 people to 50,000 people in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Korea, Edmonton, and Nashville. His experience and strength is in creating alignment and momentum within teams and churches by implementing strategies and systems to move the church towards multiplication. Which is why you are going to love today's episode! Follow Daniel On TwitterShow Notes: Let's Talk About Where Vision Fits In:VisionStrategyValuesWhat is the difference between Vision and Mission (5:01) (way less than you think)A Vision statement simply answers,  "Where are we going?" Vision is probably not the place for the youth ministry to differentiate6:26 "Vision is the contextualized version of the Great Commandment and Great Commission"Beulah Alliance Church“Reach 1% of Edmondton” A strategy is the stuff you do to get your vision done. 2 Strands of StrategyLeadership PipelineDiscipleship Pathway 8:10 The reason that every church does ministryWe do things differently because of our set of values. “If everyone can agree with the value then it is not clear enough” 11:10 “The values of your church should be so clear that a newcomer should read them and be able to opt out” 13:30 Where does the Strategy get decided? Everything the church does fits within the strategy (either knowingly or not)Leadership Pipeline: equipping the saints for ministryDiscipleship Pathway: pointing them to Christ, maturing for faith 15:10 Can’t it be both? 16:24 "The shift to a growing larger church is the move to develop the leadership pipeline"You can’t be a doer, you must become equippers" Get Grow Curriculum + Booster for one low price! Conviction Culture Constructs Conviction In order to move from doers to equippers. Ephesians 4 for Biblical convictionCulture What gets celebrated? What gets resourced? ConstructsInstalling whatSupport the show

In this positive, challenging, and encouraging bonus episode, Will and Zac talk about the importance of self-care, alignment, and reflection. We love you youth ministry friend! Be encouraged, stay motivated, do the hard work of self-examination for healthy leadership. Pull the car in the shop and do the evaluation before your big summer road trip. Get the Grow curriculum and strategy everyone is talking about, and a year of YMB for free! Visit https://www.youthministrybooster.com/grow to charge up your ministry plans, strategy, and alignment! #177 Show Notes: Seeking the kingdom is the heart check for what we really want in ministry. If we want the addition we have gotta have the alignment Alignment starts in the personal maintenance of studying the Scriptures of God’s promisesPeople want you to do life with them, pastor! Be with the people.“Maybe the busy you see in me, isn’t the reward I think it is” “We are living comfortably, uncomfortable” “We have become accustomed to our dysfunction” “Thinking that it’s not that bad is… such a lie” “You always pay your debts, whatever toll you have taken out will eventually come due”  “You can’t fix form overnight” "You will repeat what you fail to repair"Listen Address CorrectThanks for listening. Support the show

Hey everybody! Chad is back! And Easter is almost here! Prepare yourself for the season and the rest will follow! Celebrate in your heart the resurrection of our Lord and allow the hope of the season to restore you from exhaustion, frustration, and despair. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! Join a membership community of care. A national network of youth ministers meeting in masterminds, and leading the way for healthy youth ministry! https://www.youthministrybooster.com/Get the greatest youth ministry curriculum on the planet + a free year of youth ministry booster and digital goodie bag! https://www.youthministrybooster.com/growIt's like 2 for the price of one. Show Moments & Notes: "make the most of the mundane" "the hard work happens in bridging the gap""Find space beyond the morning to connect with your students" "Automate your processes towards a personal and meaningful connection"ConnectX: A Flow for No-Fail FollowupCare: The first words should always be, "hi how are you, not "hi, please fill out this card."Lead with care. Ask questions about their life, interests, and passions.Collect: However, you are going to need some relevant details in order to contact them, but don't collect contact data that you aren't going to use right away. If you aren't going to mail them something, then don't get bogged down in mailing addresses, and do you really need Dad's work fax number in your database? Learn their name and one super specific unique factoid that is true to them. Everyone hates math class, but do you know this middle school student's record score on their favorite app? (187K on temple run)Their favorite pokemon? (VenusSaur) Do you know this high school student's system for naming their spotify playlists (by mood associated with color words: Blue Study) This specific fact will tell you way more than their feelings about Social studies, and it will help you remember their name and when you make contact to connect it feel extremely personal. Contact: Within 5 days after meeting, connecting, or reconnecting with a student make contact via the info you collected. This is a great chance to write an old school handwritten note, make an old fashioned phone call, or an appropriate social media message. Connect: Help the student know in a personal and specific way how you would like them to connect. Don't just ask to see them around more, work on what you want from them. "Hey come join a home group! They meet on Wednesdays and I know some other Anime lovers that will be there."Commit: In your daily prayers to care for this student. The transformative work that motivates a student to deeply root to a faith community is above your pay grade. It's God's work. The Holy Spirit moving in their life is the real agent of waking them on Sunday mornings and making a biblical community a priority. Compassion: In the meantime, always regard the situations of your students with kindness beyond logic. They don't always get a say in their schedule, and those that do, don't always use time management well. Just because a couple of teams, church activities, and a job were no problem for you to juggle, doesn't mean that your student isn't super overwhelmed. Whatever a student is feeling, they are feeling. They should not be judged for how they are feeling about their situation. This is your chance to encourage with wise words. Celebrate: Whenever you see them again (next week or next Easter), celebrate them Support the show

Episode 175 is a big fun crossover with our pals the Youth Ministry Sherpas Matthew and Steve! These guys remind us of who we want to be when we grow up in youth ministry. Kind, thoughtful, caring, and wise these Sherpas are great guides for who to aspire towards in youth ministry. You are going to love their show. You gotta check it out. https://youthministrysherpas.com/Thanks Steve and Matthew you guys are awesome! It was also great to spend some time reviewing the history of where Youth Ministry Booster first got started. We say this and we don't say it lightly. You need a good biblical community of peer-ministry leaders that will speak truth and life into you, friend. Don't go it alone! Visit https://community.youthministrybooster.com/ and let us help you get connected!Support the show

In episode 174 Zac, Kristen, and Will chat about the importance of alignment in leadership. An important and effective team requires the constant work of adjustment and alignment. We are going to spend the next few episodes on this invaluable topic. Get yourself and your team together. Visit https://community.youthministrybooster.com to learn how a community of care is waiting to hear from you and stand by you. "Good is done alone. Great is done together."Alignment: How much of a team are you on? Who's team is it? There are lots of things that we do that aren't part of our position. We may not go to lunch and hang out, but you know I have your back. We are in this together with a glue of a shared DNA of our staff culture. "People love to be helped, people love to help and be needed." It comes full circle. We should value and invest in other members of our team. Youth ministry is a piece of the global direction fo the church. "We communicate our team value what we are willing to be a part of that doesn't have our title attached to it." Take your phones off the table during meetings. "If I can get your heart then I can get everything else I need." #SameTeam say it with me. #SameTeam"The relationships are the motivation. Take time for camaraderie. Celebrate each other and together. Celebration is motivation to stay aligned for the next challenge. We don't just move from peak to peak to peak. "Alignment is a team concern and not "I hope everyone aligns with me."  "I remember the moment that I was not a youth pastor but a pastor to those that were leading youth" Alignment comes from finding ways to humanize our team beyond the title they hold or position or for which they were hired. 3 Cs of Great Team Members:Character - Quality Of YouCompetency- Quality of WorkChemistry - Quality of You Working With Us Support the show

Attention Youth Pastors! You need the wisdom of this episode more than you know. Mike King is a 44 year veteran of youth ministry and he has wisdom for you. There is a deep truth in blooming where you are planted and valuing the work of your place as much as the work of your position. Enjoy this fun and wise episode with Mike! Key Moments: There was that moment that I chose to not do something else, but the vision came later as the passion grew. Don't Quit. Don't Quit. Don't Quit.Never make a big decision when you are down.Bloom Where You Are Planted. Consider rootedness and these are my people, and this is my city. This is the place where I will die.  "Ministry is going to happen long after I am gone, I want to curate a mindset like that for my team.""Establish the work of our hands oh Lord..""we want to live the life that Jesus promised in abundance" "we are doing what we always do and we are inviting teengaers into it" "read the Bible over and against yourself... if the Bible has a warning, take that warning for yourself" "you are going to change so many times in your lifetime, so hold more things lightly" "if you are not willing to change you love yourself more than you love the truth, we will be led, we don't lead. we are participants in the truthful change. "we get the delight of participating with God"  Support the show

In episode 171 Zac and Ben Trueblood of Lifeway Students talk about ministry after student ministry. With 2 new books of research and pastoral concern Ben presents some of the findings and hopes for youth pastors hoping to do right and better. Need Prayer? Help? Support? Email the YMB team here.Check out Ben's BooksWithin ReachA Different College ExperienceKey Moments: Original Dropout Study 200870% of active students drop out New Findings: Within Reach 201966% of active students drop out  Defining Active Student Ministry: 2x or more a month  "Nothing that we have helped them understand that has created a pull for them to be connected in a local expression of believers to other followers of Christ. To me that is more scary that something trying to convince them that their faith isn’t real…"We need to create multiple opportunities to be connected to the church at large and the adults of the church and adult ministries of the church  “I didn’t feel connected to other people in my church”  "I had a need, a desire for connection that was unfulfilled”   Connection with people is the primary driver for people staying connected to the church through college.  The more we connect students to the rest of the church the more they begin to understand that the church needs me.  But in turn… Here’s why I need them.The church needs me, and I need them.  Student ministry needs to find ways to connect beyond student ministry itself.  Student ministries are doing a great  For the next in the now.   Support the show

Hey-oh! It's episode 170 of the YMB podcast with special guest Heather Lea Kenison. Heather is a YM who knows the value of connecting with other YMs and we love her heart for connecting with other leaders in that way. This interview is solid, zesty, and insightful and you will love hearing Heather's story of coming up in youth ministry and now leading and learning youth ministry for a bright new future. Heather Lea Kenison serves at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, serving 5th-8th grade students and her families. A newlywed, Heather spends a lot of time with her husband and their one-eyed cat child. Heather believes that middle school ministry's purpose is to create a safe space for students to grow closer in relationship with God and others, and feels blessed to work with a dynamic team of volunteer leaders who make it their mission to live this out. Key Takeaways:"Even though I am in a different place now, I can say fundamentalism saved my life.” "Middle school kids; nothing feels safe for them, everything is changing, their body is betraying them” Measuring an Invite NightWere students safe?Did they have fun in community?Did they learn a new thing about God? “My Volunteers Kept Me Here” “Why not have an accounting for every minute of youth group?”The idea of a holiness group asking... “How is your soul?” Connect With Heather: Twitterhttps://twitter.com/heatherlea17?lang=enBloghttps://heatherleakenison.blog/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/heatherlea17Support the show

We are back! After a much needed holiday hiatus the most honest podcast in youth ministry is back with a powerful interview featuring our friend, blogger, minister, father, husband, and good dude Dan Istvanik. You probably recognize Danny-I's name from a number places where he writes, curates, and contributes (he's very prolific!), but Dan recommends you start at Middle Year Ministry. Dan's Blog Central http://www.middleyearsministry.com/Youth Ministry Booster Intensives (Next Way For You To Grow!)https://www.youthministrybooster.com/intensivesKey Takeaways: “When I was young, there was no junior high ministry for me”  “I use my counseling degree everyday”  Ducks, Bottle Rockets, and Underwater Explosive Training"Networking has always been an important part of our longevity"  One of the first things we did when we got here was we sought out and built a network to be available to other youth ministry leaders. "You need a network that will go with you beyond the address of the church you currently serve" "Sometimes we wait so long to find a network of care that when we share, people only know how to offer you pity""Part of your job is finding care for your job""Sometimes network meetings are necessary group therapy”  “Parents can make amazing small group leaders they come pre-packaged with respect, life experiences, resources, and bring a lot to the table”  "You can be young and be a great youth minister, just don't make young mistakes" "The greatest thing for you is when one parent compliments and defends you to another parent""Your greatest defenders and advocates are parents in your youth ministry” Support the show

This one gets really good really fast!In episode 168 Karl Romeus, Will Cumby, and Zac Workun talk about what it means to have the honest talks in youth ministry, with ministry peers, mentors, and younger leaders. Who are you honest with? What are the questions you are asking? Who Are Your Honesty People?You can’t share armor with people who don’t know the battle. Young Leader Ask 2 Questions Have Someone Who Is not just one or two steps ahead of you, but 10 steps ahead of you  2 steps is next year's goals...10 steps ahead is who you want to become... This adds so much perspectiveFind yourself in settings where you are not talking much but listening and writing notes.  Perspective means seeing things beyond problems and solutionFind someone who is not just going to help you move your ministry forward, find someone who will help you move your life forward.  Help me be a better human being. Help me be a better follower of Christ.    Plateauing- is a term I have come to know..."Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes" “Don’t Mistake Buried For Planted”They grow tall because their roots are intertwined.  One honest voice we must listen to… The Holy SpiritThere’s nothing to hide with someone you don’t know  Honesty opens us up to truth, don’t give into the fear of intimidationAttention young leader, person you are talking to knows you are using them to level up. So, become a learner.  The thing you needed to hear might be the thing you didn't know to ask for...  Support the show

In episode 167 Kristen and Zac wrap up for our month long celebration of Women In Youth Ministry.  You will be blessed by this encouraging and challenging word! Again big congrats to our giveaway winner Rachel! She is now the proud new recipient of a PopSugar box for a year and our newest Youth Ministry Booster network member. Key Takeaway: “Leadership is not gender specific”  “Do what you have been called to do and do it to the best of your ability”  The mark of a good leader is looking for a good opportunities for our leaders in training  on their behalf.It’s amazing what people can do when people are poured into intentionally and their gifts are refined.  "What are you calling out of your young leaders in training?" "You don’t ask therefore you don’t get. All of us can look back and see our entry into ministry through an ask." “We can’t be what we can’t see”  "All of your students need to see women regularly leading”  Resources Mentioned: Ruth Haley Barton: Sacred Rhythms Ruth Haley Barton: Strengthen The Soul Of Your Leadership Scot McKnight: Blue ParakeetSupport the show

In this interview with Anne Wilson of Traders Point Christian Church Zac learns much about brokenness and the return to youth ministry after some time away. This is a good one people don't miss it! Follow @annemwilson on IG and Twitter Student Groups pastor  There and back again Key Takeaway: “In our weakness we experience we Christ, so if weakness is a ministry resource then we have an abundance of resources”Reinvent that for myself when coming back to youth ministry Simmer down young student pastorBe okay with going to counseling nowI realized that I had a lot of leftover issues from childhood that I was ministering out of and I needed to become more aware of those and adjust to that. Lead students to a leader that could be consistent in their lives. My codependency issues were showing up my ministry spaces. I’m leading in a space that is new and over my head, but it is in weakness that Christ does really powerful things. Mandy Smith “In our weakness we experience we Christ, so if weakness is a ministry resource then we have an abundance of resources”We can minister our of brokenness and not be afraid of that. If we knew that we were going to insufficient we might be able to lead a little more humbly. Support the show

In episode 165 Zac interviews Amy-Jo Giradier from Brentwood Baptist Church who brings 17+ years of youth ministry experience and a lot of them at the same church and community context. Glean great wisdom today listeners! Amy-Jo has got insight for days on how you can extend your days in youth ministry.   From Amy-Jo Girardier: "is the Girls Minister at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, TN. She has been serving in this role for 17 years and keeps pinching herself that this is what she gets to do for a job! She also is the founding editor of www.girlsminister.com, a website created help those in girls ministry  "love and lead your girls".   She is also the author of two biblestudy and Video teaching series: Authentic Love and Faithful One.    She has authored Becoming from The "just like Christ" series and  Proof:a 6 lesson study on The Book of John.She has just launched studywithher.com to release free youtube bible studies for moms and daughters or daughters with their friends.  Check it out as it growsConnect with her on the Facebook Group for the girls ministry, twitter (amyjogirardier) or instagram (amyjogirardier).Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMIn addition to ministry, Amy-Jo loves using technology, passing on her love of technology to others, drinking coffee, running, serving on staff with her husband Darrel, and hanging out with her sons Scout and Skylar."Model For Ministering To Young Woman Identity Significance Purpose Girl to Girl Girl to God Girl to Go  Support the show

In episode 164 Chad interview the one and only Jaclyn Miles. Speaker, pastor, leader, mother, wife, and amazing human: Jaclyn "Smiles" has bright insight to guide you youth ministry friend. Don't, no, Do Not, miss this one! Thanks JaclynFrom Jaclyn: "Jaclyn never would have guessed that God would call her into Student Ministry, but that is exactly what happened the summer after graduating from college in 2004. She has served churches in Oklahoma and Kentucky. As a middle school youth pastor at her first church in Oklahoma she met the love of her life, Josh, who happened to be the high school youth pastor. They were married in 2007. In 2010, Josh and Jaclyn moved to Louisville, KY for Josh to attend seminary and for Jaclyn to work at Southeast Christian Church on the Middle School Ministry team. After adding two kids in 11 weeks (1 foster/1 biological), Jaclyn stepped out of day-to-day ministry to focus on speaking and being a full-time mom. Today you can find Jaclyn chasing her three children, supporting her husband who is a full-time pastor, mentoring other foster parents, and speaking to students whenever the opportunity arises. Jaclyn's ministry influence has only continued to increase through speaking at conferences, camps, and other church events."http://www.jaclynsmiles.com/Learn more about JaclynFree Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: “We get discouraged in youth ministry because we don’t necessarily get to the see the fruit”  “Was I going to have to wear a hat on Easter?"  “I can hear God’s voice”  “His overwhelming confirmation of that’s where I was supposed to be”  “That’s how I first got into youth ministry, I felt a little duped, but I would never look back” “Seeing my grown students challenge me now is fulfillment of youth ministry"Now my children call my grown students uncle, that’s the privilege of seeing God’s faithfulness”  “We get discouraged in youth ministry because we don’t necessarily get to the see the fruit”  “I think of student ministry as outline, outlast, outplay, the goodness of the Lord in the land of living. It gives you so much energy, so much courage, to keep on serving.” “Sometimes the right call is to be home”  “Somedays we just need to punt”  “When you are struggling to get people there, find ways to go to them”  “There are nights that students should be at home”  “Youth Ministry IS Parent Ministry”  Support the show

In episode 163 Chad interviews Caitlyn Smelser, the Student Team Leader at Connection Pointe Church in Indiana. Hear from her leadership insight, wisdom, and practical advice for those who are young in their call story and those who are serving in leadership at a church. There is some incredible stuff in this interview. Thanks Caitlyn. Caitlyn is a self-described: "Perfectionist. Dog lover. Go-getter. Introverted. Loves Mac & Cheese and 3-time national champ in college basketball." LINKSFollow Caitlyn On Twitter Friend Caitlyn On Facebook Free Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: If you truly feel called by God to do that, then seek out other people to journey along with you in that way.  I went to church growing up to see my one friend in middle school. I went because I wanted to see my friend.  My call is all about Helping students to have a fuller understanding of what it means to follow after God.  “My mom even said “can women even be in ministry?” Being a woman in ministry our network is not as great as the one that men have in youth ministry  Prepare young women that there is going to be resistance and challengeIf you truly feel called by God to do that, then seek out other people to journey along with you in that way.  Know up front that it is going to be difficult  I didn’t know that every church has a level of politics and you can’t let that dictate how you serve God and love students.  Support the show

In episode 162 Chad interview Renae about the real struggle of being a introvert in youth ministry and carving out enough time so you can lead! Renae Pemberton from Eclectic United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. As a mother, wife, and youth minister she talks openly about the struggle to care well for others and yourself. This is an important listen. Thanks for sharing Renae!LINKS: Friend Renae On FacebookFree Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: "Don't be so hard on yourself in youth ministry!"Youth Ministry As An Introverts Carve our time for yourself, your family, and your health Failure Is Not In Opposition to Success Failure Is an ingredient to success  Don’t be so hard on yourself  Support the show

In episode 161 Zac sits down with Mary Margaret from Lifeway Students to talk about the changing face, direction, and thinking about girls ministry in your youth ministry. For our month long emphasis on #WomenInYM this is an important discussion related to the young women in your church's youth ministry today. Mary Margaret West serves as the Girls Ministry Specialist for LifeWay, which basically means that teenage girls and the women who lead them are her favorite people on the planet. She served several churches as a Girls Minister, has a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and is a former Event Coordinator. Mary Margaret has a passion to equip girls and women to dive deeply into God’s word and live out their calling. Mary Margaret is married to Jonathan and they love living in Franklin, TN. Connect with her on Twitter or Instagram."Women in the church know the needs of teenage girls better than you do."LINKS: Free Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMMarked PodcastSupport the show

In our 14th installment of #WomenInYM Chad Higgins sits down with Stephanie Collins of Munice Indiana NextGen Pastor at The Gathering MuncieStudied Master of Divinity at Anderson University School of Theology and Christian MinistryEmail Stephanie About Youth MinistryFriend Stephanie On FacebookFree Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: Accidentally In Love With All That Youth Ministry Can BeThe story of God's and the struggle for me is my call to be a pastor. I grew up in a denomination that affirms women and had trouble finding my place. I didn't start out wanting to be in youth ministry, I didn't even think about it, I fell in love with youth ministry. “We will take your student and love them no matter what”  Support the show

Hello episode 159! Chad interviews middle school minister Amber Gaddis is the fun and funny episode about what #MSM and #JHM can truly be! Amber serves as the Assistant Director of BMMC and Jr. High Pastor at Kingwood Church in Alabaster, AL.  When she is not hanging out with middle schoolers she can be found drinking coffee with too much cream or watching The Office. Thanks for the humor and truth Amber! Find Amber On Twitter! Free Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: Trust The Team. Don't Change It All. They are amazing, but sometimes we have to teach them how to be a little more amazing.  Middle school ministry is awesome because we can go from dodgeball to a small group moment that will blow you away.  Middle schoolers aren’t trying to impress anyone yet. This is me.  Don’t try and change everything at once Trust the team around you. Build the team around you. Raise people up. There is so much talent around you. God has put people and talent around you.  Support the show

In episode 158 Chad interviews Natalie Frisk from the Meeting House CA. This is one of those heartfelt, moving kind of interviews so get your tissues ready. Natalie's story is deeply true and resonates for several of us on team YMB.  Natalie is married to Sam and mama to Erin. She pastors at the Meeting House CA, it's the church for people who aren’t into church. She serves as the curriculum pastor for the church. What a cool work and what awesome leader. Thanks Natalie! Follow Natalie Frisk On TwitterLearn More About The Meeting House CAFree Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaways: I Was Wired For This! Why is the big question right?  The trajectory was set, God put it into motion, I just didn’t realize what I was staring at yet…  I feel like I have been wired for this my whole life Pray more. Look for, be where God is already at work. Get prayer baked into the ethos of what I am doing more. Support the show

In episode 157 Chad sits down with youth ministry director Angela Amerine to talk about falling into the calling and restoring the joy in youth ministry. The insight that she shares is timely for a season of ministry so cluttered with opportunities and distractions. About Angela Amerine:  I have been serving in Student Ministries for 14 years in Inner city and suburban settings, in small and large group contexts.  I currently serves as the Student Ministries Program Coordinator at Kentwood Community Church in the greater Grand Rapids Michigan area.  I met my incredible husband Jared while serving as a youth pastor, and as of this month we have been married for 12 years!   I am the mom to 2 amazing kids who I homeschool in my “free time”.   I did my undergraduate work in Elementary Education at Spring Arbor University, and graduate work in Worship Leadership at Azusa Pacific University.  Leading worship, raising up adult and student leaders, and coming up with creative ways to reach students for Jesus are some of my favorite things about what I get to do on a daily basis!  Friend Angela On Facebook Free Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: The best thing you could ever do is be dependent on the Lord Learning to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit has been the biggest lesson for me The greatest success is seeing the ministry that we did impacted his life and his trajectory The best way to get a volunteer is to directly ask them  Prompt volunteers to the best fit and not just helping out  The best thing you could ever do is be dependent on the Lord Everyday praying to God, I cannot create a cool enough program, or do enough to change somebody’s heart.  The moments of utter dependence...[are deeply true youth ministry]The best thing any youth pastor can do is care for their own soul  Don’t get distracted (even in our youth ministry realm) from the main thing Support the show

In this episode Chad interview Chelsea Peddecord and the insights fly! Youth pastor hear the words of truth from one of your own because this short interview is very potent! Chelsea Peddecord grew up in Rockwall, TX and fell in love with youth ministry due to her own awesome youth ministry experience! She did her undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University and studied Sociology with an emphasis on Social Services. Chelsea is the high school pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. This year she will finish up her Masters of Theological Studies at SMU, pony up! Talk to her about Hogwarts, dogs, your enneagram number, the book of Leviticus, or Oklahoma State football. Follow Chelsea On Twitter Free Entry For Your Chance To Win $500 of prizes for a year! Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYMKey Takeaway:  Start with humility not arrogance. You will have less resentment for what decisions get made.  Youth Pastors were like parents to me A mission trip to Africa is what you are supposed to right? “Little kids scare me”  I wanted to make a lot of money but I kept doing internships at churches Over time I fell in love with working in the church, it was fun, it was special.  Youth pastors learn so much more from my students than they probably learn from us “Don’t be arrogant”  When you are a pastor you don’t have the possibility to ever stop learning.  You don’t have it all figured out Start with humility not arrogance. You will have less resentment for what decisions get made.  “Your weakness will pop up when you don’t want them to”  Find help, find resources, and not just other youth pastors People want to network more than we realize.Support the show

In this 9th installment of the #WomenInYM emphasis Chad chats with fellow podcaster and youth minister Arielle Williford. This interview is so encouraging for women who lead in youth and for all of those who know the special blessing and challenge of leading youth ministry in small towns or rural areas. Check this warm and helpful episode filled with baby-coos. Thanks Arielle! Check out Arielle on TwitterCheck our Arielle's PodcastEnter The #WomenInYM Giveaway For A Chance @ $500 in prizesJoin The Twitter Conversation For #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: Stop trying to fit the mold, be who God created you to be  Growing up in Virgina I never had a male youth pastor apart from my father.  Working with my husband and seeing him lead a student to Christ is one of the great moments of my ministry. I love creating worshipful spaces  I think so many female youth pastors that are single think they have to have a spouse  Focus on God’s purpose first and foremost  Stop trying to fit the mold, be who God created you to be Support the show

In our 8th installment of #WomenInYM Chad chats with longtime Youth Ministry Booster member Cheryl Johnson. She's rad, witty, honest, loves tigers, and is totally Canadian (sorrie Cheryl!). You are going to be blessed by this one youth ministers. Remember the young women and men out there need to see faithful role models of all types for true encouragement! #WomenInYM Giveaway $500 In Prizes! Free To Enter! Join The Twitter Conversation For #WomenInYM Key Takeaway: Youth Ministry Is Not Your IdentityI originally wanted to be a tiger trainer, but what I found is that I was really good with people. You may not know who you have blessed or encouraged.  Don’t make youth ministry your identity. What you are doing is not who you are… You can save yourself a world of hurt if your identity is in Jesus first. Support the show

In our 7th installment of the #womenInYM series Fuller Youth Institute leader, Program Director for Urban Youth Resources, longtime youth ministry director and leader, Irene M. Cho sits down with Chad to talk about the difficult realities of growing up in a faith that seemed unbelievable. This interview will surely challenge you, bless you, and encourage you youth ministry leader. Thanks Irene! Follow  Irene Cho on TwitterEnter The #WomenInYM Giveaway For Your Chance @ $500 in year long prizes Join The Conversation For #WomenInYMKey Takeaway: "How do we help young people get pruney in God’s freedom." I stumbled into youth ministry. This is not the direction I thought I was headed. Forget the elementary, give me the middle school student!      I went on this Damascus journey with God to live out my ministry as Jesus did.  What does freedom mean for our faithThe outward actions might look the same, but there is a difference in the internal processing.  We do this faith thing not because of fear but because of abundance. Paul will not shut up about freedom. We have these imperatives but it is found in this indicative.  Our human nature is to systematize everything.  Support the show

In our 6th installment of the #womenInYM series a new friend Emily Acton stops by. You may recognize her name from the Stuff You Can Use Youth Ministry Facebook Community where she serves as a moderator, but she is also middle school minister (and one that just started in a new church!). Key Takeaway: Ask questions humbly. Listen closely.  Collaborate without an agenda Adults handed me ministry before I thought I was ready. Literally, Keys were being handed to me.  I learned by trying and failing, this is how I learned to use my gifts The moment of being invited to a student’s story as they are invited to God’s grander story is so special to me. When people show confidence in you it is easy to feel you like you are special Reading one youth ministry book does not make you an expert Ask questions humbly. Listen closely.  Collaborate without an agenda The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.- Frederick BuechnerFriend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/emily.acton.756"> Emily Acton </a> on Facebook#WomenInYM <a href="https://www.youthministrybooster.com/giveaway"> Giveaway </a> on TwitterJoin The Twitter Conversation For <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/womeninYM?src=hash"> #WomenInYM </a> on TwitterSupport the show

In our fifth installment of women in youth ministry Chad sits down with Becky Gilbert to learn from her years of #YM wisdom and learn that Lockins do affirm youth ministry callings. Lean in as Becky shares the truth of what it means to be called and follow through for the long haul. It is such a needed encouragement. Thanks Becky! Key Takeaway: Guard Your Day Off A lock-in confirmed my calling to youth ministry I swapped my major for youth ministry You can’t top events for building relationships] Even though they are in your youth ministry they are not your kids, have some patience with parents “Remember we are not confronting parents, we are partnering parents” “More doesn’t always lead to better it leads to burn out” “It’s okay to guard your day, it’s okay to have a day off” #teamlockin #firstyear #chai Follow  Becky Gilbert on Twitter #WomenInYM  Giveaway on Twitter Join The Twitter Conversation For  #WomenInYM on TwitterSupport the show

In the fourth episode in our month-long celebration of Women In Youth Ministry, an Okie and an upstart youth minister Karli Loving shares her story of calling and discovery of God's purpose in her life. She also is keen to remind us all of the most important things. Thanks Karli! Key Takeaway: God calls youth to youth ministry “If you are going to have attention on you it needs to be for the right reason” “He didn’t tell me he called the police after he made the call” “Do not sweat the small stuff, like literally sweating through my t-shirt small stuff” “Your call is the share the gospel with the students in front of you” Follow  Karli Loving on Twitter #WomenInYM  Giveaway on Twitter Join The Twitter Conversation For  #WomenInYM on TwitterSupport the show

In our 3rd installment of celebrating #WomenInYM author and minister Jen Bradbury shares her experiences, stories, and successes in ministry. As former electrical engineer, mom, youth minister, and author her insights hit right at home! Key Takeaway: Refugees And Jesus On The Other Side Of The Road “For those 8 kids, they directly chose a career path related to their local missions experience” "Mission Trips Should Be Tied Back To Ministry Our Congregations are already involved “My first year was a disaster in almost every way” "Slow down to learn the story of your congregation" YouthCartel Books Grab a copy of Jen's books! @ the Youth Cartel on Twitter Follow Jen Bradury on Twitter #WomenInYM Giveaway on Twitter Join The Twitter Conversation For #WomenInYM on TwitterSupport the show

#WomeninYM 002 Chad interviews Mikiala Tennie about her story, call, and learnings in youth ministry. If you are an introvert in youth ministry this episode is life! Thanks, Mikiala for sharing! Key Takeaways: "God’s work is humbling" “Introvert and effective” “Favorite moments can be the quiet moments” “Let people know when you don’t know something” Follow Mikaiala on Instagram #WomenInYM Giveaway on Twitter Join The Twitter Conversation For #WomenInYM on TwitterSupport the show

#WomeninYM 001 Chad interviews Ana Maciel about her story, call, and learnings in youth ministry. If you are young youth minister or from a home that didn't go to church that often, this story is for you. Thanks, Ana for sharing! Key Takeaway: Find Yourself Network “One of the biggest things you can do is get connected to a network” “You need a support system” Follow Ana on Twitter #WomenInYM Giveaway on Twitter Join The Twitter Conversation For #WomenInYM on Twitter Support the show

In this super fun interview episode, Chad sits down with youth ministry legend Paul Turner. Paul brings 30 years of youth ministry experience and wisdom to the interview. Karate kid drop-out, semi-professional bowler, and quality youth ministry leader Paul will bless you. 3 Career Choices Social Worker Semi-professional bowler Youth Pastor Guppy Troupe It’s a story within a story. God is working on us, while we are working on others. "What got me into youth ministry was good youth pastors." "We are so ambitious when we are young. Make your family #1." "Your church people are probably not going to be at your funeral." "Don’t trade 2-4 years for your family. " "Don’t be afraid to experiment" "It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish." Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulwturner Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jediforhire http://thediscipleproject.net/ https://youthspecialties.com/blog/tag/paul-turner/Support the show

Where do you meet with your youth ministry students? In a building, in a gym, in a classroom, outside, inside, or in a big ole circus tent? You are probably meeting with them somewhere consistently, so what story are you telling with your space? Where we meet matters and how we utilize that space also matters! Join Zac and Kristen as they discuss making the most of your youth room! The Basics of Any Youth Room Stage Sound Production Seating "If it’s worth getting together it’s worth getting them some food." "It’s not just okay to show up here, it’s okay to dwell here." "Your is just stuff unless you have the people there to breathe the life into it." "The relationships matter way more than the decor." Support the show

In this interview episode, Zac chats with life coach, author, and speaker Will Cumby about the call journey into youth ministry, the creativity it takes to lead out in student ministry, and the importance of hearing from other perspectives. Key Takeaways: "I love to tell a great story and there is no greater story than the Gospel" "It’s like the gospel of Maury Povich … You are not the Father” “Find ways to engaging without being entertaining” "In order to create change, there must be something greater than what you are going through” Support the show

Winner Winner Contest Dinner? No, maybe something else? In this fun break episode, Zac and Chad pick the Top 10 winners for the "Not @ These Movies" contest co-sponsored by Ben Read from Youthmin.org Contest Rules We know how to spin a bad movie into a good message. So do your worst(best) at creating a hilarious series idea on an inappropriate movie. Winners are listed below... what do you think? How did they do? Joshua Crouch Anchorman: Making Jesus your anchor, man.  We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19  Josh Veitch Magic Mike XXL: There is only one God big enough to handle all your problems Trent Mikles The Room: A study through the Second Gospel and how it affects your relationships, Hiiiiii Mark. Johnathan Baldwin Taken: Because being taken is better than being Left Behind. Doug Stephens Snakes on a Plane: 95% of the time, snakes should be killed. Every time a snake is mentioned(Creation, Paul's journey, Moses' snake/staff, etc). Allen Posey ·  Saw: The Importance of Having a Mentor Allen Posey ·  50 shades of gray. Wife submit to your husband Ted Simons · Daddy’s Home 2: Honor thy Father or Fathers don’t exasperate your children Jonathan Holmes·  The Godfather. Matthew 18:6-9  You tempt my children, then I will have you swim the fishes. BIG WINNER!  Daniel Peavy · 0:00 The Sixth Sense: The story of Lazarus I see dead people Support the show

In this episode Zac Workun and Jeremy Gilmore chat about the struggle of caring for struggling students in youth ministry. MTV's the Gauntlet, Team LockIn, Smoke Machines, and Rapping in Church. If you want to hear more from Jeremy Gilmore or learn more about caring for students enduring trauma in youth ministry visit http://youthministrybooster.com/ and sign up for membership today. Support the show

How do you prepare your sermons or talks for students in your youth ministry? Does it look the same every time? What's your secret sauce? In episode 141 Chad and Zac break down their routines and recipes for crafting thoughtful and actionable sermons. They also discuss leadership and the latest with Tyler "Ninja" Blevins implementation of the "Billy Graham Rule." Show Notes: Fortnite StreamerTyler "Ninja" Blevins FortNite Streamer & The Billy Graham Rule SermonSmith Podcast After 9 Podcast Episode 23 Interview of John Chandler from SermonSmith Get Grow Curriculum and have a teaching plan for the whole year round! Support the show

In this special summer episode camp guru and Falls Creek Director Andy Harrison speaks truth about student ministry summer camp for both the experience and the evaluation. Borrowed from the Youth Ministry Booster member library, the audio from this practical webinar will help guide youth ministry leaders and youth pastors towards better expectations and success during the summer camp season. Support the show

In this important episode the team of Kristen, Chad, and Zac breakdown the importance of taking care of yourself as a youth ministry leader and pastor to students. Healthy ministers have healthy ministries and healthy ministries grow! Support the show

It's summertime and everyone is overloaded in a hundred different ways. Most of all, your youth ministry volunteers! So how do we honor, encourage, and motivate our priceless and precious volunteer adult leaders that make youth ministry possible? Learn more in this episode with Zac, Chad, and Kristen Stay healthy this summer! Don't be tempted to devalue long-term health over short-term gains. Summer Support the show

An honest insider phone call between Zac and Chad as they discuss their shortcomings and learnings in youth ministry in the last few weeks and months. What do you do if your heart is not in it? How do we care well for people while serving as student ministers and youth pastors? Support the show

We have all been there. The slump, the drop-off, the "slow season" are not just terms for baseball, but in the calculus of youth ministry, a change in attendance can affect change in the motivation and purpose of a youth ministry. Why is this is true? What can we change? What can we course correct? What more is there to say on the topic? Tune in for more! Support the show

In this interview episode, Zac sits down with Angela Sanders author, speaker, and editor to talk about her latest project 100 Days: The Glory Experiment. Encouraging and sincere, Angela brings firsthand experience and insight to help students jumpstart their discipleship in your youth ministry. Moreover, she shares her story of seizing the opportunities placed before you and staying faithful to the work. Enjoy this interview and check out this great resource! Get 100 Days Today Check out A Free Sample Support the show

In this special interview episode of Youth Ministry Booster, Zac chats with Kenny Campbell from Stuff You Can Use and Grow Numbers to talk about what should get counted in youth ministry. Attendance matters, but are there other numbers that matter more? Which of those matter and how do we gather the other numbers to really see how well our youth ministry is growing? Support the show

Summer camp is awesome! At least that's what Matt McClure will tell you, with 20 years of youth ministry experience behind him. Enjoy this interview episode of the Youth Ministry Booster podcast and learn from the wisdom and creativity of one of YM's most enthusiastic and honest leaders. Support the show

Youth ministry and summer camp are like peanut butter and jelly except that nobody can decide which kind of peanut butter is best. It seems like everyone is doing summer camp but we are all doing it different so what are we to do? Well in this facebook live episode Zac and Kristen talk about purposes, plans, and pastoral moments to help make summer camp greater than it has ever been before! Visit www.youthministrybooster.com to find out how to get affordable ministry coaching today! Support the show

What does the season after Easter Sunday look like for youth ministry leaders? Pre-summer of course! Enjoy this interview episode with Becca Bibee about serving in your home church and growing smart as a leader. Support the show

If you have been in youth ministry for a good amount of time then you probably have had a student let you down. Whether it was a core attendee bail or a leadership student fail you probably have had to face the harsh reality a youth ministry student leave you feeling let down. How is a youth pastor supposed to face and handle the struggle of a let-down? Support the show

Student leadership matters but what is a program that works? Paul Spittka is a 30 year youth ministry veteran that will share his student leadership special ingredients with you in this amazing interview. Learn from his wisdom and how the shift towards leadership has enabled his youth ministry to thrive and growSupport the show

Yes, youth ministry leader you are invited to join the theological innovation process! YMB has been working with CYMT on a new podcast called the Innovation Lab and the first episode is now available and it is your invitation to participate in a million dollar grant for innovation in youth ministry. Visit http://www.cymt.org/innovation-laboratory/ to learn more! The Center for Youth Ministry Training is excited to announce receiving a $1.1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Innovation Laboratory for Youth Ministry. This grant will empower CYMT to create a research-based incubator for innovation in youth ministry during the next 3 years. Apply by April 6th, 2018 for one of the 10 lead innovator spots! Support the show

Youth ministers everywhere agree, student leadership good, student leadership is important, student leadership is best done when... In principle youth pastors know the value of quality student leadership but how do we maximize the impact and engagement of student leaders in our youth ministry? Join us for a series of episodes on the important topic of student leadership development, disasters, and success for your youth ministry. Visit https://www.youthministrybooster.com/ to learn how you can join a mastermind to begin to max out your student leadership efforts this month! Support the show

In this interview episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac calls up Karl Romeus from Bayside Church to talk about wild origin/call stories into youth ministry and what true communication means for student ministry. Youth pastors will appreciate Karl's warmth and honesty as he shares his journey from college basketball, nightclub ownership, preschool reading circles, and youth ministry at a multi-campus church. Support the show

Making changes in ministry is tough, making them successfully almost feels improbable. What if there was a helpful guide to grid and map out the requirements for navigating change. Whether you want to increase attendance, engagement, volunteers, or alter programs change requires more than just the problem and solution. Visit http://ymb.rocks/125 to download the free guide! Support the show

Youth ministry, the most relational job on the planet, but how honest can we be in our relationships with students, volunteers, parents? We get that we shouldn't lie, but when is sharing personal stories overshare? When is cultural relevance costly or inappropriate. Sometimes it is easy other times it feels a little grey. If you have ever wondered and wanted a safe place to talk about it, here is an episode for you fellow youth worker or student pastor! Support the show

It's Booster time! In this special After 9 interview of Kevin DeShazo we learn about what it means to take a passion and turn it into a profession. Though not a youth minister in the traditional sense, Kevin DeShazo of Fieldhouse Media has worked with thousands of students and parents about responsible social media use. Learn more about Kevin and social media use in youth ministry http://ymb.rocks/123Support the show

It happens every week for almost every youth minister, the talk, the sermon, the chapel communication. The large group delivery to the youth ministry is an important vehicle for truth, but what is a healthy assessment and evaluation of that message. How do we know when we have done a good job (killed/crushed it)? or we felt (crushed/killed) by it? Support the show

In this After 9 episode, Zac interviews Adam Mashni from Willow Creek's Elevate Jr. High Youth Ministry on the journey of the call into youth ministry and what it means to communicate for change. Learn with Adam about growing as a student minister and what it takes to lead a large ministry and develop as a youth communicator. Support the show

Frustration happens. If you plan, program, and live into your relational calling long enough something or someone will feel or get missed. "It is inevitable, parents will get upset." Support the show

Enjoy this After 9 interview episode as Zac sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore youth ministry thought leader, influencer, and founder of Growing Leaders. Learn more in this episode about self-leadership, personal growth, the importance of practicing the spiritual disciplines, and witnessing to the rock band KISS. Get all the details at http://ymb.rocks/119Support the show

It's a new year full of promises and planned changes. but what are some things you should resolve not to do in youth ministry? Check out this episode when Chad, Kristen, and Zac address the things that youth pastors should not be doing in 2018. Learn more: http://ymb.rocks/118Support the show

In the opening episode of 2018 Youth Ministry Booster interviews Brandon Holloway about his unique approach to discipleship and student leadership. It is both commemorative, collectible, and infectious. You are going to love this fresh and surprisingly cost-efficient way to connect a whole subset of your youth ministry students with the spiritual disciplines and service. For more info and pics check out the blog post @ http://ymb.rocks/117Support the show

As we countdown to the end of 2017 check out your favorite two (or at least most listened to) episodes of 2017. In episode 91 we tackled the question of success and the people listened. Did you agree or disagree? In episode 71 Ryan Baker from our partner podcast "When You Gonna Be A Real Pastor?" shared his stories of calling and longevity and a near-death experience. It must have resonated because a whole mess of people loved and listened to it! Thanks for making 2017 awesome! We are super stoked for next year. Support the show

This episode is a funny and playful satire of some youth ministry characters, student pastor stereotypes, and other goofy generalizations made about those that love and lead youth ministry. Enjoy this holiday humor and Christmas comedy episode. No animals or middle school students were harmed in the making of this podcast. You can learn more (seriously) about improving your youth ministry at www.youthministrybooster.com Test drive a 2-week free trial today! Big thanks to Josh (Carll) from Sunday Cool, Ryan (Tommy) from When You Gonna Be a Real Pastor Please check out When You Gonna Be A Real Pastor Podcast! and Sunday Cool Apparel. They are great and we love what they do!Support the show

It is good to desire success for your youth ministry. But how do you measure success for your youth ministry? A success that is more than a one-week win for a Wednesday or a surge in attendance on Sunday. So how do you define success? Learn more @ http://ymb.rocks/successSupport the show

The most challenging and important thing a youth ministry can do to grow is to scale. When leadership begins to see the development of key processes turn towards the equipping of leaders then there is real potential for growth. Learn more: http://ymb.rocks/scale Support the show

What do most youth ministry not do well? Turn good ideas into great systems. If you feel stuck about where you and your youth ministry are at today then check out phase 3 of the Youth Ministry Roadmap as Zac and Chad help you think through the ways in which you could begin to develop the thing you have built. Learn more: http://ymb.rocks/develop Support the show

What is essential for a good youth ministry? What does it take for a youth ministry to float? What are the most important things? In this second part of a five-part series learn more about how the youth ministry booster roadmap can guide you to Build a quality youth ministry for your local church. Learn more: http://ymb.rocks/build Support the show

Where are you going? How will you get there? How long will it take? These are important journey questions In this first part of a five-part series learn more about how the youth ministry booster roadmap can guide you to Discover the big questions related to your ministry. http://ymb.rocks/discover Support the show

In the last episode of After 9, well as we used to know After 9, Zac, Chad, and Kristen talk about the year that was 2017 and what is new and next for Youth Ministry Booster and the podcast. Learn about the wild mishaps from Youth Specialities and the exciting next chapter for one of your favorite podcasts. Support the show

The founding guys from the super awesome Bible Project stop this episode to talk about Biblical literacy and clarity in communication. Did you know that they were originally part of a skater youth ministry church group? Or that many of the early concepts or test markets for The Bible Project videos started off as whiteboard talks to skaters? Learn more and check out all their amazing free content @ https://thebibleproject.com/ Get awesome Bible-based curriculum @ https://growcurriculum.org/boosted/ Support the show

Episode 107 of After 9 is live at Youth Specialities National Youth Worker Convention 2017. Well, it was live and is now available here for you. Zac and Chad were blessed to share the studio space with Elle Campbell and Kenny Campbell from Youth Ministry Answers podcast and Stuff You Can Use. You can check out Grow Curriculum and Annual Strategy from www.youthministrybooster.com Support the show

This episode is all about authority. Chances are if you are a student pastor, youth minister, or youth director you have a boss, a senior leader, or senior pastor to whom you report. So how do we work well with our staff and support our senior leadership? Episode 106 of After 9 has more. Read all the details at after9.show/106Support the show

The whole team is back to talk about ministering well at home. Youth minister, youth pastor, you are blessed if you minister well first to your spouse and family. Your partners for life and primary ministry are the ones at home. Hear from Zac, Chad, and Kristen for some thoughts, processes, and practical tips for ministering well at home which in turn will bless your student ministry. Check out more details and how you can hang out with the team in person. Visit after9.show/104 Support the show

If you have ever been asked about millenials, young adult ministy, or starting something now for the next generation then Scott Pontier's After 9 has got your back. Join Zac and Scott as they talk what it means to think critically and imaginatively about young adult ministry. Get the book and learn more about young adult ministry Click here for Episode 103 show notes.Support the show

In episode 101 Zac Chad and Kristen share their most important weekly task. Every week comes and goes in student ministry but as youth pastors and youth leaders we need to identify what the most important things are to get done. Prioritize your work self with these three helpful insights. Show Notes: After 9 101 to read more Drink some After 9 Coffee while you enjoy this show!Support the show

Episode 100! Woohoo This episode was originally aired via Facebook live as Zac, Chad, and Kristen actually recorded it live after 9! Join the team as the reflect on 100 episodes past and 100 episodes future and talk about the importance of setting and celebrating youth ministry milestones. If you are a youth pastor who is feeling stuck or unmotivated, check out the encouragement of remembering what God has done. Big thanks to all of the thousands of listeners and dozens of interviewees for the first 100 episodes of After 9. Support the show

It's episode 99 time and the team is back with free and nearly free stuff that every youth ministry leader should have or know about. Chad Higgins, Zac Workun, & Kristen Lascola all share their top 3 things and then we have compiled a list of 99 other things that you have just gotta know about or have in your student pastor pocket. Show Notes Here: after9.show/99 Get the free 99 things resource guide here Win $300 books hereSupport the show

In episode 98 of After 9 Zac chats with Greg Stier from Dare 2 Share about youth ministry, evangelism, and the missing ingredients from your student ministry. Youth pastors of churches of any size will enjoy Greg's passion for evangelism and equipping your ministry. Also, a fight breaks out that the Holy Spirit Bruce Lee punches to stop. Show Notes Episode 98 for links and more. Register For Dare2Share Live hereSupport the show

In episode 97 Zac, Chad, & Kristen talk about appropriate expectations for middle school aged youth in your student ministry. Seriously, are we all off-base? Why is it so hard to communicate with middle students, are they not capable of deep thoughts? What is the right amount of time to teach them? How many games should we play each week? Why is tilapia not a safe fish to throw and catch? Check out this and more at this week's show notes: Episode 97 Listen To After 9 on CrossOver Radio Win $300+ In BooksSupport the show

In this interview episode of After 9 Zac sits down with Professor Andrew Zirschky the Academic Director Center for Youth Ministry Training. Stories of near-death, new life, and dynamic ways to rethink youth ministry are all present in this thoughtful episode. Enjoy Dr. Z's energy, humor, and experience (and turn your assignments in on time! Check the show notes to learn more or the links below to pick up one of Professor Andrew's books! Show Notes Win Free Books Subscribe and ReviewSupport the show

In this interview episode of After 9 Zac chats with author, speaker, and minister Brock Morgan about how youth ministry has changed and what youth pastors today should be thinking about to prepare for student ministry in 10 years. There are some good stories, great nuggets of wisdom, and fun talk about Brock's latest book Youth Ministry 2027 that you have got to check out. Show Notes for this episode: after9.show/95 Subscribe and leave a review @ after9.show/itunes Support the show

In episode 94 Zac interviews author, coach, creative, and youth minister Stephen Ingram about leadership and establishing organic systems in youth ministry that are sustainable enough to outlive a youth pastor. Hear the 20 years worth of wisdom and insight from an author who has lived it and now works to help other student pastors glimpse a new vision of youth ministry leadership. Show Notes: after9.show/94 Win Stuff, Free Entry! after9.show/contestSupport the show

In a word, join a mastermind group. Seriously! In episode 93 of After 9 Zac and Chad talk about how Zac found success in pulling off the biggest change in the history of his youth ministry (Hint: it wasn't more budget dollars or a better communicator). A youth minister mastermind group can help you identify the challenge, clarify the work, and evaluate the process. Whether you are plowing ahead or working to make big changes in your student ministry this episode is for you. Show Notes: after9.show/93 Sign up this week for a YMB membership and get 2 weeks trial for free instead of the usual 7 days. This will give you time to check out the change that a mastermind can make in your ministry! www.youthministrybooster.com to learn moreSupport the show

In this interview episode Zac sits down with Hunter "Gatherer" Gillis of Calgary, AB to talk about youth ministry in Canada and what working with your spouse in ministry really looks like. Hunter has served as a volunteer small group leader, camp leader, and on staff as a student pastor. His humorous stories about middle school ministry will make you chuckle and his insight to working as a youth minister a part of team will guide you. Enjoy episode 92 of After 9. Learn more about the show and how you can join a mastermind group to improve your time as a youth minister and ministering by visiting the show notes at after9.show/92Support the show

You may have used different words to describe it, but we know that sometime this week you thought, "is this successful? am I successful?" In episode 91 of After 9 Zac and Chad have got your back as they deep dive on what the term success even means for youth ministers and student pastors and how we even begin to describe or achieve it. Show Notes: after9.show/91 Justin Wren Contest link after9.show/contestSupport the show

In a special episode of After 9 Zac sits down with MMA fighter and missionary Justin Wren to talk about his work in the Congo and his fight to end the water crisis in Africa. Even though Justin is not a youth minister in the tradition sense his work with young people and sense of vocation are inspiring to those who work with young people. Enjoy Justin's warmth, story, and renewed purpose. Show Notes: after9.show/90 Support the show

In a very special and most ridiculous episode of After 9, Chad and Zac honor that most sacred of seasons, Shark Week. So this year we invited a bunch of our amazing youth ministry podcast friends to talk about sharks, answer shark trivia, and find out who really knows what about the shark lifestyle. Enjoy the laughs, humor, and camaraderie this week. Thanks again to Kenny and Elle Campbell from Youth Ministry Answers Ben Trueblood from Student Minister Podcast and our fellas Zac Hummer and Ryan Baker from When You Gonna Be A Real Pasor? Show Notes: after9.show/89Support the show

In episode 88 Zac and Chad open up to the question of purpose that every youth worker and student pastor faces from time to time. In the busiest seasons of church ministry, we can feel like we give and give, and yet so what? Listen in for wisdom related to the rediscovering the true nature of the work, the wonder, and the call to minister. As always you can get the detailed show notes and more at after9.show/88 Support the show

In this episode of After 9 we look back on some favorite camp stories and celebrate the cool things that are just around the corner! SHOW NOTES: Updates: GIVEAWAY! Visit after9.show/contest for free entries to win Andrew Root's latest book, an after 9 t-shirt, and some iTunes money. COMMUNITY! Tell us your Summer Camp Story. Message us or tag us @after9ministry on twitter or hashtag #summercampstory surely something weird happened at your camp this year. RESOURCES! Check out YouthMinistryBooster.com for a free 7 day trial of our membership resource community. Get the stuff, and the help you want! Support the show

In this interview episode Zac sits down with Joshua Hurley from NewStory Church Chicago and unfortunately only one of them has pizza. However, there is great insight here for anyone that felt called to youth ministry but struggled with whether or not they were equipped for the task. Listen as Josh shares his background in theater and his unique work with students both in church and after school. Show Notes: after9.show/86 after9.show/contestSupport the show

It's episode 85 and the boys are back together. Chad has returned from medical leave and Zac has questions, while Chad has humor and stories. Enjoy this important reflection on what to do when discouragement hits you like a tidal wave, washing over... fierce (you get it). Whether you are a volunteer youth worker, part-time youth minister or full-time student pastor you have probably felt discouraged at some point in the last 3 months. What caused it? How did you handle it? Can we prepare for it? Check this week's episode to hear more. Show Notes: after9.show/85Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews youth ministry veteran of 27+ years Jason Taylor. As both a student pastor and worship leader JT has a lot of insight for you. Jason has been a friend of the podcast for a long time and served in youth ministry even longer. Listen in for his wisdom and insight for walking the long path of youth ministry work and leadership. Show Notes: after9.show/84Support the show

In episode 83 After 9, Zac and Kristen outline the reasons you should take a vacation this summer. Yes you, a busy student minister, should find time for a vacation this summer. Youth pastors need a summer vacation too, but maybe that doesn't mean Disneyland. Check out the 5 vacations Zac and Kristen want you to take for you this year. Show Notes: after9.show/83Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews aussie blogger and youth pastor Jon Coombs. Hear the ministerial honesty from half a world away as one of Melbourne's finest student pastors shares his heart about what it means to serve in youth ministry long term and what the simple gospel has to say about the power of God working in the lives of young people. If you were called to ministry young or have continued to serve for more than a decade, or have a dad as a pastor this one is for you. Show Notes And Songs from/for this episode: after9.show/82 Support the show

In this special interview episode Zac sits down with high school student Harrison, of the Engage podcast, to talk about starting a podcast and what high school youth ministry students are looking for. It is fun, exciting, and yes engaging! Harrison is wise beyond his years and helps to put a voice to the high school students experience. If you have ever been confused, frustrated, or in need of clarity when it comes to high school students and youth ministry then this episode is for you. Learn more about this episode and check links @ after9.show/81 Support the show

Middle school students, what do they want? what do they need? what even are they? In this special episode of After 9 Zac and Chad reach out and interview a few middle school students to help youth ministry leaders and youth pastors address what the wants and needs of middle school students are these days. Check out more reading and show notes at after9.show/80Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews blogger, minister, and reluctant doctor Johnathan Baldwin. Leading up from the midwest in Fort Wayne, Indiana Johnathan is a prime example of God's call for youth ministry being inescapable and wonderfully consuming. Hear the honesty, the struggle, and joy that Johnathan sustains for student ministry and as a youth pastor. Show Notes for this episode: after9.show/79Support the show

In episode 78 of After 9, Zac and Chad share mixed feelings. It's May, so Senior or Graduate Sunday season is upon us. How do you feel about it? Bitter, Sad, Frustrated, all three? Yeah, us too. It what may be the 3rd most technical Sunday of the year Zac and Chad break down all the emotions that go with High School Seniors graduating and how you could or should feel about it as a youth pastor. Show Notes: http://www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-78 Free Evangelism Strategy Webinar For Youth Workers: http://bit.ly/saltywebinar Facebook Group For Youth Ministers Seeking Health: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouthMinistryBooster/Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews blogger, speaker, and middle school minister extraordinaire Kristen Lascola. Listeners will love her story of falling into ministry time and time again. Lean in as she shares her struggles of moving from being a volunteer, intern, director, and pastor. Share with her in the difficulty of being both pastor and parent to a newborn. You are going to love the honesty and humor that this episode brings. Show Notes for this episode: after9.show/77 Support the show

In episode 76 of After 9, the guys are tired. Are you worn out from a busy Easter season? Are you feeling motivationless? Has the glow of post-Holy week worn off? Feel like you just can't even? This episode addresses the growing apathy, office aversion, and waning attendance that seems to pop up post-Easter. If you are feeling down and out and worn down and out then this episode is the leadership encouragement you need. Show Notes: http://www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-76 Get Salty: Free Evangelism Webinar For Youth Workers: http://bit.ly/saltywebinar Facebook Forum Group For Hardworking, Health Seeking YMs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouthMinistryBooster/Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews Ben Trueblood director of Student Ministry for Lifeway. It's a big job but somebody has got to do it. Listen in as your hear Ben share his heart for youth workers and student pastors, his own stories of success and failure, and what it means to evaluate the numbers that really matter. Whether you are a veteran youth pastor or the new kid in town you will sincerely appreciate Ben Trueblood's heart and hopes for youth ministry. Show Notes For This Episode: www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-75Support the show

In episode 74 of After 9, Zac and Chad open up about the ways in which relational wounds can inhibit our ministry and divert our direction. The feelings of betrayal, deceit, and hurt that can happen in church ministry are far too often the reality of many youth ministers and student pastors. Here is a conversation that helps to shape and guide your hurt towards help, health, and an all important mentor relationship. Show Notes: http://www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-74 Facebook Forum Group For Hardworking, Health Seeking YMs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouthMinistryBooster/Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac interviews Mike Keahbone youth pastor turned senior pastor and the host of an upcoming podcast, The Devo. Listeners will love Mike's heartfelt spirituality and warm story-telling style. The relationship between a youth minister and a student pastor is an important one. Listen in as Mike offers advice from experience and practices for better church staff communication. Show Notes For This Episode: www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-73Support the show

In episode 72 of After 9, Zac and Chad debate the value of fundraising and give you a plan on how to get more budget money for your student ministry. Hear us on this one youth pastor; money, budgets, and fundraising are perennial questions in youth ministry and we don't always get a chance to talk about them honestly as youth workers. No matter what you think give the guys a chance this week to help you think through the best ways to get the most ministry bang for your buck. Show Notes: http://www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-72 Facebook Forum Group For Hardworking, Health Seeking YMs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouthMinistryBooster/ Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Chad interviews Ryan Baker from the amazing youth ministry podcast "When You Gonna Be A Real Pastor?" Ryan shares his wealth of 17 years of youth worker wisdom and reminds us that the best lessons for youth ministry are learned by teaching preschool students and remembering that we are not the hero. There is great humor and important insight here student ministry friend. Enjoy this interview. Show Notes For This Episode: www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-71 Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want more After 9? visit www.after9ministry.com to learn morSupport the show

In this episode of After 9, Zac and Chad talk honestly about discipline and behavior issues in student ministry. As a youth pastor you are going to face youth and young people that don't behave, but what can you do about it? What should you do about it? Listen in as the guys share some wisdom and outline a ministry plan for discipline in your youth ministry. Show Notes: http://www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-70Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac chats with another Zach from another amazing youth ministry podcast. Zach Hummer is on the podcast this week answering the tough After 9 questions and sharing wisdom on starting out in ministry the hard way, the importance of spiritual dropkicks, and the ministerial significance of silence and church van rides. Enjoy this honest conversation about growing volunteer leadership, ministering to young adults, and the best use and defense of Snapchat Zac has ever heard! Show Notes For This Episode: www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-69 Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want more After 9? visit www.after9ministry.com to learn moreSupport the show

In this episode of After 9, Zac and Chad get real about what parents probably want and expect from their youth minister. Remember, there would be no student ministry or youth ministry without parents to birth, raise, share them. So here is some good insight that will help you rise above the expectations and move towards a destination. Support the show

The days are long and the weeks will tarry, never fear Chad and Zac and a few minutes left on the clock are here to encourage you and brighten your day. You are loved youth ministry friend and we are thankful for your hard work. Stay healthy, find humor, and know that those forms never get turned in on time! Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac chats with Seth Muse: youth pastor, ministry coach, blogger, and podcast host of Seminary of Hard Knocks. Listen in as the guys talk honestly about learning the ropes of youth ministry, finding growth in failure, and growing up as a leader. They also annotate some Andy Stanley quotes. Show Notes For This Episode: www.youthministrybooster.com/blog/after9-67 Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want more After 9? visit www.after9ministry.com to learn moreSupport the show

In this episode of After 9, Zac and Chad get honest about the importance of time management and staying productive in youth ministry. It is easy to stay busy, but difficult to keep the most important and significant work in front of us. Listen in as Zac and Chad talk to their younger selves and offer insights and a free resource on how to better Boost your productivity and make your days count! Download our free productivity booster @ www.youthministrybooster.com/time Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac chats with Rush Beam North Carolina Youth Pastor, Artist, and fun guy. You will appreciate their wit and insight to youth ministry, leadership, navigating transitions, and remaining optimistic during painful seasons. For over 17 years Rush has served in volunteer, intern, and full-time student ministry roles. Learn from his wisdom, struggles, failures, and successes. Hear the depth of hurt that comes from staff relationships gone wrong and leadership that morally bankrupts. Don't make your youth ministry a personal island but an integral part of the church. Show Notes: www.youthministrybooster.com/boostblog/after9-65 Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want more After 9? visit www.after9ministry.com to learn moreSupport the show

In this episode of After 9, Zac and Chad banter about the climate of social media in 2017 and what changes you might need to bring about in your personal and ministerial social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat). Not only is there great insight about some right and wrong practices for building your social media platform in this episode there are also some great tips and tools to help you build your social media in the right way. Check out more at www.youthministrybooster.com/blog Support the show

In this episode of After 9 Zac chats with Samantha Hanni (Mrs. Hanni) about youth ministry, volunteering, leading small groups, and youth ministry resource writing. Be encouraged and inspired by her thoughtfulness and keen reminders about the slow and difficult work of youth ministry. Show Notes: www.youthministrybooster.com/boostblog/after9-63 Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

In this episode of After 9, Zac and Chad examine four helpful tips and heartfelt insights on getting more out of the most important people in your student ministry, your volunteers. It's true youth ministry without volunteers would make youth pastors look a little foolish. Listen for guidance on unleashing passion, setting expectations, making space for value, and expecting restlessness. Check out more at www.youthministrybooster.com/podcast Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Subscribe on iTunes! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

In this episode, Zac sits down with Dr. Andrew Root of Luther Seminary. Author, professor, and true believer for youth ministry. This interview will affirm and inspire you with sincerity and theological depth. Dr. Root has written a dozen books on, about, and around youth ministry. If you are a youth worker, student pastor, or youth minister you have got to check out at least one of his books. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 60: What's New For Next Year? In this very special episode of After 9, Zac and Chad turn the questions on each other and evaluate the year that was 2016 and what is to come in 2017. If you like the hosts and want to know what is next for After 9 then don't miss this year-end episode. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Subscribe on iTunes! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 59: What Happens When You Remix? Merry Christmas After 9 listeners! It has been an amazing year for After 9 and Zac and Chad wanted to gift you with some sonic improvements on two of our favorite stories. After 9 has grown in the last 15 months and we wanted to share some highlights with our listeners that may be new to the podcast. Enjoy these gems from the archive and listen for the mid-episode break for a very special offer from Youth Ministry Booster. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Subscribe on iTunes! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 58: Justin Knowles: Download Youth Ministry In this episode, Zac sits down with Justin Knowles of DYM and SoCal. Justin is constantly writing and thinking about leadership in youth ministry and his heartfelt answers over this coffee shop conversation will engage you. The ministry work that matters most, and the way we make it work even better are vital topics for today's episode. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 57: How Do I Minister To My Family This Christmas? In this episode, Chad and Zac gut check about the importance of being the minister in your home. If we bring our best, our energy, and humor to our ministry role then sometimes that means our families get the leftovers. Not this holiday season! Commit with Zac and Chad After 9 community. Make this season about our family, your spouse, your kids, your siblings, your framily. Grow in love for those who surround you. Also, wear more sweat pants and be less active on your cell phone. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Subscribe on iTunes! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 56: Jenna Bush: Woodlake UMC In this episode, Zac sits down with Jenna Bush to ask all the After 9 questions. Listen in as Jenna shares stories of struggle, success, growth, and one of the most memorable moments of youth ministry we have ever recorded. Jenna's stories of challenge, change, and frustration with the local church are encouraging for many of us who have fought similar bouts. Trust your call friends you are fit for this work. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 55: LIVE | How Do I Get The Most Out Of A Ministry Conference? This episode was recorded live in front of the conference audience at Oklahoma Youth Ministry Forum at Falls Creek, OK. Listen in as Zac and Chad talk the importance of the conference: fashion, etiquette, and learning with150 youth ministers, youth workers, and youth ministry volunteers from around the state of Oklahoma. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 54: Josh Griffin: Download Youth Ministry In this episode, Zac sits down with Josh Griffin from DYM and asks all the After 9 questions. Where did Josh Griffin come from? What was a night that he almost quit youth ministry? And what is the thing that is helping Josh most these days? Listen in and find out how the co-founder of DYM almost caused a farm riot, got rejected by his own resignation later, and how he is making more time to be more present. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 53: What's My Ministry Plan For Next Year? In this episode, Chad and Zac strategize for 2017. It's important to make plans, have the right plan, and know that the planning process starts today. If you have dates to set for the ministry calendar, goals to set for your student ministry, it's time to start and it's more important to do it right. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Subscribe on iTunes! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 52: Frank Gil In this episode, Zac sits down with Frank "PastorTank" Gil and asks all the After 9 questions. Listen in as Frank shares about youth ministry learnings, growing as a leader, trusting your staff, and becoming more present as a pastor. The humor, honesty, and beards in this episode are off the scale. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 51: How Do I Follow The Previous Youth Minister Well? In this episode, Chad and Zac talk honestly about transitioning into a new church and what pitfalls and privileges come with that awesome responsibility. If you are in a new place of ministry or have ever been, this episode is for you. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 50: Elle Campbell In this episode, Zac sits down with Elle Campbell (from Stuff You Can Use, YM Answers, and the Pharisees game) and asks her the honest questions of youth ministry. Calling, quitting, self-doubt, perfectionism, and hope are all in the mix today. Listen close because you won't want to miss a word. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 49: Are These The Wives of After 9? In this episode, Martha and Karen take over and chat for the very first time! If you are the spouse of a minister and ever felt the pressure of youth ministry and concern for loving your partner well then this episode is for you. Chad and Zac are even more in love with their spouses after listening to this so maybe this is the one for whole ministry family. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Blessed by Karen and Martha? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Youth Ministry Booster has launched. Check out www.youthministrybooster.com to learn how the sponsor of After 9 can Boost your Youth Ministry! #ymbSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 48: How Do I Even Minister To Parents? In this episode, Chad and Zac tackle one of the most central questions facing youth ministry leaders today, parent ministry. Whether you can't find them, never hear from them, or are worried what parents might say about you, youth ministers cannot deny the significance parents can (or lack not ) have in the life of young people. Being a great youth minister will probably involve some kind of strategy for reaching parents. So lean in, listen close, and hear some honest talk on a tough topic. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 47: Has It Really Been A Year? In this episode, Chad and Zac look back on what has been an amazing first year of podcasting. We know, we know 47 episodes doesn't exactly equal 52 weeks, but what you need to know is that in the end of September 2015 two guys sat across from each other over cookies and coffee and said that the world of youth ministry needed more honest conversations about the struggles, the expectations, and health. Thank you friends! Thank you for making this first year a dream and we cannot even wait to share and see what this next year will hold! Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 46: How Can I Lead A Better Large Group? In this episode, Chad and Zac are all over that most staple of youth ministry practices, large group programming. Call it by whatever cool name you want to call it and style it up or down for any night of the week. We all have some kind of big group gathering that features many of the same elements and we are all looking to put those pieces together a little better each week. Check this one out to the end because there is lots of good wisdom and helpful guidance to be had this week so make sure and listen close friends. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 45: Are All Eyes On Me? In this episode, Chad and Zac jump the production schedule to speak about a timely issue. Now more than ever it can feel like all eyes are on those that serve in ministry. This tension between public ministry and a personal call to do ministry can create some terrible anxiety, depression, addiction, and even burn out. Listen in and hear this important reminder to all those that serve in a ministry job but worry about their faithful lives or vocations. Your call is not your job or your office. Stay faithful and not just busy or employed. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 44: Am I The Only One Doing A Good Job? In this episode, Chad and Zac probe what may be one of the most central questions to the After 9 audience. If you have served in a vibrant or exciting or fun youth ministry long enough you have probably also taken the time to look over your shoulder and wonder what the rest of your church was doing. Struggles with the Senior Pastor, competition with the Children's ministry, and frustrations with the Worship ministry are all common amongst youth ministry people. Let's talk about what's good, true, and troubling, and find a little hope for our churches and youth ministries. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 43: What Makes A Great Game? In this episode, Chad and Zac take on the question on that many of youth ministers ask only secretly. "Seriously, what makes a game great?" Whether you think games are lame, stupid, or unimportant listen in as the guys give you some insight on the kinds of games that should be played and what games actually mean for your youth ministry. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 42: Are My Students Facing Doubts? In this episode, Chad and Zac reflect on the heartfelt concern we all have for our students facing doubts. If you have ever had a student ask you the big questions and want more from what they have heard then this episode is for you. Listen in as Chad and Zac encourage you to practice discernment and authenticity and stay encouraged dear listener. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 41: Is Student Leadership Worth It? In this episode, Chad and Zac debate the effort, value, and merit of student leadership models in youth ministry. Whether you have got a youth council, lead teams, or some other kind of fancy student leadership system this episode is for you to grapple with as well. Consider the philosophy and programmatic values of your leadership ideals this week as Zac and Chad walk you through the ins and outs of this heated debate. It;s another week to get gut-level honest about the work we do in youth ministry. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great!Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 40: Does My Youth Ministry Need a Boost? In this episode, Chad and Zac share the next new thing from the guys behind After 9. Youth Ministry Booster is the support staff you have always wanted for your youth ministry. Creative elements, well designed resources, and fun and trustworthy coaching and planning helps from Chad and Zac are all coming to you this October. If you have ever felt like you and your ministry needed a boost then this episode is for you. Sign up at www.youthministrybooster.com to be the first to know! Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great! Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 39: What's My Big Idea? In this episode, Zac shares a big idea with Chad and gets feedback on the idea and the process for implementation and the signs that it might be time to pull the plug. If you are thinking about trying something new, big, different, or awesome then this episode is for you. Hear the heart, consider the process, and prepare prepare prepare! Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great! Want more goodness for your youth ministry? Check out www.youthministrybooster.com to get more.Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 38: How Do I Find Balance Between Home and Ministry? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk honestly about the struggle between doing the good work and being a loving spouse, parent, and full human at home. It can feel like an unending and an unwinnable challenge, but maybe that's the problem? Maybe it's not about balance but boundaries and priorities. Hear from the After 9 guys about how perhaps setting up the right guide rails is more beneficial than juggling all of the things. Thankful for Zac and Chad? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to find out how you can help make After 9 great! Want more goodness for your youthministry? Check out www.youthministrybooster.com to get more. Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 37: How Do I Recruit Great Leaders? In this episode, Zac and Chad discuss the importance of recruiting great leaders. It all starts with the ask. Developing what you are asking, how you are asking, and when you are asking for help is critical. Then after you get the ask down, you have got to have a process. Learn a lot as the guys talk potential, process, and improving your volunteer leadership mix. Like the guys? Love After 9? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support.Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 36: Am I Just Comparing? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk about the comparison game in youth ministry. If you have ever asked the questions, "What are they doing across town that I'm not?" "Is someone else doing this better than me?" "No one does this better than me." Then you have found the right episode. Comparison almost feels inevitable in youth ministry, but it can often be a sickness that alienates and isolates us from the good work of the kingdom. Relationships with other ministers, senior leaders, and an honest evaluation of yourself are key. Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support.Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 35: Is IT Too Early To Be Thinking About Fall? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk about the shift mid-summer to start planning and thinking about the fall season. It's true, you are in the mix, but it is also time to start making preparations for the next thing. Shift your focus, prepare your leaders, ready your students, and make the adjustments to turn that glowing summer shine into an autumn divine! Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support.Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 34: Is This A Shark Week Special? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk about sharks? Yes, well kind of, they talk about sharks, Chad's love of sharks, and some really funny and insightful things about youth ministry, but mostly sharks. If you were looking for deep end of youth ministry you have found it, just swim past the sharks on the way to get there. Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 33: Why Won't That One Kid Sign Up For Camp? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk about apathy from those students that just seem to be on the bubble of your ministry. They come around, they don't come around; they show up, but they don't want to participate; they come on Sundays but miss out on the big community building weekends or camps. The diagnosis? It's heart check time for the event, the ministry, and the minister. Listen in as we talk about reaching the one lamb who wandered from the pen. Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 32:Where Did These Helicopter Parents Come From? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk about "those parents," you know them, you love them? We hope so! The summer season is ripe for relational building and in the midst of that we can sometimes find ourselves at odds or edges with the most protective parents. This is an important issue, listen in as we talk about the relationships, the ministry, and becoming the minister for students and parents. Most parents want to do best for their kids, be a supporter, be an over-communicator! Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 31: Maybe If I Got More Organized? In this episode, Zac and Chad talk organization habits, hang-ups, and the importance of having good systems in place to make your ministry and you as a youth minister more efficient and more at ease. Don't stress about the little things, just get the little things all together! Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 30: Is This Big News For After 9? In this episode, Zac and Chad discuss some of the big changes that are coming for one of the show's co-hosts. Who? Listen to see what is changing, what is staying the same, and what is getting even better. Like us? Love us? Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to Episode 29: The Summer Haul. On this episode of After 9 Zac and Chad are happy to share the mic with a fellow student pastor and podcaster, Jody Livingston of The Longer Haul. Jody has been an advocate for youth ministers sticking it out and serving for the long term for an amazing tenure. Jody brings his wisdom and insight to you listeners. So enjoy this encouraging word about longevity in one of youth ministry's busiest seasons, summer! Jody has gifted After 9 listeners with a whole page of resources. Check them out @ thelongerhaul.com/after9 Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 28: Will Summer Eat Me Alive? In this episode, Zac and Chad discuss summer plans, planning, and making the right kinds of space in your schedule. It's a busy season but that doesn't mean you should just be living life busy. Hear what the guys have to say about making the most out of summer. Follow us on twitter @after9ministry and like us on Facebook. Want to support After 9? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to give the guys a dollar or two of support. #chalupaspikeSupport the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 27: Are The Graduated Forgotten? In this episode Zac and Chad discuss the importance of having a good graduation plan. Students aren't your students forever so it is important to not only teach them well, but prepare them for the next chapters in life. Don't get caught hoarding students! Love them well and release them well! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry or like us on facebook.com/after9minsitry. Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick."Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 26: How Do I Make Ministry Relationships Last? In this episode Zac and Chad discuss the importance of building lasting relationships in ministry. It's not easy work and sometimes it is the thing we can miss in the midst. Hear from Zac and Chad and a couple of their new friends share a camp story that doesn't stink! Follow us on twitter @after9ministry or like us on facebook.com/after9minsitry. Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick."Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 25: Help I'm Trapped In A Large Church, In this episode Zac and Chad share from the other side of the fence. Companion to Episode 23 this week's episode probes the questions of what it is like to be caught up or caught in, the trappings of a large church with all the resources you want and more leaders than you can handle. Moreover, it can also create a culture of expectation and manipulation as you might begin to believe in your own ability to acheive whatever outcomes you create. Please be encouraged when we say that the grass is not always greener, especially if your heart is green with envy. Hear Chad share his story of finding himself in a ministry six times larger than he was ready for and what it mean to discover and build a youth ministry culture as it was unfolding before him. We close this episode with a good and candid word from our friend Damien who served as youth pastor in a large church. Stay close dear friends, follow us on twitter @after9ministry or like us on facebook.com/after9minsitry. Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick."Support the show

Welcome to After 9 Episode 24: Help I'm Trapped In A Small Church, In this episode Zac and Chad share one of the recurring themes plaguing many minds in youth ministry, the question "am I stuck in this church?" Whether you call it under-resourced or feel like you have a "larger capacity" we have all felt at times like maybe we could have done more at a place that had more. Please be encouraged when we say that the grass is not always greener, especially if your heart is green with envy. Hear Zac share his stories of moving from working with a full youth ministry into working with a four-kid youth group and how that time, commitment, and expectation revitalized his call to ministry and his faith in the Gospel work. We close this episode with a story from our new After 9 friend Tony who drives 180 miles round trip weekly to pick up students on the church bus and brings them to Jesus. Stay close dear friends, follow us on twitter @after9ministry or like us on facebook.com/after9minsitry. Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick."Support the show

Welcome to Episode 23 of After 9. Zac and Chad are happy to share the mic with a fellow pastor and podcaster, John Chandler of Sermonsmith. John has interviewed over 65 of the very best preachers alive today and he shares his wisdom and thoughtfulness on the importance of sermon preparation and pastoral attentiveness. You can check out John's podcast Sermonsmith @ http://sermonsmith.com/ or follow his latest on twitter @sermonsmithSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 22: Could I Tell A Better Story? In this episode Zac and Chad recount one of Chad's favorite stories and dissect its parts to help you see all the mechanics of sharing a good story. Hey friend! you have a life worth's of stories, an archive, stay attentive to life's happenings , God's workings, and focus on the important details. Storytelling is a practiced and essential art in youth ministry. Practice it well! We would love to hear more from our friends. Share your favorite speaking story on twitter @after9ministry or email [email protected] Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick."Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 21: Why Don't The Kids Listen To Me Talk? In this first episode of season 2 Zac and Chad share some of their history and rivalry on the HS Speech & Debate circuit, Zac's worst talk and some insight on what really matters when you are preparing to deliver a message. Sometimes it may feel like your students haven't heard a word you have said, but be encouraged that their is a voice moving in the midst when you make the space to be a messenger for the message. Share your favorite speaking story on twitter @after9ministry Want to support After 9 more? Visit www.patreon.com/after9 or www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick." Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 20: Is This A New Chapter For After 9? Why yes, yes it is. In this episode Zac and Chad share some of their favorite moments from the first season of After 9. Listen in as Zac and Chad get each other laughing so hard that they have to cut to a break, Zac recounts his story of almost quitting, and Chad educates the masses about the usefulness of a "gettin stick." This week's episode is an enjoyable look back and glimpse forward into the future of After 9 as Zac and Chad seek to expand their content, quality, and connectedness to other ministries and podcasts. Moving forward we ask for your support. Visit www.patreon.com/after9 or www.after9ministry.com/support to learn how you can become an official supporter of After 9 and get your very own office "gettin stick." Thanks again for the first season of listens, we are so excited for the next round! Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 19: Do I Have To Plan Camp? In this episode Zac and Chad share their favorite summer camp stories and get you ready for camp this summer. Let's talk about preparing, planning, and followup to make this year's summer camp the best experience ever. Listen in to hear about that one time that kid peed all over everything at Zac's camp and how young chunk Chad would have left 3 days earlier. It's summertime riot! Signup for bonus and exclusive #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9emailSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 18: Do I Have To Make This Phone Call? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about those tough phone calls in youth ministry that you have to make regarding students, parents, and volunteers. When does a prayer request become a phone call? Listen in for how you can begin to cultivate a healthy practice of making the call. Also hear what chores Zac and Chad despise doing the most, and about that one time Chad got hassled at customs. Signup for bonus and exclusive #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9emailSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 17: The Deacons Just Don't Understand. In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the people who are invested in your ministry but maybe not directly involved. Whether it is that one lady, that cranky usher, the senior adult committee leader, or that one deacon, we have all got people who watch what you the youth ministry leader is doing and what the kids are not doing. What if the issue is not with those people, but with we as youth ministry leaders turning students into products of a youth ministry and not inheritors of the church. Consider the whole and be encouraged this week by fellow ministers that understand that sometimes the lay leaders just don't understand. Follow us on Twitter @after9ministry Like us on Facebook.com/after9ministry Signup for bonus and exclusive #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9emailSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 16: If I Only Had a Better Youth Room? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about youth rooms, cleanliness, and godliness. Does it ever seem like sometimes all you get accused of is making a mess? Does it ever feel like if you just had a better youth room or facility you could get more done? Welcome to the honest discussions and helpful stories about both. Jump into the mess, the beautiful mess of youth ministry, and make sure to get the lights and tidy up when you are done. Signup for bonus and exclusive #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9emailSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 15: Am I The Worst At This? In this episode Zac and Chad talk... honestly. Maybe more honestly than they ever have shared before. It's about to get real. In this episode they confess their biggest weakness and "worse-ness" in ministry. They also find ways to encourage each other and hopefully you. Signup for bonus #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9emailSupport the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 14: Why Does No One Read My Newsletter? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the difficulties of getting people to read all of those great communications that youth ministers send out to parents, guardians, and students. I mean you worked really hard on that email newsletter and it seems like no one knows when the next event starts or that it even happened. Why does it seem like parents can keep track of four sport schedules, school and fantasy football but never be in the know about the church calendar? Mass communication is so tough, because it requires so much diligence and so important because it communicates purpose.They also discuss Valentine's day cards, love, and romance. Signup for bonus #extra9 content @ bit.ly/after9email Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 13: What Just Happened At My Weekend Event? In this episode Zac and Chad talk shop after a busy winter retreat or DNOW weekend. If you have ever had the "event comedown" or "DNOW hangover" then this episode is for you. All of that ministry, all of those good times, all of those pastoral moments, might be leaving you feel low or wondering. Never fear, Chad and Zac are here to give you some good guiding questions to help in your evaluative process.First of all you have gotta know that your purpose starts with your planning. Wherever you are, check where you started. 1.Was your main priority your purpose? 2.Was the purpose of your event able to be taught and caught? 3.Did you meet students where they are at? 4.Should you do this event again? Also, be prepared for Chad's middle school boy impression. It's delightful. #colton #wheresmybible? Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 12: Why Does No One Want To Help Me? In this episode Zac and Chad talk honestly about the volunteer leaders that are vital to our ministry. Somedays it seems like an impossible task, other days it feels like no one cares like you think that they should care, but any time you are ministering to youth you need the help of trustworthy volunteers. The real questions are how to find them, how to keep them, and how to lead them. If you are a youth leader (paid or volunteer) you know you need more help, listen to this episode and get encouraged. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 11: Where Can I Find Some Rest? In this episode Zac and Chad lament the times that rest seems so hard to find. It's like a lost friend you are praying that will call you back. They also will have you rolling with laughter as Chad shares about his truck's "gittin' stick," starlight mints, and social media hunger games. Important reminder friends, Compassion is a resource, don't run out of ministerial fuel before you hit empty. We hope this hour of humor and honest sincerely help. #FindRest with #after9Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 10: Do I Have Any Friends In This? In this episode Zac and Chad share the stories about the kinds of youth ministry friends you should be fostering and the kinds of friends you should be seeking out. They also share an oral history of how #uthmin came to be presently understood in their home state. If it is true that youth ministry is more established than ever, then now it is more important than ever to have a healthy network of #uthmin friends. Zac and Chad want to hear from the community tag a pic w/ #after9 and show us you hanging out with your supportive #uthmin network. Your next #ChalupaSpike is on us! Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 9: Is This the Night I Quit? In this episode Zac and Chad share the nights that they almost quit youth ministry. These are heartfelt, gut-level honest stories of ministers who quit, almost quit, and in doing so found better reasons and better versions of their pastoral selves. If you would like to share your #almostquit story with @after9ministry please email us at [email protected] or visit www.after9ministry.com and leave us a speakpipe voice mail message. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 8: Did My Student Just Betray Me? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the ways in which it can feel like students in your ministry can negate, derail, and betray you from your call. Ever had a week where you felt like the student you cared the most about you went Judas on you? Then this episode is for you. Take heart friend, your vocational call is not determined by your student's love of you. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 7: What's New For You This Year? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the big new things for which they are most excited in 2016 and invite you to consider what's up and new and happening for you. Are you going to watch your garden grow? Launch a new idea? Or overhaul the whole ministry? We hope you are praying and thinking about something that has got you feeling new. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 6: Is It Time To Move On? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about transitions in youth ministry. Is it time to leave your church locally? Is it time to leave The Church vocationally? Is it time to stay and weather a storm? Why did Chad talk so much about the middles school band incident? All of this and more in this week's episode of After9. Remember your call minister friend. Your call to minister is not equated with your current ministry. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 5: Do I Have To Like My Staff? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about pesky staff relations, office drama, and micromanagement. Worship Pastors, Children's Pastors, Senior Pastors, you can't live without them and wish you didn't have to work with them. Right? However, maybe they are your greatest asset and potential your biggest supporters. Are you supporting them? Move from contention to collaboration for this new year. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 4: How much is too much? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about that looming plague of overcommitment in ministry. You want to do it all. You believe you can do it all. You did it all for a season and now you are done. Hear the good permissive word. No. You can't do it all. Commit to your core and choose your dispensable time wisely. Also pray for Chad's dog?Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 3: Can I Succeed in Ministry Without Really Trying? In this episode Zac and Chad will talk about that elusive topic of success in ministry. For many youth ministers it is the bane and leading cause of burnout and anxiety. The endless question, "how many do you have in your youth ministry?" stirs up anxiety and causes friction. We hope that their honest reflection and helpful suggestion move you forward as you consider your definition for success and evaluating your weekly wins.Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 2: Is this just the way God made me? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the nature of calling in ministry. They also discuss the importance of remembering your initial call, surrender as a kind of death, youth ministry mascots, gummy bears, and some leadership parables and paradigms that matter for knowing thyself. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 0: After Who? After9 is the most honest hour in youth ministry. During this brief introduction you will meet Zac and Chad and learn all about the podcast that is becoming a community. Whether you are a new youth minister or a veteran you will appreciate the honesty and humor that helps to restore and renew hope. Support the show

Welcome to After9 Episode 1: Whose Health? In this episode Zac and Chad talk about the four folds of youth ministry health as they relate to both the minister and the ministry. Join them as they honestly talk about spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational health. Support the show