Brian Aaby, a veteran youth ministry leader now working with Slingshot Group, joins the show today to talk all about finding and landing a youth ministry job. We give practical advice for youth leaders considering a change in ministry roles or transitioning into their first ministry role. Brian stresses the importance of networking, preparing well for interviews, volunteering, and staying involved in youth culture during job searches. LINKS MENTIONED: An open letter to a departing youth pastor at BrianAaby.com BrianAaby.com RESOURCES MENTIONED: Seven Reasons You Should Leave Your Church Leade ..read more

In this episode, Jody and Shay Osborne discuss the challenges and strategies for effective large church youth ministry. They provide practical insights and advice for navigating the unique dynamics of large church youth ministry. They cover the importance of community and building authentic relationships. Shay shares insights and personal experiences that highlight the benefits of being part of a supportive community. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni Getting Things Done by David Allen JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Fac ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Abram Haley joins Jody and they discuss the experiences, challenges, and benefits of working in a multi-campus youth ministry setting. Abram Haley joins us to discuss various topics, including communication challenges, managing teams, handling large-scale events, issues with volunteers and teams, and teaching methodologies. You’ll also hear insights into the complexities involved in multi-site ministry, the perception of larger churches, and the importance of collaboration among churches. We dive into our experiences in youth ministry ..read more

In this episode of the Longer Haul in Youth Ministry, Tommy Burkhart joins Jody on the show to discuss their experiences and insights into working as bi-vocational youth pastors. They dive into the core challenges in bi-vocational youth ministry, such as time management, financial constraints, and balancing expectations. They also discuss the advantages such as developing practical life skills, building relationships outside the church, and inviting participation in everyday activities to foster meaningful ministry. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:31 The Importance of Subscribing to the Podc ..read more

Welcome to a brand-new episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into a critical part of youth ministry and addressing the pressing issue of anxiety among teens. Our guest, Brock Morgan, is here to share invaluable insights on this topic. You don’t want to miss it! Brock, author of the book, “The Anxious Teen,” has written an essential resource that’s a must-have for anyone involved in youth ministry. In this episode, we explore how to effectively address anxiety in teenagers and point them to the hope found in Jesus. If you’re a youth pastor, you’re well awar ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Samm Simmons joins the show to talk all things youth ministry volunteers. In it we talk through recruiting, equipping, retaining, and encouraging youth ministry volunteers. This episode is filled with some practical ideas that you can take and implement into your youth ministry wherever and in whatever context you serve. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Engaging Gen Z by Tim McKnight Rethink Yourself by Trevin Wax Flip the Script JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast longtime friends of the show, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins from Lifeway Students and Youth Ministry Booster join us to talk about the changes we’re seeing in youth ministry today. We dive into all kinds of changes and some history of how we got here as well as some reminiscing on how The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast and Youth Ministry Booster started. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Follower: Becoming More than Just a Fan of Jesus by Kyle Idleman A Short Guide to Groups: The Art of Leading Community by Jared Musgrove & Justin Elafros The ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, my good friend Eric Holmstrom joins the show. Eric is a phenomenal youth pastor who has experienced longevity both in ministry and at the church he currently serves. Eric gives 5 secrets to staying in youth ministry and you’re going to want to write them down. This episode is filled with really practical wisdom and helps and I know you’ll find it valuable. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, I’m diving back into a list of books that I’m recommending for youth pastors to read. In addition, I give you several tips for selecting the types of books you read. I’m convinced that reading is a discipline everyone who longs to lead better and improve should have—reading challenges you beyond where you are. It gives you the opportunity to be mentored by people you may never meet in person. You can learn and grow in ways that would be otherwise impossible. So hopefully today’s list adds to a list you’re already working on, but if not ..read more

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, my wife and I follow up with part two, if you will, of episode 126. We share our journey of raising kids while serving in youth ministry and offer insights on how to navigate the unique challenges of parenting in the “fishbowl” of ministry. We talk about the joys and rewards of serving in youth ministry as a family, as well as the difficulties of balancing ministry demands with the needs of our kids. We share personal stories and experiences that have shaped our parenting approach and offer practical tips and principles for other youth ..read more