Hey Volunteers: The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers

In this episode of the Youth Ministry podcast, Chris and Jennifer discuss creative and practical gift ideas for volunteers working with teenagers during the Christmas season. They emphasize the importance of building relationships with students through thoughtful gifts, including hosting parties, giving books and journals, and providing snacks. The conversation also highlights the significance of...

050 | 50 Things We Love About Volunteers Join us for our 50th episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast. In this episode we discuss 50 things we love about volunteers serving in youth ministry. If you’re looking for some encouragement, this episode is for you! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Milestone for Volunteers 02:58 50 Things We Love About Volunteers: Introduction 06:09 Todd's Top 10:...

049 | Tips for Handling Phones in Small Group In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris and Jennifer discuss the challenges and distractions posed by cell phones in youth ministry. They share personal experiences and practical tips for volunteers on how to manage cell phone use during small groups/Bible study, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and engaging...

048 | The role of a youth ministry volunteer at a youth ministry event  In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, we discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry events. We focus on the importance of building relationships with students, providing logistical support, promoting events effectively, and engaging with students during activities. The conversation also highlights the need...

047 | Communicating to Middle Schoolers In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Ashley Bohinc, the author of a new book, Communicating with Middle Schoolers. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and proven strategies for effectively connecting with students during this critical stage of development, especially in a ministry setting. This conversation offers practical advice on...

Podcast 046 | Teaching Teenagers to Study the Bible on Their Own Join us for episode 46 as we discuss how to help teenagers study the Bible. In this episode, we outline a plan to help teenagers learn how they can utilize tools to help them better understand scripture. We also answer the often asked question: what type of Bible should I buy my teenager? Links Shared During Show Youtube Bible Study...

Podcast 045 | Networking with Other Youth Ministering Volunteers Join us in episode 45 as we are joined by Chad Higgins and Zac Workun from Lifeway/Youth Ministry Booster. We talk with Chad and Zac about the importance of networking for youth ministry volunteers. They share the need for collaboration and community among volunteers, as well as the value of learning from and celebrating with one ano...

In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Abby Trent, a former student and now a youth ministry major. They discuss the importance of knowing and remembering students' names in youth ministry. Abby shares three reasons why this is important: making students feel seen and known, helping them feel valued, and showing them that they are more than just a camper. Abby also provides practical ti...

In this episode, we discuss how volunteers can leverage the momentum coming out of summer in youth ministry. We provide practical tips such as catching up with students about their summer experiences, celebrating and highlighting the spiritual moments from the summer, setting goals for the year as a small group, utilizing the stories of students to recruit other volunteers, and inviting students t...

042 - Summer Extravaganza Join us in episode 42 for our SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA. This week we are joined by Cameron Wilkins, who works with NextGen for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. We discuss the impact of summer events on youth ministry and the importance of volunteers. We also share tips for volunteers about how to stay connected to teenagers throughout the summer and how to respond to a stude...

041 - What to do when your students are too busy to come to church In this episode, we discuss what to do when students are too busy to come to church. We discuss the importance of not reacting negatively or making students feel guilty for not attending. Instead, we talk about how to celebrate the things that are keeping students busy and reminding them that they are on a mission in those places....

Podcast 040 | Three Things Every Teenager Needs to Hear You Say Join us in episode 40 as we discuss 3 things every teenagers needs to hear from a volunteer. While we’re not trying to oversimplify what it takes to work with teenagers, we do discuss what are the absolute basic things a teenagers needs to hear.  The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podca...

Join Chris Trent, Jennifer Fletcher, and Tim Kilgore in episode 39 as they discuss ministering to teenagers disconnected from church-involved parents. Discover the importance of patience, grace, and mindful communication in reaching out to these youth. Learn how to navigate relationships with both teens and their non-church parents with respect and compassion. Gain valuable tips on pointing these...

In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Angela Sanders to discuss girls ministry. They talk about the importance of girls ministry and why churches should consider having a separate ministry for girls. They also provide tips for volunteers who are interested in starting a girls ministry in their church. In this conversation, Angela Sanders shares insights on how to effectively run a girl...

Episode 37 | Why are teenagers so lonely an how can we help? Join us as we discuss the issue of loneliness among teenagers and how volunteers can help. We highlight the fact that despite being more connected than ever through technology, teenagers are experiencing high levels of loneliness. We also take a look the reasons behind this, including shallow relationships and lack of genuine connection....

Episode 36 | A Senior Pastor’s Perspective on Youth Ministry Volunteers - In this episode, we talk with Ricky Smith about his journey from youth pastor to senior pastor as he emphases the vital role of volunteers in ministry. Ricky shares his personal connection to the church and the importance of volunteers in the church's mission. He also shares about his own upbringing in a church where his fat...

Episode 35 | Why are Teenagers So Anxious and What Can We Do to Help - In this episode, we dive into an important topic: anxiety in teenagers. We explore the rising prevalence of anxiety among teens, particularly post-pandemic, where one in three teenagers is affected. We also discuss how anxiety doesn't discriminate by gender, impacting both boys and girls. We also address the challenge of recogn...

Episode 34 | Current Trends Youth Ministry Volunteers Need to be Aware of at the Start of 2024 with Walt Mueller - Join us as we dive into the latest trends in youth ministry with Walt Mueller from the Center for Parent Youth Understanding. In this episode, Walt shares important insights for volunteers to be aware of in 2024. Discover practical tips for balancing trend-awareness with a busy schedu...

Episode 33 | If a youth ministry volunteer were to set goals -  Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2024? Like so many of you, we’re thinking about how we can improve in 2024. That got us thinking about what it would look like for a volunteer to set goals for how they work with students. In this episode we share 5 potential goals to set for 2024. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There...

Episode 32 | Christmas Spectacular 2023 Get ready for festive fun! Jennifer is back in this jolly episode where we share some great ideas on how to connect with students during Christmas. From fun activities to way you can encourage them spiritually, it's a must-listen for a memorable youth ministry Christmas season. Merry Christmas! #youthministry #studentministry #nextgen #nextgenministry   The...

Episode 31 | Fun Ice Breakers for Your Small Group When it comes to leading a group of teenagers in a small group, one thing we’ve learned is that doing a good ice breaker before the lesson can really help get teenagers engaged in the conversation. In this episode, we talk about why ice breakers are important and then share 5 solid ideas that you can use in your next small group meeting. Book Ment...

Episode 30 | Basics of Discipling Students If you’re like us, you love the idea of helping a teenager not only meet Jesus, but live a life for Jesus. In this episode we take a look at how a volunteer can leverage their opportunity to not only teach students, but disciple them. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus...

Episode 29 | Building Trust with Parents When we’re given the opportunity to impact a teenager’s life for Jesus, we also have a chance to impact their parents. In this episode, we talk through ideas on how youth ministry volunteers can build trust with parents with the hopes of also impacting them for Jesus. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcas...

Episode 28 | Asking Great Questions that will Lead to Great Discussion Silence. We’ve all experienced blank stares when leading a Bible study and it’s not fun. In this episode we tackle how to ask great questions in order to increase participation with those we’re teaching. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus on...

Episode 27 | Great resources that will help me be a better youth ministry volunteer Volunteering with teenagers can be a bit overwhelming at times, so in this episode we share tried and true resources that will help you be the best youth ministry volunteer you can be as you point teenagers to Jesus. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out th...