The FYI on Youth Ministry

Sustainability in youth ministry requires us to adapt our self-care in response to change. So many things can change in life, and so much has changed in the past two pandemic years. In this episode, Kara Powell revisits her own time-tested practices for self-care and challenges us to ask, "What needs to change?"

Youth leaders, this season we are making it all about you! We know you pour out your energy and care for your students so much, and we want to help you care for yourself. Are you feeling physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally tired in ministry? Today, Kristel Acevedo gives us tips to find healthy ministry rhythms that fit your specific personality, preferences, and life stage.

We asked the FYI team to reflect on the challenges and hopes they heard from youth leaders all over the nation and experienced themselves. Join us as team members share advice, hope, and encouragement based on what we learned from leaders like you. This is the 2021 wrap-up you don't want to miss! Timestamps: 2:27  - "What was difficult or challenging for you personally about 2021?" 17:35   - "What...

Three researchers from our Living a Better Story project, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, Jane Hong-Guzman De Leon, and Andy Jung share what they learned about listening and ministering to a young, diverse generation. This episode is hosted by 3 Big Questions coauthor Kara Powell.

Thinking about purpose may bring anxiety for some of your students—maybe because culture often focuses on purpose as a destination or vocation. But students can find purpose in many aspects of their lives, both now and in the future. Rev. Dr. Almeda M. Wright offers examples and practical ideas from her research and personal experience. This episode is hosted by Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny...

Showing your students that they belong may bring some awkward moments, but it can become something deeply meaningful and fun! This practical conversation with Montague Williams will give you ideas on nurturing belonging in your ministry. The hosts for this episode are Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda.

Your students' realities and histories influence their identity. In this conversation Kat Armas talks with our hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda, about how you can encourage students as they begin to understand the different parts that shape who they are in order to find the Christ-centered truths of their identity.

This season we're talking about teens' questions of identity, belonging, and purpose . Hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell and Brad Griffin about the research and insights of FYI's latest book 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager.

Disruption in youth ministry may take the form of job changes, tragedies in a congregation or community, or as we've all learned, even a pandemic. Although it can be difficult to imagine innovating in the midst of a season of change, sometimes that's the best time to try something new. In the last episode of Season 2, Marko talks candidly about the personal challenges a season of disruption can br...

When youth leaders courageously share a new idea, it can be disheartening to be met with resistance or indifference. Jake Mulder shares perspective on what might be behind those reactions, as well as practical ideas about how you can all get on the same page in a way that honors everyone. Join FYI hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this story-filled conversation with Jake. For m...

Church traditions can be a foundation for great innovation. Rev. Teesha Hadra shares stories about how she learned to see tradition as an opportunity for, rather than an obstacle to, discipleship. Join FYI hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this honest and fun conversation with Teesha about innovating in youth ministry while staying connected to the broader vision and mission o...

Abigail Visco Rusert shares the surprising connection between joy and innovation, and explores the ways failure can help move us forward. Hosted by Giovanny Panginda and Dr. Steve Argue, coauthor of FYI's latest book Sticky Faith Innovation , this episode explores faith formation, dusty file cabinets, and even Katy Perry's "Left Shark."

Collaboration can bring creativity and diverse perspectives, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Dr. Yulee Lee explains why and shares 4 ground rules for guiding communication. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Caleb Roose are coauthors of FYI's latest book Sticky Faith Innovation and they share some surprising insights from the research about the connection between teamwork and innovation.

This season explores innovation: what it is, how to do it, and why it's vital for your youth ministry. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell about how listening to teenagers is the best starting point for creativity in youth ministry. Kara, coauthor of Sticky Faith, shares how research uncovered best practices in youth ministry as well as opened doors for the next i...

Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney continue the conversation with Jennifer Guerra Aldana about multicultural youth ministry. Jenn reflects on the importance of establishing shared values for your ministry, as well as insight into how you can equip parents as you talk about diversity with young people.  

In this episode hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney talk with Jennifer Guerra-Aldana, Manager of Multicultural Initiatives at the Fuller Youth Institute, about navigating multicultural contexts with students. Jenn shares her experience of growing up as a pastor's kid, as well as insights into the needs and gifts of the increasingly diverse generation in youth ministry today. 

Hosts Ahren Samuel and Kat Armas talk with Chuck Hunt, Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck shares practical ideas for connecting with adults within your church community, collaborating with your volunteers during the pandemic, and reflecting diversity that can help students understand God's kingdom. 

Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Steve Argue   about investing in young adults for the kingdom. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical ideas, and empathy for young adult leaders, as well as for anyone who manages, mentors, or ministers to those in their twenties. Steve encourages leaders in their twenties that their voices matter in the youth ministry conversation...

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about how to listen well and be the bridge to help church leaders understand young people. Scott shares some tips for leading up, inviting your senior pastor to reimagine how youth ministry could be done. Scott's new book The Innovative Church is available now.

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández talk with Adult Ministries + Teaching Pastor Matthew Deprez about intergenerational ministry. Through personal stories and lots of practical ideas, Matthew shares a helpful framework that encourages young people to connect with older generations in your church. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Kara Powell about partnering with parents in your youth ministry. Kara shares lots of practical ideas and personal inspiration to remind us why this effort is so important. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about Christian leadership, the power of listening, and how we can innovate in the church while staying grounded in Christian practices. Scott shares insights and examples from his new book The Innovative Church .  Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Hosts Kat Armas and Ahren Samuel from FYI talk with Chuck Hunt , Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck talks about caring for volunteers, empowering them to disciple students, and how important it is to celebrate together. Chuck brings stories and wisdom from 25 years of experience in youth ministry and he's collaborated on many FYI projects as a speaker and advisor. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

In the second part of our interview with Aaron Rosales , hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda continue the conversation on the impact of social distancing on teenagers' mental health. In this episode, Aaron shares insight into how we can support parents during this season, as well as tips for how we can all have empathetic conversations with the young people in our lives. Fulleryouthinstit...

Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda talk with Aaron Rosales about why social distancing presents special challenges for teenagers. Human connection is important for everyone, but Aaron shares how it plays a specific role in the normal development of adolescents. Show notes at Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast