THE MINISTRY LEADER PODCAST

Developing student leaders is, or we contend, should be, a component of every youth ministry. And while that may look different based on your specific ministry context, the values we seek to develop in student leaders are likely very similar. In this episode of the podcast we share our highest values for student leadership. We’d love to know your list of values for your student leaders. Let us kno...

Putting yourself out there to meet new students can be scary and intimidating, even for the most seasoned youth minstry veterans. However, if we hope to reach more young people with the love of Jesus, it starts by simply learning their names. In this episode, we share three tips for meeting new students. What are your best tips for meeting new students? Drop us a note on Facebook and share your th...

It’s a new year and if we learned anything from the previous year it’s to hold our plans loosely and expect the unexpected. With that in mind, in this episode we want to share 5 things every youth worker needs in 2021. What did we miss? Share your thoughts by visiting us on Facebook and let us know what you think every youthworker needs in the new year.

No matter who you are or where you're from, you've been an eye witness to the division in our world and likely have even experienced it to some extent in your relationships with others this year. As Christian leaders, we have to recognize that the young people we are working with are growing up in the same divided culture and looking for models of how to navigate it. In this episode, we discuss ho...

As tough a year as 2020 was, it taught us a lot about our ministries and our ministry methods. Those lessons have been valuable and could lead to some simple tweaks and potentially some sweeping changes in the world of youth ministry. In this episode we share our bold predictions for youth ministry in the new year. 0:00 Intro 1:11 Personal predictions 3:41 Brian's bold predictions 6:57 Reggie's bo...

It has been a wild year full of loss, tension, politics, and pandemics that have changed our lives and ministries. In this episode we reflect on our experiences this year and how they, though difficult, might just be setting us up for something better that God has in store for us in the new year. Questions to reflect on: What work has God done in your life this year? What work is God doing in your...

Merry Christmas friends! As the official day of celebration approaches we wanted to pause from our normal ministry conversations to share some thoughts on the counter-cultural life Jesus modeled (even from his birth) and to which He calls us. Find us on Facebook

As youth workers we know you step into hard places everyday with the young people in your ministry. We also know that can take a toll on your mental, emotional and spiritual health. In this episode we've invited Dr. Jerry Davis, a licenced clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and mental health counselor, to discuss the value of healthy-minded leaders and to share a resource to he...

Those normal Christmas parties, gift exchanges and group dinners we love to do with our students may not be a possibility this year, but there are still some creative ways you can celebrate the season safely with them. In this episode we offer a handful of socially distant Christmas ideas for your ministry. How are you celebrating Christmas with your students? Let us know! Message us on Facebook a...

Despite the challenges this year presented, we have much to be thankful for. In this episode we offer five questions to help you reflect and give thanks for all that God has done in your life and your ministry. Find us on Facebook

Just recently, our team at Youth For Christ of Northern Indiana, launched a campaign we hoped would spark a movement of adults actively reaching out and intentionally telling the young people in their lives that they see them, they are there for them and they believe in them. We've been blown away by the response, and believe that this movement has just begun. In this episode we want to share with...

We are declaring this week to be "We Believe in You(th)" week! In this episode we'll tell you more about what that means, why we believe in youth, and how you can be part of this movement to encourage a generation. Visit us on Facebook and let us know why you believe in youth. Want to join the movement? Here's a few ideas to get you started: Share a message on social media telling young people why...

This week we’re wrapping up our series on 3Story Relationships by talking about the relationship between My Story and Their Story. And we’re going to get really practical and talk about a few skills that are essential in our efforts to build healthy relationships with others that point them to Jesus. If you missed any of the other 3Story episodes leading up to this one, be sure to click the links...

Our last several episodes (linked below) have been about what we call 3Story Relationships that we believe is the most natural and authentic way to talk about your faith and introduce someone to Jesus. So far we’ve covered what the 3Stories are as well as the important components of each story, and today we discuss your best first step to sharing your faith. RESOURCES Episode 104: Passing the Bato...

We've been having a conversation for a couple of weeks now about 3Story relationships and this week we continue that conversation by exploring the most essential elements of the most important story of the three stories. Stick around to the end of the episode for an exercise that will not only help you become more familiar with this story, but also be better equipped to share this story with young...

In order to engage most effectively in 3Story relationships we need to be familiar with our own stories. The best way to do that is to spend time regularly reflecting on our stories and discovering where God was working in them all along the way. So today we’re offering up a few simple tools to help you discover your own story. Ideas for Journaling What other practices/disciplines help you reflect...

The call to pass on the faith from one generation to the next is a call that all believers share, but it can feel intimidating and awkard. In this episode we will introduce you to 3Story relationships that will allow you to naturally and intentionally share the gospel with young people. Share with us one of the defining moments in your life related to your walk with Jesus.

Strong collaborative relationships between ministries and other like minded organizations in our communities can be of great benefit to young people, but they can be difficult to develop because we don't know who to approach or how to make it happen. In this episode we're discussing the benefits we've seen through strong collaborations and offering some ideas to help get you thinking about who you...

Having intentional conversations with young people are some of the best ways to let them know you see them, you hear them and you care. But getting to those conversations can be a challenge. In this episode we're discussing conversation skills to help you have better appointments with your students. Find us on Facebook at The Ministry Leader Podcast .

While many youth workers are still awaiting that first gathering with their students since March, most others have returned to action with limited numbers. This is usually a time of the year that is full of activity and learning lots of names, but currently it’s difficult to even connect with the students we know. So in this episode we’re discussing how to meet new students when you can’t meet. Ho...

This episode is packed with goodness as we celebrate 100 episodes with a new co-host! Today we welcome Reggie Blackmon to the podcast and have the pleasure of hearing more of his story. Help us welcome Reggie by sending him a message on our Facebook page! RESOURCES Christian College Fair Information Like us on Facebook This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Recent surveys suggest that up to 50% of ministry volunteers are stepping away from their involvement at least for a time until things return some sense of normal. Everyone has their own reasons for making that decision but one reason seems to be a lack of true community among their ministry teams that would keep them engaged. In this episode we offer 7 ways to build community with your ministry t...

We’re all facing unique challenges during this season that is usually full of energy and excitement about the year ahead. But there’s one common trend that the vast majority of ministries are facing right now... low attendance and engagement both in person and online. In this episode we'll look at some recent stats regarding current attendance patterns, what it reveals about our ministries, and wh...

Is there such a thing as a "typical" youth worker? Maybe. But Scripture calls us all to the responsibility of investing in the next generation. In this episode we're discussing how to use what you have - your gifts, talents, interests, and abiblities - to lead right where you are. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00... Intro 00:59... Called to youth ministry 04:03... Responsibility to the next generation 04:47....

Current paradigms of youth ministry have been challenged this year and as our ministry year kicks off for the fall of 2020 many of us are operating without the usual large(r) group gatherings that we have come to know and even depend on. In this episode we are challenging ministry leaders to reframe how we think about youth ministry and to look for opportunities to lead right where you are. RESOUR...