THE MINISTRY LEADER PODCAST

In this special Labor Day episode we wanted to take some time to tell a couple of stories that we hope may serve to encourage leaders who sometimes ask, "is it worth it?" when the fruit of our labor is not immediately evident. These stories remind us of Paul's word in 1 Corinthians 15:58 as he encourages the Corinthian believers that their "labor in the Lord is not in vain." RESOURCES Ravi Zachari...

Events are great avenues to gather large groups of people, create shared memories and serve as a launching point for further conversations. But none of that happens without leaders who intentionally and relationally engage in all phases of that event. In this episode we discuss what those phases are and how you can engage not only to ensure a successful event but also to deepen relationships in th...

People want to be known but don't always want to make the first move. That's why as ministry leaders it's our responsibility to step closer to people to initiate relationships. But we recognize that is not always the easiest step to take. In this episode we share some of our worst first attempts to engage new students and offer some encouragement for anyone who has had similar experiences. It can...

Ministry is most effective in the context of authentic relationships. Those relationships have to start somewhere, but for many of us, meeting new people can be extremely difficult. In this episode we offer a few suggestions that will help you get out, meet a few people and have some fun doing it. RESOURCES Visit us online Like us on Facebook This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Last week we spoke with Ryan Weaver about the importance of boundaries. This week we're sharing more of that conversation. In this episode, we discuss four key areas of our lives in which good boundaries could lead to greater health. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) The Boundary of Time (0:27) The Boundary of Activity (2:52) The Boundary of Relationships (6:07) The Boundary of Speech (7:52) RESOURCES...

When we first start out in ministry we want to save the world - every person, everywhere. But that desire, while good intentioned, can quickly lead to burnout or erode the health of the leader. That's why setting boundaries is so important. In this episode we explore the benefits of boundaries for healthy ministry leaders. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) Recognizing the need for boundaries (1:30) Bou...

In this episode we explore the value of collaborating with other churches and organizations in your community and discuss why it's so difficult at times. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) What is collaboration (1:20) Ministry is better when we collaborate (3:05) Better strategy: competition or collaboration? (5:23) How ministry leaders can collaborate in your community (7:46) RESOURCES Week 1 of Minist...

In this episode you will be challenged to consider how you can become a Bible teacher in any context as we continue our series on Ministry Essentials with a discussion about faithful Bible teaching. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) Personal engagement in Scripture (2:19) A declining trend in Biblical literacy (4:10) Enthusiastically telling the stories of Scripture (6:00) How to teach the Bible every...

This week is the third installment of our Ministry Essentials series focusing on adults who empower. In this episode we look to scripture and current research to understand the importance of empowerment and discover a model for how to do it. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) Defining empowerment (0:29) A model for multiplication (1:53) The cap on your relational capacity (3:10) The how-to of empowering...

This episode drops as part 2 of our summer series in which we are exploring essential, foundational components to healthy and sustainable ministry. This week Loren Hayes joins us to discuss the importance of loving relationships. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) You're not from around here, are you? (1:13) "Brothers don't shake hands. Brothers gotta hug!" (2:34) The richness and value of authentic rel...

This summer we are diving into a new series focused around five essential components that serve as a foundation for healthy and sustainable ministry. This week we explore the impact of prayer with Traever Wieland. IN THIS EPISODE Series Intro (0:00) One time Chase was a winner (1:23) Commitment to the cause (1:57) Developing personal prayer practices (2:42) Praying for lost people (6:31) Praying f...

It is an exciting time as many of you -- Youth For Christ staff and volunteer ministry leaders -- are getting ready to head off to YFC Camp in a couple of weeks. Never been? Curious? A little hesitant about what to expect? We've got you covered. In this weeks episdoe, Sara Payne is back to share her experience with YFC Camp and how it changed her life. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) Experiening camp...

We talk a lot about ministry practices and how to engage them well, but in this episode we're talking about something even more important... YOU! Healthy ministry cannot happen without healthy leaders. In this episode we discuss the value of self care for ministry leaders and offer a few practical ideas for ways to stay sharp this summer. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) The parable of the wood cutter...

In case of rain or oppressive heat and humidity... this week we continue our summer series by offering 7 great ideas for leaders to spend time creating memories with students indoors. Stop by our Facebook page and check out the extended cut video version of this episode that includes some bonus content. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) Remember the RMAs (Relational Ministry Actions) (0:26) A list of 7...

Summer provides a different rhythm of ministry than we are used to through the school year. This can present some new challenges with scheduling but it also opens the door for ministry leaders to be creative in the ways they engage in deepening relationship with students. In this episode we share 7 great ideas for leaders to spend time creating memories with students in the great outdoors. IN THIS...

In this episode, Sara shares how her involvement in YFC Camp led her to investing weekly in a small group of girls in Huntington, Indiana. She discusses how serving within her areas of passion and giftedness has been life giving for her. Listen in and discover how your life could be impacted through your investment in others. IN THIS EPISODE Intro (0:00) A welcome invitation (1:29) Serving in your...

Christian adults willing to engage in a young person's world can help to rewrite the narratives those young people believe about themselves, about the world and about Jesus. In this episode, Stephanie Nott returns to the podcast to share the transformation she has witnessed in a the lives of a couple middle school students with whom she's walked for the last two years. IN THIS EPISODE My life in e...

Christian teenagers are often the best people to reach their peers with the good news of Jesus and YFC Core is a ministry that equips young leaders to do just that. The best way to teach them how to do it is for Christian adults to model these types of relationships with their own peers. In this episode, Brian Kramer, a Core Team leader, shares how he's been challenged in his relationships as well...

Four months ago a new leader stepped in to lead Youth For Christ of Northern Indiana into a new era. Today we get the opportunity to introduce him to you as he shares his heart for ministry and his appreciation for those who serve on the front lines of ministry with young people. Be encouraged! IN THIS EPISODE Introcuding the CEO (0:28) What does the CEO do (0:56) From business to mission (2:45) T...

We've been talking recently about the significance of events in catalyzing faith-development and healthy relationships for both leaders and young people. In this episode we discuss the one event that literally changed everything, and upon which our faith hinges. IN THIS EPISODE Easter traditions we love and hate (0:50) The Easter Bunny vs. Raccoons (1:43) Resurrection changes everything (3:03) Res...

Ministry trips and events are fantastic! Some of the biggest moments of life change can happen on those trips. But a key component that we often miss is the conversation that can happen once we all return home. In this episode, Danni Blackburn talks about the importance of follow up conversations and how you can have great conversations whether you were on the trip or not. IN THIS EPISODE Danni's...

In this episode, Joe Wright shares the story of a young man who needed hope, met Jesus and is now carrying that same hope to others who need it. IN THIS EPISODE Forgotten treasures Hope carriers Seed planters Life change RESOURCES Share your hope stories here

The Kingdom of God is at it's best when the body of Christ works together. In this episode we're talking to a local church youth pastor about the impact he's witnessed through collaborative partnerships and how you can help facilitate those partnerships on behalf of lost young people in your community. IN THIS EPISODE April Fool's Day Fun Valuing collaborative partnerships that help young people t...

What if every interaction with every person every day was an opportunity to love someone the way Jesus would love them? What would happen if you intentionally asked the Father to make those opportunities known? Would you be bold enough to step into them when He did? In this episode, Savannah shares how this has become a discipline in her life and some thoughts for all of us who wish to do the same...

Trips provide opportunities for young people to break away from their everyday lives to experience something new and different which has the potential to help them see things from a new perspective. That's why so many of us can point to a particular trip or camp experience as a moment of significant life change. In this episode, Zach Labie shares how ministry leaders can maximize their time on tri...