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

Leadership and Self Deception by The Arbinger Institute

Slingshot Group

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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

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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, share tricks on how to handle large groups, and provide resources to help you grow in your youth ministry.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Leadership Pipeline by Ram Charan

The Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims

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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 Podcast 00:42 Introduction to the Series on Different Contexts of Youth Ministry 00:55 Discussion on Bi-vocational Ministry 01:14 Future Topics in the Series 02:33 Personal Experiences in Bi-vocational Ministry 07:55 Challenges in Bi-vocational Ministry 27:46 Advantages of Bi-vocational Ministry 35:48 Practical Tips for Bi-vocational Ministry 48:50 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Myth of Balance by Frank Bealer

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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 aware of the widespread anxiety that plagues today’s teens. So today, we’re arming you with practical strategies and knowledge to skillfully navigate the challenging landscape of anxious youth in your ministry.

Give this episode a listen for sure because it is packed with actionable advice, as we delve into the youth ministry and anxiety in today’s adolescent culture. Brock Morgan’s experience will equip you to make a lasting impact on the lives of the anxious teens you serve.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Anxious Teen by Brock Morgan

Youth Ministry Sherpas Podcast

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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

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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 Relational Soul: Moving from False Self to Deep Connection by Richard Plass & James Cofield 

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In this episode, I had a great conversation with Eric about what it takes to thrive and survive in youth ministry.

We discuss the importance of prioritizing healthy rhythms, celebrating and supporting other youth pastors and churches, developing effective systems, placing a high value on leadership development, and remembering that ministry is not about personal gain.

We encourage our fellow young youth pastors to stay committed, continue growing as leaders, and trust in God’s plan for their ministry. It was a powerful reminder that the impact we make on our students’ lives is far more important than our own success or recognition.

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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 that’s ok too. Add these to your wishlist.

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger

Lost in the Middle by Paul Tripp

Team of Rivals by Doris Goodwin

Flip the Script

Engaging Gen Z by Dr. Tim McKnight

The Anxious Teen by Brock Morgan

Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson

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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 pastors and leaders who are also raising families.

The conversation covers various topics, from setting healthy boundaries between work and family, prioritizing relationships and intentional family time, and navigating the challenges of being in the public eye. We hope you will be encouraged and inspired by the vulnerable and honest stories we share and will come away with practical strategies for thriving in both ministry and family life.

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In this episode of the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we sit down with four special guests: my kiddos. They share their unique perspective on growing up in youth ministry and how it has impacted their lives. The conversation touches on the joys and challenges of being a youth pastor's kid, navigating faith and family dynamics, and how youth ministry has shaped their own beliefs and values. They give honest insights into what it's like to be in the spotlight as a pastor's kid, and the expectations and responsibilities that come with it. They also talk about how their dad's role as a youth pastor has influenced their own involvement in church and ministry. This episode is a must-listen for youth pastors and leaders who want to better understand the experiences and perspectives of the next generation of church leaders. So give this one a listen as we explore the unique world of growing up in youth ministry through the eyes of those who know it best. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group