Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion? 

There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours...

Join Zac and Chad as they  swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys). 

In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- like whether gaming streams are the new radio or if there's a method to the madness of K-pop fandom. It's an honest ride through how relational connections are really made. 

Today's conversations get deep as we explore what drives us to grow and who we trust with our future. So, whether you're in ministry, passionate about youth engagement, or just looking for a blend of banter and wisdom, pull up a chair for an episode that promises to enlighten as much as it entertains.

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We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. 

Remember  school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. 

Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those valleys. 

This heartfelt episode is a reminder for all our ministry friends out there: while we're passionate about serving others, we must also cherish and prioritize our own health and happiness.

Healthy ministry, starting with soul-care, is about striking that elusive balance between ramping up activities and maintaining our personal and family well-being.

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Facebook marketplace is safe right? 

 Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. 

This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned  navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers. 

For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies  to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community. 

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JEREMY SIT DOWN!  Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right?

If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you!

Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues:
If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen hijinks we hope this chat is helpful. We're unpacking the chaos of disruptions with real stories (we have been there!). 

Can we just send these kids to time-out? 
Hey YM friends let's talk about how to foster a culture of respect by clearly setting expectations and  involving students in the process and explaining the 'why' behind the rules. It's about making an impact that goes beyond Sunday and into their daily lives, ensuring that every interaction plants a seed for positive behavior and engagement.

Lastly, let's break it down so you can take it home. 
From ninja-like non-verbal cues between leaders to a 'three-step process' that's more like  four steps, we're laying down our take on behavioral management. We're sharing our blueprint for establishing clear boundaries, all while nurturing growth and fostering a safe space for teens to thrive. So, gear up for some real talk on crafting an environment where respect is the norm, and chaos is shown the door. And hey, don't forget to drop us your thoughts! [email protected]

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Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong? 

 Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. 

This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coaching up what makes games great. 

So enjoy our queasy missteps and food-related fiascos, all while highlighting the true aim of youth events—safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for every student involved.

ChatGPT Games
Balloon Pop 
Fruit Lumberjack
 Human Bowling

We've packed this episode with innovative game ideas that steer clear of athletic prowess and instead, celebrate teamwork and pure, silly fun. So get ready to stock your youth ministry playbook with some fresh, creative game ideas that are guaranteed hits.

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Ever bitten off more than you can chew? 

Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting.

This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a lesson in embracing the unexpected and learning from our missteps—not just in cooking but in our ministry efforts too.

Rolling up our sleeves, Chad and I tackle the hefty topic of expectations in youth ministry. We peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. 

And finally, we're not just talking shop on what could be; we're want to push you on how student ministry adapts to the times. Join us as we question the norms, from worship times to the structure of our gatherings. We hope you'll be just as bold in reimagining how to connect and grow with your youth groups. 

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Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'll even tell you why your friend who has no inkling about a multi-tool could end up loving it as a gift!

• 0:03: Christmas Gift Wishlist and Midrange Gifts
• 8:30: Navigating Difficult Parent-Youth Ministry Relationships
• 24:34: Relationships & Faith in Ministry

Venturing into deeper waters, we grapple with the delicate issue of helicopter parenting in youth ministry. Through our exploration, we underline the need to examine each scenario in its unique context and how it transcends individual parents, pushing us to consider the home and generational backdrop. But amidst these challenges, there's the golden opportunity of nurturing relationships in youth ministry. We uncover the essence of deep discipleship and faith formation in impacting the next generation while unearthing the surprising ministry opportunities with parents. So buckle in for an enlightening journey of faith, relationships, and yes, some chuckles along the way!

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Could you eat faster than Zac?

 No One's Going To Take It!
Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty start to an episode that gets you laughing and wondering about your own eating speed.

ParaSocial Relationships
Then, things take a more profound turn. We journey back to the 1950s as we explore the realm of parasocial relationships and their tremendous influence on present-day youth culture. From their roots in celebrity culture to their evolution and widespread acceptance, it's eye-opening to examine how even individuals with a minute online presence can significantly impact young people's relationships. As we steer this conversation, we also analyze these relationships' potential hazards and how they can impact their connection with higher powers, like God.

Improving Our Present Condition
But we're not all about identifying problems; we aim to bring solutions to the table. Therefore, in the concluding part of our discussion, we delve deep into the importance of relationships in youth ministry. We emphasize the need for safe social spaces for students and meaningful connections among youth ministers. We believe that humor and fun serve as glue in cultivating these connections, and we take you along as we look into how this can elevate the ministry. 

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Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode. 

Chil or No-Bean Chili?
We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of a friendly debate on Wolf Brand chili and I share the recipe for my favorite homemade version. Chad's friend eating it cold is a monster by the way!

Youth Ministry's Greatest Leverage = Relationships
As we shift gears, we dive deep into the world of youth ministry and the unique relational opportunities it offers. 

But How? 
We share our insights on how to best utilize these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time before services to build connections with students and leaders. We explore the various activities that can foster stronger relationships, such as pre-gathering activities and casual chat spaces. 

Consider the potential of high school and older student leaders leading these activities and how an inviting atmosphere can be created at the door with clear expectations set for adults. 

It's almost a new year friends, so buckle up and get ready to hear some real-life strategies that have transformed our youth ministry experience.  It's an important time for thinking relationally about your youth ministry. 

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How do I get students to actually read their Bibles?

 Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks? 

Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of only reading it during crisis or reciting it as cliche. 

Remember, your goal is to create an environment where teenagers can explore the Bible's teachings in a way that resonates with them. It's about fostering a genuine interest and understanding rather than forcing them to open to it. 

Join us as we dive into these practical strategies to help your teenagers build a meaningful connection with the Christian Bible.

The role of a great youth minister is as a guide. You are taking people out on the boat to show them how deep and beautiful the ocean really can be. 

You are creating a safe space for exploration and that support will help your students journey through the scriptures.

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What are we going to do next?  What do we have planned?

It's something we say often as youth ministry leaders, but is that really all there is? Is ministry just a matter of planning?

Do we really need a better calendar? Is all about what we can plan?

We are talking spiritual health inside of Youth Ministry Booster and we have been asking what we need.

What we really need is...

Discernment.

The collective effort to not ask, "what do we have planned?" but to seek what God might have for our ministry through story-telling, celebration, and noticings.

God's Plan.
It is something we have to be reminded about, like our almost 8 year history of podcasting. Back in 2015, our 'After 9' era, we were self-funded *resourceless* and attending our first conference in Texas with a pop-up banner, borrowed office chairs, and a bowl of gummy bears. 

There is an invaluable lesson you can only learn when you feel like you have nothing,. It's the lesson about asking the right questions and discernment in youth ministry leadership.

So we hope this humorous and helpful reminder gives you hope. 

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