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🎉 Let's kick it! Join us and our good buddy Cameron! as we dive into a fun fall episode. Do you ever wondered what happens when a Christmas game goes hilariously off the rails? Or how much leadership is a team sport?
This episode is packed with laughs and real talk on the wild ride that is youth ministry!

Special guest alert: Cameron Crow

Rethinking Youth Ministry Metaphors: Start thinking of your youth ministry like a “spiritual gym,” where students strengthen their prayer game and build lifelong habits of faith. 

This week we are breaking down why spiritual disciplines are critical, and — surprise! — how some tactics actually boost our approach to forming scriptural habits. It’s all about equipping students for the present, not just the future, so they know they’re essential right now.

💪From evangelism hacks to the power of team-based ministry, Cameron brings fresh ideas on how to rally students around their unique gifts and purpose. Isolation and burnout? Yeah, we tackle those too, showing the importance of meaningful connections to keep the journey sustainable.

🎒Oh, and don’t miss our shout-out to the "Sprouting Discipleship Workbook" — a new go-to resource for disciple making in youth ministry.  #YouthMinistry 

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But how do you teach the Bible? So that students will learn?

Special Guest Alert: Karen Workun! 

In this engaging episode Zac Workun and his guest Karen Workun dive deep into effective strategies for teaching scriptural texts. Karen shares her unexpected passion for genealogy, likening it to storytelling through concise biographies, and how this interest parallels the narrative engagement required in studying and teaching the Bible. Zac talks about the art of creating a "learning tree," drawing connections through recurring names and themes in scripture to enhance comprehension.

Managing The Ministry Calendar
With the holiday season in full swing, we share the reality of juggling ministry life with family commitments. Organizing the chaos requires teamwork, and we've developed some strategies to keep everything running smoothly. 

From shared digital calendars to Sunday night family meetings, these tools help us avoid last-minute surprises and ensure everyone is on the same page. Our wall calendar serves as a visual anchor for prayer lists and personal goals, providing a clearer picture of the week's priorities amidst the festive frenzy.

Teaching the Bible *Teacher's Version* 
Building strong relationships is at the heart of effective ministry, especially with teenagers. We explore the art of making complex texts relatable and engaging, whether we're teaching literature or scripture. By fostering curiosity and encouraging collaborative exploration, we aim to create a space where young minds can connect personally and intellectually with scripture. We believe in asking key questions like "What did you notice?" and "What did you wonder?" to spark engagement and build a community of learners, where both students and leaders grow together in their understanding and appreciation of biblical texts.

About our guest Karen Workun
Karen's insights draw from her extensive 15+ years classroom teaching experience. She is a proponent of emphasizing the need for teachers to slow down and not rush through scripture, recognizing the fast-paced world students navigate today. She encourages leveraging various communication tools beyond classroom settings to maintain engagement.

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Catchphrase... the things we tell ourselves (and others) 

*Chad's Back!* 
Join us as we share laughs and insights on relationship, care, and catchphrase. We also touch on the balancing act between Chad’s new responsibilities and his ongoing commitment to our podcast, highlighting the importance of consistency in both ministry and podcasting.

As the holidays approach, we reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities it presents in youth ministry. There are some heartfelt discussions on prioritizing scripture over daily distractions and the value of community support. 

Also don't miss the parenting stories abound as we talk about Gideon, my seven-year-old's adventures in piano and the endearing catchphrases he’s inventing. This episode is a warm invitation to connect with the joys and challenges of life and ministry, reinforcing the strength found in shared experiences and communal support.

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Coming to you live

*Special Guest Alert* Join us in the ETCH podcast ring with Zach Burke!

The heart of the conversation lies the exploration of ministry across contexts from Kentucky, to Tennessee, to Florida. Zac and Zach share stories from our time in home churches, where familiar faces can be both a blessing and a challenge, and how mentorship guided us through these early stages. Transitioning to a beach church brought new lessons in leadership and creativity, as seasoned mentors helped us navigate the art of crafting messages and planning impactful events. These experiences highlight the crucial role of context and the growth that comes from embracing change.

The journey doesn't stop there; we venture into the lessons learned from transitioning between different ministry roles. Respect for established systems, understanding the unique culture of each church, and the art of balancing tradition with fresh innovation are key themes in our discussion. We recount personal stories and meaningful connections made along the way, emphasizing the power of unity and collaboration across various ministries.

00:00:00 Wrestling With Youth Ministry at Etch

00:12:15 Ministry Experience in Context

00:22:25 Transitioning Through Various Contexts

00:35:55 Embracing Ministry Unity

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Ever wondered about the coolness of names from different languages? 

Join us for a lighthearted chat with Chad Daugherty from Pensacola, Florida, as he shares his love and experiences in middle school ministry. As we bond over the shared quirks of middle school or "J-High." 

Get ready for some laughs as we recount some of our best misfire youth group games. This episode meanders through the hilariously misguided soda chugging challenge that involved drinking through a sock. Spoiler alert—the students weren't having it! This fun mishap emphasizes the importance of improvisation and understanding young audiences' boundaries. Chad's stories highlight the joys and occasional hiccups of engaging middle schoolers, showcasing how flexibility and creativity are key to successful leadership.

In this episode, we also delve into the important and transformative middle school years, where identity and purpose start to take shape. It's one of the most God-given unique seasons and should not be missed or taken for granted.

Chad shares his passion and the significance of consistent ministry presence and the impact of building trust over time. Through creative metaphors and games, we explore how youth ministry can foster community and leave a lasting mark on students' lives. Whether you're an experienced youth pastor or just starting in the field, there's plenty to learn and laugh about as we navigate the sometimes awkward but always rewarding world of middle school ministry.

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What if your life took an unexpected turn, leading you from a planned career in medicine to a rewarding path in ministry? From career work to calling?

Special guest alert! This week Jacob Dunn, family pastor at Valley Creek Baptist Church, joins us live from #ETCH24 Tune in for a lively chat about the power of  friendships, the unexpected paths our lives can take, and the ultimate soda. 

Our chat takes a more reflective turn as we explore the transformative power of mentorship. Jacob shares stories of those who guided him, like a youth leader named Jill, who saw potential before he did. 

In this episode we talk about the mechanics of mentorship in ministry, emphasizing the need for guides to aid newcomers by sharing their wisdom and experiences. The importance of networking, finding the right mentors, and planning for long-term impact is highlighted, painting a picture of how mentorship can shape a more effective ministry journey.

Whether you’re here for the ministry insights or the beard care tips, this episode offers a thoughtful mix of serious reflection and lighthearted banter. 

Join us for an episode filled with laughs, learning, and a few unexpected twists.

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Who is your friend that autocorrect can't figure out how to spell their name? 

Our special guest this week is Daryn Fox and she will have you in stitches! 
Join us for this week's heartfelt episode with amusing stories and Daryn's daring toilet-papering adventure and call to ministry.

Transitioning into the new role.
In this episode we discuss how to take on new roles and the wisdom that is needed to go with it. 

Daryn provides you with practical strategies for effective vision casting and the importance of constant communication within the team. 

We emphasize the role of trust in God and alignment with senior leadership, ensuring that everyone stays focused on the shared mission of guiding youth to encounter Jesus. There are practical tips for maintaining motivation and cohesion among volunteers and staff are also shared, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in ministry.

Lastly, we explore the power of diversity and inclusion in building vibrant youth ministry teams. Drawing from Daryn's humble/rural upbringing in Oolagah, Oklahoma, we highlight the need for a ministry that reflects the kingdom's diversity. 

We dive into strategies for connecting with a wide range of students, from introverted symphony kids to outgoing lacrosse players. Wrapping up with valuable insights on empowering leaders and effective follow-up strategies, this episode underscores the transformative power of community and collaboration in nurturing spiritual growth. Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration!

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Wait Chad Higgins is a verb now? 

In this episode, we're excited to welcome Christian Moore to the garage floor!

Join us for a fun and lighthearted conversation where we imagine Chad Higgins' latest adventures—most likely cracking jokes at a Waffle House—and share our own quirky late-night memories from this iconic spot. We talk favorite orders and those infamous Waffle House training videos that are part of its charm.

Does ministry need a dramatic calling moment?
Christian takes us through his journey from Tulsa’s church sanctuary, where he found peace during family struggles, to a surprising path into youth ministry. Even with a start in physical therapy, Christian’s heart for students led him to step away from jobs and dive into ministry. With encouragement from a pastor, he realized that natural gifts and a passion for serving others are all it takes to make a meaningful impact.

Let’s talk relational discipleship!
Christian shares practical ways to connect with all students, not just the regulars—like sending simple texts or showing up at community events. We also dive into empowering students through serve teams, deepening discipleship, and staying humble as a ministry leader.

We wrap up by discussing how sermon planning evolves and the exciting "Year of the Devoted" model, helping students apply biblical truths in real, impactful ways. You don’t want to miss this episode filled with laughter, heart, and great ministry insights!

Make sure to tune in for ministry tips, stories, and inspiration!

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But seriously... what is your go to Chili's triple dipper 

Hey friends meet our new friend Britton Bishop.Britton and Zac share personal stories  emphasizing how important small, faithful acts shape future leaders. We discuss the crucial roles of humility and vulnerability, stressing that building genuine connections and providing a safe space for teenagers to express their authentic selves is more impactful than the most well-planned events.

But a big question at the heart of it all is...

Is your youth ministry built to last the test of time? 

In this episode we talk about how intentional discipleship and forming Christ-centered communities can create lasting impacts that extend well beyond high school graduation. 

This episode has practical tips on fostering hospitality and how optional small groups might actually save small groups.  This one is popping with insights on creating welcoming environments and supporting volunteers. 

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What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? 

"What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? In this episode, we dive deep with Anthony Vargas as he shares his journey from Mississippi to Dallas, and finally to Yukon, Oklahoma, exploring the valuable lessons he's learned along the way.

Anthony opens up about the challenges and rewards of starting fresh in new ministry roles. He shares practical tips on relationship-building, understanding the community you're serving, and the importance of moving at the right pace. We also discuss how feedback from students and volunteers is crucial for effective leadership.

We delve into the art of training and mobilizing Christian students for leadership and evangelism. Anthony emphasizes the need for regular training sessions, engaging young leaders, and the importance of casting a clear vision for adult leaders. Plus, we explore innovative approaches to youth ministry preaching, including how to use interactive methods and technology to keep students engaged.

If you're looking to enhance your youth ministry with fresh perspectives on leadership, communication, and preaching, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you connect with students and craft sermons that resonate in today's fast-paced, digital world."

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What happens when a dedicated youth ministry leader steps into a new role amidst organizational upheaval? 

Amanda Mejias shares her ministry journey from organizing recreation basketball leagues and fitness programs at her home church in Virginia to becoming a girls ministry specialist at LifeWay. 

Amanda’s story is not just about transitions but about uncovering the deeper calling of ministry because of the transitions and the unexpected leadership opportunities that arise even during challenging times. 

Check out this enriching conversation; Amanda discusses the vital importance of community and support among women in student ministry. We explore the importance of collaboration over competition, the value of sharing resources, and the significance of understanding the "why" behind ministry efforts. 

Amanda’s experiences and insights provide a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone involved in youth ministry, particularly during this introspective fall season. Whether you are looking for encouragement or practical advice, this episode offers something valuable for everyone.

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