In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Ashley Bohinc, a leader with over 22 years of experience working with middle schoolers, to talk about how to communicate effectively with this unique age group. Middle schoolers aren’t just “younger high schoolers” or “older kids”—they require a specific approach to teaching, engaging, and discipling them well.

Ashley shares key insights into breaking down messages for middle schoolers, avoiding common mistakes, and making youth ministry environments more engaging. If you’ve ever struggled with getting middle schoolers to listen, connect, or apply what you’re teaching, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies to help you communicate in a way that sticks.

What you’ll learn

• Why middle schoolers need messages that are broken down, not “dumbed down.”
• The importance of engaging their senses and making messages concrete.
• How to balance structured teaching with the energy and unpredictability of middle schoolers.
• The science behind how middle schoolers process and retain information.
• Tips for leading mixed-age groups when middle and high schoolers are combined.

If you want to better engage and disciple middle school students, this episode will equip you with the tools to do it well.

LINKS MENTIONED

• Make It Middle School: MakeItMiddleSchool.com
• Ashley Bohinc’s Book – Communicating to Middle Schoolers: Get the Book

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Ashley Bohinc on Instagram: @ashleymariebohinc
• Ashley Bohinc on Facebook: Ashley Bohinc

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness.

Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing issues like online gambling and social media addiction, and empowering parents to navigate cultural trends with wisdom and discernment. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you disciple students and support families in your ministry.

What you’ll learn

• How to equip parents to understand and engage with youth culture.
• Why staying current with cultural trends is essential for ministry.
• Strategies to balance cultural relevance with biblical faithfulness.
• Tips for addressing tough topics like online gambling and social media addiction.
• The importance of being proactive, not reactive, in addressing cultural changes.

If you’re looking to grow as a youth pastor and support families in discipling students, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and actionable steps.

LINKS MENTIONED

• Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU): CPYU Website
• Northeast Youth Ministry Summit: NYM Summit

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Youth Culture Matters Podcast: Youth Culture Matters
• Parent Prompts from CPYU: Parent Prompts
• Jonathan Haidt’s Book – The Anxious Generation: Get the Book

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship.

What you’ll learn

• The unique challenges and benefits of volunteer youth ministry leadership.
• How to balance ministry, work, and family effectively.
• The importance of efficient time management and saying no when necessary.
• Tips for recruiting and empowering volunteers you can trust.
• How to disciple students through relationships and everyday life.

If you’re a volunteer youth leader or know someone serving in this role, this episode is full of wisdom to encourage and equip you in ministry.

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we kick off 2025 with a practical episode on how to make changes in youth ministry—without getting fired. As youth ministers reflect on the past year and plan for the future, change often feels inevitable. But making changes can be tricky, especially when it comes to timing, communication, and managing resistance.

I share actionable advice for identifying what needs to change, understanding the “why” behind it, and implementing changes with purpose, positivity, and clarity. Whether you’re tackling a small adjustment or a major shift, this episode will help you lead change effectively in your ministry.

What you’ll learn

• How to identify what needs to change and why it matters.
• Why timing is crucial when implementing changes in youth ministry.
• How to navigate resistance by framing change as a win.
• Tips for clear communication with students, parents, and leadership.
• Strategies for making changes methodically to avoid unnecessary backlash.

If you’re looking to lead your ministry into the new year with clarity and purpose, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you make meaningful changes without unnecessary conflict.

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Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores the crucial topic of mental health and longevity in youth ministry. Jeff Glenn, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of experience, shares in this episode practical ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and thrive in ministry.

What you’ll learn:

• How to prioritize your spiritual and mental health for long-term success in ministry.
• The role of accountability and networking in sustaining resilience.
• Practical strategies for managing stress and navigating team dynamics.
• Why rediscovering your calling can reignite your passion for ministry.
• How to support students and leaders with their own mental health challenges.

If you’re feeling the weight of ministry or want to stay grounded for the long haul, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable steps to help you thrive.

LINKS MENTIONED

• National Network of Youth Ministries: NNYM Website
• Jeff Glenn’s NNYM Page: http://NNYM.org/jeffglenn
• Jeff Glenn’s Email: [email protected]

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero

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Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching: Get Coaching

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. Dave Coryell to discuss his new book, Less Like Hippos, More Like Honeybees. They explore how to move students from passive consumers of faith to active participants who live for Christ every day. Dr. Coryell shares practical insights on empowering students, shifting the culture of youth ministry, and creating lasting spiritual impact.

What you’ll learn:

• How to empower students to live out their faith 24/7, not just during youth group.
• Practical steps to move students from being passive consumers to active leaders in their faith.
• The importance of discipleship that goes beyond youth events and into everyday life.
• Strategies for creating a culture of leadership and ownership within your youth ministry.
• How to partner with parents and the church community for long-term student growth.

If you’re looking to rethink how you engage and disciple your students, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead a thriving, sustainable ministry.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Christian Endeavor

Fernling Creative

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Less Like Hippos More Like Honeybees by Dr. Dave Coryell

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GET COACHING:

The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores 10 common youth ministry mistakes—and how to avoid them. These traps, from focusing too much on attendance to neglecting personal spiritual health, can hinder the growth and effectiveness of your youth group. Jody shares practical strategies to help youth pastors build sustainable ministries that thrive.

What you’ll learn:

• How to move from measuring attendance to fostering deeper engagement.
• Tips to empower volunteers and avoid leadership bottlenecks.
• Balancing fun with meaningful discipleship and teaching.
• Partnering with parents for effective youth ministry.
• Setting clear goals and welcoming feedback for ministry growth.

If you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls and take your youth ministry to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with purpose and focus.

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The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

In this episode, Jody and Doug Franklin explore the intricacies of student leadership and the importance of developing leadership skills among youth. Doug shares his journey in youth ministry, emphasizing the need for leadership development resources and the significance of understanding each student’s unique gifts and wiring.

They discuss the process of leadership development, the role of empathy, and the common mistakes youth workers make in fostering leadership in their ministries. Doug advocates for a holistic approach to leadership that includes understanding one’s mission and the importance of serving others.

Doug shares insights on developing student leaders in youth ministry. He emphasizes the importance of creating effective training plans, understanding the different zones of experience (comfort, growth, panic), and the need for clear expectations. Doug advocates for a model of leadership labs over traditional leadership teams, highlighting the benefits of personalized mentorship and addressing favoritism in leadership development. He also discusses the significance of long-term investment in students and recognizing potential in those who may not fit the typical mold of a leader.

LINKS MENTIONED:

LeaderTreks.org

DeepDiscipleship.com

Re-imagine Student Leadership eBook

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Doug Franklin’s Contact Information:

• • Email: [email protected]
  • Facebook Messenger: Available for direct contact

LeaderTreks Refuel Retreats: Three-day intensive retreats on discipleship and leadership development, held across the country.

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GET COACHING:

The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

TAKEAWAYS:

• Leadership development is a process, not a one-time event.
• Every student has the potential to be a leader.
• Understanding one’s unique gifts is crucial for leadership.
• Empathy is essential for effective leadership.
• Leadership principles can be learned and applied by all students.
• Students value service and impact over traditional leadership roles.
• Burden, passion, and vision are key to discovering one’s mission.
• Building relationships is foundational in leadership development.
• Natural leaders often exhibit disruptive behavior that can be redirected positively.
• Common mistakes include failing to provide actionable steps after assessments.
• Youth workers often neglect the training component for student leaders.
• There are three zones of experience: comfort, growth, and panic.
• The growth zone is where students rely on God and their team.
• Clear expectations are crucial for student leadership roles.
• Transformational leadership development requires principles, experiences, and debriefing.
• Leadership labs are more effective than traditional leadership teams.
• Favoritism can be mitigated by combining students who don’t know each other.
• Identifying leadership potential in troubled students is essential.
• Long-term investment in students can yield unexpected results.
• Investing in students who are often overlooked can lead to significant growth.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Student Leadership
02:57 Doug Franklin’s Journey in Youth Ministry
06:02 The Importance of Leadership Development
09:00 Starting Leadership Development with Students
12:13 Understanding Unique Gifts and Mission
15:02 Natural Leadership vs. Learned Leadership
17:55 Empathy in Leadership
20:49 Common Mistakes in Youth Leadership Development
22:39 Creating Effective Training Plans for Student Leaders
24:07 Understanding Comfort, Growth, and Panic Zones
27:27 The Importance of Clear Expectations in Leadership
28:41 Principles, Experiences, and Debriefing in Leadership Development
29:52 The Concept of Leadership Labs vs. Leadership Teams
33:39 Addressing Favoritism in Leadership Development
36:23 Identifying Leadership Potential in Troubled Students
40:12 The Power of Long-Term Investment in Students

In this episode, Jody and Ryan Sebastian, from the Youth and Culture Podcast, discuss the intersection of AI and youth ministry, exploring how AI tools can enhance communication, streamline content creation, and improve overall ministry effectiveness. Ryan shares his journey in youth ministry, the challenges faced, and the innovative ways AI can be utilized to support youth pastors and church leaders.

They delve into practical applications of AI, including writing emails, generating graphics, and creating small group questions, while also addressing potential pitfalls and ethical considerations. In this conversation, Ryan and Jody explore the role of AI in ministry, discussing its potential as a tool for crafting messages, brainstorming ideas, and saving time.

They emphasize the importance of preparation and the need to maintain a personal touch in teaching. The discussion also touches on the balance between utilizing AI and ensuring it does not lead to laziness or technological dependence. They conclude with a call for wise and cautious use of AI in ministry contexts.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Youth and Culture Podcast: Youth and Culture Podcast on Facebook

AI Episode of Youth and Culture Podcast

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• ChatGPT – for generating content, communication, and brainstorming.
• Grammarly – AI-assisted writing tool.
• Perplexity – for fact-driven content and research.
• Canva – for graphics creation and AI-generated images.
• Adobe – mentioned for AI-assisted audio clean-up.
• Google Docs – has AI capabilities for writing assistance.
• Microsoft Word – includes AI tools.
• Opus Clip – AI tool for video editing and clip generation.
• Riverside – used for podcast recording with Magic Clips feature.
• Headliner – AI tool for creating video snippets and audio highlights.
• Youth and Culture Podcast – specifically mentioned for an episode discussing AI in ministry.

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TAKEAWAYS:

• Ryan Sebastian is an associate pastor focused on discipleship and students.
• AI can significantly improve communication within church ministries.
• Grammarly and ChatGPT are useful AI tools for communication.
• AI can generate images and graphics for church content.
• Content creation can be streamlined using AI tools like Canva.
• AI can help analyze feedback to enhance ministry effectiveness.
• Youth pastors can use AI to write small group questions efficiently.
• AI tools are becoming integrated into common software like Google Docs.
• The landscape of AI in ministry is rapidly evolving.
• Ethical considerations are important when using AI in ministry. AI can assist in crafting messages but should not replace personal study.
• Utilizing AI for brainstorming can enhance clarity in communication.
• There is a distinction between using curriculum and creating original content.
• Preparation for teaching should come from personal study and heart overflow.
• The drive for platform in ministry can lead to unhealthy practices.
• AI tools can save time, allowing for more relational ministry.
• It’s important to set boundaries when using AI in ministry.
• Over-reliance on AI can lead to a lack of critical thinking skills.
• Human interaction in ministry is irreplaceable, even with AI tools.
• Navigating the use of AI requires careful consideration of its impact on ministry.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Ryan Sebastian and His Journey
04:59 Exploring AI in Youth Ministry
10:13 Effective Communication with AI Tools
15:03 Content Creation and AI in Ministry
23:04 Crafting Messages with AI Assistance
26:32 Curriculum vs. Original Content in Ministry
28:51 The Importance of Preparation in Teaching
30:38 Navigating the Drive for Platform in Ministry
32:56 AI as a Time-Saving Tool in Ministry
35:29 Identifying No-Gos with AI Usage
40:46 Wise Utilization of AI in Ministry

In this episode, Brian Wallace joins the show to explore how coaching sparks powerful conversations with teenagers. He highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit in these interactions, guiding both youth leaders and teens to gain valuable insights and awareness. Brian also contrasts coaching with consulting and teaching, emphasizing how coaching fosters deeper, more meaningful connections with your students.

LINKS MENTIONED:

National Association of Youth Ministry

The Youth Cartel

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

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Takeaways

• Coaching creates space for transformative conversations.
• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in coaching.
• Insights gained during coaching can be profound.
• Coaching differs significantly from consulting and teaching.
• Transformation can be visually observed in coaching sessions.
• Meaningful dialogue is a hallmark of effective coaching.
• Awareness gained through coaching can lead to personal growth.
• Coaching allows for deeper connections between individuals.
• The process of coaching can lead to spiritual breakthroughs.
• Coaching is a powerful tool for personal and professional development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Background
07:21 Defining Coaching: The Process and Its Importance
16:01 Coaching vs. Counseling: Understanding the Differences
18:49 The Coaching Process: Initial Steps and Expectations
25:09 The Role of the Coach: Listening and Facilitating Growth
28:29 The Humbling Journey of Coaching
32:00 The Role of Coaching in Personal Growth
34:42 The Importance of Humility in Coaching
37:25 Navigating Challenges in Ministry
39:17 When to Seek Coaching vs. Consulting
42:16 Exploring Coaching Certification Opportunities
50:28 Coaching Benefits
51:28 Encouragement for Personal Growth and Community Engagement

In this conversation, Jody and Zach Wyatt discuss the issue of loneliness in youth ministry and the importance of building community. They highlight the challenges faced by youth pastors and the need for support and connection. They provide practical steps for combating loneliness, such as networking with other youth pastors and finding local associations or denominations. They emphasize the importance of humility, intentionality, and protecting time for meaningful conversations. They also address the issue of sharing in a network and offer guidance on what to share and what to keep confidential. Finally, they discuss the unique challenges of finding community in rural areas. This conversation explores the challenges of loneliness in ministry and offers insights on finding community and support. The chapters cover topics such as finding community outside of the church, the role of online communities, supporting spouses in ministry, the dangers of isolation and loneliness, the importance of being known, and the need for authenticity and support. LINKS MENTIONED: Pray for Me Campaign Youth Leader Conference RESOURCES MENTIONED: Youth Leader Collective National Network of Youth Ministries JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group Takeaways Loneliness is a common issue in youth ministry and can lead to burnout and attrition. Building a network of supportive relationships is crucial for combating loneliness. Youth pastors should be intentional about reaching out to other youth pastors in their area and joining local associations or denominations. Humility and a willingness to learn from others are key in building meaningful connections. It is important to protect time for networking and to create a safe space for sharing and encouragement. In rural areas, youth pastors may need to look outside the church for community and support. Youth pastors and their spouses can find community outside of the church by joining Bible studies or groups in other churches. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can provide support and resources for youth pastors, but it's important to be discerning and cautious about the advice given in these groups. Spouses of youth pastors often experience loneliness and should be intentionally included in community-building efforts. Isolation and loneliness can be detrimental to ministry, and it's important for youth pastors to prioritize their own community and support networks. Being known and fostering authentic relationships is crucial for combating loneliness and maintaining emotional and spiritual health in ministry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:16 The Importance of Community 03:25 Loneliness in Youth Ministry 06:02 The Need to Thrive in Youth Ministry 08:58 Practical Steps to Combat Loneliness 13:06 Networking and Building Relationships 20:06 Guidelines for Sharing in a Network 24:32 Finding Community in Rural Areas 25:23 Finding Community Outside of the Church 28:37 The Role of Online Communities 34:19 Supporting Spouses in Ministry 39:11 The Dangers of Isolation and Loneliness 41:25 The Importance of Being Known 45:08 The Need for Authenticity and Support