In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody talks with Josh Griffin about how to bring creativity, intentionality, and structure to your youth ministry programming. From midweek nights to camps and retreats, programming matters more than ever—and Josh shares proven ways to make it engaging and gospel-centered.
Whether you’re a new youth pastor or a veteran looking to freshen things up, this conversation will help you reimagine how you design your weekly gatherings for maximum connection and impact.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:


How to define what “programming” really means in youth ministry


Why creativity and emotion are essential to building engagement


How to take “baby steps” toward a better program (without chaos)


The power of variety and when to introduce change


Programming pitfalls to avoid: too much change, copy-paste ideas, or doing nothing


How to use fun and humor strategically


Why connecting your ministry’s program to the larger church culture matters


Simple, creative programming ideas (like LEGO walls, blessings, and Extreme Bingo)


LINKS MENTIONED

* Download Youth Ministry
* Youth Ministry University

RESOURCES MENTIONED

* Sidekick

JOIN THE YOUTH MINISTRY COLLECTIVE!
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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody shares a timely reminder for youth pastors heading into the busy fall season: you don’t have to choose between being faithful and being fried. This episode walks through practical strategies for creating a fall rhythm that fuels your ministry without burning you out.
What You’ll Learn:


Why busyness doesn’t always equal fruitfulness


How to re-center your calendar around purpose, not pressure


Weekly, monthly, and quarterly rhythm ideas for sustainable ministry


The value of protecting a weekly night off (and honoring it)


How to build in margin for rest—on purpose


The “delegate or delete” rule for avoiding leadership bottlenecks


Why your rhythm sets the culture for your ministry and your family


Whether you're feeling overloaded or just want to stay healthy long-term, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead intentionally—and avoid burnout.

JOIN THE YOUTH MINISTRY COLLECTIVE!
Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Collective: https://thelongerhaul.com/skool/
GET COACHING
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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with veteran youth pastor Paul Turner to talk about longevity in ministry—what it takes to stay faithful through the decades, the different challenges of each stage of life, and what youth pastors need most in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Paul brings nearly four decades of ministry experience to the table with vulnerable stories, practical insights, and honest encouragement for youth workers at every level.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

* How youth ministry changes as you grow through the decades
* Advice for each decade of ministry (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s)
* Why 22-year-old you isn’t always your best self in ministry
* What brokenness teaches you about leadership and calling
* How to keep showing up, even when the dream falls apart
* What makes you more effective with age, not less
* Why surrender, self-denial, and listening matter more than trendiness

LINKS MENTIONED

* Paul Turner's Website: The Disciple Project

RESOURCES MENTIONED

* Lost in the Middle by Paul David Tripp
* Crucified by Christians by Gene Edwards
* Halftime by Bob Buford
* Staying Power by Jody Livingston

JOIN THE YOUTH MINISTRY COLLECTIVE!
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Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

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In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of rest and planning for youth pastors. As the summer winds down, many youth pastors find themselves exhausted from camps, mission trips, and events.

Steve Cullum from the National Network of Youth Ministries joins the show as we explore strategies to transition smoothly into the school year. Discover practical insights on scheduling breaks, building supportive teams, and finding personal rejuvenation.

Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to the ministry, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in your calling. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice to ensure you're not just surviving but thriving in your ministry journey.
What you'll learn

* Why so many youth pastors limp into fall
* What true rest looks like for ministry leaders
* How to build rhythms that sustain you year-round
* The value of mentors, margin, and letting go
* Where to start if you’re already running on empty

This is the episode for youth pastors who feel like they’re crawling into the fall semester.
LINKS MENTIONED

* Youth Leader Survey

RESOURCES MENTIONED

* stevecullum.com
* National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) - www.nnym.org

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In this special 150th episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris Trent returns to the show—but this time, he’s asking the questions.
Chris interviews Jody Livingston about his new book, Staying Power: 10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry. Together, they talk about the heart behind the book, what led Jody to write it, and why staying in youth ministry is more possible—and more important—than ever.
This conversation is packed with honest reflections, encouragement, and practical advice for youth workers who want to serve with faithfulness for the long haul.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN


Why longevity in youth ministry is so hard—and so needed


The stories and convictions that shaped Staying Power


How to persevere through discouragement, burnout, and seasons of doubt


Why staying matters more than being impressive


What Jody hopes youth pastors will walk away with after reading the book


LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED


Staying Power Book


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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody is joined by RJ McCauley to talk about what it really takes to reach the next generation—and why calling students to more than just showing up matters now more than ever.
RJ shares lessons from years in youth ministry and gives practical advice on connecting with Gen Z in meaningful ways. They discuss the importance of gospel clarity, the hunger students have for truth, and how to create environments that move students from passive consumers to passionate followers of Jesus.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN


How to reach Gen Z in a culture of distraction and confusion


Why entertainment isn’t enough—and what students actually crave


How RJ encourages students to own their faith and follow Jesus boldly


The importance of building gospel-centered, intentional ministries


Why we can’t underestimate the influence of the Holy Spirit


LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED


Staying Power Book


JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP!
Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now
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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

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we're joined by Jake Mulder to discuss what it means to lead change in youth ministry—especially when you're not the lead pastor. We unpack practical ways for you to influence vision, build trust, and lead transitions well.

What You’ll Learn:


How to lead effectively when you’re not in charge


Key principles for navigating change in youth ministry


How to balance innovation with honoring the church’s past


Ways to build trust and cast vision for the future


Practical steps for creating long-term impact in your ministry


If you’re in youth ministry and looking for ways to lead through change while keeping your church moving forward, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make a lasting impact.

LINKS MENTIONED

* Fuller Youth Institute

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Books:

* The Future-Focused Church (BRAND NEW!)
* Growing Young by Jake Mulder

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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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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 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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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, 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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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: jglenn@nnyouthministries.org

RESOURCES MENTIONED

* Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero

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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

JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP!

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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.

JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP!

Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group

GET COACHING:

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: Doug@LeaderTreks.com
* Facebook Messenger: Available for direct contact



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

JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP!

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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.

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.

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

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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

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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