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What if the key to extraordinary youth ministry growth isn't flashy programming but something far more fundamental? In this conversation, Mike Branton shares how Sun Valley Community Church transformed their student ministry by focusing on relationships, staff retention, and intentional leadership development – resulting in over 300% growth in just four years.

Mike reveals the counterintuitive approach that set them apart: rather than pushing for immediate numerical results, they first established a healthy foundation before "pouring gas on the fire." He breaks down their ministry philosophy using a compelling fire metaphor where events are sparks, programs are logs, but relationships are the embers that provide lasting warmth and draw people in. "Those flashes in the pan are actually more detrimental than helpful in the long run," Mike explains, advocating instead for ministry that raises the water level permanently rather than creating temporary waves.

The conversation explores Sun Valley's commitment to authenticity, from their leadership distinctive of "love first, lead second, but always do both" to their transparent expectations with volunteers. Mike shares how they reorganized their ministry priorities (small groups first, student serving second, large group gatherings third) and reimagined church-wide partnerships where everyone serves as a "student volunteer." Perhaps most striking is their successful appeal to leadership for resources, including a Christmas offering that raised one million dollars to make summer camp financially accessible to all.

Whether you're struggling with leadership pressure for quick results or simply wanting to build sustainable growth, Mike's insights provide a refreshing alternative to the "bigger, better, faster" mentality that often pervades ministry conversations. This episode offers practical wisdom for creating a youth ministry that doesn't just attract numbers but transforms lives for the long haul.

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When conflict arises in your ministry, how do you respond? Tim Hester, Executive Pastor at Southeast Christian Church, offers a biblical framework for restoration that focuses on healing rather than punishment.

Drawing from decades of experience shepherding both church staff and congregation members, Tim walks us through the delicate process of addressing sin and repairing broken relationships. The conversation provides practical wisdom on preparing your heart before difficult conversations, creating balanced environments where truth can emerge, and recognizing genuine transformation in those seeking restoration.

Tim explains how youth ministers can discern when to handle situations themselves versus when to involve church leadership, always maintaining the goal of bringing people back into right relationship with God and others.

Unlike harsh discipline approaches that often leave people damaged, true restoration recognizes the image of God in each person while still holding appropriate boundaries. Tim shares personal experiences that illustrate both the challenges and beauty of this process, including how one youth pastor's commitment to biblical discipleship transformed all twelve of his children's lives.

For youth ministers navigating the inevitable conflicts that arise in ministry, this conversation offers hope that with prayer, biblical wisdom, and gentle persistence, restoration is possible. What's at stake isn't just resolving immediate problems, but teaching the next generation how to handle conflict in ways that honor God and preserve relationships.

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When a student confides they've been self-harming, what's your role as a youth pastor? Where does spiritual care end and professional intervention begin? Licensed counselor and youth pastor Jordan Francis unveils the complex reality of youth mental health today, offering wisdom that both relieves and challenges ministry leaders.

Jordan discusses how today's students are learning the world is evil at much younger ages through constant digital exposure. This early disillusionment drives them into technological escapism, creating a dangerous cycle of disconnection from their bodies, emotions, and the natural world God created. The conversation explores how youth readily adopt mental health labels found online, using them as identity markers without understanding their true meaning.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical guidance for youth workers. Jordan outlines exactly how to respond when serious mental health issues arise—involving parents while giving students agency in the process. He challenges conventional youth ministry approaches, suggesting we've replicated the world's frenetic pace when students actually need spaces of slowness and authentic connection.

Most powerfully, Jordan reframes spiritual disciplines as mental health support. Prayer, scripture study, and contemplation expand what he calls the "window of tolerance"—our capacity to cope with life's challenges. This episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for youth ministers seeking to support students' mental wellbeing while maintaining appropriate boundaries and pointing them toward the healing power of Christ.

Here are some of the resources Jordan recommends:

• The Rise and Triumph  of the Modern Self: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman
• Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It by David Zahl
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

There are also several resources available through Jordan's company, Reframe Youth, that touch on issues of mental health:

• The Gospel According to Mental Health
• Resilience
• Flourish
• Good Grief

Last, but certainly not least, check out RLTK wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Get ready to explore the vibrant world of youth ministry with a special lens on Gen Alpha. Join us as we welcome the Emmy Award-winning preteen pastor Josh Celestin and CIY Director of SuperStart Korey Klein to unpack some extraordinary moments from this SuperStart tour. Listen as we detail the dedication of our ministry teams who balance the demands of full-time work while passionately energizing preteens for their spiritual journeys.

Our conversation uncovers the unique characteristics of Gen Alpha, a generation raised in the digital age, with insights from Josh's diverse journey from videography to ministry. We tackle the challenges and opportunities of growing up with instant digital access, and consider how AI and technology shape Gen Alpha's understanding of truth. 

Finally, we discuss how the church community can empower preteens, giving them leadership roles and responsibilities that foster confidence and spiritual growth. Through personal anecdotes and the introduction of resources like the "Start Strong" devotional, our episode underscores the importance of meeting Gen Alpha where they are, while encouraging them to develop lasting commitments to faith and service. Don't miss our exploration of these critical topics, and a look ahead to our next episode where we address mental health with guest Jordan Francis.

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

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Dr. James and Ginger Dellaripa take us on their journey of creating The Family Core, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by blended families and the critical role youth pastors play in their lives. Alongside some lighthearted banter with my boss's boss, Eric Epperson—from reminiscing about past improvisation antics to chatting about the NBA All-Star game—this episode is a fun one.

From the Dellaripas: When we chose to build our family foundation on the Lord, everything changed. What started as a commitment to trust Him with our home became the cornerstone of a Kingdom-centered family. Through faith, prayer, and His guidance, we’ve seen growth, healing, and purpose beyond what we could have imagined.

This foundation isn’t just for our blended family—it’s a launching pad to impact others, showing His love and grace in action. 

Be sure to check out The Family Core and share it with the blended families in your ministry!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

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Through her inspiring personal story, CIY Director of Digital Resources Katelyn Adams shares how a high school camp experience ignited her calling to serve, and how the mentorship from her youth minister shaped her spiritual path. This episode promises insights on how to create supportive environments where students can confidently discuss their ministry aspirations with parents and mentors, and highlights the growing importance of digital literacy in church roles today.

We'll also explore how identifying and encouraging potential leaders early can make all the difference, featuring real-life stories of students at Calvary Christian Church in Omaha, NE. Their experiences shed light on the power of mentorship and practical ministry opportunities in guiding students towards their callings. This conversation underscores the crucial role of local churches in preparing students for their ministry journeys.

Calvary Christian Church sets a remarkable example of investing in future church leaders through intentional prayer, educational resources, and the removal of barriers to ministry training. We discuss the complexities and victories in building new ministry programs, celebrating student achievements, and adapting to real-world feedback. Offering encouragement to those embarking on similar initiatives, we stress the importance of starting, learning, and maintaining motivation. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiring narratives, practical advice, and a heartfelt commitment to equipping young leaders for their spiritual vocations.

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

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Join us as we celebrate a major milestone in our journey—our 50th episode of Beyond the Event!

With CIY President Jayson French, we reflect on the last 50 episodes of helping you maintain momentum between the mountaintops. We're also diving into the core of what makes CIY (and youth ministry) thrive: a vibrant organizational culture. Continuous learning and self-education take center stage as we discuss the fine art of choosing resources that truly resonate with your leadership style.

Beyond just knowledge, we talk about creating environments where everyone can flourish, driven by the belief that leadership is about enabling others to reach their full potential. From managing large youth groups to empowering adult leaders, we share strategies that ensure everyone is engaged and thriving.

In a lighter moment, we unwrap a mailbag filled with entertaining tales, including a humorous hunting story with Jayson's daughter. But the cornerstone of our conversation is a discussion around the aging pastoral workforce and the pressing need for strategic mentorship. CIY is launching the Follow Through initiative to help students take the right next steps if they feel God is calling them into vocational ministry.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

What if your church could create a stronger bond with families and youth through a unified ministry approach? Learn how two experts in next-gen ministry, John Luzader and Anne Wilson, are paving the way for spiritual growth and support. John, CIY’s Vice President of Experiences, shares his invaluable insights drawn from years as a youth pastor and parent. He emphasizes the necessity of a cohesive church team dedicated to providing continuous spiritual guidance. John reveals how churches can become allies to parents by offering resources and facilitating vital spiritual conversations at home.

Anne Wilson, NextGen Pastor at Trader’s Point Christian Church, adds her experiences in unifying children's and student ministries. Her journey from youth pastor to leading a comprehensive NextGen ministry gives her a unique perspective on the common communication challenges youth pastors face. Anne discusses the power of integration in ministries to foster collaboration and shared vision, making it easier to support families effectively. She highlights how a unified strategy not only bridges gaps but also empowers ministries to resource parents more thoroughly.

We explore the transformative power of collaboration, sharing strategies that ease transitions from children's to youth ministry and build trust among church teams. Discover how joint programs and shared responsibilities between kids and youth pastors enhance engagement and address broader community concerns, like technology use among youth. By focusing on what benefits families most, our guests demonstrate how a ministry built on collaboration and trust can offer a cohesive and welcoming environment.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

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What if the key to enriching your spiritual journey lies in subtraction, not addition? In our latest episode, I reconnect with my good friend Lane, who shares his enlightening reflections from his sabbatical. Instead of adding new routines, Lane discovered the power of letting go. This revelation sets a reflective tone for our episode, as we chat with John Lee from Northeast Christian Church about nurturing cohesive family ministries that span from birth through high school.

Jon helps us explore the innovative strategies employed in youth leadership and the importance of transitions in a child's faith journey. From student-led teachings to the strategic timing of small groups, we examine how these initiatives help young people articulate and embrace their faith.

The episode takes a practical turn as we discuss how to empower parents to take an active role in their children's spiritual development. By offering workshops and resources that speak to generational contexts, parents can engage in meaningful faith conversations at home. We wrap up by highlighting the significance of a church-parent partnership in fostering a culture of discipleship, providing insights into building a strong spiritual foundation for young people. With collaborative strategies and church support, families can thrive in their faith journey together.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

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What happens when the environments that are supposed to nurture and protect our youth fall short for those with special needs? Join me, Brad Warren, and my insightful guest Bekah Behnke, as we dive deep into this crucial discussion. Together, we provide practical strategies for creating a safe and inclusive space within youth ministry, designed to support and celebrate students with disabilities.

Reflecting on a year of growth and change, we unpack the significant strides made in our church’s disability ministry, including the heartening rise in volunteer involvement. By sharing personal experiences and insights, we dive into the nuances of recruiting and training volunteers who truly understand the diverse needs of students with disabilities. This episode also sheds light on the impact of generational shifts in understanding disabilities, particularly in how volunteers connect with students, illustrated by the experiences of Bekah’s daughter, Millie.

Language shapes our reality, and our conversation underscores the significance of respectful and inclusive communication. We explore the importance of people-first language, while also acknowledging the diverse preferences within the disability community.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

If you want to connect with Bekah, you can reach her by email at [email protected]. Here is the list of books recommended by Bekah:

• Disability and The Church by Lamar Hardwick 
• No Disabled Souls by Jim Pierson 
• Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Fenton Lee 
• Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen 
• Disability and the Way of Jesus by Bethany McKinney Fox 

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]