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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]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

On this episode of Beyond the Event, we sit down with DJ Rodeffer, a student pastor from Frederick, Maryland. DJ walks us through the trials and triumphs of evolving from leading a small group to managing the growing congregation at Collective Church. His insights shed light on the dynamic roles within youth ministry and the art of fostering a community that feels both expansive and intimate. By sharing personal experiences, DJ offers listeners a glimpse into his journey of spiritual leadership and community building.

Our conversation takes a deep dive into the strategic planning and collaboration necessary for youth ministry events, specifically a four-day experience centered on the book of Hebrews. With a thematic focus on endurance and faith, we discuss how these teachings are tailored to resonate with both junior high and high school students, drawing them closer to the gospel.

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!

Meet Tom Hahn, the "everything pastor" at Restoration Christian Church, who shares his journey of dedication and community engagement. Tom's story is one of faith and resilience, detailing how he transformed a modest church gathering into a thriving community with limited resources.

We also chat about the upcoming SuperStart 2025 tour, celebrating 20 impactful years of preteen ministry.

Finding quiet amidst the chaos of bustling church events can be a challenge. We discuss the different ways individuals seek spiritual nourishment during such times, with Brad sharing how he finds solace in the company of other believers, rather than in solitude. This conversation explores the concept of events as "thin spaces," moments where we feel closer to God, and acknowledges the diverse ways people experience their faith. Whether through solitary moments or communal experiences, we embrace the unique nature of everyone's relationship with God and the idea that spiritual practice isn't one-size-fits-all.

Our lively discussion also takes us on a ride from Muncie to French Lick, Indiana, chronicling Tom's adventurous journey of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounts moving and building a church community from the ground up, highlighting the importance of embracing change and trusting in God's plan, even when it's uncertain. We dive into the innovative, low-control, high-support model that empowers youth ministry in French Lick, fostering student ownership and community engagement. From the logistics of budgeting in ministry to the excitement of youth camps, this episode underscores the transformative power of aligning the church's vision with God's vision, inspiring growth and development within the community.

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!

Ever wondered how to effectively scale growth in youth ministries while managing the complexities of large group trips? Tyler Lemmel from Traders Point Christian Church offers valuable advice on managing large youth group trips. He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, structured safety protocols, and the benefits of reallocating responsibilities within a team. By highlighting the need for proper planning and the implementation of support systems, we aim to enhance the overall experience for both youth ministers and students, ensuring a smooth and organized adventure that nurtures spiritual growth and fosters lasting connections.

We also explore this year's MOVE and MIX theme with Mikey Sackrider. Discover how the new theme "In Between," inspired by the book of Hebrews, seeks to resonate with youth questioning their faith. Insights from experts offer a stark contrast to previous programs, setting the stage for a thought-provoking journey into 2025. 

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Discover the life-changing impact of mission trips and prayer with CIY's Director of Engage, Brittany Shoemake, who shares her profound experiences in Spain and Northern Ireland. Brittany opens up about Missions as a Lifestyle and the pivotal role of prayer in connecting with communities. Tune in to hear her stories of collaboration, and the joy of introducing new groups to these meaningful mission trips, including her fondness for the scenic beauty and deep relationships formed in Northern Ireland.

Explore the genuine pursuit of faith among young believers and how CIY Engage trips encourage authenticity within the church. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, including the chaos of early flights and strategies to beat the alarm, alongside reflections on positive trends within our faith communities. You'll be inspired by a follow-up conversation with our MOVE and MIX mission partner from this summer, RIOT (Revival In Our Town), as we hear from their director, Richie Shilliday.

Immerse yourself in the power of storytelling and leadership as Richie tells stories from the history of RIOT. We discuss how sharing personal stories can connect generations, enrich faith journeys, and create lasting community impact. From Dundrum's modest yet impactful ministry efforts to Richie's inspiring storytelling lessons, this episode celebrates the authenticity and growth experienced by those involved.

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 does it take to spark a revival among junior high students? Join us as we kick off Season 4 of "Beyond the Event" and introduce our exciting new video format! We promise you'll laugh along with us as we share on-camera bloopers and reflect on an unforgettable summer filled with God's surprises. Our special guest, Joel Firebaugh, Next Gen Pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, shares his firsthand experiences of a low-key revival and the astounding number of baptisms from their CIY summer events. Caleb and Brad also discuss the thrill of registration for the upcoming 2025 events and the joy of witnessing so many transformations.

Curious about what makes a junior high small group successful? Chandler Key’s humorous question sets the stage as we tackle the concept of "wins" in youth ministry. Michael emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and simply being a presence in the lives of students. Joel adds his perspective from overseeing kids and student ministries, including a recent milestone of nearly 300 baptisms. Together, we highlight the creation of inclusive spaces for unchurched students at youth camps, sharing powerful stories of transformation and offering practical strategies to make church activities welcoming for all attendees.

Finally, we explore how to engage diverse groups within church settings and celebrate the success of camp events that welcomed unchurched participants without any issues. Caleb provides insights on fostering inclusive environments, and Joel talks about the collaborative efforts between Crossroads and CIY in creating impactful camp experiences. We delve into the significance of camps in the church’s ministry and share strategies to make these transformative experiences accessible to everyone. Wrapping up, we express our heartfelt appreciation to Joel for his invaluable contributions and Caleb for his co-hosting, reminding listeners to stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

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!

Here's how you can connect with us:

• www.ciy.com
• @christinyouth on Instagram: you can find all of our individual program accounts in the bio
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

As always, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It also helps us out if you rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and send this episode to a friend!

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Here's how you can connect with us:

• www.ciy.com
• @christinyouth on Instagram: you can find all of our individual program accounts in the bio
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

As always, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It also helps us out if you rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and send this episode to a friend!

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Here's how you can connect with us:

• www.ciy.com
• @christinyouth on Instagram: you can find all of our individual program accounts in the bio
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

As always, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. It also helps us out if you rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and send this episode to a friend!