Hey Volunteers: The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers

050 | 50 Things We Love About Volunteers
Join us for our 50th episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast. In this episode we discuss 50 things we love about volunteers serving in youth ministry. If you’re looking for some encouragement, this episode is for you!

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Milestone for Volunteers

02:58 50 Things We Love About Volunteers: Introduction

06:09 Todd's Top 10: The Heart of a Volunteer

12:08 Cameron's Contributions: Passion and Community

17:58 Jennifer's Perspective: The Value of Volunteering

22:32 The Importance of Multi-Generational Community

24:14 Building Lasting Relationships Through Volunteering

25:01 The Role of Volunteers in Ministry

26:28 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Students

28:30 Volunteers as Living Examples of Christ's Body

30:32 Celebrating the Dedication of Volunteers

34:50 The Impact of Volunteers on Youth Ministry

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

049 | Tips for Handling Phones in Small Group
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris and Jennifer discuss the challenges and distractions posed by cell phones in youth ministry. They share personal experiences and practical tips for volunteers on how to manage cell phone use during small groups/Bible study, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and engaging with parents. The conversation also highlights the significance of teaching teenagers to use traditional Bibles and the need for consistency in implementing these strategies to foster a successful youth ministry environment.

Takeaways

• Cell phones can be a major distraction in youth ministry.
• It's important to communicate with parents about cell phone policies.
• Setting boundaries with technology helps students focus on spiritual growth.
• Volunteers should model good phone habits for their students.
• Teaching students to use paper Bibles is essential for their spiritual development.
• Creating a positive culture around phone use takes time and consistency.
• Engaging students in meaningful conversations can reduce phone distractions.
• Volunteers should not view phones as the enemy but as tools that need boundaries.
• Encouraging students to prioritize their time with God is crucial.
• Practical tips can help volunteers navigate the challenges of technology in youth ministry.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Podcast

03:01 Navigating Halloween and Family Traditions

05:57 The Challenge of Cell Phones in Youth Ministry

09:08 Understanding the Distraction of Technology

11:58 Practical Tips for Managing Cell Phone Use

15:01 Engaging Parents in the Conversation

17:46 Encouraging Traditional Bible Use

20:59 Consistency and Long-Term Success in Youth Ministry

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

048 | The role of a youth ministry volunteer at a youth ministry event 

In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, we discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry events. We focus on the importance of building relationships with students, providing logistical support, promoting events effectively, and engaging with students during activities. The conversation also highlights the need for youth pastors to have a clear plan for their volunteers and the significance of expressing gratitude to those who serve in ministry.

Takeaways

• Volunteers are essential for the success of youth ministry events.
• Building relationships with students is a primary role of volunteers.
• Logistical support helps events run smoothly and allows youth pastors to focus on ministry.
• Volunteers can promote events within their communities to increase participation.
• Engaging with students during events fosters a sense of community and belonging.
• Youth pastors should communicate clearly with volunteers about their roles and responsibilities.
• Gratitude towards volunteers enhances their experience and encourages continued involvement.
• Volunteers can help create a welcoming environment for new students.
• Sharing stories and experiences from events can promote future participation.
• Having a plan for volunteers ensures that everyone knows their role and feels valued.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Podcast

02:57 The Importance of Volunteers in Youth Ministry

06:03 Building Relationships with Students

09:05 Logistical Support at Events

11:54 Promoting Events Effectively

15:00 Engaging with Students During Events

17:52 The Role of Youth Pastors in Volunteer Management

20:55 The Power of Gratitude in Ministry

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

047 | Communicating to Middle Schoolers

In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Ashley Bohinc, the author of a new book, Communicating with Middle Schoolers. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and proven strategies for effectively connecting with students during this critical stage of development, especially in a ministry setting. This conversation offers practical advice on how to build meaningful relationships with middle schoolers, a group navigating one of the most significant transitions in their lives. A must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and improve their communication with this pivotal age group.

Links Shared During Show:

Ashley Bohinc -  https://ashleybohinc.com

Takeaways

• Middle schoolers often feel forgotten in ministry.
• Breaking down concepts is crucial for understanding.
• Concrete language helps middle schoolers grasp abstract ideas.
• Categorizing questions can lead to better engagement.
• Unstacking instructions can prevent chaos in group settings.
• Middle schoolers think literally and need clear guidance.
• Engagement issues may be misinterpreted as behavior problems.
• Teaching should focus on digestible pieces of information.
• Open-ended questions encourage more thoughtful responses.
• Teaching mixed age groups requires intentionality and adaptability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Podcast

03:00 The Importance of Middle School Ministry

06:04 Breaking Down Concepts for Middle Schoolers

08:59 Using Concrete Language in Communication

12:01 Categorizing Questions for Better Engagement

14:54 Unstacking Instructions for Clarity

18:10 The Challenge of Teaching Mixed Age Groups

21:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

Podcast 046 | Teaching Teenagers to Study the Bible on Their Own

Join us for episode 46 as we discuss how to help teenagers study the Bible. In this episode, we outline a plan to help teenagers learn how they can utilize tools to help them better understand scripture. We also answer the often asked question: what type of Bible should I buy my teenager?

Links Shared During Show

Youtube Bible Study Videos including Bible Project - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX5WwSC8sWfy7zidaEbgCMhh78wOF2Lh3&si=qb-lC6OmCbIuEYvi

Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org

Discount Code for Lifeway - YMPV10

Takeaways

• Empower teenagers to study the Bible on their own
• Get a study Bible and teach teenagers how to use it effectively
• Take advantage of free YouTube resources, such as The Bible Project
• Involve teenagers in Bible study and provide opportunities for active engagement

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for Volunteers

03:29 Topic Introduction: Teaching Teenagers to Study Scripture

04:09 Empowering Teenagers to Study the Bible

07:02 The Power of a Study Bible

12:21 Teaching Teenagers How to Use the Study Bible

17:37 Unlocking the Bible with YouTube

23:25 Engaging Teenagers in Bible Study

26:21 Preview of Next Episode: Communicating with Middle Schoolers

27:46 Closing Remarks and Thanks

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

Podcast 045 | Networking with Other Youth Ministering Volunteers

Join us in episode 45 as we are joined by Chad Higgins and Zac Workun from Lifeway/Youth Ministry Booster. We talk with Chad and Zac about the importance of networking for youth ministry volunteers. They share the need for collaboration and community among volunteers, as well as the value of learning from and celebrating with one another. Overall, the episode highlights the significance of building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within the volunteer community. 

Takeaways

• Collaboration is essential for youth ministry volunteers to learn from and support each other.
• Building a sense of community among volunteers is crucial for creating a positive and encouraging environment.
• Networking with other volunteers allows for the sharing of ideas, experiences, and resources.
• Celebrating together and caring for one another strengthens the bond within the volunteer community.
• Platforms like the Youth Ministry Booster provide opportunities for youth ministry leaders to connect and grow together. Building a sense of community and care among volunteers is essential in youth ministry.
• Hosting events and providing opportunities for volunteers to connect can foster a strong sense of community.
• Co-leadership and discipleship among volunteers can model faithful discipleship to students.
• Attending conferences and joining online groups are effective ways to network and learn from others in youth ministry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

03:00 The Power of Collaboration

10:49 Building Strong Connections

16:42 Fostering a Sense of Belonging

18:23 Youth Ministry Booster: Connecting and Growing

20:21 The Importance of Community and Care

22:23 Fostering Community Among Volunteers

22:53 The Value of Co-Leadership and Discipleship

29:51 Networking Opportunities: Conferences and Online Groups

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Abby Trent, a former student and now a youth ministry major. They discuss the importance of knowing and remembering students' names in youth ministry. Abby shares three reasons why this is important: making students feel seen and known, helping them feel valued, and showing them that they are more than just a camper. Abby also provides practical tips for memorizing names, such as using flashcard apps like Quizlet and coming up with creative associations to remember names.

Takeaways

• Knowing and remembering students' names is important in youth ministry because it makes them feel seen and known.
• Memorizing names helps students feel valued and shows them that they are more than just a camper.
• Practical tips for memorizing names include using flashcard apps like Quizlet and coming up with creative associations to remember names.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:17 Abby's Journey to Youth Ministry

04:17 The Impact of Knowing Students' Names

08:50 Making Students Feel Seen and Known

17:48 Practical Tips for Memorizing Names

23:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

In this episode, we discuss how volunteers can leverage the momentum coming out of summer in youth ministry. We provide practical tips such as catching up with students about their summer experiences, celebrating and highlighting the spiritual moments from the summer, setting goals for the year as a small group, utilizing the stories of students to recruit other volunteers, and inviting students to start fresh in the new school year. We also emphasize the importance of building relationships with teenagers and pointing them to Jesus.

Takeaways

• Take time to catch up with students about their summer experiences and show genuine interest in their lives.
• Celebrate and highlight the spiritual moments from the summer to encourage students in their faith journey.
• Set goals for the year as a small group to keep students engaged and focused on their spiritual growth.
• Utilize the stories of students to recruit other volunteers and showcase the impact of youth ministry.
• Invite students to start fresh in the new school year and create a welcoming environment for them.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

05:18 Leveraging Summer Momentum

11:17 Celebrating and Highlighting Spiritual Moments

14:38 Setting Goals for Spiritual Growth

17:36 Utilizing Student Stories to Recruit Volunteers

19:58 Inviting Students to Start Fresh

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

042 - Summer Extravaganza

Join us in episode 42 for our SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA. This week we are joined by Cameron Wilkins, who works with NextGen for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. We discuss the impact of summer events on youth ministry and the importance of volunteers. We also share tips for volunteers about how to stay connected to teenagers throughout the summer and how to respond to a student who makes a spiritual decision at a summer event.

Takeaways

• Summer events, such as camps, mission trips, and vacation Bible school, have a significant impact on the spiritual lives of teenagers.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in making summer events successful and meaningful.
• Building relationships and creating a sense of community are key aspects of summer events.
• The church can provide a unique and powerful experience that goes beyond what secular organizations can offer.
• Investing time and effort in summer events can lead to lifelong memories and lasting spiritual growth. Volunteers have a long-lasting impact on youth ministry and should show up consistently to build relationships with students.
• Even if volunteers can't attend summer camps or mission trips, they can still make a difference by finding creative ways to be present and engage with students.
• Volunteers should offer support, mentorship, and encouragement to students who make spiritual decisions during these experiences.
• It is important for volunteers to help students find resources for studying the Bible and remind them of their identity in Christ.
• Volunteers should stay connected and continue to invest in the lives of teenagers, even when they can't be physically present.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 Overview of Summer Events

05:14 The Impact of Move Conference

09:11 Personal Stories of Summer Camp

12:10 The Importance of VBS

14:00 Building Relationships and Community

16:30 Finding Creative Ways to Engage with Students

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.

041 - What to do when your students are too busy to come to church

In this episode, we discuss what to do when students are too busy to come to church. We discuss the importance of not reacting negatively or making students feel guilty for not attending. Instead, we talk about how to celebrate the things that are keeping students busy and reminding them that they are on a mission in those places. We also encourage listeners to show up where students are and be creative in finding ways to connect with them outside of church. The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming Summer Spectacular episode.

Takeaways

• Don't react negatively or make students feel guilty for not attending church
• Celebrate the things that are keeping students busy
• Remind students that they are on a mission in their extracurricular activities
• Show up where students are and be creative in finding ways to connect with them outside of church

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:49 Preparing for Summer and Introducing the Topic

03:07 Recognizing the Drop in Attendance 

05:06 Don't React Negatively or Make Students Feel Guilty

08:02 Celebrating Students' Commitments

11:29 Training Students to Be Missionaries

14:17 Showing Up and Connecting Outside of Church

The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is all about providing great content to help volunteers who work with teenagers. Each episode is short and to the point on topics about how to best impact teenagers with the gospel. Each episode will be hosted by several youth ministry vets that have been working with teenagers for over 30 years. If you love working with teenagers, you're going to love this podcast!

You can reach Chris & the team at studentministrynetwork.com

We would LOVE to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] to share show ideas or give us feedback.