We think it's fair to say that we've all been there...you have a heart for ministry and are excited to serve the young people in the parish, but you can't seem to get them to show up. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team shares some stories and some laughs while talking about different strategies to recruiting people to ministry. 

Intro (0:13) 

When is a time you’ve been surprised by a turnout for youth ministry? (1:27)

Relationships  (8:15)

Adequate Time and High Quality (18:45)

If People Don’t Show Up (36:00)

Conclusion (45:47)

Show up for us. Send us something you’d like us to discuss!

[email protected]

All good things must come to an end, which means that eventually students leave our youth ministry program. The first semester out of high school is a big transition as students begin college, working, a gap year, or esthetician school. In this slice, the Pizza and Side Hugs team dives into what it looks like to support your youth ministry students into this new phase of life. 

[email protected]

Let's talk about fundraising! In this slice, the team talks about the joys and struggles of fundraising. For most people, it can be a bit of a thorn in our side, but there are ways to make it better! Listen in to get some ideas on how revamp your fundraising style. 

[email protected]

Putting on big events can be daunting, but sometimes even more daunting is the "what next?" conversation. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what it looks like to follow up after an encounter. 

Big Picture: What do we mean when we say “profound YM experiences” and why do we have these? (1:40)

Challenges of Following Up (10:54)

Why is it Worth It to Follow Up? (21:14)

What Does Effective Follow-Up Look Like? (29:25)

Conclusion (42:17)

What do you want us to talk about? Share a topic or issue you’ve had and send us something 

[email protected]

Do you ever find yourself wondering what you should have in your back pocket as a youth minister? In this episode, the team begins to scratch the surface with items that are helpful to carry with you as a youth minister. 

Promises for many links were made in the episode, but sadly, there is not enough character space. Below are the most niche links!

What did we miss? What is the unique YM tool that you always bring with you?

Power Point Clicker

Gaff Tape

Mini Catechism and Bible

Electronic bull horn

JBL Xtreme/ JBL Boombox

Remarkable

Harmonica 

Flip chart

[email protected]

So you wanna take your youth group on a trip this summer...awesome! Summer trips can be a huge undertaking and cause some stress, so in this slice, the team covers some helpful tips and tricks for easing the worry that comes with summer trips. Listen in and hear why it might be best to start planning now! 

Reach out with your thoughts! We'd love to hear 'em :)
[email protected]

Volunteer Episode: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244-recruiting-a-team

[email protected]

Are you trying to figure out how to empower the teens in your youth ministry program more? You might be asking questions like "How can I form youth leaders?" or "What does solid youth leadership look like?" These are great questions and one that deserve an answer. In this week's episode, the team dives into examples of what they have seen for youth formation. Listen in to get some answers to these great questions. 

Intro (0:47) 

What is something you got asked to lead as a YM leader that was unique or not quite your job? (2:04)

Big Picture: Why should we spend time developing our young people into faith leaders? (7:00)

Effective Leadership Examples (16:15)

Formation for Youth Leaders (22:20/27:40)

Limitations of Youth Leadership (34:24)

Conclusion (40:37)

What was the best leadership formation you ever received? Send us something! 

[email protected]

In this episode, the team tackles what it looks like to onboard volunteers. You may have the commitment that people are willing to volunteer, but now you might be thinking "what next?". Learn about getting your volunteers plugged in and rolling, from the first year newbie to the tenth year veteran.

Intro (1:15) 

Do you have your own volunteering experience that stands out as especially well done? (4:20)

Big Picture: What’s the Long Game for your volunteers? (3:40)

Team Meeting or Orientation (5:38)

Extended Onboarding (24:10)

• Brand New Leader (26:00)
• Year 2-3 Leader (31:58)
• Veteran Leader (33:39)

Feedback (38:16)

Conclusion (41:47)

Tell us about a fabulous volunteer of yours! Send us something 

[email protected]

SUBSCRIBE!

[email protected]

In this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team covers parent meetings. You may have some questions about what it can look like to run a successful parent meeting, how to take first steps in building a relationship to be able to partner with parents, and how to encourage attendance. In this short slice, hear about all that and more!

Intro Slice (0:30)

What’s Tough About Parent Meetings? (1:18)

Conclusion (16:33)

Parents listening, tell us what you want out of a youth ministry meeting? What should people be avoiding or including?

[email protected]

[email protected]

Ever wondered what an out of the park kick-off event could look like? Look no further! The Pizza and Side Hugs team is coming in this week with all the ideas when it comes to a Kick-Off Launch. 

Intro (0:15)  

What’s an all-time YM Kick-Off game you’ve played? (8:22)
Big Picture: What’s the Purpose of a Kick-Off (2:00)
Programming for a Kick-Off (15:00)
Your Kick-Off Should Set You Up for Future Gatherings (20:03)
Promoting your Kick-Off (27:42 )
Conclusion (35:55) 

Let us know what you want us to discuss! Send us something: [email protected]   

 Game Links:
Slip 'n' Slide Kickball: https://www.clarkscondensed.com/diy-slip-n-slide-kickball/
Olympic Game Night: https://ministry-to-children.com/10-wacky-olympic-games-for-kids-ministry/
Stand Up If: https://www.teachstarter.com/us/teaching-resource/sit-down-if-back-to-school-movement-icebreaker/

[email protected]