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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with Zack Jernigan (High School Pastor) and Josiah Brondyke (Middle School Pastor) from Idlewild Baptist Church in Florida to talk about something every church wrestles with—keeping middle school and high school ministries connected.

It's easy for ministries to become silos. Different schedules, leaders, and rhythms often mean students "start over" when they move up. Zack and Josiah unpack how they intentionally bridge that gap through communication, shared goals, and humility.

From unified discipleship paths to team collaboration, this conversation is full of practical insights for youth pastors who want to build ministry that's relationally strong and spiritually consistent from 6th through 12th grade.

Key Talking Points:

✅ Why middle school and high school ministries often feel disconnected ✅ The importance of shared discipleship goals between ministry teams ✅ How to communicate and collaborate across age-specific programs ✅ Making the handoff between ministries relational, not just administrative ✅ Building mutual trust and respect between ministry leaders ✅ What small churches can learn from Idlewild's approach ✅ How alignment impacts long-term student discipleship

Great Youth Ministry Resources:

✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime

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About Stacking Chairs:

Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!

Special Thanks:

This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.