The world is changing quickly and our daily routines are shifting due to the COVID19 virus that is spreading across the country. But rather than shutting down, youth minsitries all over the country are adapting and continuing to engage students and families in new and innovative ways. In this episode we share our experience navigating these changes over the last week and share some encouraging trends we're already seeing in youth ministry and the Church at large.

• 00:00... Intro and current challenges

• 13:05... Draw closer to God

• Visit our Facebook page and let us know what innovative things you are doing to connect with your students

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Our routines are changing quickly as we all adapt to the threat of the COVID19 virus that is spreading across our country and around the world. At the time of this recording many schools have moved to online learning, all major sports are on hold, churches are hosting services online, and restaurants are only serving carry out and delivery. This certainly provides some challenges to ministry as usual but it also provides many new opportunities for leaders to be creative and innovative in the ways they respond. In this episode we wanted to address the issues we're facing and offer some thoughts on how you can continue to serve the students in your community.

• 00:00... Intro addressing COVID19

• 06:48... Does this invite engagement?

• 12:58... Engage with, share, and repost what your ministry director / youth pastor is already posting

• Episode 65: Staying Safe on Social Media

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• 00:00... A word of encouragement during the COVID19 pandemic

• 08:05... Who to ask

• Visit our Facebook page and social media accounts to submit questions for our 75th episode:

• Brian:

• Facebook

• Facebook

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One of the best ways to dig in and really get to know a young person's story is simply have a one-on-one conversation. In YFC we call those appointments and in this episode we offer our top 5 tips for having great appointments.

• 00:00... Intro

• 01:35... 5. Focus on the young person and their needs

• 2a. Don't assume you know what their needs are

• Submit your questions about youth ministry, relational ministry, engaging with students, leading your team, or being part of your team (see resources below)

• Episode 16: How to Have a Great Conversation

• Instagram: @brianbiedenbach

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As spring approaches your youth ministry may be making preparations for some big trips. Spring break trips, retreats, summer camps and mission trips are all on the horizon and you may have an opportunity to jump on board. It's an exciting time but going on your first trip can also be a little nerve-racking. In this episode we offer some tips to help you prepare for your first or your five hundredth trip.

• 00:00... Intro

• 01:19... Preparing yourself physically

• 08:38... Be all in

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This is a busy season for youth workers preparing for spring break trips, retreats, and summer camps and we want them to be as fun, safe, and fruitful as possible. In this episode we discuss what we've learned about trip promo and recruiting to help you get the right people on the bus.

• Intro (0:00)

• Generate momentum from previous trips (2:29)

• Invite your friends to serve alongside you... (7:49)

• ...but invite them early in the process (8:24)

• Like us on Facebook

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Did you miss it? Not close enough to attend? No worries!

The Ministry Leader Conference is hosted by Youth For Christ chapters across the United States. We hosted the conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana on January 25 and it was awesome. In this episode we recap the conference and share some of the biggest take aways from the main stage and every breakout session.

• 0:00... Intro

• 5:47... Boundaries for Leaders

• Boundaries for Leaders Resources:

• Podcast: The Benefits of Boundaries

• Podcast: Meet Gen Z

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Regardless of how you feel about dating in middle school and high school, it’s happening and it’s probably happening in your ministry. So how are you addressing that topic with your students?

• Intro (0:00)

• Are you in a place where a relationship is a good thing for you? (2:49)

• Book: The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley

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It's an exciting moment when a young person makes a commitment to follow Jesus. But we know that is just the beginning of their faith journey. In this episode we offer eight ideas to consider for those crucial first steps.

• Intro (0:00)

• The Life Book

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A small group is a great way to deepen relationships, learn young people's stories and point them to the scriptures. But if you have never led a small group you may have some questions about what it might be like. In this episode we have some fun sharing tips for leading the absolute WORST small group ever.

• Intro (0:00)

• Don't prepare (0:52)

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