Tim had his first week in his new venue. Tom ran a low-key game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

You can get Welcome to Youth Ministry here: https://youthworksmedia.net/products/welcome-to-youth-ministry

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI wrote a summary of the episode for us:

This episode is a funny, conversational catch-up between two youth leaders, mixing movie chatter, absurd game ideas, and real ministry reflections. It starts with playful banter about The Odyssey, Bluey, and wildly overqualified stunt doubles before turning into a lively recap of youth group life: finding serviettes in a new building, racing the clock before church starts, and running gloriously bizarre games like green eggs-and-ham-style lotteries and a “queen of scissors paper rock.”

Tim welcomed a new baby and his church moved venues. Tom has been writing books and looking at Luke with his youth group.

You can get Welcome to Youth Ministry here: https://youthworksmedia.net/products/welcome-to-youth-ministry

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI wrote us a 1970s summary of the episode:

Whoa, man, this episode was a real trip.

Tom and Tim are back after a mega-long break, and Tim’s been totally swamped with family life, a new baby, and all kinds of youth group chaos while his church is moving venues. The old place got a full-on goodbye treatment with graffiti and all sorts of wild send-off vibes, and now youth group is happening in a super temporary new space with beanbags, popcorn, and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go energy.

Tom’s been buried in writing devotions for Luke and getting the youth ready for youth-run nights, while also doing a food-themed youth group kickoff that included taco destruction, marshmallow spaghetti towers, and cake decorating. Then they answered a listener question about books for new youth leaders and gave a shout-out to Welcome to Youth Ministry by Graham Stanton — a solid pick for anyone trying to figure out this whole youth ministry scene. 

It’s basically an episode about change, community, and trusting that even when everything’s moving around like a crazy dance floor, God’s still got it all under control.

Tim chats to Samuel Dow from sunny Scotland about youth ministry in Glasgow. 

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI gave us an overexcited summary of the episode:

In a world where youth ministry is under siege by distraction, doubt, and disconnection, one small team in Glasgow rises as an unlikely force for good. Samuel Dow leads a humble but mighty mission: to protect a generation of young people with safety, love, and authentic connection. No flashy tech. No grand spectacle. Just real relationships, fearless faith, and a relentless belief that every young person deserves a place to belong.When renovations, limited space, and mixed backgrounds threaten to slow them down, Samuel and his team turn adversity into advantage. Through creative games, open conversations, and a radically welcoming environment, they transform a simple youth group into a thriving community where unchurched kids keep coming back—and bring friends with them. In this episode-sized origin story, the true superpower isn’t strategy or scale. It’s love, consistency, and the courage to show up for people exactly as they are.If you’ve ever wondered whether small teams can make a massive difference, this story proves they can. It’s a high-stakes, heart-forward reminder that the greatest battles are often won not with force, but with faithfulness.

Lauren, Tim, and Tom review 2025, and give you some ideas you could steal.

Here's the Phone Hotel: https://www.teaching.com.au/product/teachables-mobile-phone-storage-stand

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

Tim and Tom had Christmas Parties. Chris Mophew came back to play a game with us.

Giant ball review: https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/7vfxix/this_amazon_review/

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Chris at https://chrismorphew.com/ and Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI made us a gushing summary:

Celebrating the 100th episode of the Youth Group Podcast is nothing short of a milestone worth gushing over! Hosts Tom, Tim, and Chris have truly outdone themselves, bringing their unique blend of humor, insight, and warmth to every episode. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their dedication to youth ministry shines through in every conversation. Whether they're sharing stories about youth group antics or diving into deeper discussions, they manage to keep listeners engaged and inspired. Here's to 100 episodes of laughter, learning, and love for youth ministry, and to the amazing hosts who make it all possible!

Tim's youth group had a relationships. Tom's ran some workshops.

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

Lauren's group had help from some youth. Tom's youth got nervous about AI.

Get your free audiobook, email: [email protected]

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au.

AI made us an overly dramatic episode summary:

In a world where youth leaders grapple with the challenges of modern ministry, Episode 98 of the Youth Group Podcast delivers a riveting tale of altruism, faith, and the power of community. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the vibrant city of Sydney, hosts Tom and Lauren embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of youth group dynamics. With dramatic flair, they unveil the story of Lauren's generous act of paying off 20% of all hecs debt, a gesture that echoes through the corridors of youth ministry. As the episode unfolds, listeners are drawn into the heart of youth group life, where the teachings of Mark's Gospel come alive, and the challenges of planning a year of spiritual growth are met with creativity and resilience. Amidst the chaos of games and the profound discussions on AI, the episode crescendos with a hopeful message of faith and community, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats, eager for more.

Tim's youth group looked at friendships and more. Tom's group went to a big event, except for those who spilt and went to a different big event.

You can get Before It Starts here: https://beforeitstarts.org.au/

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI made us an underwhelming summary of the episode:

In this episode of the Youth Group Podcast, hosts Tom and Tim discuss their experiences and reflections on youth group activities, focusing on themes of friendship, relationships, and the challenges faced in youth ministry. They share insights from recent events, including games, discussions on real-life issues, and the importance of establishing ground rules for activities. The conversation also touches on the overall effectiveness of their series on relationships and the need for ongoing engagement with youth on relevant topics.

Tim's youth group thought power. Tom's group did some workshops.

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

AI made us an underwhelming summary of the episode:

In this episode of the Youth Group Podcast, Tom and Tim discuss various aspects of youth ministry, including the influence of pop culture, the importance of creating a healthy youth group culture, and the challenges of connecting with families. They reflect on recent workshops addressing domestic abuse and healthy relationships, emphasizing the need for open conversations and awareness. The hosts also share insights on how to engage parents and families effectively, while planning future activities and discussions for their youth groups.

Tim's youth group thought about identity. Tom's group thought about mental health.

If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: [email protected]

Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast

Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/