Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast

TLH147: What Every Youth Pastor Needs to Know About Middle Schoolers

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Ashley Bohinc, a leader with over 22 years of experience working with middle schoolers, to talk about how to communicate effectively with this unique age group. Middle schoolers aren’t just “younger high schoolers” or “older kids”—they require a specific approach to teaching, engaging, and discipling them well.

Ashley shares key insights into breaking down messages for middle schoolers, avoiding common mistakes, and making youth ministry environments more engaging. If you’ve ever struggled with getting middle schoolers to listen, connect, or apply what you’re teaching, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies to help you communicate in a way that sticks.

What you’ll learn
  • Why middle schoolers need messages that are broken down, not “dumbed down.”
  • The importance of engaging their senses and making messages concrete.
  • How to balance structured teaching with the energy and unpredictability of middle schoolers.
  • The science behind how middle schoolers process and retain information.
  • Tips for leading mixed-age groups when middle and high schoolers are combined.

    • If you want to better engage and disciple middle school students, this episode will equip you with the tools to do it well.

    LINKS MENTIONED
    • Make It Middle School: MakeItMiddleSchool.com
    • Ashley Bohinc’s Book – Communicating to Middle Schoolers: Get the Book
      • RESOURCES MENTIONED
      • Ashley Bohinc on Instagram: @ashleymariebohinc
      • Ashley Bohinc on Facebook: Ashley Bohinc
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        Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastBy Jody Livingston
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