In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. David Odom, Professor of Student Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to talk about the three arenas of youth ministry—students, parents, and the church.

Dr. Odom challenges youth pastors to expand their vision beyond just teenagers in the youth room to include intentional ministry to parents and deeper connection between students and the larger church body.

He also discusses practical strategies for balancing these arenas and shares a free assessment tool designed to help leaders evaluate their ministry’s health in each area.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Why youth ministry must expand beyond only students

How to build stronger partnerships with parents and families

Practical ways to connect students with the larger church body

How to measure the health of your ministry using the Youth Ministry Arenas Assessment

How to avoid creating an isolated “youth group bubble”

Why serving and intergenerational relationships are key to long-term faith

The value of encouraging parents and affirming their influence

Insights from Dr. Odom’s upcoming book, Youth Ministry Deconstructed

LINKS MENTIONED

Youth Ministry Arenas Assessment

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Youth Ministry Deconstructed by Dr. David Odom (releasing Jan 2026)

Staying Power by Jody Livingston

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