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If you're experiencing ministry burnout or feeling your passion fading, establish accountability with someone who knows you well enough to speak truth when you're drifting, and intentionally surround yourself with those newer to ministry who bring fresh perspective and enthusiasm.

SPECIAL GUEST ALERT: Jameson Barker

Veteran youth minister Jameson Barker shares how he maintains ministry passion after two decades of service by shifting from complacency to expectancy. 

Here's some practical strategies for staying spiritually engaged when ministry routines become all too familiar.

• Fighting complacency after 20+ years in youth ministry
• How routines and familiarity can lead to spiritual disengagement
• Creating a mindset of expectancy through intentional daily practices
• Recognizing warning signs when your heart begins to drift
• The importance of staying present during ministry moments
• Creating unexpected moments of joy and connection for your team
• Building accountability relationships with people who know you well
• Surrounding yourself with younger staff to maintain freshness and enthusiasm
• Practical ways to approach familiar events with renewed anticipation

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What's it like to be new? Feel like you are the only one? 

Welp you are not! There is a growing trend of folks leading youth ministry that are 1. new to the role 2. home grown from the church where they attend. In this episode we learn firsthand all about it! 

Join us for an eye-opening discussion about the journey into youth ministry with Miguel Adesokan, who shares his unique experiences as he transitions from volunteer to staff. 

This timely episode brings to light not only the challenges faced by those new to the ministry but also the incredible opportunities to make meaningful connections and create a thriving youth community.

This conversation highlights the vital connections, challenges, and opportunities within the youth ministry landscape.

• Journey from volunteer to staff 
• Unique opportunities in youth ministry 
• The importance of communication and administration care 
• Empowering dream teamers and creating leaders 
• Balancing responsibilities and personal care 
• Wisdom for newcomers in ministry 

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What happens when a vibrant young leader embraces his calling in the unpredictable setting of youth ministry?

Special Guest Alert: Mariano Sarabia

This episode explores the path of youth ministry through the experience of Mariano, who shares his calling, challenges, and successes in empowering young leaders. The importance of humility, prayer, and authentic relationships in ministry are emphasized throughout the conversation, along with practical advice to engage and disciple the next generation.

• Mariano's journey into youth ministry through personal tragedy and faith 
• The essential qualities of humility and teachability for young leaders 
• Building strong relationships with senior pastors and other colleagues 
• Engaging young adults in meaningful conversations about ministry 
• The powerful role of prayer in cultivating future leaders 
• Strategies for effectively preaching to the next generation 
• Fostering a culture of support and vulnerability in ministry

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Could You Survive the 1800s?  The password is Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Could you hack it in the 1800s armed only with modern knowledge? Wild question, right? 

Zac and Chad wrote a book! 

This episode kicks off with some fun, lighthearted speculation before we take a deep dive into childhood nostalgia—Dr. Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and how those early books shaped our love for reading. But this isn't just a trip down memory lane; it’s a special occasion. Chad is back on the Youth Ministry Booster podcast, and we’re celebrating the upcoming release of our new book, Define the Relationship, now available for pre-order!

Beyond the laughs and throwback stories (including why Clifford wasn’t just a dog in our childhood imaginations), we shift gears into something every youth leader needs to hear: the power of partnering with parents. We’ve spent years researching, listening to over a thousand church-going parents, and crafting a framework that helps youth pastors and parents get on the same page. Ministry isn’t just about programming—it’s about creating a culture of discipleship that starts in the home. We break down practical next steps, a six-month plan for parent ministry, and why youth ministries should function as spiritual centers in today’s chaotic world.

As we wrap up, we tackle one of the biggest shifts needed in youth ministry today: moving from event-based models to deep, relational discipleship. It’s a challenge, but it’s necessary for long-term impact. And of course, we can’t end without some excitement—Define the Relationship is here! We’d love for you to read it, rate it, and review it. Your feedback fuels the future of these conversations, and who knows? Maybe some special guests will join us next time.

So grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s dive in! And if you’ve got thoughts, hit us up—we love hearing from you.

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Youth ministry is relational work. The work isn't not quality time but quality time. Relationships that are growing are resilient. 

🚨SPECIAL GUEST ALERT 
Daniel Kim
[email protected]
Daniel__Tokyo

Youth ministry flourishes when leaders invest in relationships, mentorship, and personal growth. In this episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, we sit down with a young pastor Daniel Kim navigating cultural challenges and discovering how mentorship shapes resilient leaders. Whether you're a seasoned youth minister or just starting, this conversation will equip you with insights to deepen connections and lead with impact.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why mentorship is the backbone of effective youth ministry
✅ How strong relationships create lasting faith in students
✅ Personal growth and embracing faith through leadership challenges
✅ Lessons from Chicago’s diverse ministry landscape
✅ The unique challenges faced by international youth ministers
✅ Practical ways to build community and develop future leaders

Join us as we explore how mentorship fuels leadership, strengthens ministry, and helps you navigate the complexities of youth ministry with resilience and purpose.

🔔 Subscribe now and don't miss a weekly drop!

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This episode explores the significance of building authentic relationships in youth ministry while challenging traditional metrics of success. T-doe shares his personal experiences, from grassroots initiatives like Fast Food Valentine's to creating psychological safety for young people, emphasizing the impact of community and connection in nurturing today's youth. 

• The origin of the nickname "T-doe" and its impact on personal identity 
• Importance of relationships in youth ministry and mentoring 
• Fast Food Valentine's as a tradition of kindness 
• Measuring success in youth ministry beyond attendance 
• Creating a psychologically safe environment for youth sharing 
• Tracking relationships for more meaningful engagement 
• The role of community and support among youth leaders 
• Check out our friends at Notebird, a tool for managing and making the most of relationships in youth ministry

🔖🐦 Notebird special! 🔖🐦
Hey podcast listeners Taylor and team wanted to offer you a special promotion! Check it out here: https://www.notebird.app/booster

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You can't quite make it on your own! 

This episode focuses on the essential characteristics of effective youth ministry, emphasizing the need for community, accountability, and ongoing development of leaders. Zac and guest Ian explore common roadblocks leaders face, along with practical strategies for fostering a healthy ministry environment centered on relationships.

🚨SPECIAL GUEST ALERT 
Ian Dunaway
www.ShapingStudentMinistry.com
www.IanDunaway.com
[email protected]

💡Big Ideas
• Importance of community for youth leaders and church health 
• Accountability as a tool for growth, not guilt 
• Moving beyond event-driven ministry to relational connection 
• Strategies for developing leaders and volunteers 
• The impact of personal development on overall ministry health

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If there is a ministry genie that can grant wishes then here are our 5 for 2025! 

Happy New Year's episode everyone! This week we explore how to shape youth ministry in 2025, emphasizing relational connections, purposeful engagement, and the joy of community. Chad and Zac have five  wishes that will guide ministries to build stronger connections with youth while incorporating fun, service, and social media.

1. Use social media to build bridges, not posts.
2. Serve. Serve Together.
3. Hand Keys To Students
4. Have Fun On Purpose
5. Make It Relational

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Picture this: a repaired wise man figurine named King Christmas, hidden for joyous family fun and stories of Christmas Eve steak dinners at Longhorn. These are just a few of the festive gems shared by our guests Chris Trent, Matt Flanagan, and Todd Sanders on the Youth Industry Booster podcast. As we unwrap their cherished holiday traditions, we also explore how these customs evolve, especially with life's changes like welcoming new family members. This episode is rich with heartwarming tales that celebrate the adaptability and joy of family traditions during the holiday season.

Turning the spotlight from holiday cheer to divine callings, we dive into the inspiring journeys that led Zach, Matt, Todd, and Chris into ministry. Imagine being placed in a ministry role at just 19, or discovering your life's work through a chance introduction to church. These stories reveal the unexpected paths and profound joy that come with aligning one's personal and spiritual identities. It's a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of understanding one's calling in ministry work.

Balancing ministry and personal life is no small feat, and our conversation offers insights for sustaining both personal and professional growth. From the critical role of mentorship to the art of juggling family and ministry responsibilities, we emphasize the need for lifelong learning and maintaining strong relationships. We also examine the challenges of different life stages and the importance of embracing change to stay relevant. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the rewarding yet demanding world of youth ministry.

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Remember a time when cell phones were a novelty and social media was just a distant dream? 

*Special Guest Alert Kevin Libick* 
This episode is a nostalgic rewind featuring a seasoned ministry leader who’s been on the front lines since the late '90s. From the days of mailing out calendars and jazzing up bulletin boards with clip art (yes, clip art!) to the arrival of video editing software, we swap stories and laughs about how tech has completely reshaped the way we do ministry.

We’re talking about the shift from old-school communication to today’s digital-first approach, unpacking how technology has revolutionized the way we connect with students. But it’s not just about the tools—it's about the transformation in our strategy, from organizational branding to cultivating personal connections that really stick.

Balancing Tech and Heart: The New Youth Ministry Playbook

Our guest shares insights on how youth groups have moved toward individual branding and identity while staying anchored in the power of relationships. Multi-site church leaders, this one’s for you—we break down the challenges of navigating ever-evolving platforms while keeping the focus on small group investment and relational discipleship. It’s about prioritizing people over programs and flexibility over rigidity to ensure we’re ministering to students, not just at them.

Staying in the Game: Passion, Conflict, and Legacy

Let’s get real. Ministry isn’t all lock-ins and late-night taco runs. We tackle the hard stuff—like staying passionate when ministry starts to feel routine and learning to face conflict head-on. Our guest opens up about personal battles with adversity, including the life-altering experience of battling cancer, and shares how grace and humility can transform leadership.

We explore practical strategies for avoiding burnout, embracing collaboration, and empowering others to take ownership in ministry. You’ll hear how building a culture of service and trust ensures that your ministry doesn’t just survive—it thrives long after you’ve handed over the keys. This episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement to help you lead well and leave a lasting impact.

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