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People can be mean! Or if we are being honest... how do you handle the unfiltered honesty of middle school girls in youth ministry? 

In this fresh episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac and Chad bring their humor and truthfulness to tackle it! 

Chad +  tortilla = hilarious. 

What is something you have  been told something that was hateful... by a student? 

We’ve got stories like that and more as we confront the tough reality of receiving criticism in youth ministry. Check out this episode for practical strategies process feedback without losing your cool. Friendship, filters, and fresh air all help! 

 This episode underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile. 

So get ready for a laugh and some heartfelt stories that reflect the resilience needed to handle the candid feedback from our young students while still forging meaningful connections.

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Smmer camps can transform your youth ministry experience! 

Join us for a special crossover episode where Zach and Chad from Youth Ministry Booster team up with Amanda and Corinne from His Glory Her Good. We share our personal camp memories, from childhood to recent leadership and we highlight the profound impact camps have had on our  lives. 

Planning a camp and unsure where to start? 

We've got you covered. 

In the second half of our discussion, we explore the practicalities of organizing a successful camp. From meticulous planning and community transitions to maintaining personal boundaries, especially for female leaders, we cover it all. 

Learn more how to prepare your camp leaders for their intensive roles, handle urgent situations with a calm presence, and ensure a productive environment. Check in for creative ideas and expert advice that guarantees a memorable and impactful camp experience for everyone involved.

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Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion? 

There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours...

Join Zac and Chad as they  swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys). 

In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- like whether gaming streams are the new radio or if there's a method to the madness of K-pop fandom. It's an honest ride through how relational connections are really made. 

Today's conversations get deep as we explore what drives us to grow and who we trust with our future. So, whether you're in ministry, passionate about youth engagement, or just looking for a blend of banter and wisdom, pull up a chair for an episode that promises to enlighten as much as it entertains.

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We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. 

Remember  school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. 

Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those valleys. 

This heartfelt episode is a reminder for all our ministry friends out there: while we're passionate about serving others, we must also cherish and prioritize our own health and happiness.

Healthy ministry, starting with soul-care, is about striking that elusive balance between ramping up activities and maintaining our personal and family well-being.

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Facebook marketplace is safe right? 

 Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. 

This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned  navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers. 

For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies  to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community. 

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JEREMY SIT DOWN!  Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right?

If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you!

Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues:
If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen hijinks we hope this chat is helpful. We're unpacking the chaos of disruptions with real stories (we have been there!). 

Can we just send these kids to time-out? 
Hey YM friends let's talk about how to foster a culture of respect by clearly setting expectations and  involving students in the process and explaining the 'why' behind the rules. It's about making an impact that goes beyond Sunday and into their daily lives, ensuring that every interaction plants a seed for positive behavior and engagement.

Lastly, let's break it down so you can take it home. 
From ninja-like non-verbal cues between leaders to a 'three-step process' that's more like  four steps, we're laying down our take on behavioral management. We're sharing our blueprint for establishing clear boundaries, all while nurturing growth and fostering a safe space for teens to thrive. So, gear up for some real talk on crafting an environment where respect is the norm, and chaos is shown the door. And hey, don't forget to drop us your thoughts! [email protected]

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Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong? 

 Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. 

This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coaching up what makes games great. 

So enjoy our queasy missteps and food-related fiascos, all while highlighting the true aim of youth events—safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for every student involved.

ChatGPT Games
Balloon Pop 
Fruit Lumberjack
 Human Bowling

We've packed this episode with innovative game ideas that steer clear of athletic prowess and instead, celebrate teamwork and pure, silly fun. So get ready to stock your youth ministry playbook with some fresh, creative game ideas that are guaranteed hits.

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Ever bitten off more than you can chew? 

Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting.

This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a lesson in embracing the unexpected and learning from our missteps—not just in cooking but in our ministry efforts too.

Rolling up our sleeves, Chad and I tackle the hefty topic of expectations in youth ministry. We peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. 

And finally, we're not just talking shop on what could be; we're want to push you on how student ministry adapts to the times. Join us as we question the norms, from worship times to the structure of our gatherings. We hope you'll be just as bold in reimagining how to connect and grow with your youth groups. 

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Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'll even tell you why your friend who has no inkling about a multi-tool could end up loving it as a gift!

• 0:03: Christmas Gift Wishlist and Midrange Gifts
• 8:30: Navigating Difficult Parent-Youth Ministry Relationships
• 24:34: Relationships & Faith in Ministry

Venturing into deeper waters, we grapple with the delicate issue of helicopter parenting in youth ministry. Through our exploration, we underline the need to examine each scenario in its unique context and how it transcends individual parents, pushing us to consider the home and generational backdrop. But amidst these challenges, there's the golden opportunity of nurturing relationships in youth ministry. We uncover the essence of deep discipleship and faith formation in impacting the next generation while unearthing the surprising ministry opportunities with parents. So buckle in for an enlightening journey of faith, relationships, and yes, some chuckles along the way!

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Could you eat faster than Zac?

 No One's Going To Take It!
Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty start to an episode that gets you laughing and wondering about your own eating speed.

ParaSocial Relationships
Then, things take a more profound turn. We journey back to the 1950s as we explore the realm of parasocial relationships and their tremendous influence on present-day youth culture. From their roots in celebrity culture to their evolution and widespread acceptance, it's eye-opening to examine how even individuals with a minute online presence can significantly impact young people's relationships. As we steer this conversation, we also analyze these relationships' potential hazards and how they can impact their connection with higher powers, like God.

Improving Our Present Condition
But we're not all about identifying problems; we aim to bring solutions to the table. Therefore, in the concluding part of our discussion, we delve deep into the importance of relationships in youth ministry. We emphasize the need for safe social spaces for students and meaningful connections among youth ministers. We believe that humor and fun serve as glue in cultivating these connections, and we take you along as we look into how this can elevate the ministry. 

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