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How do I get students to actually read their Bibles?

 Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks? 

Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of only reading it during crisis or reciting it as cliche. 

Remember, your goal is to create an environment where teenagers can explore the Bible's teachings in a way that resonates with them. It's about fostering a genuine interest and understanding rather than forcing them to open to it. 

Join us as we dive into these practical strategies to help your teenagers build a meaningful connection with the Christian Bible.

The role of a great youth minister is as a guide. You are taking people out on the boat to show them how deep and beautiful the ocean really can be. 

You are creating a safe space for exploration and that support will help your students journey through the scriptures.

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What are we going to do next?  What do we have planned?

It's something we say often as youth ministry leaders, but is that really all there is? Is ministry just a matter of planning?

Do we really need a better calendar? Is all about what we can plan?

We are talking spiritual health inside of Youth Ministry Booster and we have been asking what we need.

What we really need is...

Discernment.

The collective effort to not ask, "what do we have planned?" but to seek what God might have for our ministry through story-telling, celebration, and noticings.

God's Plan.
It is something we have to be reminded about, like our almost 8 year history of podcasting. Back in 2015, our 'After 9' era, we were self-funded *resourceless* and attending our first conference in Texas with a pop-up banner, borrowed office chairs, and a bowl of gummy bears. 

There is an invaluable lesson you can only learn when you feel like you have nothing,. It's the lesson about asking the right questions and discernment in youth ministry leadership.

So we hope this humorous and helpful reminder gives you hope. 

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Piles. Stacks. Mess. UGGGHHHH! Are you tripping over clutter, both in your physical space and your digital life?  Same.

Until...

Join Chad Higgins and Zac as we take a deep dive into personal organization. This is part 3 of our organized for impact series for youth ministry leaders. 

There is power, power, wonder working  power of labeling and how designating a space for each item, no matter how small, can rein in the chaos.

*BONUS discover the secret to protecting your personal email from the undesirables.

We discuss the benefits of breaking up your day into manageable chunks and how setting timers can keep you motivated. And if things get too overwhelming, don't worry - we've got strategies for resetting and refocusing your energy. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. This week, take a step towards a more organized life by listening to this episode and make a new friend who shares your goal. You might just be surprised at how much you grow!

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The battery was dead!

Taking control of schedules, creating task lists, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, we discuss how these skills are critical in improving focus, efficiency, and dealing with student ministries.

Zac and Chad wrap up their discussion by exploring the significance of organization in student ministry. Learn from our experiences on how to stay ahead of deadlines, manage stress, and plan effectively.

0:00 Organizational Tips and Car Troubles

7:39 Strategic Planning and Bigger Calendar

13:07 Time Management in Student Ministry

21:13 Developing Leadership in Student Ministry

33:23 Effective Leadership and Delegation for Tasks

37:00 Importance of Organization in Student Ministry

We are here to stress the importance of anticipating tasks, creating oversight, and providing guidance and support to leaders. Get ready for an episode filled with practical insights, intriguing stories, and plenty of laughs!

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I CANT FIND IT! If you have ever been frustrated when looking for an old email, a file, or even a thing in your office then we have your back! 

Youth may be chaotic, but your ministry doesn't have to be chaotic. 

Honest talk. Have you ever considered how this lack of organization might be affecting not just yourself, but the people around you and the leadership you provide? 

Booster is here to help! Seriously, it's one of our favorite topics. This episode and a few more to follow are all about the impactful role of organization in youth ministry and how it can enhance your leadership skills and give you more clarity and rest.

We're not just talking about tidying up your desk or sending emails on time. We're going a step further to talk about intentional neglect of certain tasks to focus on more important ones, and how a clean workspace can provide clarity, focus, and create a welcoming environment for others. You have to see the big picture! It's not just about planning the next event but connecting the dots in your ministry. It starts in taking a broader view, setting clearer expectations, and integrating new students really well into the community. 

This episode is a reminder for how to structure your ministry for different seasons, and how to break down big projects into manageable chunks for better organization.

We want to help you grow your youth ministry! as we delve into the importance of organizational planning and goal setting. Zac and Chad discuss practical ways to increase your bandwidth for ministry work, like setting up templates and clear goals. 

This episode is part one in a wealth of practical tips and insights for anyone involved in youth ministry. Let's get organized and make a difference!

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Summer fun is almost done, but are you fall ready in youth ministry yet?

Zac and Chad have some laughs, stories, and insights to help get you ready for a big fall early.

In this episode the guys talk about recruiting and training leaders, transitioning new recruits via camp experiences, and launching key spiritual initiatives in September. 

Summer fun isn't over yet! We're also going to walk you through the steps to a successful fall launch in student ministry. There's ideas for creating a vibrant environment, outside activities and a grand launch, sprucing up the space with new artwork, and hosting dedicated parent meetings. 

Get fall ready before summer is even over! 

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Struggling to fill those last-minute spots for your summer camp?

We hear you! It's one of the biggest weeks of ministry, budget, and responsibility of the whole year! 

Fear not, as in this episode, we'll provide you with valuable insights and strategies to ensure a successful camp season. Join Chad and Zac as they talk about what makes camp extra great! 

In this episode we discuss the importance of being prepared for potential changes, proactive communication with senior leadership, and how to motivate students who may not have been considering attending camp. 

Let's talk about how personal invitations and sharing stories of previous camp experiences can make all the difference. 

As you finalize for the summer camp season, this episode will help you plan, adapt, and communicate effectively to create an unforgettable experience for all involved. So, let's get ready to make this summer camp one for the books!

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On this episode of Youth Ministry Booster, the hosts announce the exciting news that Season 5: Revival Generation registration is now open! 

This episode not only brings you exciting possibilities for the new season but takes some unexpected turns with discussions on vitamin water, scurvy, and Flintstone vitamin dipping sauce. I know right? You can already taste it.

In this season of Booster, we are focusing on the topic of revival and providing five challenges to help leaders reshape the conversation around it. The hosts and special guest Chad Higgins emphasize the importance of personal revival and the need for pastors to lead by example. 

Season 5: Revival Generation discusses the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, accountability, and intentional growth in ministry. 

Join the conversation and community! We encourage youth pastors to have honest relationships with those around them and work towards creating a community that prioritizes the church and the gospel. You can join the conversation and learn how to make a positive impact in student ministry and create lasting friendships with others.

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What's the most important thing youth ministry offers?

The first answer is Jesus, but is there another layer that students need to experience to help hear the name of Jesus more clearly.

In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk one of their most beloved principles for healthy student ministry. It's a vital part of every ministry, the ministry of fun.

And no, we don't mean fun as in games. Yes, maybe games sometimes, but fun is so much more than the silly 5 mins before the 2nd song on Wednesday nights.

Fun is so much more. When done right fun is revolutionary. Fun is the counter-cultural experience of being a safe space where people care about you and welcome you to be know.

So in this episode we want open up what fun might mean for your youth ministry.

Lend us your ears and let's chat about what a ministry of fun looks like for your teenagers.

Chad and Zac are here for you because quality fun is hard work and there is no better way to get fun done than on a team! 

Follow up with our team!
https://studentministry.lifeway.com/

Join us for a preaching event like no other!
https://www.lifeway.com/experience

Let's hang out in your town!
https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s..

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Do you ever get caught up in your feels?

Your students will be up in their feelings this summer (especially at camp)... so what's your plan?

In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk about how emotions are an important part of youth ministering. It's part of their development and an important piece of pastoring faithfully.

And there is no season more emotional or emotive than summer. It's big events, it's the relief of less school, it's a new rhythm for life. They might actually even get a few naps in...

So in this episode we wanted to prep with you, for you, the emotional journey students might take this summer.

Lean in and review what your space and time allocates for emotional development. Are you steamrolling through? Are you often derailed at the first signs of sleepy-tired tears? How are you prepping yourself and your team?

For the middle schooler and high schooler make plans not just for what you will do, but perhaps how it will affect your students when you gather this summer.

Chad and Zac are here for you emotionally as you are planning, pastoring, and caretaking for students. Reach out and let us know how we can help.

Follow up with our team!
https://studentministry.lifeway.com/

Join us for a preaching event like no other!
https://www.lifeway.com/experience

Let's hang out in your town!
https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s...

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Join the community!