In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody talks with Josh Griffin about how to bring creativity, intentionality, and structure to your youth ministry programming. From midweek nights to camps and retreats, programming matters more than ever—and Josh shares proven ways to make it engaging and gospel-centered.

Whether you’re a new youth pastor or a veteran looking to freshen things up, this conversation will help you reimagine how you design your weekly gatherings for maximum connection and impact.

How to define what “programming” really means in youth ministry

Why creativity and emotion are essential to building engagement

How to take “baby steps” toward a better program (without chaos)

The power of variety and when to introduce change

Programming pitfalls to avoid: too much change, copy-paste ideas, or doing nothing

How to use fun and humor strategically

Why connecting your ministry’s program to the larger church culture matters

Simple, creative programming ideas (like LEGO walls, blessings, and Extreme Bingo)

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody shares a timely reminder for youth pastors heading into the busy fall season: you don’t have to choose between being faithful and being fried. This episode walks through practical strategies for creating a fall rhythm that fuels your ministry without burning you out.

Why busyness doesn’t always equal fruitfulness

How to re-center your calendar around purpose, not pressure

Weekly, monthly, and quarterly rhythm ideas for sustainable ministry

The value of protecting a weekly night off (and honoring it)

How to build in margin for rest—on purpose

The “delegate or delete” rule for avoiding leadership bottlenecks

Why your rhythm sets the culture for your ministry and your family

Whether you’re feeling overloaded or just want to stay healthy long-term, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead intentionally—and avoid burnout.

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with veteran youth pastor Paul Turner to talk about longevity in ministry—what it takes to stay faithful through the decades, the different challenges of each stage of life, and what youth pastors need most in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Paul brings nearly four decades of ministry experience to the table with vulnerable stories, practical insights, and honest encouragement for youth workers at every level.

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In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of rest and planning for youth pastors. As the summer winds down, many youth pastors find themselves exhausted from camps, mission trips, and events.

Steve Cullum from the National Network of Youth Ministries joins the show as we explore strategies to transition smoothly into the school year. Discover practical insights on scheduling breaks, building supportive teams, and finding personal rejuvenation.

Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or new to the ministry, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in your calling. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice to ensure you’re not just surviving but thriving in your ministry journey.

This is the episode for youth pastors who feel like they’re crawling into the fall semester.

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In this special 150th episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris Trent returns to the show—but this time, he’s asking the questions.

Chris interviews Jody Livingston about his new book, Staying Power: 10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry. Together, they talk about the heart behind the book, what led Jody to write it, and why staying in youth ministry is more possible—and more important—than ever.

This conversation is packed with honest reflections, encouragement, and practical advice for youth workers who want to serve with faithfulness for the long haul.

Why longevity in youth ministry is so hard—and so needed

The stories and convictions that shaped Staying Power

How to persevere through discouragement, burnout, and seasons of doubt

Why staying matters more than being impressive

What Jody hopes youth pastors will walk away with after reading the book

Staying Power Book

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody is joined by RJ McCauley to talk about what it really takes to reach the next generation—and why calling students to more than just showing up matters now more than ever.

RJ shares lessons from years in youth ministry and gives practical advice on connecting with Gen Z in meaningful ways. They discuss the importance of gospel clarity, the hunger students have for truth, and how to create environments that move students from passive consumers to passionate followers of Jesus.

How to reach Gen Z in a culture of distraction and confusion

Why entertainment isn’t enough—and what students actually crave

How RJ encourages students to own their faith and follow Jesus boldly

The importance of building gospel-centered, intentional ministries

Why we can’t underestimate the influence of the Holy Spirit

Staying Power Book

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we’re joined by Jake Mulder to discuss what it means to lead change in youth ministry—especially when you’re not the lead pastor. We unpack practical ways for you to influence vision, build trust, and lead transitions well.

How to lead effectively when you’re not in charge

Key principles for navigating change in youth ministry

How to balance innovation with honoring the church’s past

Ways to build trust and cast vision for the future

Practical steps for creating long-term impact in your ministry

If you’re in youth ministry and looking for ways to lead through change while keeping your church moving forward, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make a lasting impact.

Books:

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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.

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

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness.

Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing issues like online gambling and social media addiction, and empowering parents to navigate cultural trends with wisdom and discernment. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you disciple students and support families in your ministry.

If you’re looking to grow as a youth pastor and support families in discipling students, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and actionable steps.

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In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship.

If you’re a volunteer youth leader or know someone serving in this role, this episode is full of wisdom to encourage and equip you in ministry.

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Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching