From the very first Christmas there has never been a perfect Christmas and in today's episode I want to offer you some alternatives to pursuing the perfect Christmas that will bring you even more joy.

Join me Thursday night Dec. 5th at 8pm cst for Before You Put It On The Calendar Workshop

https://www.jotform.com/form/243164639242154

The holidays are a lonely season for many people, and by many people I mean pastors too. In this episode I want to share some important information from a survey conducted by The American Bible Society on the scripture and loneliness as well as some strategies for re-engaging your bibles to navigate your own season of loneliness.

Sign up for the first session of my new course, Before You Put It On The Calendar

https://www.jotform.com/form/243164639242154

Surgeon General: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

American Bible Society Survey findings

https://www.faithonview.com/bible-engagement-a-proven-antidote-to-the-loneliness-epidemic/

My Monthly Mentor

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/hyxlt

Book a 15 minute call to see if Mentor Me is for you

I deactivated my Facebook account and in this episode I share why along with some social media reminders for all pastors. My hope is that my experience, although not new, will be a reminder about our important our witness for Christ is.

No Comment Devotional

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/fiymx

Watch how I set up my Nerf November session

https://youtu.be/QiheievgG5I?si=M-4VSH8ZAZ8i4kPx

Get the Youth Pastor's Guide To Creating An Epic Nerf Night

https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/c45da098e8

Are you on a healthy church staff? How would you know? In today's episode. Todd Rhoades From Chemistry Staffing and myself discuss the 2024 Church Staff Overview Assessment and dig deep into questions like what shifts have taken place in church staffing post-covid and what causes the most damage to student pastor’s health and well being and what can youth pastors do to avoid "staff infection".

Get the 2024 Church Staff Overview Assessment

e-mail Todd at [email protected]

Visit their website for a free assessment tool

https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/

The New Youth Pastor's Guide To The Interview Process

https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/ffa4c4c6b6

Does calendar planning in your church feel like Squid Games? Everyone competing and conniving to get rooms or the church van? In this episode I'm going to show you how to collaborate with other ministries in the church to avoid The Big 3 and, maybe, keep your job a little longer. Links to all the stuff below.

Listen to the first episode in the Before You Put It On The Calendar series

https://tinyurl.com/w64ywrkw

Download the Before You Put It On The Calendar Worksheet

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/f3aa214c99

Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@discipleprojectoutreach

Squad Goals: Goal Setting Course

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/FUpLg

My Youth Ministry Playbook

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/cfmra

It's getting towards the end of the year and if you are thinking about your 2025 calendar, stop it, until you've listened to this episode. Why? Because I want you to 1) not make the mistakes I've made 2) not make the mistakes you made in 2024 3) ask the question that will help you fulfill the goals God has put on your heart for your youth ministry.

Before You Put It On The Calendar Worksheet

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/f3aa214c99

My Youth Ministry Playbook

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/cfmra

Squad Goals

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/FUpLg

Christmas Party Checklist

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/ebbce29375

I don't know what kind of year you have had, but today's episode is here to remind you it's going to be ok. I hope this episode reminds you that you are loved and you are more than just a youth pastor, you're a child of God.

Blessed Family Recovery Summit

https://www.blessedfamily.link/disciple

Purchase youth ministry resources and support the podcast

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/

Funny how a month like Pastor Appreciation Month can make so many people, especially youth pastors, feel so unappreciated. If this month has you feeling down or left out, I have an encouraging word for you. Don't skip this episode.

If you'd like to support the podcast, check out my store

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/

Have you ever thought about how much time you spend with students? I hate to break it to you but in this episode I'm going to share with you how little time that is when you look at the big picture.

I'm also going to share with you how you can maximize that time with students so you can have a greater impact towards them becoming life time followers of Jesus.

Support the Podcast

Unpopular Series

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/kzalk

Shop the Store

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/

Join the newsletter

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/f874c23fc7

What's your POV, point of view, about youth ministry? Do you have one? Do you need one? That's what this episode is all about. So, grab some coffee and I'll tell you my POV on the most over rated college team for the past 30+ years, the greatest game ever created and the best fast food hamburger you can shove in your mouth.

Unpopular: Gideon Free Lesson (newsletter)

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/f874c23fc7

Unpopular: 4 Week Series

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/kzalk

Halloween: 31 Days of Would You Rather (newsletter)

https://sunny-knitter-655.ck.page/a31f075ef2

Halloween:31 Days of Would You Rather + Which Is Scarier (Bible)

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/gpevu

My Monthly Mentor

https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/gpevu