Youth Ministry Podcast

We've all had days when ministry programs don't go according to plan. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate, too few students show up, too many students show up, or maybe you didn't have enough time to adequately prepare. This is why it's important to have an imaginary "Youth Ministry Fanny Pack" with some no-prep, timeless tools at your disposal. In this episode Jake and Erik discuss the games, movies, and Bible study techniques they utilize when they're in a pinch. Jake also offers insights on ways to create and organize your own youth ministry "pan-pan" list.

Liturgy gets a reputation for being archaic and boring, especially among young people. Church has a long history of creating traditions, rituals, and spiritual practices. Is there a place for such things in youth group? What could that look like? Jake and Erik discuss ways liturgy principles can create meaningful youth ministry experiences. They also circle back to last week's conversation about love and discuss some recent news articles about purity culture.

Love is in the air! With Valentine's Day approaching, it's time to talk about love in youth group. What are some of the best (and worst) ways to tackle this topic? How can you include all the kids in this conversation, not just the ones interested in dating or romance? Grab your favorite translation of 1 Corinthians 13 and join Erik and Jake for a discussion that's all about love.

For many church workers, winter brings two things: nasty weather and continuing education events. This week, Jake and Erik discuss both of these topics—Jake's experience at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network's 2019 Extravaganza event and the recent stretch of bad weather across the country. They also reflect on establishing appropriate boundaries in youth ministry and how to employ humor (or not) in youth group.

Ministry doesn't happen in a cultural vacuum. Every day we are surrounded by people, art, and media which can inform our work with young people. For this reason, Erik and Jake are trying out an every-once-in-a-while episode format called Pop Culture Crossover. This week they identify six insights for ministry in the documentary, "Michael Jackson's This Is It." You don't need to have seen the movie to follow along with the conversation, and you just might find yourself singing along more than once.

Young people aren't just the church's future, they are the church's present. Congregations can benefit from the passionate enthusiasm youth have to offer. But not every church is nimble enough to enact the kind of speedy changes young people demand. How can youth ministers empower young people to lead? What are some ways congregations can be open to the ideas offered by their young members? Erik and Jake consider these questions and offer their thoughts on how youth can make their voices heard by church leaders.

Public opinion of clergy has plummeted in recent years. Fewer than 40% of Americans believe pastors are honest or have high ethical standards. What does that mean for youth ministers? How can you earn the trust of your students, parents, staff, and church members? Erik and Jake (after some hand-wringing about the state of the church) offer several ways you can convey honesty and integrity in your ministry.

Nurses Again Outpace Other Professions for Honesty, Ethics

Religion Considered Important to 72% of Americans

Youth Ministry Podcast: Child Safety Policies

Public opinion of clergy has plummeted in recent years. Fewer than 40% of Americans believe pastors are honest or have high ethical standards. What does that mean for youth ministers? How can you earn the trust of your students, parents, staff, and church members? Erik and Jake (after some hand-wringing about the state of the church) offer several ways you can convey honesty and integrity in your ministry.

Nurses Again Outpace Other Professions for Honesty, Ethics

Religion Considered Important to 72% of Americans

Youth Ministry Podcast: Child Safety Policies

Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Baccalaureate…the church performs many important rituals for young people. But what about the person who isn't ready at the same time as their peers? How can youth ministers celebrate meaningful milestones while remaining flexible? Jake and Erik talk about ways they practice sacred traditions in their congregations. They also have a few ideas for moving milestones out of the church and into the home, neighborhood, and school.

It's time to make New Year's Resolutions. What are your goals for 2019, and what are the odds you'll keep these in the forefront of your thoughts for more than a few weeks? In this episode you'll hear Jake and Erik talk about their personal and professional aspirations for the coming year. They'll offer ways to make reasonable resolutions and suggest strategies for avoiding the mid-February flameout.