Youth Ministry Soulkeeper

Volunteers are the lifeblood of youth ministry. But what happens when a volunteer becomes the problem? James and Todd open up a conversation most youth leaders have needed to have for a long time.Struggling vs. Toxic: The Core DistinctionBefore you can address toxic behavior, you have to be able to name it. James and Todd walk through the key markers of each:A struggling volunteer:

• Is going through a hard season and may be temporarily off their game
• Makes honest mistakes because they’re still learning
• Responds to feedback with humility and a willingness to grow
• Genuinely cares about students even when their execution is imperfect

A toxic volunteer:

• Shows consistent patterns of harmful behavior — not one bad day, but a recurring reality
• Damages students, divides teams, and undermines leadership
• Deflects, dismisses, or gets defensive when given correction
• Operates from self-serving motivations: control, ego, personal agenda

Key diagnostic question: When you give feedback, how do they respond? Humility and openness are the marks of someone who’s struggling. Defensiveness, deflection, and blame signal something deeper.
Links:

ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Summary:
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, Todd and James discuss the importance of building authentic relationships with unchurched students. They emphasize the need for youth leaders to accept students as they are, connect them with caring adults, and build trust over time. The conversation provides practical strategies for engaging students, being present in their lives, and fostering vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. The hosts encourage youth workers to commit to long-term relationships with students, highlighting that genuine love and acceptance can lead to curiosity about faith and ultimately, a relationship with God.



Takeaways:

• Accept students as they are, not based on behavior.
• Building trust takes time and intentionality.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters deeper connections.
• Be present in students' lives outside of church.
• Good intentions alone don't build relationships.
• Every student is an image bearer of God.
• Connect students with multiple caring adults.
• Authentic love creates curiosity about God.
• Discipleship is a long-term journey, not a quick fix.
• Ask good questions to engage students meaningfully.

Show Notes:

ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Beyond The Resolution: Setting Ministry Goals With Grace

Summary: In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James and Todd kick off the new year by tackling a topic every youth leader faces: New Year's resolutions and goal-setting. Moving beyond the typical resolution hype, they dive into what it means to set meaningful ministry goals rooted in grace rather than guilt. The hosts share personal stories about their own struggles with resolutions and explore why so many well-intentioned goals fall apart by February.
The conversation centers on a crucial truth: your identity as a youth leader isn't found in your successes or failures, but in who you are in Christ. James and Todd emphasize the importance of soul care, sustainable habits, and building authentic relationships in ministry. They challenge listeners to shift from program-focused thinking to people-centered ministry, reminding youth leaders that grace isn't just something we extend to students—it's something we desperately need ourselves. Throughout the episode, the hosts offer practical encouragement for setting goals that actually matter: prioritizing relationships with students and parents, creating sustainable rhythms of ministry, and learning to embrace restoration when we inevitably fall short. This is an honest, grace-filled conversation that will leave you refreshed and ready to approach the new year with renewed perspective.

Takeaways:

• New Year's resolutions often fail because they're disconnected from grace — goals without grace become a slippery slope to guilt and burnout.
• Your identity isn't tied to your success or failure — you are defined by who you are in Christ, not by what you accomplish in ministry.
• There's always restoration after the resolution — failure isn't final; God's grace meets us when we fall short.
• People over program should be your primary ministry goal — relationships matter more than perfectly executed events and curriculum.
• Lean toward being "annoying" with parent communication — over-communication with parents is better than under-communication.
• Soul care isn't optional for sustainable ministry — you can't pour from an empty cup; prioritize your own spiritual health.
• Build habits, not just goals — sustainable change comes from consistent, grace-filled practices rather than grand resolutions.
• Grace is Jesus' message to you — the same grace you extend to students is the grace Christ extends to you as a leader.
• Relationships are the foundation of effective youth ministry — invest in people, not just programs, for lasting kingdom impact.

Show Notes:

ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

Summary:
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James and Todd discuss the nuances of youth retreats, including the debate between fall and winter retreats, tips for speakers, and the importance of building relationships with youth. They also address how to handle unexpected situations during retreats and emphasize the significance of clear communication and expectations between youth pastors and speakers. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for creating positive retreat experiences.



Takeaways:
Clear expectations help speakers deliver better messages.
Building relationships with youth enhances the impact of the message.
Being low maintenance as a speaker eases the host's stress.
Treating volunteers as heroes fosters a positive environment.
Assessing the situation calmly is crucial in a crisis.
Documenting decisions helps maintain transparency with parents.
Swag can create a sense of belonging among youth.
Engaging with students during free time builds rapport.
The focus should always be on the well-being of the kids.

Show Notes:

ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

Summary:
In this compelling episode, hosts James and Todd sit down with Jody Livingston, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of ministry experience, to unpack the vital theme of longevity in youth ministry. Drawing from his personal journey and the insights found in his book, Staying Power: Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry, Jody shares candid stories, hard-earned wisdom, and practical encouragement for youth leaders who want to go the distance.
Takeaways:
*Jody has 26 years of experience in youth ministry. *Longevity in youth ministry is crucial for personal and community growth. *Mistakes in youth ministry can lead to valuable lessons. *The difference between a career and a calling is significant in ministry. *Community and friendships are essential for youth pastors. *Many youth pastors feel lonely despite being surrounded by people. *It's important to have friends who can speak truth into your life. *Revisiting your calling can reignite passion for ministry. *Youth ministry should be an overflow of personal growth and calling. *Jody encourages youth pastors to stay committed to their calling.

Show Notes: Connect With Jody Livingston: https://thelongerhaul.com

Connect With The Show: Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Instagram - / ymsoulkeeper
Youtube (watch pod vids here) - / @ymsoulkeeper
Twitter - / ymsoulkeeper 


Connect with James:
Instagram - / jamessabin13 / / edgestudentministries 


Connect with Todd:
Facebook - / toddpearage 
Instagram - / toddpearage 
Twitter - / toddpearage
 
We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected] Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Summary:
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James and Todd discuss the importance of presence and listening in youth ministry. The conversation highlights the power of being present for others, the significance of listening without interruption, and the role of coaching in helping youth leaders grow.  


Takeaways:
If you're not stealing stuff from other youth ministries, you're not even trying.
The deeper the hurt, the fewer the words.
Listening will be the best thing you ever do.
The best gift we give someone is our ears.
You can be mad at God, but you can't stay there.
Being intentionally under programmed
Presence is everything.
Trust the scriptures, trust God.


Show Notes:
EDGE Neon Nights Program Guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17RuQfAo7limDlSz-knMyZw8rf7w3a1R2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114283713636819761122&rtpof=true&sd=true


ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

Summary
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James Sabin and Todd Pearage welcome guest Dave Keehn, who shares his profound journey through grief and faith after the sudden loss of his son, Adam. Dave discusses Adam's transformation from a struggling youth to a passionate youth pastor and the establishment of the Adam Keehn Foundation, aimed at supporting new youth pastors. The conversation delves into the challenges of ministry, the importance of community support during grief, and the opportunities for involvement in coaching within youth ministry. The Adam Keen Foundation is a resource for young youth pastors, offering grants, coaching, and a supportive network.


Takeaways 
Dave Keene shares his journey from youth pastor to professor.
The Adam Keene Foundation supports new youth pastors.
Grief can challenge one's faith in profound ways.
Community support is crucial during times of loss.
Authenticity in grief is important for healing.
Coaching can significantly impact youth ministry development.
The foundation aims to equip youth pastors with resources.
It's okay to have doubts and question God during tough times.
The Adam Keen Foundation offers grants and coaching opportunities.
Community and mentorship are essential for success in ministry.

Show Notes
ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATION
https://adamkeehnfoundation.com/

Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

Summary
In this conversation, James and Todd discuss effective strategies for youth ministry, focusing on the importance of follow-up with newcomers, creating a welcoming environment, and building personal connections. They emphasize the significance of incentivizing attendance, and the role of discipleship in fostering a strong community. Budgeting and resource management are also highlighted as key elements for successful youth programs. 


Takeaways 
Follow-up is a crucial ministry, not just a retention plan. Creating a welcoming environment encourages newcomers to return. Personal connections with youth are essential for effective ministry. Incentivizing attendance can significantly improve retention rates. Discipleship should be at the core of youth ministry efforts. Budgeting for youth programs is necessary for sustainability. Start small and be intentional in your approach to follow-up. Celebrate attendance milestones to foster a sense of belonging. Utilize creative resources to enhance youth engagement. Encourage open communication and feedback from youth and leaders.

Show Notes
 
Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper podcast, hosts James Sabin and Todd Pearage discuss the significance of follow-up ministry. They emphasize the importance of making youth feel valued and connected, sharing personal experiences and strategies for effective follow-up. The conversation also touches on measuring success through numbers and transformational stories, encouraging youth leaders to start small and be consistent in their efforts to engage with students. 

Takeaways Follow-up is essential for making youth feel valued. Numbers can provide insight but are not the whole story. Starting small and being consistent is key to effective follow-up. Creating a welcoming environment begins in the parking lot. Follow-up helps youth feel they belong to a community. Transformational stories are a testament to effective ministry. Engagement through follow-up can lead to increased attendance. Utilizing social media can enhance follow-up efforts. Building relationships is crucial for youth retention. Every youth leader can develop a follow-up strategy that works for them.

Show Notes
 
Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/
• Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouth

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy

In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James Sabin and Todd Pearage announce the upcoming Youth Leader Summit, and share their favorite Christmas songs. They discuss the popular meme 'Mary, Did You Know?' and reflect on the balance between what we know and what remains unknown in our spiritual journeys. Through personal testimonies and insights from youth ministry, they emphasize the significance of being faithful servants of God, even when the outcomes are uncertain. The discussion also touches on practical aspects of youth ministry, sharing what works and how to encourage youth leaders during challenging times.

Takeaways
The Youth Leader Summit is a valuable retreat for networking and learning.
The event includes great speakers and practical content for youth ministry.
The hosts share their top five Christmas songs and the reasons behind their choices.
Our response should be like Mary's: I'm the Lord's servant.
We often don't know all the details of God's plan.
God gives us sneak peeks into His work sometimes.
Faithfulness in ministry is crucial, even when results are unclear.
We serve an amazing God who works behind the scenes.
Youth leaders should remain faithful despite challenges.

Show Notes
 
Connect With The Show:

• Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.co

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followers
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/
• Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8w
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeper

Connect with James:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/

Connect with Todd:

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearage
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearage

We would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [email protected]


Check Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.co
Sign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/join

Get help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.com

Youth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/

Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben Eddy

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy