What do you wish you knew before become a youth pastor? A bunch, right? Well, in today's hall of fame episode I share 11 things I wish I knew and I hope they will help you navigate whatever journey you are on. Links below to all the resources mentioned. Back To School Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx New Youth Pastor Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/dATPb Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Youth Ministry Playbook https://youthminreso...
Jul 06, 2025•23 min
This weeks Hall of Fame episode is all about YOU! That's right. Youth Ministry tips and tricks only can take us so far, it's who we are in Christ that helps us love and lead students. Check out the resources below and thanks for listening. Back To School Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx New Youth Pastor Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/dATPb Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Youth Ministry Playbook https://youthminresources.gumroad....
Jun 29, 2025•10 min
If you’ve been struggling to stay in youth ministry and ready to hang it up, don’t do it is just yet. This interview could rekindle your passion for youth and challenge you to persist in your calling. Links below to all the stuff. Staying Power (10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry) https://amzn.to/445QSjt Backpocket Games PDF https://longerhaul.myflodesk.com/whfpipcqqd The Longer Haul Podcast https://thelongerhaul.com/ New Youth Pastor Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com... Ca...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Is your youth ministry team feeling a bit spiritually cold? This episode will help you rekindle their passion for the Lord and for ministry. If you'd like my Youth Pastors Guide To Rekindling Volunteer Passion, you can receive it by either signing up for my newsletter https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/f126fc165d or you can head over to my store https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/jihth
Jun 22, 2025•17 min
Has fear been getting in the way of living your vision? In today's episode I share my struggle with fear and how I got my vision for life and ministry back. Back To School Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx New Youth Pastor Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/dATPb Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Catch A Vision Live Your Dreams https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/MlZjF
Jun 15, 2025•17 min
It can be hard to address tough topic in youth ministry like what is happening in Los Angeles, right now. If you are needing some resources to help guide the discussion I have prepared a prayer, scriptures and discussion questions. You can find them on my website https://thediscipleproject.net/a-prayer-for-los-angeles/
Jun 11, 2025•5 min
Welcome back to the second Hal of Fame episode. If you are looking to re-launch your youth ministry, you have to ask these 9 questions. I cover each question and give practical advice for how I've answered these questions. If you want the pdf version of these questions, link below. Sign up for my newsletter and receive The Ultimate Re-Launch Checklist https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/cf22145e1c Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Back To School Bundle https://youthmin...
Jun 08, 2025•9 min
Hope your summer is off to a great start. This summer I will be re-posting my best episodes, those that really resonated with youth pastors, and I'm calling this summer series: My Hall of Fame Episodes. So enjoy your summer and enjoy this episode on how to become a successful youth pastor. Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Back To School Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx New Youth Pastor Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/dATPb Summer ...
Jun 01, 2025•21 min
Why can adults recall bible verses, stories and bible facts but disregard the bible as way to live? That is the question I will be answering today and offering some solutions as well. Check the links below to get your teens excited to come back to youth in the fall. Back To School Bundle (includes a 30 minute coaching call) https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Youth Ministry Store https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/
May 26, 2025•6 min
With the NBA playoffs in full swing I ran across a story of Tyrese Haliburton being voted most overrated player in the the NBA. Well, he's in the play off and they are not. Here's my take, hot or not, on what do about those who underrate you, overrate you or overlook you. Sign up for my newsletter and receive today's Hot Take and Holy Talk Lesson https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/4f8f4bd485 Media2message Bundle (9 Lessons) https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/qylvyg Catalyst Coaching https://...
May 20, 2025•12 min
Dads, prepare to be encouraged. My guest today is Jeff Hamilton, author or Dad Academy, and he is going to pour into you the wisdom every dad needs. Jeff's books comes out Tuesday, May 27th. Links below. Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids https://www.dadacademy.info/ Dad Academy 7 Session Workshop https://amzn.to/43reyzy https://www.instagram.com/dad.academy/
May 18, 2025•53 min
Pastor steals 135k and spends it on food delivery and sports betting. Let's talk about integrity in today's episode. If you'd like the Bible Study to do with your students, sign up for my newsletter. Integrity Bible Study https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/68c18a1589 Media2Message Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/qylvyg Super Summer Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/nrwucc Back To School Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/goezgx
May 13, 2025•13 min
Do you know what we do here? Is a question I overheard and I ma excited to share both the context and the impact it could have on your youth ministry. The Youth Pastors Guide To Graduation https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/khfma The Youth Pastor Guide To Summer Camp https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/gadon Super Summer Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/nrwucc Discipleship Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/vcbqj
May 11, 2025•9 min
Yes, something new. I have thoughts on media and how Christians approach it. With no where to put these thoughts, I started a new show right here on the pod. Every Tuesday, I will look at some piece of media be it a movie, song or book where I think Christians are overreacting or under-reacting and if there is a lesson to teach our students about discerning the media. Sign up for my newsletter and receive the lesson https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/d686a9505c Media2Message Bundle https://youthm...
May 06, 2025•15 min
This has never happened in my 35 years of youth ministry. Well, it finally happened. No one showed. Not one student. In this episode I share what the Lord is teaching me and, if you're going though a sucky time in ministry, how it might benefit you. Links from the show below. Summer Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/nrwucc Youth Pastor's Guide To Graduation https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/khfma Youth Pastors Guide To Summer Camp https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/gadon ...
May 04, 2025•17 min
Easter is not a weekend or a Holiday, it is an eternal truth and if you are worried about the future, this episode is for you. The Youth Pastors Guide To Graduation https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/khfma The Youth Pastors Guide To Summer Camp https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/gadon Super Summer Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/nrwucc
Apr 27, 2025•7 min
It's Easter Week, a time of miracles but miracles often start with something mundane like mud, water or bread and fish. If you think what you're doing doesn't matter, listen in, God may something different to say. Tomorrow is the last day to get 15% off everything in my store in celebration of 15 years of Disciple Project Ministries. Use Discount code: fifteen at check out. DPM Store: https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/
Apr 14, 2025•3 min
When discouragement hits me, it hits hard. What do I do when it hits? I write. And today I wrote something for you, if you've been feeling discouraged. I hope it encourages you to "Keep Drawing". If you're doing youth camp this summer, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive The Youth Pastors Guide To Summer Camp and get a ton of resources to make you summer camp the best it can be https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/f0bbd61253
Apr 03, 2025•9 min
Have you been lying to yourself? Why haven't you built that team around that big idea you have or around your youth ministry? In this episode I share the 7 lies leaders tell themselves about teams and why you might be dragging your feet in building your own team. These tips are from the book Future Focused Church. Link below. I am an Amazon Affiliate and the links below may throw a few pennies my way should you use them to purchase the book. Future Focused Church https://amzn.to/4leCGws 3 Garden...
Mar 29, 2025•15 min
In this episode I go undercover as a teenager using Ai to if it can help me become, at least, a more knowledgable follower of Jesus and the results are surprising. If you're needing some youth ministry resources like lessons, message series, discipleship resources and even coaching, you can, for the next 15 days get it for 15% off as I celebrate 15 years of Disciple Project Ministries. Use the discount count: fifteen to get 15% off. The Youth Pastor's Guide To March Madness https://youthminresou...
Mar 19, 2025•11 min
What an honor to have the legend, the lead singer of the multi-platinum Nu Metal band P.O.D on show. We'll talked about his new book Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds, music, band life, what does it mean to be a whosoever youth ministry and much more. Grab the bible study: https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/9ec72d72fe Pick up Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds. I am an Amazon Affiliate and your purchase may result in a few pennies coming my way https://amzn.to/3QWGgx1 https:/...
Mar 10, 2025•56 min
I was thinking the other day about altar calls and how we call kids to Christ. I, like many of you, may have a love/hate relationship with them. In this episode I share some of my reflections being a student who responded to altar calls and as a youth pastor giving altar calls and my thoughts on the effectiveness of altar calls but also, what's the "better than an altar call", what's the alternative? Want to share your thoughts? Vote in my Youtube Poll. http://youtube.com/post/UgkxAI2tja36pUWlNm...
Mar 05, 2025•12 min
Have you been feeling lately like you're not enough? Well get ready to be encouraged. In this episode I take a different route to keeping you motivated and your youth ministry moving forward and it's straight from God's word. I hope it encourages you. Lent/Easter Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/GBJbl The Youth Pastor's Guide To March Madness https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/wqthue Buy the Youth Pastor's Guide To A Successful Youth Camp https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/...
Mar 02, 2025•6 min
Are you struggling to get your big ideas approved in the church where you work? In today's episode I want to show you how to get things done regardless if you are brand new to youth ministry or just brand new to your church. The Youth Pastors Guide To March Madness (Paid) https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/wqthue The Youth Pastors Guide To March Madness (Free) https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/0141f84388 3 Gardens Series + Prayer Stations https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/2c9a33a503 Easter/...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min
Are you worried that your not meeting up to expectations? Been there. In this episode I share 6 work principles that will not only get you ready for a yearly review but will make you the kind of staff member pastors want to have around. How To Survive A Quarterly Review https://soundcloud.com/yminmotion/how-to-survive-a-quarterly?si=69dab14e735e4043ba446e4ea887a150&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Easter/Lent Bundle https://youthminresources.gumroad.co...
Feb 12, 2025•9 min
Do you have a yearly or quarterly review coming up? Are you ready for it? This meeting can feel like the Super Bowl of Youth Ministry where opponents meet and only 1 emerges victorious (this fight it fixed by the way) but it doesn't have to be that way. This episode is all about not only surviving but thriving during a review process. Listen in an turn your showdown into glory bound. Music: Sunshine Stock Music provided by AudioKraken, from Pond5 Easter/Lent Bundle https://youthminresources.gumr...
Feb 02, 2025•10 min
Have you been wondering how to get your students to show up more consistently? In this episode I'll be share 7 youth ministry secrets of consistency. A.C.T.I.O.N Figures: Made By God For Good https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/rdzwk Catalyst Coaching https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/Zvak My Youth Meeting Playbook https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/EmcLz My Youth Ministry Playbook https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/cfmra Youth Ministry Store https://youthminresources.gumroad...
Jan 27, 2025•14 min
In this episode I share an interview with my friend Dan Ingram who invited me onto his podcast. I share some personal moments of both victory and defeat but in the end I persevered. If you feel like quitting ministry or life, I hope this episode encourages you to stay strong. Danny's Podcast: Recovery Church https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5PhkHtN9yV0Dn4ExGPZdTrZLFWizkKk4&si=isYRLVO6aKPjGL6N Danny's Music Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClGaFZV5HLOQZRYbjW6eCQQ New Youth Pastor B...
Jan 20, 2025•32 min
In today's episode I share a few quotes from the coach of the Notre Dame Fight Irish with the hopes of challenging you to choose hard things. A.C.T.I.O.N Figures: Made By God, Made For Good (6 Weeks of Lessons) https://youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/rdzwk A.C.T.I.O.N Figures Free Lesson (just sign up for my newsletter) https://sunny-knitter-655.kit.com/7018ca7be5 My Youth Meeting Playbook https:/youthminresources.gumroad.com/l/EmcLz My Youth Ministry Playbook https://youthminresources.gumroad.c...
Jan 16, 2025•11 min
This month is all about setting the tone and pace for your life and youth ministry and so today I offer part one of those things that are unacceptable for me. Things I cannot tolerate otherwise my future is in danger. My hope is that you will come up with your own list of unacceptables and start to move things around in your life to make sure the future is one worth waiting for. Listen to My Unacceptables Part 2 https://tinyurl.com/5n9bcney Sign up for my free webinar: How To Disciple Teens (Wit...
Jan 03, 2025•11 min
