In this episode, we celebrate our 60th podcast milestone and reflect on the journey so far. With a packed summer ahead—camps, activities, and all—we talk about why intentional prayer matters more than ever. We share practical ways to pray for your students’ spiritual growth, hunger for God's Word, salvation, and boldness to share the gospel. The Seven Things to Pray for Your Students: 1. Spiritual Protection Psalm 24:3–6 (CSB) 3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy ...
May 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris Trent and Jennifer Fletcher are joined by Mike McGarry, author of A Biblical Theology for Youth Ministry. They discuss the importance of grounding youth ministry in biblical theology, the intergenerational aspect of faith, and the commitment of the church to nurture the next generation. The conversation emphasizes the role of volunteers in youth ministry and offers encouragement for those involved, especially as graduation seaso...
Apr 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 59
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris Trent and Jennifer Fletcher are joined by special guest Tim Kilgore to talk about volunteer burnout in youth ministry. They share practical ways to avoid burnout by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and staying rooted in worship and authenticity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Podcast 04:55 Understanding Volunteer Burnout 10:11 The Importance of Personal and Corporate Worship 14:57 Taking Breaks and Creating Marg...
Apr 21, 2025•24 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris Trent and Jennifer Fletcher discuss the importance of authenticity in youth ministry with guest Ryan Appling. They explore how being yourself can be a superpower in connecting with teenagers, emphasizing that different personalities can have a significant impact. The conversation highlights the need for youth leaders to build genuine relationships with students, focusing on care over coolness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Yout...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 57
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers , Chris Trent and Jennifer Fletcher are joined by Lifeway experts Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration between youth workers and parents. Drawing from their new book, Define the Relationship , they share insights from research on the dynamics of parent-youth leader relationships and highlight the need for volunteers to ser...
Mar 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 56
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers , Chris, Jennifer, and Todd dive into the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry and offer practical strategies for leading healthy small groups. They explore key elements like fostering respect, encouraging participation, and leading with intentionality, while also tackling common challenges such as gossip. Plus, they discuss the power of prayer and Scripture in shaping a thriving youth ministry. This conversation is packed with i...
Mar 10, 2025•27 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, we discuss the importance of vulnerability in youth ministry with youth ministry vet, Doug Franklin. We explore how sharing personal stories can create deeper connections with students, foster an environment of authenticity, and help teach about God's grace. The conversation emphasizes the need for volunteers to be open about their own struggles and experiences to guide students in their faith journey. Practical tips for engaging students and foster...
Feb 17, 2025•29 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris and Jennifer discuss the importance of working with students who have unique challenges with guest Charlie Jordan. They explore the unique challenges faced by students with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication with parents, fostering compassion among peers, and the overall growth that can occur in youth ministry settings with students who face unique challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Minis...
Feb 03, 2025•35 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris and Wendy Trent discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of showing up consistently. They explore practical tips for volunteers, including being punctual, covering for absent leaders, prioritizing connections with students, and engaging in activities beyond regular gatherings. The conversation highlights how these actions foster a supportive environment for teenagers and enhance their overall experienc...
Jan 13, 2025•19 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of the Youth Ministry podcast, Chris and Jennifer discuss creative and practical gift ideas for volunteers working with teenagers during the Christmas season. They emphasize the importance of building relationships with students through thoughtful gifts, including hosting parties, giving books and journals, and providing snacks. The conversation also highlights the significance of encouragement notes and community service as meaningful ways to engage with students and foster a se...
Dec 09, 2024•27 min•Ep. 51
050 | 50 Things We Love About Volunteers Join us for our 50th episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast. In this episode we discuss 50 things we love about volunteers serving in youth ministry. If you’re looking for some encouragement, this episode is for you! Chapters 00:00 Celebrating 50 Episodes: A Milestone for Volunteers 02:58 50 Things We Love About Volunteers: Introduction 06:09 Todd's Top 10: The Heart of a Volunteer 12:08 Cameron's Contributions: Passion and Community 17:58 Jennifer's Persp...
Nov 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 50
049 | Tips for Handling Phones in Small Group In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris and Jennifer discuss the challenges and distractions posed by cell phones in youth ministry. They share personal experiences and practical tips for volunteers on how to manage cell phone use during small groups/Bible study, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and engaging with parents. The conversation also highlights the significance of teaching teenagers to use traditi...
Nov 11, 2024•23 min•Ep. 49
048 | The role of a youth ministry volunteer at a youth ministry event In this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast, we discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry events. We focus on the importance of building relationships with students, providing logistical support, promoting events effectively, and engaging with students during activities. The conversation also highlights the need for youth pastors to have a clear plan for their volunteers and the significance of expressing grati...
Oct 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 48
047 | Communicating to Middle Schoolers In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Ashley Bohinc, the author of a new book, Communicating with Middle Schoolers. Together, they dive into the unique challenges and proven strategies for effectively connecting with students during this critical stage of development, especially in a ministry setting. This conversation offers practical advice on how to build meaningful relationships with middle schoolers, a group navigating one of the most sign...
Oct 07, 2024•32 min•Ep. 47
Podcast 046 | Teaching Teenagers to Study the Bible on Their Own Join us for episode 46 as we discuss how to help teenagers study the Bible. In this episode, we outline a plan to help teenagers learn how they can utilize tools to help them better understand scripture. We also answer the often asked question: what type of Bible should I buy my teenager? Links Shared During Show Youtube Bible Study Videos including Bible Project - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX5WwSC8sWfy7zidaEbgCMhh78wOF2Lh...
Sep 16, 2024•29 min•Ep. 46
Podcast 045 | Networking with Other Youth Ministering Volunteers Join us in episode 45 as we are joined by Chad Higgins and Zac Workun from Lifeway/Youth Ministry Booster. We talk with Chad and Zac about the importance of networking for youth ministry volunteers. They share the need for collaboration and community among volunteers, as well as the value of learning from and celebrating with one another. Overall, the episode highlights the significance of building relationships and fostering a sen...
Sep 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Abby Trent, a former student and now a youth ministry major. They discuss the importance of knowing and remembering students' names in youth ministry. Abby shares three reasons why this is important: making students feel seen and known, helping them feel valued, and showing them that they are more than just a camper. Abby also provides practical tips for memorizing names, such as using flashcard apps like Quizlet and coming up with creative assoc...
Aug 19, 2024•26 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, we discuss how volunteers can leverage the momentum coming out of summer in youth ministry. We provide practical tips such as catching up with students about their summer experiences, celebrating and highlighting the spiritual moments from the summer, setting goals for the year as a small group, utilizing the stories of students to recruit other volunteers, and inviting students to start fresh in the new school year. We also emphasize the importance of building relationships wit...
Aug 05, 2024•26 min•Ep. 43
042 - Summer Extravaganza Join us in episode 42 for our SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA. This week we are joined by Cameron Wilkins, who works with NextGen for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. We discuss the impact of summer events on youth ministry and the importance of volunteers. We also share tips for volunteers about how to stay connected to teenagers throughout the summer and how to respond to a student who makes a spiritual decision at a summer event. Takeaways Summer events, such as camps, mission...
May 27, 2024•31 min•Ep. 42
041 - What to do when your students are too busy to come to church In this episode, we discuss what to do when students are too busy to come to church. We discuss the importance of not reacting negatively or making students feel guilty for not attending. Instead, we talk about how to celebrate the things that are keeping students busy and reminding them that they are on a mission in those places. We also encourage listeners to show up where students are and be creative in finding ways to connect...
May 13, 2024•20 min•Ep. 41
Podcast 040 | Three Things Every Teenager Needs to Hear You Say Join us in episode 40 as we discuss 3 things every teenagers needs to hear from a volunteer. While we’re not trying to oversimplify what it takes to work with teenagers, we do discuss what are the absolute basic things a teenagers needs to hear. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers is al...
May 01, 2024•15 min•Ep. 40
Join Chris Trent, Jennifer Fletcher, and Tim Kilgore in episode 39 as they discuss ministering to teenagers disconnected from church-involved parents. Discover the importance of patience, grace, and mindful communication in reaching out to these youth. Learn how to navigate relationships with both teens and their non-church parents with respect and compassion. Gain valuable tips on pointing these teenagers towards Jesus and fostering connections with their families. Stay tuned for a heartfelt re...
Apr 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 39
In this episode, Chris and Jennifer are joined by Angela Sanders to discuss girls ministry. They talk about the importance of girls ministry and why churches should consider having a separate ministry for girls. They also provide tips for volunteers who are interested in starting a girls ministry in their church. In this conversation, Angela Sanders shares insights on how to effectively run a girls ministry. She emphasizes the importance of assessing the specific needs of the girls in your conte...
Mar 25, 2024•36 min•Ep. 38
Episode 37 | Why are teenagers so lonely an how can we help? Join us as we discuss the issue of loneliness among teenagers and how volunteers can help. We highlight the fact that despite being more connected than ever through technology, teenagers are experiencing high levels of loneliness. We also take a look the reasons behind this, including shallow relationships and lack of genuine connection. We provide four key strategies for volunteers to address this issue. And of course we emphasize the...
Mar 11, 2024•25 min•Ep. 37
Episode 36 | A Senior Pastor’s Perspective on Youth Ministry Volunteers - In this episode, we talk with Ricky Smith about his journey from youth pastor to senior pastor as he emphases the vital role of volunteers in ministry. Ricky shares his personal connection to the church and the importance of volunteers in the church's mission. He also shares about his own upbringing in a church where his father served diligently as a volunteer, and highlights the invaluable contributions of volunteers not ...
Feb 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 36
Episode 35 | Why are Teenagers So Anxious and What Can We Do to Help - In this episode, we dive into an important topic: anxiety in teenagers. We explore the rising prevalence of anxiety among teens, particularly post-pandemic, where one in three teenagers is affected. We also discuss how anxiety doesn't discriminate by gender, impacting both boys and girls. We also address the challenge of recognizing anxiety in teenagers and distinguishing it from typical teenage stressors. The Youth Ministry ...
Feb 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 35
Episode 34 | Current Trends Youth Ministry Volunteers Need to be Aware of at the Start of 2024 with Walt Mueller - Join us as we dive into the latest trends in youth ministry with Walt Mueller from the Center for Parent Youth Understanding. In this episode, Walt shares important insights for volunteers to be aware of in 2024. Discover practical tips for balancing trend-awareness with a busy schedule, enhancing your effectiveness in youth engagement. A must-listen for all youth ministry volunteer...
Jan 22, 2024•30 min•Ep. 34
Episode 33 | If a youth ministry volunteer were to set goals - Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2024? Like so many of you, we’re thinking about how we can improve in 2024. That got us thinking about what it would look like for a volunteer to set goals for how they work with students. In this episode we share 5 potential goals to set for 2024. The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, but not many focus only on volunteers. The You...
Jan 08, 2024•23 min•Ep. 33
Episode 32 | Christmas Spectacular 2023 Get ready for festive fun! Jennifer is back in this jolly episode where we share some great ideas on how to connect with students during Christmas. From fun activities to way you can encourage them spiritually, it's a must-listen for a memorable youth ministry Christmas season. Merry Christmas! #youthministry #studentministry #nextgen #nextgenministry The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers | There are a lot of great youth ministry podcasts out there, bu...
Dec 13, 2023•37 min•Ep. 32
Episode 31 | Fun Ice Breakers for Your Small Group When it comes to leading a group of teenagers in a small group, one thing we’ve learned is that doing a good ice breaker before the lesson can really help get teenagers engaged in the conversation. In this episode, we talk about why ice breakers are important and then share 5 solid ideas that you can use in your next small group meeting. Book Mentioned: The Complete Book of Questions: 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion https://a.co/d/ci...
Dec 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 31
