Send us a text The hype of camp is fading. The smell of leftover sunscreen and emotional debriefs still lingers. But now it’s time to face the real ministry question: What’s next? In this episode, Chad and Zac unpack the sneaky shift from summer chaos to fall calendars, and how to survive the mid-summer mental fog without quitting or creating a whole new youth group (again). July can be a peculiar time in youth ministry. The adrenaline of summer events still lingers while the pressure of fall ki...
Jul 10, 2025•30 min
Send us a text The emotional marathon of summer camp affects every youth minister differently. Whether you're riding high on spiritual victories, nursing wounds from what felt like failure, or simply exhausted beyond words, this episode offers genuine encouragement for wherever you find yourself. Zach and Chad dive into their contrasting pre-camp experiences - one fueled by caffeine-like excitement, the other weighed down by planning anxiety. They share practical wisdom about externalizing your ...
Jul 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 399
Send us a text Kate Downing joins us to discuss her new Bible study "Fighting With Fear" and shares profound insights about the theological significance of fear in ministry leadership and decision-making. • Fear itself isn't bad—we were designed to fear, but the object of our fear matters • Ministry decisions often trigger fears about consequences and others' opinions • The "brain dump" technique helps sort problems into what you can and cannot control • Decision fatigue plagues ministry leaders...
Jun 05, 2025•34 min•Ep. 291
Send us a text Youth Ministry.. it ain't what it used to be! The digital revolution has transformed youth ministry into uncharted territory, creating what seasoned experts are calling "a perfect storm" of challenges for today's teenagers. At the heart of this storm lies the smartphone – a device that has fundamentally altered how adolescents experience relationships, rest, and reality itself. "The culture is catechizing our kids 24-7 through these devices," -Walt Mueller Special Guest Alert: Wal...
Apr 17, 2025•19 min•Ep. 290
Send us a text If you're experiencing ministry burnout or feeling your passion fading, establish accountability with someone who knows you well enough to speak truth when you're drifting, and intentionally surround yourself with those newer to ministry who bring fresh perspective and enthusiasm. SPECIAL GUEST ALERT: Jameson Barker Veteran youth minister Jameson Barker shares how he maintains ministry passion after two decades of service by shifting from complacency to expectancy. Here's some pra...
Mar 20, 2025•43 min•Ep. 289
Send us a text What's it like to be new? Feel like you are the only one? Welp you are not! There is a growing trend of folks leading youth ministry that are 1. new to the role 2. home grown from the church where they attend. In this episode we learn firsthand all about it! Join us for an eye-opening discussion about the journey into youth ministry with Miguel Adesokan, who shares his unique experiences as he transitions from volunteer to staff. This timely episode brings to light not only the ch...
Feb 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 288
Send us a text What happens when a vibrant young leader embraces his calling in the unpredictable setting of youth ministry? Special Guest Alert: Mariano Sarabia This episode explores the path of youth ministry through the experience of Mariano, who shares his calling, challenges, and successes in empowering young leaders. The importance of humility, prayer, and authentic relationships in ministry are emphasized throughout the conversation, along with practical advice to engage and disciple the ...
Feb 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 287
Send us a text Could You Survive the 1800s? The password is Clifford the Big Red Dog. Could you hack it in the 1800s armed only with modern knowledge? Wild question, right? Zac and Chad wrote a book! This episode kicks off with some fun, lighthearted speculation before we take a deep dive into childhood nostalgia—Dr. Seuss, Clifford the Big Red Dog , and how those early books shaped our love for reading. But this isn't just a trip down memory lane; it’s a special occasion. Chad is back on the Yo...
Feb 07, 2025•28 min•Ep. 286
Send us a text Youth ministry is relational work. The work isn't not quality time but quality time. Relationships that are growing are resilient. 🚨SPECIAL GUEST ALERT Daniel Kim dkim@gospelife.com Daniel__Tokyo Youth ministry flourishes when leaders invest in relationships, mentorship, and personal growth. In this episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, we sit down with a young pastor Daniel Kim navigating cultural challenges and discovering how mentorship shapes resilient leaders. Wheth...
Feb 06, 2025•41 min•Ep. 285
Send us a text This episode explores the significance of building authentic relationships in youth ministry while challenging traditional metrics of success. T-doe shares his personal experiences, from grassroots initiatives like Fast Food Valentine's to creating psychological safety for young people, emphasizing the impact of community and connection in nurturing today's youth. • The origin of the nickname "T-doe" and its impact on personal identity • Importance of relationships in youth minist...
Jan 23, 2025•49 min•Ep. 284
Send us a text You can't quite make it on your own! This episode focuses on the essential characteristics of effective youth ministry, emphasizing the need for community, accountability, and ongoing development of leaders. Zac and guest Ian explore common roadblocks leaders face, along with practical strategies for fostering a healthy ministry environment centered on relationships. 🚨SPECIAL GUEST ALERT Ian Dunaway www.ShapingStudentMinistry.com www.IanDunaway.com Ian@g6Allies.com 💡Big Ideas • ...
Jan 16, 2025•58 min•Ep. 283
Send us a text If there is a ministry genie that can grant wishes then here are our 5 for 2025! Happy New Year's episode everyone! This week we explore how to shape youth ministry in 2025, emphasizing relational connections, purposeful engagement, and the joy of community. Chad and Zac have five wishes that will guide ministries to build stronger connections with youth while incorporating fun, service, and social media. Use social media to build bridges, not posts. Serve. Serve Together. Hand Ke...
Jan 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 282
Send us a text Picture this: a repaired wise man figurine named King Christmas, hidden for joyous family fun and stories of Christmas Eve steak dinners at Longhorn. These are just a few of the festive gems shared by our guests Chris Trent, Matt Flanagan, and Todd Sanders on the Youth Industry Booster podcast. As we unwrap their cherished holiday traditions, we also explore how these customs evolve, especially with life's changes like welcoming new family members. This episode is rich with heartw...
Dec 19, 2024•59 min•Ep. 281
Send us a text Remember a time when cell phones were a novelty and social media was just a distant dream? *Special Guest Alert Kevin Libick* This episode is a nostalgic rewind featuring a seasoned ministry leader who’s been on the front lines since the late '90s. From the days of mailing out calendars and jazzing up bulletin boards with clip art (yes, clip art!) to the arrival of video editing software, we swap stories and laughs about how tech has completely reshaped the way we do ministry. We’...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 281
Send us a text What if the most challenging parts of your past could fuel a transformative future? What if your toughest challenges could become your greatest ministry? In this episode, we reconnect with our friend Jose Rodriguez from Tulsa, now leading Rescue a Generation in Southern California. He shares his incredible story of transformation—from growing up in a tough neighborhood, navigating gang life and racial struggles, to becoming a movement leader for youth in California. His journey re...
Dec 05, 2024•48 min•Ep. 280
Send us a text 20 years in and still learning new things! 🎧 Special Guest Alert: TJ Scrapper from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who has dedicated two decades to guiding young people through their spiritual journeys. 🎙️ Youth Ministry In A New Era (Reimagined) In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of youth pastors and the growing recognition of their transformative contributions. Discover how the digital age and shifting political landscapes have reshaped the heart of ministry. 🌟 Let this new...
Nov 21, 2024•46 min•Ep. 279
Send us a text 🎉 Let's kick it! Join us and our good buddy Cameron! as we dive into a fun fall episode. Do you ever wondered what happens when a Christmas game goes hilariously off the rails? Or how much leadership is a team sport? This episode is packed with laughs and real talk on the wild ride that is youth ministry! Special guest alert: Cameron Crow Rethinking Youth Ministry Metaphors: Start thinking of your youth ministry like a “spiritual gym,” where students strengthen their prayer game ...
Nov 14, 2024•48 min•Ep. 278
Send us a text But how do you teach the Bible? So that students will learn? Special Guest Alert: Karen Workun! In this engaging episode Zac Workun and his guest Karen Workun dive deep into effective strategies for teaching scriptural texts. Karen shares her unexpected passion for genealogy, likening it to storytelling through concise biographies, and how this interest parallels the narrative engagement required in studying and teaching the Bible. Zac talks about the art of creating a "learning t...
Nov 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 277
Send us a text Catchphrase... the things we tell ourselves (and others) *Chad's Back!* Join us as we share laughs and insights on relationship, care, and catchphrase. We also touch on the balancing act between Chad’s new responsibilities and his ongoing commitment to our podcast, highlighting the importance of consistency in both ministry and podcasting. As the holidays approach, we reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities it presents in youth ministry. There are some heartfelt discuss...
Oct 31, 2024•21 min•Ep. 276
Send us a text Coming to you live *Special Guest Alert* Join us in the ETCH podcast ring with Zach Burke! The heart of the conversation lies the exploration of ministry across contexts from Kentucky, to Tennessee, to Florida. Zac and Zach share stories from our time in home churches, where familiar faces can be both a blessing and a challenge, and how mentorship guided us through these early stages. Transitioning to a beach church brought new lessons in leadership and creativity, as seasoned men...
Oct 24, 2024•40 min•Ep. 275
Send us a text Ever wondered about the coolness of names from different languages? Join us for a lighthearted chat with Chad Daugherty from Pensacola, Florida, as he shares his love and experiences in middle school ministry. As we bond over the shared quirks of middle school or "J-High." Get ready for some laughs as we recount some of our best misfire youth group games. This episode meanders through the hilariously misguided soda chugging challenge that involved drinking through a sock. Spoiler ...
Oct 17, 2024•33 min
Send us a text What if your life took an unexpected turn, leading you from a planned career in medicine to a rewarding path in ministry? From career work to calling? Special guest alert! This week Jacob Dunn, family pastor at Valley Creek Baptist Church, joins us live from #ETCH24 Tune in for a lively chat about the power of friendships, the unexpected paths our lives can take, and the ultimate soda. Our chat takes a more reflective turn as we explore the transformative power of mentorship. Jaco...
Oct 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 276
Send us a text Who is your friend that autocorrect can't figure out how to spell their name? Our special guest this week is Daryn Fox and she will have you in stitches! Join us for this week's heartfelt episode with amusing stories and Daryn's daring toilet-papering adventure and call to ministry. Transitioning into the new role. In this episode we discuss how to take on new roles and the wisdom that is needed to go with it. Daryn provides you with practical strategies for effective vision casti...
Oct 03, 2024•50 min•Ep. 275
Send us a text Wait Chad Higgins is a verb now? In this episode, we're excited to welcome Christian Moore to the garage floor! Join us for a fun and lighthearted conversation where we imagine Chad Higgins' latest adventures—most likely cracking jokes at a Waffle House—and share our own quirky late-night memories from this iconic spot. We talk favorite orders and those infamous Waffle House training videos that are part of its charm. Does ministry need a dramatic calling moment? Christian takes u...
Sep 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 274
Send us a text But seriously... what is your go to Chili's triple dipper Hey friends meet our new friend Britton Bishop.Britton and Zac share personal stories emphasizing how important small, faithful acts shape future leaders. We discuss the crucial roles of humility and vulnerability, stressing that building genuine connections and providing a safe space for teenagers to express their authentic selves is more impactful than the most well-planned events. But a big question at the heart of it al...
Sep 12, 2024•45 min•Ep. 273
Send us a text What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? "What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? In this episode, we dive deep with Anthony Vargas as he shares his journey from Mississippi to Dallas, and finally to Yukon, Oklahoma, exploring the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Anthony opens up about the challenges and rewards of starting fresh in new ministry roles. He shares practical tips on relationship-building, understanding the comm...
Sep 05, 2024•46 min•Ep. 273
Send us a text What happens when a dedicated youth ministry leader steps into a new role amidst organizational upheaval? Amanda Mejias shares her ministry journey from organizing recreation basketball leagues and fitness programs at her home church in Virginia to becoming a girls ministry specialist at LifeWay. Amanda’s story is not just about transitions but about uncovering the deeper calling of ministry because of the transitions and the unexpected leadership opportunities that arise even dur...
Aug 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 272
Send us a text What do you get when you combine a love for coffee, tacos, and the rising cultural trend of YouTube golf? You get Micah Lynn. Micah Lynn is a second generation minister, growing up as a pastor's kid in Texas and then growing and blossoming at OBU and during his residency at the Cross Church School of Ministry. Micah shares his journey and the invaluable mentorship he received along the way. Join us for this episode as we sit down with Micah to talk about Gen Z youth ministers, cam...
Aug 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 271
Send us a text How do you know you are called to this thing called youth ministry? Special guest alert w/ Josh White, Executive Pastor and long-time friend of the podcast, who shares his remarkable journey into ministry. Josh's path to ministry was far from the conventional seminary path, and his story is a testament to the power of embracing the long game (see told you! long game, short season = youth ministry) Anybody else's kids answer the door shirtless? Transitioning churches can be challen...
Aug 15, 2024•40 min•Ep. 270
Send us a text The real secret to youth ministry? This week we are joined by special guest Shelby Millis! From her calling in seventh grade to her current role as a youth director at Asbury Church, Shelby’s journey is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom. She also shares her summer of self-care, including her beloved porch swing bed and weekly pool Fridays, underscoring the need for rejuvenation and mental well-being in ministry. Learn why testing one’s calling and having the support of ...
Aug 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 269
