In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we're joined by Jake Mulder to discuss what it means to lead change in youth ministry—especially when you're not the lead pastor. We unpack practical ways for you to influence vision, build trust, and lead transitions well. What You’ll Learn: How to lead effectively when you’re not in charge Key principles for navigating change in youth ministry How to balance innovation with honoring the church’s past Ways to build trust and cast vision...
Mar 28, 2025•51 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Ashley Bohinc, a leader with over 22 years of experience working with middle schoolers, to talk about how to communicate effectively with this unique age group. Middle schoolers aren’t just “younger high schoolers” or “older kids”—they require a specific approach to teaching, engaging, and discipling them well. Ashley shares key insights into breaking down messages for middle schoolers, avoiding common mistakes, and m...
Jan 30, 2025•45 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness. Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing is...
Jan 23, 2025•54 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship. What you'll learn The unique challenges and benefits of volunteer youth ministry leadership. How to balance min...
Jan 16, 2025•49 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we kick off 2025 with a practical episode on how to make changes in youth ministry—without getting fired. As youth ministers reflect on the past year and plan for the future, change often feels inevitable. But making changes can be tricky, especially when it comes to timing, communication, and managing resistance. I share actionable advice for identifying what needs to change, understanding the "why" behind it, and implementing changes w...
Jan 09, 2025•21 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores the crucial topic of mental health and longevity in youth ministry. Jeff Glenn, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of experience, shares in this episode practical ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and thrive in ministry. What you'll learn: How to prioritize your spiritual and mental health for long-term success in ministry. The role of accountability and networking in sustaining resilience. Practical strategies f...
Dec 19, 2024•53 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. Dave Coryell to discuss his new book, Less Like Hippos, More Like Honeybees. They explore how to move students from passive consumers of faith to active participants who live for Christ every day. Dr. Coryell shares practical insights on empowering students, shifting the culture of youth ministry, and creating lasting spiritual impact. What you'll learn: How to empower students to live out their faith 24/7, not ju...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores 10 common youth ministry mistakes—and how to avoid them. These traps, from focusing too much on attendance to neglecting personal spiritual health, can hinder the growth and effectiveness of your youth group. Jody shares practical strategies to help youth pastors build sustainable ministries that thrive. What you'll learn: How to move from measuring attendance to fostering deeper engagement. Tips to empower volunteers and a...
Dec 05, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Jody and Doug Franklin explore the intricacies of student leadership and the importance of developing leadership skills among youth. Doug shares his journey in youth ministry, emphasizing the need for leadership development resources and the significance of understanding each student's unique gifts and wiring. They discuss the process of leadership development, the role of empathy, and the common mistakes youth workers make in fostering leadership in their ministries. Doug advoc...
Nov 21, 2024•53 min
In this episode, Jody and Ryan Sebastian, from the Youth and Culture Podcast, discuss the intersection of AI and youth ministry, exploring how AI tools can enhance communication, streamline content creation, and improve overall ministry effectiveness. Ryan shares his journey in youth ministry, the challenges faced, and the innovative ways AI can be utilized to support youth pastors and church leaders. They delve into practical applications of AI, including writing emails, generating graphics, an...
Nov 14, 2024•49 min
In this episode, Brian Wallace joins the show to explore how coaching sparks powerful conversations with teenagers. He highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit in these interactions, guiding both youth leaders and teens to gain valuable insights and awareness. Brian also contrasts coaching with consulting and teaching, emphasizing how coaching fosters deeper, more meaningful connections with your students. LINKS MENTIONED: National Association of Youth Ministry The Youth Cartel RESOURCES MEN...
Nov 07, 2024•53 min
In this conversation, Jody and Zach Wyatt discuss the issue of loneliness in youth ministry and the importance of building community. They highlight the challenges faced by youth pastors and the need for support and connection. They provide practical steps for combating loneliness, such as networking with other youth pastors and finding local associations or denominations. They emphasize the importance of humility, intentionality, and protecting time for meaningful conversations. They also addre...
Oct 31, 2024•54 min
Brian Aaby, a veteran youth ministry leader now working with Slingshot Group, joins the show today to talk all about finding and landing a youth ministry job. We give practical advice for youth leaders considering a change in ministry roles or transitioning into their first ministry role. Brian stresses the importance of networking, preparing well for interviews, volunteering, and staying involved in youth culture during job searches. LINKS MENTIONED: An open letter to a departing youth pastor a...
Feb 08, 2024•56 min
In this episode, Jody and Shay Osborne discuss the challenges and strategies for effective large church youth ministry. They provide practical insights and advice for navigating the unique dynamics of large church youth ministry. They cover the importance of community and building authentic relationships. Shay shares insights and personal experiences that highlight the benefits of being part of a supportive community. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni Getting Things Done ...
Feb 01, 2024•47 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Abram Haley joins Jody and they discuss the experiences, challenges, and benefits of working in a multi-campus youth ministry setting. Abram Haley joins us to discuss various topics, including communication challenges, managing teams, handling large-scale events, issues with volunteers and teams, and teaching methodologies. You'll also hear insights into the complexities involved in multi-site ministry, the perception of larger churches,...
Jan 25, 2024•51 min
In this episode of the Longer Haul in Youth Ministry, Tommy Burkhart joins Jody on the show to discuss their experiences and insights into working as bi-vocational youth pastors. They dive into the core challenges in bi-vocational youth ministry, such as time management, financial constraints, and balancing expectations. They also discuss the advantages such as developing practical life skills, building relationships outside the church, and inviting participation in everyday activities to foster...
Jan 18, 2024•52 min
Welcome to a brand-new episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into a critical part of youth ministry and addressing the pressing issue of anxiety among teens. Our guest, Brock Morgan, is here to share invaluable insights on this topic. You don't want to miss it! Brock, author of the book, "The Anxious Teen," has written an essential resource that's a must-have for anyone involved in youth ministry. In this episode, we explore how to effectively address anxiet...
Oct 19, 2023•52 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Samm Simmons joins the show to talk all things youth ministry volunteers. In it we talk through recruiting, equipping, retaining, and encouraging youth ministry volunteers. This episode is filled with some practical ideas that you can take and implement into your youth ministry wherever and in whatever context you serve. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Engaging Gen Z by Tim McKnight Rethink Yourself by Trevin Wax Flip the Script JOIN THE PODCAST GRO...
Oct 12, 2023•46 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast longtime friends of the show, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins from Lifeway Students and Youth Ministry Booster join us to talk about the changes we're seeing in youth ministry today. We dive into all kinds of changes and some history of how we got here as well as some reminiscing on how The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast and Youth Ministry Booster started. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Follower: Becoming More than Just a Fan of Jesus by Kyle Idlem...
Oct 05, 2023•52 min
In this episode, I had a great conversation with Eric about what it takes to thrive and survive in youth ministry. We discuss the importance of prioritizing healthy rhythms, celebrating and supporting other youth pastors and churches, developing effective systems, placing a high value on leadership development, and remembering that ministry is not about personal gain. We encourage our fellow young youth pastors to stay committed, continue growing as leaders, and trust in God's plan for their min...
Sep 28, 2023•43 min•Ep. 129
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, I'm diving back into a list of books that I'm recommending for youth pastors to read. In addition, I give you several tips for selecting the types of books you read. I'm convinced that reading is a discipline everyone who longs to lead better and improve should have—reading challenges you beyond where you are. It gives you the opportunity to be mentored by people you may never meet in person. You can learn and grow in ways that would be ...
Sep 21, 2023•24 min
In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, my wife and I follow up with part two, if you will, of episode 126. We share our journey of raising kids while serving in youth ministry and offer insights on how to navigate the unique challenges of parenting in the "fishbowl" of ministry. We talk about the joys and rewards of serving in youth ministry as a family, as well as the difficulties of balancing ministry demands with the needs of our kids. We share personal stories and experie...
Mar 16, 2023•57 min
In this episode of the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we sit down with four special guests: my kiddos. They share their unique perspective on growing up in youth ministry and how it has impacted their lives. The conversation touches on the joys and challenges of being a youth pastor's kid, navigating faith and family dynamics, and how youth ministry has shaped their own beliefs and values. They give honest insights into what it's like to be in the spotlight as a pastor's kid, and the expect...
Mar 06, 2023•49 min
It has become a regular occurrence for me. At least once a week I have someone reach out asking if I know of anyone I could recommend for their Youth Pastor search. Sadly, the answer is the same every time these days...no. It seems that nearly everyone is looking to hire a Youth Pastor and the cupboard is bare. So, where have all the Youth Pastors gone? In this episode, I'm joined by my friends Dr. Tim McKnight (author of Engaging Gen Z), Dr. Scott Pace (author of Student Ministry by the Book), ...
May 02, 2022•56 min
We all have it. It's the dreaded "other duties as assigned" disclaimer at the bottom of the job description. So what happens when those "other duties" are design, website, newsletter, social media? Maybe you're great at that, but it is a lot to manage on top of your "real job." Maybe you're not so great and don't know where to start. Or, maybe it's just an area you want to be better in. Well in today's episode Matt Curtis joins us and drops some really helpful and practical tips and tricks for g...
Apr 25, 2022•52 min
As the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." In this episode podcast, we talk about what's ending, why it's ending, and what if anything the future holds for The Longer Haul. As always, thanks for being a part of The Longer Haul and for all you do! We're so thankful to have you as a part of this community. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! ym360.com YM360 is the premier provider of yo...
Apr 07, 2022•37 min
How often do you evaluate your youth ministry? Stop and think for a minute about the last time you sat down, blocked out some time, and REALLY evaluated your youth ministry. Maybe it has been a while or you're not sure how to do it. Maybe you're not sure what to evaluate or why you even should evaluate your youth ministry. Well, have no fear! In this episode, we're sharing how to, what to, and why you should. We also drop a few practical tools in as well. We hope you find this episode practicall...
Dec 20, 2021•50 min
Longevity in youth ministry definitely requires growing and learning. There's always more to learn and areas to grow. In this episode, we share lessons we're learning, books that we've found helpful, and a few hints at what is ahead. Thanks for listening and for being a part of the longer haul community! JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! ym360.com YM360 is the premier provider of youth ministry Bible s...
Dec 06, 2021•41 min
Partnering with parents in youth ministry can be a challenge. Depending on what stage of life and ministry you are in, knowing how and where to start can leave you frustrated. Never fear! In today's episode we're diving in with practical advice and tips on how to partner more effectively with parents in your youth ministry. Thanks for listening and for being a part of the longer haul community. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECI...
Sep 13, 2021•44 min
Annnnd we're back! It's been a long summer, and we're excited to be back recording new episodes. In this episode, we give you an update on where we've been, what's ahead, and what things we're currently working on. Thanks for listening and for being a part of the longer haul community. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join our Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! ym360.com YM360 is the premier provider of youth ministry Bible study curriculum, st...
Aug 30, 2021•44 min
