We’re back! After a few months off, Youth Ministry Hacks returns with a fresh episode full of vision and practical leadership insight. Justin and Sean dive into the same foundational talk Sean recently shared with his new team—casting vision and setting the tone for how we lead in ministry.In this episode, we cover five key challenges and reminders every youth worker needs: Remember your why for doing ministry Find a sustainable rhythm that fuels longevity Know your limits before they take you o...
May 16, 2025•42 min
Join Justin and Sean as they kick off 2025 with reflections on their lives and ministries. They’ll share insights on what they’re focusing on and how they’re bringing fresh vision and intentionality into the new year. Through ministry, leadership, and personal growth, they’re driven to make 2025 the best year yet.Come join the conversation! Episode sponsor: onwardleader.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/ Check out Coleader Curriculum! Coleader.co...
Jan 17, 2025•38 min
In this episode, Justin shares what he taught at the Download Youth Ministry Round Tables Conference about metrics. Metrics are something that is not talked about ina setting like this but it’s something we talk about weekly in our churches. We want to have a good, healthy view of metrics and what to track that is just butts in seats. Justin challenges us on how to do that and what types of things we should be looking for. Episode sponsor: onwardleader.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: ht...
Nov 26, 2024•20 min
In this episode, Justin and Sean take on your questions about youth ministry and do their best to answer them. They hit topics like: ● Discipline in youth ministry ● Depression in ministry ● Delegation ● Lowest point in youth ministry for us ● Message prep ● When it's time to leave the church ● Follow up with new students ● And more! Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/ Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co...
Oct 04, 2024•58 min
Welcome to Episode 122 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin and Sean are back after a summer hiatus to catch up on what's been happening in their ministries. They discuss Justin’s new role and the journey that led him there, the process of delegating tasks, God’s faithfulness, the importance of praying through strategy, and much more. Tune in to hear their latest insights and experiences in youth ministry! Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Chann...
Sep 10, 2024•51 min
Welcome to Episode 121 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin introduces a new seasonal approach to youth ministry. Instead of spreading themselves thin year-round, they're focusing on key aspects during specific seasons: Outreach and School Focus, Grow Deeper, and Training. Tune in to learn how this strategic shift maximizes effectiveness and impact! Check out our sponsor: MessageBible.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/ Check out Coe...
May 01, 2024•25 min
In episode 120 of our podcast, Justin and Sean opened the floor for your questions, and they tackled a variety of topics on the show! From navigating growth in your ministry to establishing camp rules, defining student leadership roles, sparking interest in Bible reading among guys, and prioritizing church attendance, they covered it all.Tune in to the episode and grab your notepad because there are plenty of valuable insights to glean from this discussion! It's one you won't want to miss! Check...
Apr 10, 2024•44 min
In Episode 119 of Youth Ministry Hacks, Justin and Sean are getting raw and real about leadership revelations. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest conversations about what God's been showing them and how it's shaking up their ministry game.From battling mental headspace to fine-tuning their strategies, they're laying it all out on the table. Forget the old ways of doing things; Justin and Sean are all about creating genuine moments for students to meet Jesus and ditching outdated practices. J...
Mar 20, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Sean sits down with THE Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, coach, author… lots of other things… and talks through leading in 2024, identity as a leader, calling, mission, and ministry assignment. It is a great and challenging conversation that is perfect to start the new year. Check out Brad’s Stuff here: http://www.bradlomenick.com/ Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co
Jan 05, 2024•41 min
In this episode Sean Lord is solo going through what he walked through his all small group leaders through in their latest training. They walk through how to keep students engaged in groups and how they are to been seen and experienced. Check out his slide presentation: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h420j8fvtvrreufsp1dct/YMH-Sean-Leader-Training.pptx?rlkey=m4k1yqrk2njir947ld7pwbvz1&dl=0 Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co...
Dec 11, 2023•26 min
Justin shares some of the content as he and his crew trained their own small group leaders on how they want to multiply their groups, split them, be more “sticky” in welcoming new students placed in them and the vision of why they want to grow them. Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co
Nov 13, 2023•25 min
Sean and Justin sat down and took your questions! Questions ranged from letting leaders go, to the age old bathing suits rules, to disruptive students, to how midweeks are set up and more. Check out Coleader! Coleader.co
Sep 27, 2023•50 min
This episode we talk with Matt Manno from Newlife in Queens, New York about what it means to be Emotionally Healthy. We talk about how Emotional Health is a necessity not only for ourselves, but for the leaders and students that we lead. Matt@emotionallyhealthy.org https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/ Check out Coleader Now! https://www.coleader.co/...
Sep 05, 2023•44 min
Description: In this episode Justin and Sean sit down with Gary Garcia to talk about taking a back seat in leadership roles to raise up new and younger leaders. This is a vital part of building up God’s kingdom and they chat through the in’s and out’s of how they have done that over their time. Gary is 31 years in youth ministry at the same church and the lead pastor of that church now. The conversation is a good one and worth a listen. Gary’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/gary.daniel.garcia/...
Aug 10, 2023•50 min
Sean and Justin dive into what are the top 4 things they are focusing in right now in the summer that will set them up better in the fall. Take a few minutes and see if they hit on anything that would be beneficial for your ministry. SPONSOR: APU Youth Leadership Initiative Looking for a discipleship conference this summer for high school students? Join us at the Kaleo Youth Conference at Azusa Pacific University on July 8,, 2023. This one-day conference for high school students (and their lea...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min
Sean interviews Justin about effective follow up. It stemmed from a failure in Justin’s ministry that they are trying to be more intention this year about. They walk through the spiritual implications of follow up and give some practical thoughts on follow up in your ministry. Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclord Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/
May 23, 2023•47 min
Show Description: Justin and Sean take questions from youth pastors around the country and answer them on the podcast live! They hit on the following topics as well as let Chat GPT answer one as an experienced youth pastor: Parents Summer events The introverted friend whose mom wants them to make friends How to develop systems in your ministry How to create buy in from your regular attenders Creating a good atmosphere for youth nights And more! Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seancl...
May 10, 2023•48 min
Show Description:Justin and Sean sit down with Bryan Forbes COO & Co-Founder Forbes Individual and Family Therapy, Inc. to chat through how youth workers can best be aware of their mental health and best practices from his experience as a former church ministry staffer to help do ministry for the long haul. For people needing a therapist or wanting to connect with me more: https://www.forbesift.com Bryan’s Podcast: Everything Is Fine https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-fine/id1...
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr
Justin sits down with co-worker Vivi Diaz who does a lot with youth and young adults at Sandals Church. They have worked together to create a plan for senior transitions and senior retreat and they talk about how Vivi has set up the young adult ministry in this next season of Sandals Church. Vivi Diaz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/viviiidiaz/ Check out DYM C0-Leader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/...
Mar 21, 2023•54 min
Show Description: Justin and Sean go over a diagram detailing what Justin's ministry is focusing on this year. The diagram is based on where Justin felt they were not doing so well in ministry. Join Sean and Justin as they talk through leader development, retention and outreach. Link to Justin’s diagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoI91QRPhzm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/...
Mar 06, 2023•55 min
Justin and Sean answer YOUR questions you submitted! They hit on programming, parents, summer camp, leader care and firing, student leadership and more. Check out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/ Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Justin and Sean chat about what they are implementing in this new year to take their leadership to the next level. They talk about weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly habits and hopefully it can challenge you to start your own. EHS Daily Offices Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day: A 40-Day Journey with the Daily Office - Kindle edition by Scazzero, Peter. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Atomic Habits NEW-Atomic Habits (Lead Title): Clear: Amazon.com: Books Ruth...
Jan 03, 2023•46 min
Show Description: Justin and Sean chat about how to plan for the new year most effectively as a leader. They go over “heads up” time, times of training, mindsets to keep in mind to keep a good rhythm and so much more. Make the best of 2023 by listening to this and share the episode with others. The Hill Teen Center Link: https://rogofoundation.com/teencenter/
Nov 28, 2022•42 min
Episode Title: Episode 103: Hacks On How Lead Volunteers Well Show Description: Justin and Sean sit down and talk through their thoughts of what they have loved over their 30+ years of youth ministry on how to lead volunteers well. We feel no one in youth ministry has ever said, “Man, we have enough of the right people leading right now” so they thought they would share some of their ideas and things they have learned on how to set up leaders well. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, there is...
Nov 14, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Hacks On How To Create An Outreach Culture Show Description: Justin flies solo and walks through what he has learned on how to build an outreach culture and strategy to where students actually invite friends He walks through 5 big rocks in the bucket for you to think through in hopes you can create your own strategy in your ministry Blog Mentioned: Download Youth Ministry Blog - Dissect Your Ministry Part 1&2 Resource Mentioned: Leader On Boarding Process - DYM Store...
Oct 27, 2022•50 min
Justin and Sean sit down with Brock Morgan, a youth pastor and author, about his new book called “The Anxious Teen: Ministry With Stressed and Fearful Students” and how we can best care for an anxious generation post-covid. This episode is longer than most but full of practical gold. You can check out his book in the link below.
Sep 26, 2022•1 hr 13 min
Justin and Sean celebrate 100 episodes of helpful hacks in youth ministry! This episode was recorded live on September 8th (so all prizes, competitions and codes were for the live audience only). The guys answered questions that were in the live chat and they even had Josh Griffin and Doug Fields pop in for a little bit!
Sep 12, 2022•1 hr 12 min
Justin and Sean sit down with Jay Kim, Pastor of Westgate Church and author of Analog Christian & Analog Church, to chat through how youth workers can think through how to lead and minister in person better and more effectively in a digital world. Check out Jay’s Books: Analog Christian Analog Church SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s ...
Aug 08, 2022•56 min
Check out this quick little episode with updates before episodes 99 & 100. SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s Resources https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default...
Jul 11, 2022•5 min
Notes: Justin and Sean sit down and go through some ideas on how to care for youth, leaders and prep for all things summer camp. They talk training, decision night, not leading your own group and much more. SPONSORS: Onward Leadership Coaching https://onwardleader.com/ 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s Resources https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang...
Jun 27, 2022•46 min
