Youth Ministry Hacks

97: Hacks On How To Use & Care About Metrics

Justin and Sean sit down and talk about metrics. Everyone’s favorite topic. Why do numbers have to be weird? Now they don’t talk about specific numbers but they talk about best practices of what to track and why. It’s something every youth pastor should know. 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.downloadyouth...

26: The Examen Prayer and God's Presence

Summary: We all have heard the phrase "Practicing God's Presence." But what does that mean, and how can we learn to experience and become more aware of God's presence in our own lives and youth ministries? James talks about his journey exploring and practicing the Examen Prayer and how it helped him be more aware of God's presence and purposes in his own life and the lives of those in his youth ministry. Show Notes: Examen Resource Books: Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray...

Episode 190: Right, but in the wrong space.

We're recording from our homes today; dad stuff. We're talking church stuff, para church involvement, what do do when a visitor starts recording. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthminis-try.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=an-drew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: https://www.face-book.com/morningafterministry/ instagram.com/morningaftermin and twitter....

Episode 189: Crunch Time

It's that magical time of the year when pastors everywhere are balancing the post Easter momentum boost with the impending doom of the end of a seminary semester. We are talking through our Mother's Day plans, or lack thereof, and the joys of building/renovation projects. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthminis-try.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=an-drew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The...

96: Hacks On How To Rest Well

Justin and Sean sit down and talk about hacks on how to practically rest and take time off well. Too many youth workers do not know how to rest well, which then leads to burn out. Some don’t know what to do when they are off. Some don’t know how to set themselves or their teams up for success when they want to take time off. They talk about all of these different things on resting well in this episode. SPONSORS: 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ MVMNT 2022 Conference htt...

May 2022 Members Only Podcast

25: Help For Youth Pastors with Todd Pearage

Episode 25: Help For Youth Pastors with Todd Pearage Summary: In this episode, James talks with Youth Leader Oasis founder Todd Pearage, who, in partnership with Standing Stone ministries, provides help, care, and encouragement for youth leaders and their spouses in crisis. Todd shares his story and how He and his wife Lynda can help if you happen to find yourself in need. Connect with Todd & Linda Pearage Todd's Email: [email protected] Mobile #: (937) 499-4117 Inst...

Episode 188: Suns Out, Guns Out

First week after Easter and we each preached a sub 30 minute sermon. We're talking sermon series and sermon duration. We're both balancing dad stuff/husband stuff and ministry stuff. Tim skipped a work day to chaperone a field Trip, Andrew is ditching for a few hours today to volunteer in his wife's classroom. We're talking about how to launch a new ministry and evaluating existing one. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthminis-try.com/on/demandware.store/...

Episode 187: Post Easter Recovery

We did it gals and guys! We made it to and through Easter weekend. We are talking our wins, your wins, community wins. Tim decided to give an alter call; Andrew decided not to. We're recapping Tim's cross country Holy Week trip, and asking if every church is just ripping each other off on social media. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthminis-try.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=an-drew+larsen&search-button=&l...

95: Hacks On Longevity In Ministry w/ Josh Griffin

Josh Griffin joins the hack boys to chat about how to last longer in ministry when we are seeing a ton of burnout and turn over. Josh gives some practical thoughts, we dive into some great discussion and laugh along the way. We also chatted about the 1st Few Years Conference for newer youth workers in October! SPONSORS: 1st Few Years Conference https://1stfewyears.com/ MVMNT 2022 Conference https://mvmnt2022.com/# DYM’s Program Like A Pro https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/y...

Episode 186: What Are We Doing About Easter?

Episode 186: What Are We Doing About Easter? Tim is half checked out today. He is way too excited about going to an Olivia Rodrigo concert in Denver tomorrow night. Andrew is less focused on teenage starlets, and more focused on Kingdom work, namely the fact that it is Holy Week, and Easter is upon us. We are talking visitors, parking, egg hunts and more. Check out our resources in the DYM store here:https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=andrew%20larsen&lang=default Be sure to li...

Forced Discipleship and Middle School Students

Forced Discipleship and Middle School Students We’re back after a hiatus and life and stuff. Have you ever had a parent REALLY want you to meet with their student, when their student REALLY doesn’t want to? That’s what we talked about this episode. Questions to consider: How do you “parent” parents? What ways have you broken the tension with an unwilling student? How many times do you typically meet with a student about one topic?

24: The Message In The Messenger

Summary: In this episode, James shares that If you are going to cheat in youth ministry, it is better to cheat on your message than cheat on meeting with Jesus and others. Crafting and creating messages is essential to what we do but not the most important thing we do. Connect with Us... Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ym_soul_keeper_podcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Youth-Ministry-Soul-Keeper-Podcast-1123...

Episode 185: Back Like We Never Left

We are saying goodbye to Dylan and the Dylan cam to-day. We're talking about the ever exciting topics of church chairs, and weird membership expectations. Tim has kids in sports, and had three events at church this weekend. Andrew wore way too many hats (including a chef's hat) yesterday. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be...

94: Hacks Q&A + Cool Announcement

In his first Q&A, Sean answers a bunch of questions with Justin covering: - What does online ministry look like now that most are back in person? - How do I start a band and siciple them? - What does work/life balance look like with a new baby? - How do you develop content for your students? - What does your multi-site model look like? - How does ministry change as you get bigger? - How do you cast a compelling vision? Side note: We know Justin sounds bad in this. We will fix that next episo...

April 2022 Members Only Podcast

Your Membership perks are here!

399.756: Your First Few Years in Youth Ministry!

Ok ok the OFFICIAL Episode 400 is coming soon, but we can't wait to fill you in on some big stuff cooking! Head to 1stfewyears.com for all the details!

184: So Many Meetings

Andrew welcomed a bunch of new members, Tim had a bunch of meetings. We are talking about how to navigate people requesting your time, and your spouse's time. April is going to be a busy month at Lakeview, Dylan is done at Safety Harbor. All this and more... Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After ...

183: Back From Break

We're back from spring break and ready to roll into Easter. We're talking all things Holy Week, what time we get to church and when we leave. We're diving into baptisms (get it) and all things churchy in the Spring. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: https://www.facebook....

182: LIVE from Our Dining Room Tables

We are both home today, recovering from the Practical(ly) Pastoring Conference. Tim had the week off from preach-ing, Andrew didn't. We're talking best practices at confer-ences, and coming home from conferences. Some people appreciate humor in sermons, and others don't... Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The...

23: Practicing Silence With Guest Kevin Cain

In this episode, James' Senior Pastor and book author Kevin Cain helps us understand the spiritual discipline of silence. Drawing from his own experience, Kevin shares how practicing silence helps us learn how to break away with God from the noise and speed of the crowd so that we can learn to live in the stillness of body, mouth, and mind with God and within the crowd. Connect with Pastor Kevin Cain of Kingdom A Community Church of Westover, WV. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pasto...

93: Hacks On How To Start Fresh/Refresh Your Ministry

As Sean is starting in his new position and wanting to walk through some change, he talks with Justin about the process of how to do that. Justin has refreshed a few ministries over the last few years and so what started as a conversation between two friends turned into a great episode that was recorded. Whether you are starting at a new ministry and starting fresh or are looking to refresh your current ministry, this one is for you. SPONSORS: DYM’s Program Like A Pro https://offers.down...

92: Hacks On How To Make Your Small Groups Match Your Values

Justin and Sean are talk through how they have made some major adjustments in their own ministries to make sure that small groups ACTUALLY match the values of the ministry. Sometimes we can say that we value something but how we execute the ministry shows something different. @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s Resources https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

March 2022: Members Only Podcast

181: LIVE From the site of the Practical(ly) Pastoring Conference

It's finally here! We are live from the site of the Practical(ly) Pastoring Conference! Even though we get to hang out with some buddies the next few days, we had real ministry work to do this weekend. Both of our churches held new members classes, Tim went gocarting, Andrew did a fu-neral, and has a sunrise wedding tomorrow. We're talking ministry during a conference week, and how to come back strong. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/de...

91: Hacks On How To Grow As A Ministry in 2022

Justin and Sean are chatting through questions to ask yourself and your ministry in order to see growth in 2022. There is no easy way to hack on to grow something, but there are some good questions to ask to hack your thinking. We discuss them in this episode. SPONSORS: @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s Resources https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

180: Secret Shopping

Well, the sheriff's office was called this week at Andrew's church. Tim played sound guy and host for Dylan's wed-ding (Andrew was a groomsman.) Safety Harbor had some well informed visitors, and we are one week out from the Practical(ly) Pastoring Conference. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning Afte...

179: Running Up the Score

WHAT A WEEK. We've both been running frantic, in a good way. Andrew got stuck in a snow storm, in the best possible way. Tim's coaching career continues to boom, as do several Lakeview ministries. The Larsen family had a HUGE unplanned life change happen this morning. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morn...

178: Hebrew Stinks

Last week we had to be dads. Sick kids mean plans are about to change sometimes. But we are diving into the family triple date day we spent at Disney with Derry Prenkert and his family. We talked about some fun elders meetings, and how the languages really are the worst part of seminary. We talked about why people stay in or opt out of serving in student ministry, and our churches’ different prayer initiates. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.co...

90: Hacks On How To Grow As A Leader in 2022 + Sean Lord(New Co-Host)

Justin welcomes new show co-host Sean Lord to the show and they talk through how to be a better leader in 2022 by not giving answers, but asking questions to make you a better leader. SPONSORS: @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Justin’s Resources https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/search?q=justin+knowles&search-button=&lang=default

February 2022: Members Only Podcast

22: Solitude: Learning We Are Never Alone

The practice of solitude can often be overlooked or misunderstood, but it is through the intentional practice of being alone with Jesus that helps us learn that we are never truly alone. By practicing solitude, the promise of God's presence and grace can become a reality in our hearts and minds. In This episode James provides an introduction to solitude, how God has used it in his own life and ministry, and some practical steps on how to begin this spiritual discipline in your own life. Book...

177: Pimple Cats

It was a blustery day in Tampa Bay yesterday, which made church attendance a little funny. We each dealt with unique distractions in worship. Tim got a bunch more done last week because his meeting schedule cleared up. An-drew flew a solo mission. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on...

176: Is two really better than one?

We'd like to dedicate this episode to the memory of Danny Tanner. Timmy went to two services, everybody is going to meet-ings, but how often is everyone meeting? We're talking covid contingency plans (yes, two years later, we still need to talk about this.) And it's time for that bi-annual check up on church safety and security. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andr...

175: New Year, Same Us

We're talking getting back into the groove after Christmas, and our favorite gifts. We're diving into our resolutions for our selves and our churches. Tim is starting new service times, we're both starting a new series, and Timmy is be-ginning his final year of seminary. Merry Christmas everyone. See you in a few weeks! Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morningafterministry/ instagram.com/morningaftermin and twitter.com/morningaftermin. Be s...

January 2022: Members Only Podcast

174: The 4th Annual Christmas Spectacular

This Christmas season, we didn’t want to be lonely so we invited some of our best-est podcast friends to join us as we celebrated Christmas. A few podcast listeners/viewers jumped in too. Merry Christmas everyone. See you in a few weeks! Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on faceboo...

173: Are we overcomplicating things?

Andrew had big whoopsie moment at a women's ministry event. Tim just got back from a vacation, and is stepping right into party season. We are talking preaching and how much we overcomplicate it, communion methods and who has input. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: http...

57: SURPRISE! Spider-Man: No Way Home Spoiler Talk

The show has been on a 18+ month quarantine. But, it’s coming back in 2022. And this episode is just a fun conversation with two guys who love Jesus, movies, and Spider-man. SPOILERS abound. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more shows to come in 2022. Thanks to Download Youth Ministry and the DYM Podcast Network: www.dympodcastnetwork.com Find me online: Twitter and Instagram: @mythirddecade Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/mythirddecade Teaser: Healthy Youth Ministers = Healthy Youth Ministry

89: Hacks Q&A

Justin answers your questions that people submitted. He goes rapid fire through a bunch of questions ranging from hardship to leadership, how to remove a volunteer, setting culture and training. SPONSORS: DYM’s Program Like A Pro: https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course @youthministryhacks on IG: https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Pastor Matt Brown’s Book On Enneagram: https://abookcalledyou.com/ Justin’s Resources: https://www.downloadyouthmi...

Training New Middle School Leaders

The school year is half over in December. Is it a time when you need new leaders to come and help bring in the new calendar year? Andrea Miller comes back for a second episode to talk training new leaders! Questions to consider: Can you make a specific ask for leaders in your group? Can you encourage your leaders today? How can you get everyone trained in the same way? What jobs need to be done in your ministry? How can a new leader help?

Middle School students sharing their stories

Andrea Miller and Ronald Long talk about what it would be like to start helping students share what God is doing in their lives. Whether small groups or main stage, middle school students can have something to offer! Questions to consider: Do you have space for students to share? During small groups? During main stage time? In prayer? If not, what would it take to start letting them have the spotlight?

399 and 3/4ths: Have You Heard The Good News? (Try the DYM Gold Membership FREE!)

Doug, Josh and Jessica dive into a special short episode highlighting the DYM Gold Membership! Right now you can try the Gold Membership for FREE! (technically 1 cent, but who's counting) You get all of this right away: 5 FREE Christmas resources $20 to shop DYM 35% Off Everything Try it today! https://bit.ly/dym-gold

December 2021: Members Only Podcast

Tis the season! Come get the goods!

399 and 1/2: Holiday Special!

It's the Holiday Special! Join Josh, Jessica, and the rare appearance of producer Travis as they talk through creative ways to make your December programs unique and memorable.

108: Giving Thanks

PLEASE LEAVE US A ***** FIVE STAR REVIEW ***** ON I-TUNES! It’s Thanksgiving Week, and before Mathew overdoses on carbs and Steve spends 20 hours in the car, we thought it would be good to show our gratitude. I mean, who isn’t thankful for free t-shirts, Fabreeze, and youth group leftovers? But in all seriousness, we are thankful for many things, both youth ministry and personal. We are even thankful for each other. And Taylor Swift. Episode 108 is a good reminder that we get to live the be...

171: Church Stereotypes

FRANK GIL IS HERE! We're talking the types of people you find in every single church, how soon is too soon to repeat a sermon, scammers going after churches, when pastors come to visit and Christmas decor. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mornin...

88: Hacks To Onboard Volunteers Like A Pro w/ Blake Faris

Justin talks with Blake Faris, who is a youth lead on the Sandals Church Youth team, about the intentionality of on-boarding your volunteers will help you have better leaders and a better leader culture. We talk through practical tips on how you can do that in your ministry. SPONSORS: DYM’s Program Like A Pro https://offers.downloadyouthministry.com/en/youth-group-programming-course @youthministryhacks on IG https://www.instagram.com/youthministryhacks/ Pastor Matt Brown’s Book On Enneag...

170: Eventual Target Weight

Dylan is back in studio. We're talking job searches and re-volving doors on church staffs. Andrew went out to visit his seminary and buddy Kyle, Tim spent some time behind a burning car on a bridge. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=andrew+larsen&search-button=&lang=default Be sure to like The Morning After Ministry on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morningafterm...

21: Programming Retreats and Camps For The Soul

Our students' lives and schedules are overwhelming, high-paced, and filled with all sorts of pressures and expectations. As youth leaders, we can program retreats and camps that can help our students experience the rest for their souls that Jesus promises. In this episode, we are challenged to ask a question, "How can we program and plan our retreats so that they are not a continuation of their already hard-pressed and busy lives, but a true retreat from them?" The goal is for our retreat and...