Youth Ministry Hacks

April 2021 - DYM Members Only Podcast

April is here and so are your new member resources!

147: It’s been a while

We took two weeks off for spring break, a family funeral and unscheduled illness, but we came back today to dis-cuss the nonsense that is Lil Nas, our different parenting styles, the easter even at Tim’s church, and all the things we weren’t allowed to do as fundies. 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 Morni...

16: Success is a Slippery Slope

Success in ministry can be a slippery slope because we have a tendency to believe that the success we may experience in ministry is directly related to our spiritual maturity or God's approval. Just think about some of the more widely known pastors who we have discovered were living secret lives even while their ministries were experiencing tremendous success. We usually think hardship is when we are most spiritually vulnerable to compromise, but it seems like scripture and experience point t...

94: Creating a Culture of…FAMILY!

Today we continue our series “Creating a Culture of…” The most important part of being a successful youth pastor isn’t teaching, meeting with kids, or planning events. It isn’t how charismatic we are, or how big our budget is. The most important thing is building a culture, what we call the “environmental architecture of a healthy ministry. Over time, our culture becomes a living entity, a self-perpetuating lifeform, allowing our ministries to grow and flourish year after year. It’s bigger th...

149: We launched a campus

It is finally here. Frank’s campus is launched. Now what do we do? **Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes!** Follow the podcast online! -https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/15-minutes-with-frank/ -http://Instagram.com/fifteenminuteswithfrank -https://facebook.com/fifteenminuteswithfrank Follow Frank! -http://frankgil.me -http://instagram.com/pastorfrankgil -http://facebook.com/pastorfrankgil -http://twitter.com/pastorfrankgil Check out Frank’s other podcast for pastors: P...

93: Creating a culture of... leadership

Today we continue our series “Creating a Culture of…” The most important part of being a successful youth pastor isn’t teaching, meeting with kids, or planning events. It isn’t how charismatic we are, or how big our budget is. The most important thing is building a culture, what we call the “environmental architecture of a healthy ministry. Over time, our culture becomes a living entity, a self-perpetuating lifeform, allowing our ministries to grow and flourish year after year. It’s bigger th...

Youth Ministry Burnout - signs, symptoms, solutions, and how to avoid it!

Youth ministry veterans Doug Fields, Josh Griffin, and Heather Flies share some practical ways to avoid burnout and stay in youth ministry for the long haul. See the signs and symptoms, some practical solutions, as well as tips on how to avoid burnout all together! Links: My Roles & Goals (FREE resource): https://www.downloadyouthministry.com...​ DYM Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DYMCo...​ Stay Connected: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DownloadYM​ Instagram: ht...

92: Creating a Culture of…OUTREACH!

Today we continue our series “Creating a Culture of…” The most important part of being a successful youth pastor isn’t teaching, meeting with kids, or planning events. It isn’t how charismatic we are, or how big our budget is. The most important thing is building a culture, what we call the “environmental architecture of a healthy ministry. Over time, our culture becomes a living entity, a self-perpetuating lifeform, allowing our ministries to grow and flourish year after year. It’s bigger th...

146: Accidentally Mormon

This morning we talked about actually diving into the source material we use while writing sermons, international women's day, guest preachers, membership classes, and how to not be a jerk (while kinda being a jerk.) Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592.html Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandwar...

387: the DYM Podcast is back!

OK ok ok, we know it has been some time since we have recorded a new episode of the DYM Podcast. After a year of pandemic navigating, we wanted to come on and share some learnings and encouragement for our youth ministry community.

91: Creating a Culture of…FUN!

What’s more fun than listening to the Youth Ministry Sherpas podcast? How about a healthy youth ministry? Today we kick off a four-part series called “Creating a Culture of…” The most important part of being a successful youth pastor isn’t teaching, meeting with kids, or planning events. It isn’t how charismatic we are, or how big our budget is. The most important thing is to build a culture, what we call the “environmental architecture of a healthy ministry. Over time, our culture becomes...

145: This is What Tim Gets for Showing Up Late

Effects mixers on soundboards can be fun. Especially when they make Tim sound like a supervillain. We talked about the unsolicited things that get sent to pastors, the difference in attending a wedding or funeral compared to presiding at one, and what to and what not to post about personal stuff. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592.html Check out our reso...

144: In and Out of Focus

After taking last week off to observe Presidents’ Day, we gathered around the mics today to discuss how we have handled the past few weeks of Valentines, storms, and busy church calendars. We dove into the topics of movie ratings, church newcomers, and unfair expectations of ministry families. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592.html Check out our resourc...

80: Hacks On Creating A Culture Of Candor

Notes: Justin is solo on this episode and talking through how to create a culture of candor on your staff or volunteer teams. We are going to be talking through WHY it’s a big deal, how to make it happen so the best ideas come out of your teams. SPONSORS: Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/ Download Youth Ministry University https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10517/QbmGUcX2

March 2021 - DYM Members Only Podcast

March we made it! The days are starting to get a little longer, and we have some fun resources for you, our beloved members.

90: How NOT to be Offended

What is wrong with you people!? What do you mean you don’t agree with everything we say? What do you mean the Youth Ministry Sherpas Podcast is not your favorite podcast ever? It’s easy to take offense—these days, probably easier than ever. Someone is always upset over something. As youth workers, we might be offended by someone’s opinion about our program, by their political views, by their lack of involvement in our ministry. And let’s face it, we probably are experts at offending others,...

89: Surviving the Doldrums

It’s February. It’s icy. It’s cold. We haven’t seen the sun since the 1840s. (Okay, a slight exaggeration, but it feels that way.) If you live in Maryland, Wisconsin, New England, or the Midwest, you understand. If you live in California, well…whatever. Loser. Regardless of where you live, it’s the time of the year in youth ministry when it feels like everyone just wants to take a nap. The thrill of fall kickoff is a distant memory. The holidays are over. It feels like we are biding our time...

15: Subtlety Over Sensationalism

God has a significant plan for each of our lives, but the appearance-driven culture we live in often causes us to sacrifice the important on the altar of the impressive. In this installment of The Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, James Sabin and guest co-host Eben Eddy discuss how small actions are often what paves the way to a healthy soul and a fruitful ministry. Connect with Us... Personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com...

143: Live From Champa Bay

Look, we don’t only talk sports, but we talk some sports, and we live in Tampa Bay, so we’re a little bit excited to-day about the Buccaneers victory. We talked S**** B*** parties and practices, but also got into sermon critiques and and sermon note mishaps. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favor-ite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592.html Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://w...

88: You Can’t Make this Stuff Up

We’ve been pretty serious lately. All this societal upheaval has us wound too tight, like a tiny covid mask on a giant head. It’s time to lighten up. So today we needed to laugh. And to laugh, we tell stories. Youth ministry is a wild world. It takes you to places you never expected to be, and puts you in situations you never saw coming. How many insurance adjusters get to rescue freshmen boys from a shirtless nursing mother in the Dominican Republic, or are forced to pull over the 15-passeng...

87: How to talk to Students about Race: A conversation w/Theo Davis

Politics, covid, race, -- it has been a tumultuous 10 months. We spent the previous two episodes processing some of our frustrations with the culture of division and talking about how we can help our students think more clearly and with a broader perspective. To bring closure, we thought it would be helpful to bring in another voice, and we have to say, we chose wisely! Theo Davis is a youth pastor in Kansas City. He’s also an artist, a father, an introvert, and a voice of reason, gentleness...

142: Power Outage and Bidet Magic (Tim named this episode)

Ethan Parker, one of the church leaders who didn’t cancel their event for football, joined us this morning, and we ate a little bit of crow. What happens when conventional wisdom says to cancel, and you don’t think you should? We talked the rolls we play in service and the rolls we give away. We dove into cut off date for adding elements to service. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teachi...

Josh Talks DYM Membership - February 2021

14: All Pain Is A Potential Prison

Because we live in a broken world, the pain and hurt we experience from others is unavoidable. With all pain and hurt, comes the potential for bitterness and hatred toward those who hurt us. In this episode, we talk about the real struggle with pain caused by others and how it has the potential to transform into hatred. A deep seated hatred that makes the command of Jesus to forgive others seemingly impossible. We will discover that unforgiveness toward others isn't the unforgivable sin, but ...

79: Hacks We Learned Over 2020 Leading In A Pandemic

Justin and Matthew sit down and chat in the first episode of the new year talking through some of the hacks they learned while leading in 2020. Last year was a unique one for everyone and it forced us to be more efficient and agile. The dudes share 3 hacks they learned in hopes to help you too. SPONSORS: Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/ Download Youth Ministry University https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10517/QbmGUcX2

86: Broadening Our Students’ Perspective

The Youth Ministry Sherpas are back for another discussion about how to help our students think critically in a world gone mad. Recording this the day after the inauguration, we are pleased to mention that Washington, DC is still standing, and we are still here. We are still picking up the pieces of the turbulence this year has brought while trying to navigate how to pastor our students well through these times. One thing we believe is that perspective is everything. We want to create youth m...

141: Whenever Timmy Decides to Get Here

This morning we dove into the idea of in culture, why are we portrayed the way we are? We talked about the Buccaneers success, and the success of bringing in free agents. We talked about what free agents we’d bring into our churches if we could. We closed the show by asking if it makes sense to cancel plans for football. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592...

148: Please Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself

2021 is a time for re-introductions and refocus. Frank shares his intentions for 15 minutes with Frank and what you can expect for the new year. **Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes!** Follow the podcast online! -https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/15-minutes-with-frank/ -http://Instagram.com/fifteenminuteswithfrank -https://facebook.com/fifteenminuteswithfrank Follow Frank! -http://frankgil.me -http://instagram.com/pastorfrankgil -http://facebook.com/pastorfrankgil -htt...

140: That’s It, Unless I’m Forgetting Something

Is James Hardin wearing a fat suit? Is that the way to get traded to Brooklyn? Why does the fat suit version of Hardin look like the regular version of Andrew, and why is it so hard to buy a suit if you’re not in great shape? We talked people leaving, and how we’re spending stimulus money. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/1-year-1-click-50-week-teaching-bundle/lessons-series-1592.html Check out our resources ...

147: Pastoring Through Politics 2

Frank is back after taking a two month break and things haven’t gotten any better. Resources -Southside Rabbi - "Capitol Under Siege: A Christian Distinctive": https://spoti.fi/3sCrXR3 -Holy Post Podcast - "Was the Capitol Attack a Christian Insurrection?": https://bit.ly/3sMqEPE -Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Du Mez: https://amzn.to/39I3qS2 **Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes!** Follow the podcast online! -https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/15-minutes-with-frank/ -ht...

Let's Get Some Momentum in 2021!

Recently, Doug and Josh made a video about how to get Momentum in 2021! In this episode, Michelle and Ronald talk about the ways they are planning to work on one of the ten things they talked about! Talked about on the episode: Momentum in Ministry Facebook Video: https://blog.downloadyouthministry.com/how-to-get-momentum-in-2021/ The Quick List: 1. Align With Adult Services 2. Get Big-Picture Buy-In 3. Communicate 4. Dig Deeper 5. Combine with a Kickoff 6. Perk Attendance 7. Incentivize N...

85: Helping Students Think Critically in Crazy World

We took a couple months off, and the world lost its collective mind! The Sherpas, who both live a few miles north of Washington, DC, are swimming in the waters of politics in our cities and our churches. Watching riots in the Capitol building recently (and recording this just two days prior to an inauguration to be conducted under lockdown), we cannot escape the craziness. Neither can our students. We are thinking and talking about it, and so are they. No one is blind to the tumult our countr...

13: Living in an "Us" and "Them" Culture

Helping our souls and students to navigate a culture that likes to take sides and defines and distinguishes between people using all sorts of measurables. God's love doesn't see sides; He sees sons and daughters. God's love doesn't see ideologies; He sees Image Bearers. God's love doesn't see labels: His love sees loss. Show Notes: Follow me at the following social media links below and reach out at my email address. Would love to hear from you and to respond and interact with any questions...

139: Give Me Layers to Hide Behind

The show took a serious tone today as we dove into the topic of loneliness and community for pastors. Andrew had a family leave his church, and Tim had people commenting on his life choices on social media. We talked about how hard it is to have real relationships with people in our churches. We also laughed at some of the more crazy things happening in our lives and ministries. Our show is brought to you this week by one of our favorite DYM resources. https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/...

2020 Wasn’t A Complete Dumpster Fire

Ok, it wasn’t ALL a dumpster fire. Some good things did come out of 2020! This week, Michelle and Ronald look back at 2020 and talk about the things they saw that were positive from the year! Got anything to add? We’d love to hear about it! Talked about on the episode: 2020 - It Wasn’t All Bad https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/2020---it-wasn%27t-all-bad/games-6045.html The Life and Legacy of Allison Williams https://scholarship.downloadyouthministry.com/allison-williams/ What did w...

138: That Doesn't Sound Right

The New Year started in heartbreaking fashion for Andrew. He lost his fantasy football championship in the final seconds of yesterday’s games. But at least he didn’t leave the spotify playlist running in the live stream for an entire service like Timmy’s church did. We talked premarital counseling, new year’s preaching, and outside groups using the church property. What a fun way to kick off the new year. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on...

January 2021 - DYM Member Podcast

137: The 2020 Christmas Spectacular

Another year has come and gone, and we closed out 202 with our annual Christmas Spectacular! We dove into all of the prep going into Christmas Eve Services. We talked through our post Christmas services, and spent a whole bunch of time talking about how Tim’s guest preacher flushed a toilet on the live stream yesterday. We’ll be back January 4 with a New Year and new shows! Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Downlo...

The Dangers of Putting Middle School Students In Charge

These kids are squirrely. You’ve got to be careful or they’ll run around on you if you put them in charge of things! They might even get going even when you aren’t ready! This week, Michelle and Ronald talk giving students responsibilities. And the good and the bad of doing so! Questions to Consider •How can you help students lead from the front? •How can you help students lead from behind the scenes? Mentioned in the Podcast: Student Job Descriptions https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...

136: More Stress Than Preaching

Ever had the kind of day where you were exhausted and didn’t even do the thing that usually makes you tired? Timmy came back from a week of vacay to spend 12 hours at church preparing for an annual meeting. Andrew had back to back outdoor events. And we’re still 11 days from Christmas. Next week is our annual Christmas Spec-tacular! Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistry-Site/default/Search-Show?q=a...

Christmas Fun & Plans During Coronavirus

Christmas Fun and Plans During Coronavirus It’s December! That means Christmas parties and lots of plans. And maybe changing plans. This week Ronald and Michelle talk about what Christmas looks like during Covid. Got any suggestions? Send them on! Talked about on the Podcast: Escape the North Pole: Digital Escape Room https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/p/escape-the-north-pole%3A-digital-escape-room/online-ministry/special-events-6000.html Actin’ Sus https://www.downloadyouthministry.c...

78: Hacks On Leading Hybrid Model Of Online & In-Person w/ Tim Somers

This episode we have Tim Somers, the lead Youth Pastor of Elevation Church. In my option, Elevation Youth is leading the way in how to engage students with content online AND with how they get students involved in small groups who never have stepped foot on campus before. We chat through how they do it and what are some things we all need to know. @timsomers3 on IG SPONSORS: Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/ Download Youth Ministry University https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10517...

It's Not Cancelled, It's Postponed

Did you spend a lot of time planning an event that had to get canceled or postponed due to the pandemic? This week, Ronald and Michelle talk about having to make contingency plans and calling audibles during this wild season. And what to do when you don’t really agree with the decisions that get made. Questions to Consider •What do you do with the plans you had for an event that didn’t come together? •How can you support the leadership of your church even if you don’t like a decision? •What ...

135: Dylan, this is 135. No. It's 11:10

Is there anything worse than realizing that you looked ridiculous hours after you delivered a sermon? Andrew suffered from an unfortunate case of moobs on Sunday and Dylan didn’t even tell him. We talked through Dylan’s seminary application process, and played the newest Christmas game in the DYM store: “Hot Takes for Christmas” by our good buddy Derry Prenkert. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-DownloadYouthMinistr...

Members Only Podcast, December 2020

2020 IS ALMOST OVER! You might be sprinting toward the finish line or limping your way there; either way, we are so proud of you! This year will go down in history as one of the most memorable for so many reasons. One thing we will never forget is how our youth ministry tribe persevered and continued to minister to teenagers during a challenging time - you're incredible!

Are We Shutting Down Again?

Have you and your church stayed open this whole time? Did you have to shut down and then got to re-open? After all that, are you having to shut down AGAIN? This week, Michelle and Ronald talk about having to go back to online. Again. Questions to Consider •How do you communicate with parents and students about going back online? •Who makes the call in your church about the youth group being online? •What things did you learn from the last shut down that you’re going to use if you have to go ...

134: Remember Your First Time (Preaching)?

You’re were nervous, the anticipation built for months and months, it wasn’t quite as long as you thought it would be, and yet when it was done, you were exhausted. Your first time preaching was quite the memorable experience. Dylan preached for the first time last Sunday. We talked virtual services post Christmas, decorations, and all things happening between Thanksgiving and New Years. Check out our resources in the DYM store here: https://www.downloadyouthministry.com/on/demandware.store...

77: Hacks On Giving Tactical Tools To Carry Out The Vision

This is a follow up from our last episode. Make sure to go back and listen if you have not. Justin casted vision to all of the leaders in the ministry and this episode is the HOW to make it happen. This is the tactical execution of the big picture summary. This episode gives you an inside look into Justin and crew trained their own leaders for this year. SPONSORS: Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/ Download Youth Ministry University https://www.dymuniversity.com/a/10517/QbmGUcX2

12: Digesting Before Regurgitating

The title may sound gross, but we promise it has significance for your youth ministry. The more unhealthy we become internally, the more tempting it can be to separate ourselves from the messages we share with our students. Guest Co-host Eben Eddy and James Sabin challenge us to take a step back and ask the question, "Do I really believe what I am about to share with my students?" And If not, what we can do about it. Follow me at the following social media links below and reach out at my e...

76: Hacks On Casting Vision To your Leaders

In this episode it’s just Justin talking about and sharing about their big leader training night they had a few months back. Justin talks about how and why they cancelled group to make training happen and he shares the audio of the training video that played across all 11 campuses to cast the vision of the new school year and what we are focusing on as a ministry across the board in the new school year. The goal is to give you an inside look of how Justin and team go about training and castin...