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Youth Ministry Booster Podcast

Christian Talk

Welcome to the Youth Ministry Booster podcast! The most honest podcast in student ministry. Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. We are the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders. We are here for you with humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage. Youth ministry is better together.Learn more @ http://www.youthministrybooster.com

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to the Youth Ministry Booster podcast! The most honest podcast in student ministry. Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. We are the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders. We are here for you with humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage. Youth ministry is better together.Learn more @ http://www.youthministrybooster.com

Language:

English

Contact:

4056504119


Episodes

Navigating Youth Ministry Highs & Lows: From Static to Soul-Care

3/18/2024
We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. Remember school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those valleys. This heartfelt episode is a reminder for all our ministry friends out there: while we're passionate about serving others, we must also cherish and prioritize our own health and happiness. Healthy ministry, starting with soul-care, is about striking that elusive balance between ramping up activities and maintaining our personal and family well-being. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:28:27

Help Your Youth Ministry Small Group Leaders Win (and stick around!)

2/20/2024
Facebook marketplace is safe right? Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of teenagers. For the next 30 minutes we're dishing out our practical strategies to help your newbie leaders turn anxiety into confidence, transforming those small group gatherings into from sessions to community. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:29:44

Discipline, Distractions, & Disruptions During Youth Ministry Teaching

2/6/2024
JEREMY SIT DOWN! Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right? If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you! Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues: If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen hijinks we hope this chat is helpful. We're unpacking the chaos of disruptions with real stories (we have been there!). Can we just send these kids to time-out? Hey YM friends let's talk about how to foster a culture of respect by clearly setting expectations and involving students in the process and explaining the 'why' behind the rules. It's about making an impact that goes beyond Sunday and into their daily lives, ensuring that every interaction plants a seed for positive behavior and engagement. Lastly, let's break it down so you can take it home. From ninja-like non-verbal cues between leaders to a 'three-step process' that's more like four steps, we're laying down our take on behavioral management. We're sharing our blueprint for establishing clear boundaries, all while nurturing growth and fostering a safe space for teens to thrive. So, gear up for some real talk on crafting an environment where respect is the norm, and chaos is shown the door. And hey, don't forget to drop us your thoughts! booster@youthministrybooster.com Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:35:54

Crafting Winning Games for Youth Ministry: Thanks ChatGPT

1/24/2024
Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong? Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coaching up what makes games great. So enjoy our queasy missteps and food-related fiascos, all while highlighting the true aim of youth events—safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences for every student involved. ChatGPT Games Balloon Pop Fruit Lumberjack Human Bowling We've packed this episode with innovative game ideas that steer clear of athletic prowess and instead, celebrate teamwork and pure, silly fun. So get ready to stock your youth ministry playbook with some fresh, creative game ideas that are guaranteed hits. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:28:07

Rethinking Youth Ministry Goals, Failures, & Successes

1/9/2024
Ever bitten off more than you can chew? Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting. This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a lesson in embracing the unexpected and learning from our missteps—not just in cooking but in our ministry efforts too. Rolling up our sleeves, Chad and I tackle the hefty topic of expectations in youth ministry. We peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs of our audience. This episode isn't just about shrugging off failures; it's a roadmap for refining our perspective to enhance our work. And finally, we're not just talking shop on what could be; we're want to push you on how student ministry adapts to the times. Join us as we question the norms, from worship times to the structure of our gatherings. We hope you'll be just as bold in reimagining how to connect and grow with your youth groups. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:35:06

Holiday Gift Giving Guide and Navigating Parent-Youth Ministry Relationships

12/12/2023
Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'll even tell you why your friend who has no inkling about a multi-tool could end up loving it as a gift! Venturing into deeper waters, we grapple with the delicate issue of helicopter parenting in youth ministry. Through our exploration, we underline the need to examine each scenario in its unique context and how it transcends individual parents, pushing us to consider the home and generational backdrop. But amidst these challenges, there's the golden opportunity of nurturing relationships in youth ministry. We uncover the essence of deep discipleship and faith formation in impacting the next generation while unearthing the surprising ministry opportunities with parents. So buckle in for an enlightening journey of faith, relationships, and yes, some chuckles along the way! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:27:36

Parasocial Relationships and Youth Ministry

11/28/2023
Could you eat faster than Zac? No One's Going To Take It! Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty start to an episode that gets you laughing and wondering about your own eating speed. ParaSocial Relationships Then, things take a more profound turn. We journey back to the 1950s as we explore the realm of parasocial relationships and their tremendous influence on present-day youth culture. From their roots in celebrity culture to their evolution and widespread acceptance, it's eye-opening to examine how even individuals with a minute online presence can significantly impact young people's relationships. As we steer this conversation, we also analyze these relationships' potential hazards and how they can impact their connection with higher powers, like God. Improving Our Present Condition But we're not all about identifying problems; we aim to bring solutions to the table. Therefore, in the concluding part of our discussion, we delve deep into the importance of relationships in youth ministry. We emphasize the need for safe social spaces for students and meaningful connections among youth ministers. We believe that humor and fun serve as glue in cultivating these connections, and we take you along as we look into how this can elevate the ministry. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:36:18

How Youth Ministry Grows Relationally

11/14/2023
Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode. Chil or No-Bean Chili? We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of a friendly debate on Wolf Brand chili and I share the recipe for my favorite homemade version. Chad's friend eating it cold is a monster by the way! Youth Ministry's Greatest Leverage = Relationships As we shift gears, we dive deep into the world of youth ministry and the unique relational opportunities it offers. But How? We share our insights on how to best utilize these opportunities, emphasizing the importance of setting aside time before services to build connections with students and leaders. We explore the various activities that can foster stronger relationships, such as pre-gathering activities and casual chat spaces. Consider the potential of high school and older student leaders leading these activities and how an inviting atmosphere can be created at the door with clear expectations set for adults. It's almost a new year friends, so buckle up and get ready to hear some real-life strategies that have transformed our youth ministry experience. It's an important time for thinking relationally about your youth ministry. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:27:41

Ocean of Curiosity: How to get youth ministry students to read the Bible.

10/10/2023
How do I get students to actually read their Bibles? Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks? Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of only reading it during crisis or reciting it as cliche. Remember, your goal is to create an environment where teenagers can explore the Bible's teachings in a way that resonates with them. It's about fostering a genuine interest and understanding rather than forcing them to open to it. Join us as we dive into these practical strategies to help your teenagers build a meaningful connection with the Christian Bible. The role of a great youth minister is as a guide. You are taking people out on the boat to show them how deep and beautiful the ocean really can be. You are creating a safe space for exploration and that support will help your students journey through the scriptures. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:30:02

The Best Free Thing In Youth Ministry (that you might not even be using).

9/27/2023
What are we going to do next? What do we have planned? It's something we say often as youth ministry leaders, but is that really all there is? Is ministry just a matter of planning? Do we really need a better calendar? Is all about what we can plan? We are talking spiritual health inside of Youth Ministry Booster and we have been asking what we need. What we really need is... Discernment. The collective effort to not ask, "what do we have planned?" but to seek what God might have for our ministry through story-telling, celebration, and noticings. God's Plan. It is something we have to be reminded about, like our almost 8 year history of podcasting. Back in 2015, our 'After 9' era, we were self-funded *resourceless* and attending our first conference in Texas with a pop-up banner, borrowed office chairs, and a bowl of gummy bears. There is an invaluable lesson you can only learn when you feel like you have nothing,. It's the lesson about asking the right questions and discernment in youth ministry leadership. So we hope this humorous and helpful reminder gives you hope. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:26:49

Organize For Impact 3: Chaos To Orderly Youth Ministry

9/12/2023
Piles. Stacks. Mess. UGGGHHHH! Are you tripping over clutter, both in your physical space and your digital life? Same. Until... Join Chad Higgins and Zac as we take a deep dive into personal organization. This is part 3 of our organized for impact series for youth ministry leaders. There is power, power, wonder working power of labeling and how designating a space for each item, no matter how small, can rein in the chaos. *BONUS discover the secret to protecting your personal email from the undesirables. We discuss the benefits of breaking up your day into manageable chunks and how setting timers can keep you motivated. And if things get too overwhelming, don't worry - we've got strategies for resetting and refocusing your energy. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. This week, take a step towards a more organized life by listening to this episode and make a new friend who shares your goal. You might just be surprised at how much you grow! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:43:54

Organizing For Impact: When the Youth Ministry Car Won't Start

8/22/2023
The battery was dead! Taking control of schedules, creating task lists, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, we discuss how these skills are critical in improving focus, efficiency, and dealing with student ministries. Zac and Chad wrap up their discussion by exploring the significance of organization in student ministry. Learn from our experiences on how to stay ahead of deadlines, manage stress, and plan effectively. 0:00 Organizational Tips and Car Troubles 7:39 Strategic Planning and Bigger Calendar 13:07 Time Management in Student Ministry 21:13 Developing Leadership in Student Ministry 33:23 Effective Leadership and Delegation for Tasks 37:00 Importance of Organization in Student Ministry We are here to stress the importance of anticipating tasks, creating oversight, and providing guidance and support to leaders. Get ready for an episode filled with practical insights, intriguing stories, and plenty of laughs! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:38:25

Organizing for Impact: Grow your Youth Ministry through Structure

8/8/2023
I CANT FIND IT! If you have ever been frustrated when looking for an old email, a file, or even a thing in your office then we have your back! Youth may be chaotic, but your ministry doesn't have to be chaotic. Honest talk. Have you ever considered how this lack of organization might be affecting not just yourself, but the people around you and the leadership you provide? Booster is here to help! Seriously, it's one of our favorite topics. This episode and a few more to follow are all about the impactful role of organization in youth ministry and how it can enhance your leadership skills and give you more clarity and rest. We're not just talking about tidying up your desk or sending emails on time. We're going a step further to talk about intentional neglect of certain tasks to focus on more important ones, and how a clean workspace can provide clarity, focus, and create a welcoming environment for others. You have to see the big picture! It's not just about planning the next event but connecting the dots in your ministry. It starts in taking a broader view, setting clearer expectations, and integrating new students really well into the community. This episode is a reminder for how to structure your ministry for different seasons, and how to break down big projects into manageable chunks for better organization. We want to help you grow your youth ministry! as we delve into the importance of organizational planning and goal setting. Zac and Chad discuss practical ways to increase your bandwidth for ministry work, like setting up templates and clear goals. This episode is part one in a wealth of practical tips and insights for anyone involved in youth ministry. Let's get organized and make a difference! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:35:22

Get Fall Launch Ready In Youth Ministry, And It's Still Summer

7/11/2023
Summer fun is almost done, but are you fall ready in youth ministry yet? Zac and Chad have some laughs, stories, and insights to help get you ready for a big fall early. In this episode the guys talk about recruiting and training leaders, transitioning new recruits via camp experiences, and launching key spiritual initiatives in September. Summer fun isn't over yet! We're also going to walk you through the steps to a successful fall launch in student ministry. There's ideas for creating a vibrant environment, outside activities and a grand launch, sprucing up the space with new artwork, and hosting dedicated parent meetings. Get fall ready before summer is even over! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:28:48

Boosting Summer Camp Attendance: Strategies for a Successful Season

6/13/2023
Struggling to fill those last-minute spots for your summer camp? We hear you! It's one of the biggest weeks of ministry, budget, and responsibility of the whole year! Fear not, as in this episode, we'll provide you with valuable insights and strategies to ensure a successful camp season. Join Chad and Zac as they talk about what makes camp extra great! In this episode we discuss the importance of being prepared for potential changes, proactive communication with senior leadership, and how to motivate students who may not have been considering attending camp. Let's talk about how personal invitations and sharing stories of previous camp experiences can make all the difference. As you finalize for the summer camp season, this episode will help you plan, adapt, and communicate effectively to create an unforgettable experience for all involved. So, let's get ready to make this summer camp one for the books! Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:31:01

A Scurvy-Free Journey to Youth Ministry Revival

5/30/2023
On this episode of Youth Ministry Booster, the hosts announce the exciting news that Season 5: Revival Generation registration is now open! This episode not only brings you exciting possibilities for the new season but takes some unexpected turns with discussions on vitamin water, scurvy, and Flintstone vitamin dipping sauce. I know right? You can already taste it. In this season of Booster, we are focusing on the topic of revival and providing five challenges to help leaders reshape the conversation around it. The hosts and special guest Chad Higgins emphasize the importance of personal revival and the need for pastors to lead by example. Season 5: Revival Generation discusses the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, accountability, and intentional growth in ministry. Join the conversation and community! We encourage youth pastors to have honest relationships with those around them and work towards creating a community that prioritizes the church and the gospel. You can join the conversation and learn how to make a positive impact in student ministry and create lasting friendships with others. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:29:04

Ministry of Fun: A secret but important youth ministry principle

4/27/2023
What's the most important thing youth ministry offers? The first answer is Jesus, but is there another layer that students need to experience to help hear the name of Jesus more clearly. In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk one of their most beloved principles for healthy student ministry. It's a vital part of every ministry, the ministry of fun. And no, we don't mean fun as in games. Yes, maybe games sometimes, but fun is so much more than the silly 5 mins before the 2nd song on Wednesday nights. Fun is so much more. When done right fun is revolutionary. Fun is the counter-cultural experience of being a safe space where people care about you and welcome you to be know. So in this episode we want open up what fun might mean for your youth ministry. Lend us your ears and let's chat about what a ministry of fun looks like for your teenagers. Chad and Zac are here for you because quality fun is hard work and there is no better way to get fun done than on a team! Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/ Join us for a preaching event like no other! https://www.lifeway.com/experience Let's hang out in your town! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s.. Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:36:23

Ministry of Feelings: Preparing for Big Summer Camp Feels in Youth Ministry

4/11/2023
Do you ever get caught up in your feels? Your students will be up in their feelings this summer (especially at camp)... so what's your plan? In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk about how emotions are an important part of youth ministering. It's part of their development and an important piece of pastoring faithfully. And there is no season more emotional or emotive than summer. It's big events, it's the relief of less school, it's a new rhythm for life. They might actually even get a few naps in... So in this episode we wanted to prep with you, for you, the emotional journey students might take this summer. Lean in and review what your space and time allocates for emotional development. Are you steamrolling through? Are you often derailed at the first signs of sleepy-tired tears? How are you prepping yourself and your team? For the middle schooler and high schooler make plans not just for what you will do, but perhaps how it will affect your students when you gather this summer. Chad and Zac are here for you emotionally as you are planning, pastoring, and caretaking for students. Reach out and let us know how we can help. Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/ Join us for a preaching event like no other! https://www.lifeway.com/experience Let's hang out in your town! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s... Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:35:01

The Greatest All Time Questions You Can Ask When You Interview For A Youth Ministry Position

3/21/2023
What would you say you want me to do here? In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad challenge each other back and forth to ask the most important questions a candidate can ask when interviewing for a ministry position. A lot is at stake when applying for a job and a candidate should have as much interest in the church/organization as they should have in the candidate. We should all come to an interview with great questions! It is possibly a decade long decision and so the process should be painstakingly truthful, perhaps brutally honest, and helpfully healthy for all parties involved. Zac and Chad share some of their insights from coaching youth ministry leaders across the country for the last 8 years. Write down the ones you like, craft them into your own language and then take them with you before your next interview. Chad and Zac are here for you as support as you endeavor in perhaps a decade(s) defining set of interview. Longevity starts in the first interview! Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/ Join us for a preaching event like no other! https://www.lifeway.com/experience Let's hang out in your town! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s... Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:39:38

Resources That Grow Youth Ministries Making Disciples, What It Really Takes

3/7/2023
What does it take to make a disciple? How do teenage disciples grow? Resources. What an important word to define. In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad reflect on their experiences with other resource events (*cough book fairs cough*) and what those previous moments have taught them about youth ministry's work to equip students, leaders, and parents. Truly, your students need resources and you cannot be the start and end of their discipleship informed/formation journey. Zac and Chad talk about why your youth ministry needs more helpful stuff and we aren't just talking books in the lobby! Your space: the physical layout of a room/building, the community space of how people might gather, and the relational/social space of how students are welcomed are all part of the resourcing of your ministry. Take a listen and then take a moment to reflect on the pathways and purposes of disciple-making in your space. Chad and Zac are here to encourage you to evaluate not just what you can do, but the space, program, and relationships you can foster as you minister. Follow up with our team! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/ Join us for a preaching event like no other! https://www.lifeway.com/experience Let's hang out in your town! https://studentministry.lifeway.com/s... Support the showJoin the community!

Duration:00:30:06