In this episode, Mutheu Esilaba of 242 Community Church discusses the evolution of student ministry, the balance between fun and discipleship, and the impact of COVID-19 on youth engagement. He highlights the importance of vulnerability, authentic community, and empowering Gen Z and Gen Alpha to take active roles in church leadership.

Connect with Mutheu via Email

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.

• The importance of recruiting volunteers for family ministry.
• The shift from programming to small groups in student ministry.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and engagement.
• Gen Z is open to hard conversations about faith.
• Discipleship should be the core focus of youth ministry.
• COVID-19 accelerated the need for authentic community.
• Fun and discipleship can coexist in youth ministry.
• The next generation is looking for a big God.
• Churches need to adapt to the changing cultural landscape.
• Engaging students in meaningful roles is crucial for their growth.

Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.

Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, Nick talks with veteran youth pastor Jody Livingston about the importance of longevity in ministry, balancing personal health, and nurturing family relationships. They discuss challenges youth pastors face, the value of clear expectations and strong teams, and how healthy ministry flows from personal well-being and ongoing self-reflection.

Connect with Jody via TheLongerHaul.com

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.

• Jody has 26 years of experience in youth ministry.
• Longevity in youth ministry is crucial for effectiveness.
• The average tenure of youth pastors is often debated.
• Personal health is essential for successful ministry.
• Expectations in ministry should be clear and realistic.
• Building a strong team is vital for youth ministry success.
• Ministry should be a family affair, not a balance.
• Recognizing when to leave a ministry is important.
• Vision in ministry should align with the church's mission.
• Personal development is key to sustaining a long-term ministry.

Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.

Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, David Reneau shares insights on transitioning roles in ministry, prioritizing spiritual health, and the importance of aligning curriculum with a church’s mission. He also emphasizes building strong leadership teams to share the workload, foster growth, and ensure long-term sustainability in family ministry.

David Reneau is the Lead Pastor of Encounter Church in Toccoa, Georgia with his wife Liz and son Caleb. With over 17 years of experience in ministry, most of it in kids ministry, he has developed a passion to help others lead in their churches well. He loves to talk about ministry, leadership, video games and Star Wars. His goal is to develop an authentic faith in people that will last a lifetime.

Connect with David via his website.

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.

• Maintaining a relationship with God is crucial for ministry leaders.
• Curriculum selection should align with church doctrine and mission.
• Building a leadership team helps share the load in kids ministry.
• Effective leadership teams can prevent burnout and ensure continuity.
• Investing in volunteer development is essential for ministry growth.
• Creating a supportive community among ministry leaders enhances effectiveness.
• Curriculum should be practical and tailored to the needs of the children.
• Regular meetings with leadership teams foster collaboration and innovation.
• A well-structured ministry can sustain itself even during leadership transitions.
• Pre-order/Order new book HERE

Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.

Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, Tyler Bates from Amazing Life shares the evolution of the Orange Curriculum, focusing on the importance of biblical depth, worship integration, and collaboration between parents and churches. He discusses ongoing improvements driven by church feedback, the development of new resources like the APlay app, and the commitment to maintaining theological integrity in children's ministry.

Connect with Tyler via Instagram

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.

• Tyler Bates has a rich background in kids ministry and worship.
• Orange Curriculum is evolving to better serve churches and families.
• Amazing Kids Curriculum will continue to exist alongside Orange.
• Changes in the Orange curriculum aim to enhance biblical depth and practical application.
• Worship plays a crucial role in kids ministry and is being expanded.
• A-Play app has the potential to revolutionize how churches access and use media.
• Feedback from churches is essential for curriculum development.
• The goal is to create a sustainable model for effective ministry.

Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.

Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.

In this episode, Collette Taylor shares her journey in kids ministry, offering insights from her time at North Point Ministries and other organizations on creating engaging, intentional experiences for children. The conversation covers effective event production, volunteer management, and the creative processes behind delivering impactful messages in ministry contexts.

Connect with Colette via Email | ColetteTaylor.com

My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.

• Creating engaging experiences for kids is essential in modern church settings.
• Kids need to feel seen and connected to their leaders and peers.
• Transitions in programming are crucial to maintain engagement and flow.
• Collette emphasizes the importance of rehearsal and preparation for successful events.
• High school students often play key roles in tech for kids' ministry events.
• Intentionality in creating experiences can significantly impact children's engagement.
• The book ‘Creating Experiences for Kids' offers practical insights for church leaders.
• Production meetings are crucial for team alignment.
• Timing for rehearsals should consider volunteer availability.
• Planning should adapt to the specific context of the community.
• Debriefing helps identify areas for improvement after events.
• Creative meetings require focus to foster creativity.
• Using fidget toys can enhance concentration in meetings.
• Evaluating volunteers helps place them in the right roles.
• Shared notes can capture ideas for future events.
• Transitioning to new opportunities can be a leap of faith.

Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.

Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.

To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.

This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.