Episodios

  • TLH151: Burned Out After Summer Youth Ministry? Start Here

    TLH151: Burned Out After Summer Youth Ministry? Start Here
    Jul 31 2025
    In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of rest and planning for youth pastors. As the summer winds down, many youth pastors find themselves exhausted from camps, mission trips, and events. Steve Cullum from the National Network of Youth Ministries joins the show as we explore strategies to transition smoothly into the school year. Discover practical insights on scheduling breaks, building supportive teams, and finding personal rejuvenation. Whether you're a seasoned pastor or new to the ministry, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in your calling. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice to ensure you're not just surviving but thriving in your ministry journey. What you'll learn Why so many youth pastors limp into fall What true rest looks like for ministry leaders How to build rhythms that sustain you year-round The value of mentors, margin, and letting go Where to start if you’re already running on empty This is the episode for youth pastors who feel like they’re crawling into the fall semester. LINKS MENTIONED Youth Leader Survey RESOURCES MENTIONED stevecullum.com National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) - www.nnym.org JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    47 m
  • TLH150: What Youth Ministers Need to Last: The Story Behind Staying Power

    TLH150: What Youth Ministers Need to Last: The Story Behind Staying Power
    Jul 10 2025
    In this special 150th episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris Trent returns to the show—but this time, he’s asking the questions. Chris interviews Jody Livingston about his new book, Staying Power: 10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry. Together, they talk about the heart behind the book, what led Jody to write it, and why staying in youth ministry is more possible—and more important—than ever. This conversation is packed with honest reflections, encouragement, and practical advice for youth workers who want to serve with faithfulness for the long haul. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why longevity in youth ministry is so hard—and so needed The stories and convictions that shaped Staying Power How to persevere through discouragement, burnout, and seasons of doubt Why staying matters more than being impressive What Jody hopes youth pastors will walk away with after reading the book LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Staying Power Book JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    1 h y 3 m
  • TLH149: Reaching Gen Z in a Post-Christian Culture

    TLH149: Reaching Gen Z in a Post-Christian Culture
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody is joined by RJ McCauley to talk about what it really takes to reach the next generation—and why calling students to more than just showing up matters now more than ever. RJ shares lessons from years in youth ministry and gives practical advice on connecting with Gen Z in meaningful ways. They discuss the importance of gospel clarity, the hunger students have for truth, and how to create environments that move students from passive consumers to passionate followers of Jesus. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How to reach Gen Z in a culture of distraction and confusion Why entertainment isn’t enough—and what students actually crave How RJ encourages students to own their faith and follow Jesus boldly The importance of building gospel-centered, intentional ministries Why we can’t underestimate the influence of the Holy Spirit LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Staying Power Book JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    50 m
  • TLH148: Navigating Change from the Second Chair with Jake Mulder

    TLH148: Navigating Change from the Second Chair with Jake Mulder
    Mar 28 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we're joined by Jake Mulder to discuss what it means to lead change in youth ministry—especially when you're not the lead pastor. We unpack practical ways for you to influence vision, build trust, and lead transitions well. What You’ll Learn: How to lead effectively when you’re not in charge Key principles for navigating change in youth ministry How to balance innovation with honoring the church’s past Ways to build trust and cast vision for the future Practical steps for creating long-term impact in your ministry If you’re in youth ministry and looking for ways to lead through change while keeping your church moving forward, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make a lasting impact. LINKS MENTIONED Fuller Youth Institute RESOURCES MENTIONED Books: The Future-Focused Church (BRAND NEW!) Growing Young by Jake Mulder JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    51 m
  • TLH147: What Every Youth Pastor Needs to Know About Middle Schoolers

    TLH147: What Every Youth Pastor Needs to Know About Middle Schoolers
    Jan 30 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Ashley Bohinc, a leader with over 22 years of experience working with middle schoolers, to talk about how to communicate effectively with this unique age group. Middle schoolers aren’t just “younger high schoolers” or “older kids”—they require a specific approach to teaching, engaging, and discipling them well. Ashley shares key insights into breaking down messages for middle schoolers, avoiding common mistakes, and making youth ministry environments more engaging. If you’ve ever struggled with getting middle schoolers to listen, connect, or apply what you’re teaching, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical strategies to help you communicate in a way that sticks. What you'll learn Why middle schoolers need messages that are broken down, not "dumbed down." The importance of engaging their senses and making messages concrete. How to balance structured teaching with the energy and unpredictability of middle schoolers. The science behind how middle schoolers process and retain information. Tips for leading mixed-age groups when middle and high schoolers are combined. If you want to better engage and disciple middle school students, this episode will equip you with the tools to do it well. LINKS MENTIONED Make It Middle School: MakeItMiddleSchool.com Ashley Bohinc’s Book - Communicating to Middle Schoolers: Get the Book RESOURCES MENTIONED Ashley Bohinc on Instagram: @ashleymariebohinc Ashley Bohinc on Facebook: Ashley Bohinc JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    45 m
  • TLH146: Helping Parents Understand Today’s Youth Culture

    TLH146: Helping Parents Understand Today’s Youth Culture
    Jan 23 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness. Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing issues like online gambling and social media addiction, and empowering parents to navigate cultural trends with wisdom and discernment. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you disciple students and support families in your ministry. What you'll learn How to equip parents to understand and engage with youth culture. Why staying current with cultural trends is essential for ministry. Strategies to balance cultural relevance with biblical faithfulness. Tips for addressing tough topics like online gambling and social media addiction. The importance of being proactive, not reactive, in addressing cultural changes. If you’re looking to grow as a youth pastor and support families in discipling students, this episode offers invaluable wisdom and actionable steps. LINKS MENTIONED Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU): CPYU Website Northeast Youth Ministry Summit: NYM Summit RESOURCES MENTIONED Youth Culture Matters Podcast: Youth Culture Matters Parent Prompts from CPYU: Parent Prompts Jonathan Haidt’s Book – The Anxious Generation: Get the Book JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    54 m
  • TLH145: The Challenges and Joys of Being a Volunteer Youth Minister

    TLH145: The Challenges and Joys of Being a Volunteer Youth Minister
    Jan 16 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship. What you'll learn The unique challenges and benefits of volunteer youth ministry leadership. How to balance ministry, work, and family effectively. The importance of efficient time management and saying no when necessary. Tips for recruiting and empowering volunteers you can trust. How to disciple students through relationships and everyday life. If you’re a volunteer youth leader or know someone serving in this role, this episode is full of wisdom to encourage and equip you in ministry. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    49 m
  • TLH144: Making Changes in Youth Ministry Without Getting Fired

    TLH144: Making Changes in Youth Ministry Without Getting Fired
    Jan 9 2025
    In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we kick off 2025 with a practical episode on how to make changes in youth ministry—without getting fired. As youth ministers reflect on the past year and plan for the future, change often feels inevitable. But making changes can be tricky, especially when it comes to timing, communication, and managing resistance. I share actionable advice for identifying what needs to change, understanding the "why" behind it, and implementing changes with purpose, positivity, and clarity. Whether you're tackling a small adjustment or a major shift, this episode will help you lead change effectively in your ministry. What you'll learn How to identify what needs to change and why it matters. Why timing is crucial when implementing changes in youth ministry. How to navigate resistance by framing change as a win. Tips for clear communication with students, parents, and leadership. Strategies for making changes methodically to avoid unnecessary backlash. If you’re looking to lead your ministry into the new year with clarity and purpose, this episode is packed with practical steps to help you make meaningful changes without unnecessary conflict. JOIN THE PODCAST GROUP! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching
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    21 m