BTE4.05 Scaling for Growth: Time and Resources with DJ Rodeffer and Mallory Jenkins

11/18/24 • 78 min

Beyond the Event: A Youth Ministry Podcast

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On this episode of Beyond the Event, we sit down with DJ Rodeffer, a student pastor from Frederick, Maryland. DJ walks us through the trials and triumphs of evolving from leading a small group to managing the growing congregation at Collective Church. His insights shed light on the dynamic roles within youth ministry and the art of fostering a community that feels both expansive and intimate. By sharing personal experiences, DJ offers listeners a glimpse into his journey of spiritual leadership and community building.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the strategic planning and collaboration necessary for youth ministry events, specifically a four-day experience centered on the book of Hebrews. With a thematic focus on endurance and faith, we discuss how these teachings are tailored to resonate with both junior high and high school students, drawing them closer to the gospel.
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Previous Episode

BTE4.04 Scaling for Growth: Budget with Tom Hahn and Korey Klein

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Meet Tom Hahn, the "everything pastor" at Restoration Christian Church, who shares his journey of dedication and community engagement. Tom's story is one of faith and resilience, detailing how he transformed a modest church gathering into a thriving community with limited resources.
We also chat about the upcoming SuperStart 2025 tour, celebrating 20 impactful years of preteen ministry.
Finding quiet amidst the chaos of bustling church events can be a challenge. We discuss the different ways individuals seek spiritual nourishment during such times, with Brad sharing how he finds solace in the company of other believers, rather than in solitude. This conversation explores the concept of events as "thin spaces," moments where we feel closer to God, and acknowledges the diverse ways people experience their faith. Whether through solitary moments or communal experiences, we embrace the unique nature of everyone's relationship with God and the idea that spiritual practice isn't one-size-fits-all.
Our lively discussion also takes us on a ride from Muncie to French Lick, Indiana, chronicling Tom's adventurous journey of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounts moving and building a church community from the ground up, highlighting the importance of embracing change and trusting in God's plan, even when it's uncertain. We dive into the innovative, low-control, high-support model that empowers youth ministry in French Lick, fostering student ownership and community engagement. From the logistics of budgeting in ministry to the excitement of youth camps, this episode underscores the transformative power of aligning the church's vision with God's vision, inspiring growth and development within the community.
Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!
Want to connect with us? Here's how!

Next Episode

BTE4.06 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Special Needs Students 2.0 with Bekah Behnke

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What happens when the environments that are supposed to nurture and protect our youth fall short for those with special needs? Join me, Brad Warren, and my insightful guest Bekah Behnke, as we dive deep into this crucial discussion. Together, we provide practical strategies for creating a safe and inclusive space within youth ministry, designed to support and celebrate students with disabilities.
Reflecting on a year of growth and change, we unpack the significant strides made in our church’s disability ministry, including the heartening rise in volunteer involvement. By sharing personal experiences and insights, we dive into the nuances of recruiting and training volunteers who truly understand the diverse needs of students with disabilities. This episode also sheds light on the impact of generational shifts in understanding disabilities, particularly in how volunteers connect with students, illustrated by the experiences of Bekah’s daughter, Millie.
Language shapes our reality, and our conversation underscores the significance of respectful and inclusive communication. We explore the importance of people-first language, while also acknowledging the diverse preferences within the disability community.
Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!
If you want to connect with Bekah, you can reach her by email at [email protected]. Here is the list of books recommended by Bekah:

Disability and The Church by Lamar Hardwick
No Disabled Souls by Jim Pierson
Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Fenton Lee
Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen
Disability and the Way of Jesus by Bethany McKinney Fox

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Beyond the Event: A Youth Ministry Podcast - BTE4.05 Scaling for Growth: Time and Resources with DJ Rodeffer and Mallory Jenkins

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:03.967

Hi , I'm Brad Warren . This is Beyond the Event , a youth ministry podcast presented by Christ in Youth , where we help you maintain momentum between the mountaintops . So pumped for today to talk a little bit more about growth and how to grow well with a good friend of mine . His name is DJ Rodefer . He is

Speaker 100:00:23.205

a student pastor in Freder