Youth Ministry Booster

Youth ministry is about providing relational and physical space for students to know they are loved, hear the Good News, and connect in discipleship relationships with friends, community, and mentors
How do you provide a safe space?
There is a need in this new season of student ministry for leaders to audit the safety of the spaces they are creating physically, emotionally, and relationally.
In this episode Chad and Zac share the conclusion of the fish saga and examine their own understanding of what it means to provide a safe ministry space for healthy youth ministry to flourish.
Youth Ministry Booster
Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.
https://www.youthministrybooster.com
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195: When Youth Ministry Talks Too Much, The Importance Of Silence

Youth Ministry Booster

01/15/20 • 29 min

It's alive! It's alive! Well Zac is at least back alive and healthy (after Flu B and some quasi-tragic recovery).
In this holiday recorded episode Zac and Chad talk about the necessity of the practice of silence for the the lives of youth pastors and their youth ministry.
Check the show notes and quotes for some goodies and let's have a conversation about the things we aren't saying. Hit us up on social!
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Website: https://community.youthministrybooster.com/
Show Quotes Notes:
According to Chad you have gotta read the Starlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
"Only guy I know in Eddie Bauer button-down wearing Sunoco brand undershirts."
Why do we fear the silence?
1. It exposes our worries or anxieties
2. We fear of what could happen in the unexpected
3. We worry that we didn't fill enough time
"We are missing out on the neutral space of contemplation"
Have you made space for silence in your ministry, in your life?
The importance of Silence for:

Hearing from God
Processing what was just said
Disruption: Pushing back on

"Youth ministers love to subvert MTV and Disney culture. Silence is a way to do that."
"Youth ministry is cultural when it emulates where it makes sense and subvert and push back where it is not right."
"There is a truth in the silence that your sermon words will never convene."
"Silence will free us from having to say everything all the time."
"We speak and ask for response but we never allowed silence to speak in between."
"Youth ministry is most formative when it helps students do things they can’t do themselves."
"Your students are longing for peace."
“The Presence Is More Important Than the Program” A.W. Tozer
“If the Holy Spirit didn’t show up would we even notice?” A.W. Tozer

163: Caitlyn Smelser "When Your Mom Questions Your Call To Youth Ministry" #WomenInYM

Youth Ministry Booster

10/26/18 • 15 min

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In episode 163 Chad interviews Caitlyn Smelser, the Student Team Leader at Connection Pointe Church in Indiana. Hear from her leadership insight, wisdom, and practical advice for those who are young in their call story and those who are serving in leadership at a church. There is some incredible stuff in this interview. Thanks Caitlyn.

Caitlyn is a self-described: "Perfectionist. Dog lover. Go-getter. Introverted. Loves Mac & Cheese and 3-time national champ in college basketball."
LINKS

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Key Takeaway: If you truly feel called by God to do that, then seek out other people to journey along with you in that way.

I went to church growing up to see my one friend in middle school. I went because I wanted to see my friend.
My call is all about Helping students to have a fuller understanding of what it means to follow after God.
“My mom even said “can women even be in ministry?”
Being a woman in ministry our network is not as great as the one that men have in youth ministry
Prepare young women that there is going to be resistance and challenge
If you truly feel called by God to do that, then seek out other people to journey along with you in that way.
Know up front that it is going to be difficult
I didn’t know that every church has a level of politics and you can’t let that dictate how you serve God and love students.

182: Andy Root 2 What Does It Mean To Youth Pastor In A Secular Age?

Youth Ministry Booster

06/06/19 • 55 min

Dr. Andy Root is back y'all! With a new book and summer session on the history, hope, and reimagination of what it means to be a pastoral figure in this new age we are living!
Episode 182 is only the warm-up for the live session. Don't miss it!
Learn more with and from Dr. Andrew Root @ our FREE LIVE Webinar June 12th 2:00pm CDT
Show Notes & Quotes:
For both the yellow book and blue book the key writings in the background are, A Secular Age by Charles Taylor.
Andy declares that A Secular Age is, "the first book of the 21st Century that will be read in the 22nd Century
Youthfulness and the importance of authenticity in this age.
The hurt of pastoral identity in this secular age. “I know how to write a sermon and run a meeting, But when it comes to seeing God’s living presence in their lives I feel at a loss. “
“Where is the place of the pastor in the world?”
A Sketch Of History
What does it mean that in 1500 AD you can’t help but find Christians and evidence of Christianity? And now 500 years later it is harder and harder to find anyone that believes in God.
That to do ministry is to have an encounter with the presence of the living God.
This means working towards a deep connection with how God works in the world.
The stakes are wrong. We misdiagnose what’s actually going on. It’s possible that Youth Ministers have been playing checkers in a chess world.
The game or environment is more complicated than we had originally thought.
There is a whole cultural imagination that makes it difficult to live in the presence of a living God.
Key Historical Figures Sketched Out In The New Book
St. Augustine
Thomas Beckett
Jonathan Edwards
Henry Ward Beecher
Harry Emerson Fosdick
Rick Warren
In this new age, pastors are hurting and either they make the turn to self-blame or congregational blame.
If Jesus is better than our church will be larger is the trap we have been lured into, so how do we talk about Growth as transcendence
Forming imaginations and proclaiming where God is active in the world.
When non-traditional people became pastors?
Ministry itself, the sharing of a life with another, is the call to pastor.
A refreshed theological lens. God as a minister. God as pastor.
“The only God we can known is the God who is made known in

Youth Ministry As Both Parent And Pastor

Youth Ministry Booster

09/14/21 • 33 min

Ministry is difficult. Parenting is difficult.
How do you face the challenge of doing both... well?
In this episode Chad and Zac share honest and humorous stories of what is like to be both parent and pastor. The delight and difficult and the importance of presence above all things.
Youth Ministry Booster
Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.
https://www.youthministrybooster.com
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Youth Ministry Strategy Live From Essentials Houston featuring special guests Sean Nelson and Tony Bianco

Youth Ministry Booster

02/15/22 • 27 min

What is the ultimate snack? Protein? Fried? Dippable? This episode of the YMB podcast was recorded live in Houston, at Houston's First Baptist, during one of our Essentials sessions with some friends and commentary about the content of the day, the strategy for the day after, and banter for our favorite snacking.
In this episode Chad and Zac and guests Sean and Tony share some reflections on the state of youth ministry today, the content we covered at Essentials, and the predictions for the Big Game!
If you are hungry for more check out when Essentials is coming to an area near you!
Essentials Dates 2022 (Live, Free, One-Day Ministers Events)
March 7: Norfolk Virginia
March 8: Richmond Virginia
March 10: Annapolis Maryland
*Click here to register for free while spots remain!*
Get Registered for Youth Pastor Summit this Spring season 2022!
Youth Pastor Summit is conference designed to motivate, inspire, and equip every leader who invest in the lives of the next generation. YPS is a unique experience where there is an intentionality towards creating and cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration , community, and soul-care . YPS is a great opportunity for leaders to be refueled, recharged, and refreshed!

https://slulead.com/yps/
Southern California: March 28-29
Orlando, FL: April 4-5
Dallas, TX: April 11-12
Nashville, TN: April 25-26

Experience 2022: Practice What You Preach
May 2-4 in Nashville TN!
Youth pastors preach. Sharing the message matters because souls matter. Whether you preach to a room of 12 or a crowd of 1,200 the skill of preaching is critical. This unique event is a chance to practice one of the most important things you do. Join us in Nashville for this limited event!

https://www.lifeway.com/en/events/student-ministry-experience
Youth Ministry Booster
Learn more about Youth Ministry Booster and get signed up to be a part of a healthy, growing, Mastermind here.
https://www.youthministrybooster.com

Youth Ministry Teamwork Makes The Dream Work w/ Daryn J Fox

Youth Ministry Booster

10/03/24 • 49 min

Who is your friend that autocorrect can't figure out how to spell their name?
Our special guest this week is Daryn Fox and she will have you in stitches!
Join us for this week's heartfelt episode with amusing stories and Daryn's daring toilet-papering adventure and call to ministry.
Transitioning into the new role.
In this episode we discuss how to take on new roles and the wisdom that is needed to go with it.
Daryn provides you with practical strategies for effective vision casting and the importance of constant communication within the team.
We emphasize the role of trust in God and alignment with senior leadership, ensuring that everyone stays focused on the shared mission of guiding youth to encounter Jesus. There are practical tips for maintaining motivation and cohesion among volunteers and staff are also shared, making this a must-listen for anyone involved in ministry.
Lastly, we explore the power of diversity and inclusion in building vibrant youth ministry teams. Drawing from Daryn's humble/rural upbringing in Oolagah, Oklahoma, we highlight the need for a ministry that reflects the kingdom's diversity.
We dive into strategies for connecting with a wide range of students, from introverted symphony kids to outgoing lacrosse players. Wrapping up with valuable insights on empowering leaders and effective follow-up strategies, this episode underscores the transformative power of community and collaboration in nurturing spiritual growth. Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration!

157 : Angela Amerine "The Best Thing You Can Do In Youth Ministry" #WomenInYM

Youth Ministry Booster

10/16/18 • 19 min

In episode 157 Chad sits down with youth ministry director Angela Amerine to talk about falling into the calling and restoring the joy in youth ministry. The insight that she shares is timely for a season of ministry so cluttered with opportunities and distractions.
About Angela Amerine: I have been serving in Student Ministries for 14 years in Inner city and suburban settings, in small and large group contexts. I currently serves as the Student Ministries Program Coordinator at Kentwood Community Church in the greater Grand Rapids Michigan area. I met my incredible husband Jared while serving as a youth pastor, and as of this month we have been married for 12 years! I am the mom to 2 amazing kids who I homeschool in my “free time”. I did my undergraduate work in Elementary Education at Spring Arbor University, and graduate work in Worship Leadership at Azusa Pacific University. Leading worship, raising up adult and student leaders, and coming up with creative ways to reach students for Jesus are some of my favorite things about what I get to do on a daily basis!
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Contribute To The Conversation About #WomenInYM
Key Takeaway: The best thing you could ever do is be dependent on the Lord

Learning to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit has been the biggest lesson for me
The greatest success is seeing the ministry that we did impacted his life and his trajectory
The best way to get a volunteer is to directly ask them
Prompt volunteers to the best fit and not just helping out
The best thing you could ever do is be dependent on the Lord
Everyday praying to God, I cannot create a cool enough program, or do enough to change somebody’s heart.
The moments of utter dependence...[are deeply true youth ministry]
The best thing any youth pastor can do is care for their own soul
Don’t get distracted (even in our youth ministry realm) from the main thing

128: You Are Invited To Innovate Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Booster

03/21/18 • 19 min

Yes, youth ministry leader you are invited to join the theological innovation process! YMB has been working with CYMT on a new podcast called the Innovation Lab and the first episode is now available and it is your invitation to participate in a million dollar grant for innovation in youth ministry. Visit http://www.cymt.org/innovation-laboratory/ to learn more! The Center for Youth Ministry Training is excited to announce receiving a $1.1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. for the Innovation Laboratory for Youth Ministry. This grant will empower CYMT to create a research-based incubator for innovation in youth ministry during the next 3 years.Apply by April 6th, 2018 for one of the 10 lead innovator spots!

196: Why Your Senior Pastor Is Important For Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Booster

01/16/20 • 41 min

Everybody answers to somebody. In the world of youth ministry this usually means your senior pastor, leader, or direct report. No matter what size church you serve there is someone senior to your youth ministry leadership and that person and your relationship with them is vital for your ministry and for you.
It's true. Better working relationships with senior leadership is the number one improvement metric for most exiting youth ministers.
In this episode co-host Kristen takes the driver seat to ask her senior leader Chris Brown about leadership and the importance of youth pastor and senior pastor relationships.
Check the show notes and quotes for some goodies about humble leadership and teaming up for better ministry.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youthministrybooster/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ministrybooster/
Facebook:.https://www.facebook.com/youthministrybooster/
Website: https://community.youthministrybooster.com/
Show Quotes Notes:
"The bridge that truth travels over is relationship. Ministry is always incarnational."
"There was not one moment of leaving, there was a constant feeling of those thoughts of leaving."
"If there is anything else you would rather do, pursue that first. When it is absolutely clear that you cannot be satisfied doing anything else, then come back and do ministry."
"Don’t commit to this for a job. Get another job and do this for volunteering."
"The greater you can lead is directly parallel to the thickness of your skin."
If you are not good with people being frustrated with you then do it a different way.
If you don’t feel called then become the high powered volunteer who is praised.
"Leadership means living with low level of frustrations toward you"
“Senior pastors remember back... Do you remember when you were an intern? Do you remember when you were in youth ministry? How important was the investment of the senior leader in your life?"
My teaching gifts are not alone to draw and keep the crowds. Families will come to church if their kids are loving church.
"Your senior pastor is probably feeling more insecure than you are feeling right now."
"Your senior pastor is you, just 20 or 30 years older. None of us feel like when have what it takes."
"Do the job your senior leader should be doing relational. Ask them out to lunch, coffee, or soft drinks."
"Shared leadership is better than your leadership.