How NOT To Be a Youth Pastor

As we head into a new fall of ministry, it can be an important reminder to stay focused as pastors and leaders. There is a lot within our control to focus on, and some things that are out of our control. On today's episode, Kyle and Derek talk about focusing on what we can control in ministry.

Kyle and Derek are back for Season 2! We kick it off with a discussion on salvation calls, or altar calls. Many churches use a variation of "bow your heads, close your eyes, and raise your hands" to facilitate salvation with their congregation. But is that the best way to do it? At the very least, we think it's worth a discussion.

Kyle and Derek record this special episode live from summer camp! Many churches attend summer camps, but all of them are different. So on this episode, we talk about some of the structures of summer camp and why we enjoy going!

On the final episode of Season 1, Kyle and Derek talk about their favorite memories from Season 1 of the podcast and how to celebrate wins as a youth ministry. Listen in as they cover defining wins, where and when to celebrate them, and also catch some spoilers on Season 2!

One of the more intimidating and uncomfortable topics, Kyle and Derek talk about the realities of being mandatory reporters as youth pastors. Listen in as they discuss some of the things to look for, how to have these tough conversations with students, and who you might need to call if the situation arises.

Back on Episode 33, Kyle and Derek talked about how damaging "purity culture" has been to the church. On today's episode, they continue the conversation by talking about some of the positive steps you can take to turn the conversation in a healthy direction.

What should I name our youth ministry? Where do I find adult volunteers? How much pizza should I order? On today's episode, Kyle and Derek take a dive into what it would look like to start a youth ministry from the very beginning.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between spiritual warfare and, well... our own stupidity. On today's episode, Kyle and Derek talk a little bit about what spiritual warfare is, and how the key to spiritual warfare is to just WRAP it out.

Small group discussions can take a sermon or lesson's effectiveness from good to great. On today's episode, Kyle and Derek talk about four different types of questions to ask your students and the 10 Rules to Facilitating Small Group Discussion that they definitely didn't make up.

Easter and Christmas are the two big "church holidays" on the calendar, but it's not all roses and butterflies for pastors. Join Kyle and Derek as they talk about some of the difficulties pastors face when the calendar gets busy around these big church services.