Episode Archive & Blog

Read about the YMG community & catch up on past episodes

Question for the Community: Sacred Cows

There is a painting in our youth space that was painted by a previous youth pastor’s wife who died of cancer. The youth pastor was let go from the position for reasons I won’t mention, but the painting still remains. We are in the midst of a remodeling process and the painting is "sacred." People are super sad that it might be destroyed. Its a picture of a world going to hell... literally going into flames…

Read more →

Question for the Community: In Transition

I am an Associate Pastor at a church that is going through a transition in ministry right now. After the lead pastor (of 32 years) retired a year and a half ago, I felt the call to put my resume in the "hat" to be the next pastor. I have been invested in the church for 4 years now. I just recently received word that I will not be considered as a possibility for the pastor position…

Read more →

Question for the Community: Resources for Interns

On Ep. 181, someone mentioned a resource created by Jana about interns. I checked around and cannot find it. Do you know how to find it and also if there are any other good resources that would benefit a church that is looking to start an internship ministry? Also, how would you help me convince my church to develop an internship program? My church thinks that it would put more work on me than it would benefit the church and student ministry.

Read more →

Question for the Community: Drama Amongst the Core Students

I've got a group of younger students (8th & 9th grade) that are my core students. I can often tell that teens are having issues with each other. Even though I can't put my finger on it, it still effects the entire group…

Read more →

Episode 185 - Doug Promotes YouthSphere

This week we are all excited to let YMG listeners in on a special discount for the 1st few students who go after the YouthSphere certificate program! We also go after a ton of your questions: when is it OK to respond in the hiring process, how do I train leaders and it is possible to maintain a healthy balance in ministry…

Read more →

Question for the Community: Witchcraft

How do you tackle questions about witchcraft and Ouija board?

Read more →

Question for the Community: Being Let Go

It has been a tough couple days. My Sr. Pastor called me in his office Thursday and told me that I should start an aggressive search for a new job. I’m completely blindsided because he affirms my teaching/preaching and leadership. I asked him for an explanation. He told me that I am an amazing youth pastor, he doesn't even consider me a youth pastor, he says I am a youth specialist. He said it is not my character, that I have amazing character and he has no problem trusting me with his own kids…

Read more →

Question for the Community: One Day A Week

After eleven years of being a volunteer, seven of which I served as the volunteer youth pastor, my church is going to pay me for one day a week for six months. In January, they will make me a full time employee. What would be the best areas to focus on for the six months when I am at one day a week? What about when I start full time? For context: I am a father of 5 and am responsible for running the high school ministry as well as overseeing the junior high ministry…

Read more →

Episode 184 - An Audience of One

We always do the YMG for an Audience of One (which is usually Josh's mom). This week we talk about healthy boundaries in ministry and share some insight for youth workers in their first 6 months of a full-time position including some things we wish we knew before we were hired. We pick up a few other questions like how to move a midweek service to small groups and how to deal with daily discontentment. Welcome to 184...you and Josh's mom will love it.

Read more →

Question for the Community: The Importance of Music in Worship

Is music a necessary part of a youth ministry program? I have grown up in the church and have seen the value that music can have. In my current setting, its simply not effective. If anything, it can be a “buzz-kill” by sucking the energy out of the night. Part of me feels like if we keep doing it, the students will begin to develop a heart for worship. Another part wonders if the worship aspect of the night can take place in some other form than music…

Read more →
 

Categories

Tags

Archives