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Picture this: a repaired wise man figurine named King Christmas, hidden for joyous family fun and stories of Christmas Eve steak dinners at Longhorn. These are just a few of the festive gems shared by our guests Chris Trent, Matt Flanagan, and Todd Sanders on the Youth Industry Booster podcast. As we unwrap their cherished holiday traditions, we also explore how these customs evolve, especially with life's changes like welcoming new family members. This episode is rich with heartwarming tales that celebrate the adaptability and joy of family traditions during the holiday season.

Turning the spotlight from holiday cheer to divine callings, we dive into the inspiring journeys that led Zach, Matt, Todd, and Chris into ministry. Imagine being placed in a ministry role at just 19, or discovering your life's work through a chance introduction to church. These stories reveal the unexpected paths and profound joy that come with aligning one's personal and spiritual identities. It's a testament to the transformative power of faith and the importance of understanding one's calling in ministry work.

Balancing ministry and personal life is no small feat, and our conversation offers insights for sustaining both personal and professional growth. From the critical role of mentorship to the art of juggling family and ministry responsibilities, we emphasize the need for lifelong learning and maintaining strong relationships. We also examine the challenges of different life stages and the importance of embracing change to stay relevant. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone navigating the rewarding yet demanding world of youth ministry.

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Remember a time when cell phones were a novelty and social media was just a distant dream?

*Special Guest Alert Kevin Libick*
This episode is a nostalgic rewind featuring a seasoned ministry leader who’s been on the front lines since the late '90s. From the days of mailing out calendars and jazzing up bulletin boards with clip art (yes, clip art!) to the arrival of video editing software, we swap stories and laughs about how tech has completely reshaped the way we do ministry.

We’re talking about the shift from old-school communication to today’s digital-first approach, unpacking how technology has revolutionized the way we connect with students. But it’s not just about the tools—it's about the transformation in our strategy, from organizational branding to cultivating personal connections that really stick.

Balancing Tech and Heart: The New Youth Ministry Playbook

Our guest shares insights on how youth groups have moved toward individual branding and identity while staying anchored in the power of relationships. Multi-site church leaders, this one’s for you—we break down the challenges of navigating ever-evolving platforms while keeping the focus on small group investment and relational discipleship. It’s about prioritizing people over programs and flexibility over rigidity to ensure we’re ministering to students, not just at them.

Staying in the Game: Passion, Conflict, and Legacy

Let’s get real. Ministry isn’t all lock-ins and late-night taco runs. We tackle the hard stuff—like staying passionate when ministry starts to feel routine and learning to face conflict head-on. Our guest opens up about personal battles with adversity, including the life-altering experience of battling cancer, and shares how grace and humility can transform leadership.

We explore practical strategies for avoiding burnout, embracing collaboration, and empowering others to take ownership in ministry. You’ll hear how building a culture of service and trust ensures that your ministry doesn’t just survive—it thrives long after you’ve handed over the keys. This episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement to help you lead well and leave a lasting impact.

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What if the most challenging parts of your past could fuel a transformative future?

What if your toughest challenges could become your greatest ministry?

In this episode, we reconnect with our friend Jose Rodriguez from Tulsa, now leading Rescue a Generation in Southern California.
He shares his incredible story of transformation—from growing up in a tough neighborhood, navigating gang life and racial struggles, to becoming a movement leader for youth in California. His journey reminds us of the importance of faithful outreach, like a simple church bus ministry 🚍, to change lives and spark leadership.

✨ Reflect with us this episode on the "ministry of presence"—a the real game-changer in youth ministry. Showing up during critical moments builds trust and transforms hearts 💛.

We also dive into practical strategies for churches to make a real impact through local involvement, featuring success stories like Rescue a Generation 🏫🤝. Learn how to partner with schools, connect with your community, and craft messages that truly resonate 🎤.

🔔 Subscribe and share if you’re passionate about youth ministry! Let’s grow together.

#YouthMinistry #Leadership #Outreach #FaithInAction #RescueAGeneration

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20 years in and still learning new things!

🎧 Special Guest Alert: TJ Scrapper from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who has dedicated two decades to guiding young people through their spiritual journeys.

🎙️ Youth Ministry In A New Era (Reimagined)

In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of youth pastors and the growing recognition of their transformative contributions. Discover how the digital age and shifting political landscapes have reshaped the heart of ministry. 🌟 Let this new era foster collaboration and elevate genuine calling over mere charisma.

🚀 Leadership Insights & Personal Growth:
This week we share real-life stories of navigating ADHD in professional roles, unpacking how self-awareness, delegation, and community support can supercharge effective ministry. Discover practical tips to balance evangelism and discipleship, all while staying grounded and teachable in a fast-paced world.

✨ Bonus: We sprinkle in humor as we chat about the “wisdom” that supposedly comes with growing a beard. Earn the Grey!🧔‍♂️

Join us for a conversation full of encouragement, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on youth ministry leadership.

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🎉 Let's kick it! Join us and our good buddy Cameron! as we dive into a fun fall episode. Do you ever wondered what happens when a Christmas game goes hilariously off the rails? Or how much leadership is a team sport?
This episode is packed with laughs and real talk on the wild ride that is youth ministry!

Special guest alert: Cameron Crow

Rethinking Youth Ministry Metaphors: Start thinking of your youth ministry like a “spiritual gym,” where students strengthen their prayer game and build lifelong habits of faith.

This week we are breaking down why spiritual disciplines are critical, and — surprise! — how some tactics actually boost our approach to forming scriptural habits. It’s all about equipping students for the present, not just the future, so they know they’re essential right now.

💪From evangelism hacks to the power of team-based ministry, Cameron brings fresh ideas on how to rally students around their unique gifts and purpose. Isolation and burnout? Yeah, we tackle those too, showing the importance of meaningful connections to keep the journey sustainable.

🎒Oh, and don’t miss our shout-out to the "Sprouting Discipleship Workbook" — a new go-to resource for disciple making in youth ministry. #YouthMinistry

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But how do you teach the Bible? So that students will learn?

Special Guest Alert: Karen Workun!

In this engaging episode Zac Workun and his guest Karen Workun dive deep into effective strategies for teaching scriptural texts. Karen shares her unexpected passion for genealogy, likening it to storytelling through concise biographies, and how this interest parallels the narrative engagement required in studying and teaching the Bible. Zac talks about the art of creating a "learning tree," drawing connections through recurring names and themes in scripture to enhance comprehension.

Managing The Ministry Calendar
With the holiday season in full swing, we share the reality of juggling ministry life with family commitments. Organizing the chaos requires teamwork, and we've developed some strategies to keep everything running smoothly.

From shared digital calendars to Sunday night family meetings, these tools help us avoid last-minute surprises and ensure everyone is on the same page. Our wall calendar serves as a visual anchor for prayer lists and personal goals, providing a clearer picture of the week's priorities amidst the festive frenzy.

Teaching the Bible *Teacher's Version*
Building strong relationships is at the heart of effective ministry, especially with teenagers. We explore the art of making complex texts relatable and engaging, whether we're teaching literature or scripture. By fostering curiosity and encouraging collaborative exploration, we aim to create a space where young minds can connect personally and intellectually with scripture. We believe in asking key questions like "What did you notice?" and "What did you wonder?" to spark engagement and build a community of learners, where both students and leaders grow together in their understanding and appreciation of biblical texts.

About our guest Karen Workun
Karen's insights draw from her extensive 15+ years classroom teaching experience. She is a proponent of emphasizing the need for teachers to slow down and not rush through scripture, recognizing the fast-paced world students navigate today. She encourages leveraging various communication tools beyond classroom settings to maintain engagement.

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Catchphrase... the things we tell ourselves (and others)

*Chad's Back!*
Join us as we share laughs and insights on relationship, care, and catchphrase. We also touch on the balancing act between Chad’s new responsibilities and his ongoing commitment to our podcast, highlighting the importance of consistency in both ministry and podcasting.

As the holidays approach, we reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities it presents in youth ministry. There are some heartfelt discussions on prioritizing scripture over daily distractions and the value of community support.

Also don't miss the parenting stories abound as we talk about Gideon, my seven-year-old's adventures in piano and the endearing catchphrases he’s inventing. This episode is a warm invitation to connect with the joys and challenges of life and ministry, reinforcing the strength found in shared experiences and communal support.

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Coming to you live

*Special Guest Alert* Join us in the ETCH podcast ring with Zach Burke!

The heart of the conversation lies the exploration of ministry across contexts from Kentucky, to Tennessee, to Florida. Zac and Zach share stories from our time in home churches, where familiar faces can be both a blessing and a challenge, and how mentorship guided us through these early stages. Transitioning to a beach church brought new lessons in leadership and creativity, as seasoned mentors helped us navigate the art of crafting messages and planning impactful events. These experiences highlight the crucial role of context and the growth that comes from embracing change.

The journey doesn't stop there; we venture into the lessons learned from transitioning between different ministry roles. Respect for established systems, understanding the unique culture of each church, and the art of balancing tradition with fresh innovation are key themes in our discussion. We recount personal stories and meaningful connections made along the way, emphasizing the power of unity and collaboration across various ministries.

00:00:00 Wrestling With Youth Ministry at Etch

00:12:15 Ministry Experience in Context

00:22:25 Transitioning Through Various Contexts

00:35:55 Embracing Ministry Unity

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