Brian Aaby, a veteran youth ministry leader now working with Slingshot Group, joins the show today to talk all about finding and landing a youth ministry job.We give practical advice for youth leaders considering a change in ministry roles or

TLH135: Essentials for Large Church Youth Ministry

Feb 1st, 2024 46m 46s

In this episode, Jody and Shay Osborne discuss the challenges and strategies for effective large church youth ministry. They provide practical insights and advice for navigating the unique dynamics of large church youth ministry. They cover the

TLH134: Multi-Site Youth Ministry

Jan 25th, 2024 50m 49s

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Abram Haley joins Jody and they discuss the experiences, challenges, and benefits of working in a multi-campus youth ministry setting.Abram Haley joins us to discuss various topics, in

TLH133: Navigating Bi-Vocational Youth Ministry

Jan 18th, 2024 52m 12s

In this episode of the Longer Haul in Youth Ministry, Tommy Burkhart joins Jody on the show to discuss their experiences and insights into working as bi-vocational youth pastors. They dive into the core challenges in bi-vocational youth minis

TLH132: Teens and Anxiety with Brock Morgan

Oct 19th, 2023 51m 57s

Welcome to a brand-new episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast!Today, we're diving deep into a critical part of youth ministry and addressing the pressing issue of anxiety among teens. Our guest, Brock Morgan, is here to share inval

TLH131: Secrets to Youth Ministry Volunteers

Oct 12th, 2023 45m 36s

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Samm Simmons joins the show to talk all things youth ministry volunteers. In it we talk through recruiting, equipping, retaining, and encouraging youth ministry volunteers.This episode

TLH130: Changes in Youth Ministry with Zac Workun and Chad Higgins

Oct 5th, 2023 51m 49s

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast longtime friends of the show, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins from Lifeway Students and Youth Ministry Booster join us to talk about the changes we're seeing in youth ministry today.We div

TLH129: Secrets to Staying in Youth Ministry

Sep 28th, 2023 42m 41s

In this episode, I had a great conversation with Eric about what it takes to thrive and survive in youth ministry.We discuss the importance of prioritizing healthy rhythms, celebrating and supporting other youth pastors and churches, developi

TLH128: Five(ish) Books for Youth Pastors

Sep 21st, 2023 24m 29s

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, I'm diving back into a list of books that I'm recommending for youth pastors to read. In addition, I give you several tips for selecting the types of books you read.I'm convinced that

TLH127:”Raising Kids in the Fishbowl” Insights from a Youth Pastor and His Wife

Mar 16th, 2023 57m 15s

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, my wife and I follow up with part two, if you will, of episode 126. We share our journey of raising kids while serving in youth ministry and offer insights on how to navigate the unique

TLH126: Growing Up in Youth Ministry: A Youth Pastor’s Kids’ Perspective

Mar 6th, 2023 49m 6s

In this episode of the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we sit down with four special guests: my kiddos. They share their unique perspective on growing up in youth ministry and how it has impacted their lives. The conversation touches on the

TLH125: Where Have All The Youth Pastors Gone?

May 2nd, 2022 56m 23s

It has become a regular occurrence for me. At least once a week I have someone reach out asking if I know of anyone I could recommend for their Youth Pastor search.Sadly, the answer is the same every time these days...no.It seems that nearl

TLH124: When “Other Duties As Assigned” Includes Design

Apr 25th, 2022 51m 58s

We all have it. It's the dreaded "other duties as assigned" disclaimer at the bottom of the job description. So what happens when those "other duties" are design, website, newsletter, social media?Maybe you're great at that, but it is a lot t

TLH123: The End of The Longer Haul?

Apr 7th, 2022 36m 45s

As the old saying goes, "All good things must come to an end." In this episode podcast, we talk about what's ending, why it's ending, and what if anything the future holds for The Longer Haul.As always, thanks for being a part of The Longer H

TLH122: How To, What To, And Why Evaluate Your Youth Ministry

Dec 20th, 2021 50m 12s

How often do you evaluate your youth ministry? Stop and think for a minute about the last time you sat down, blocked out some time, and REALLY evaluated your youth ministry.Maybe it has been a while or you're not sure how to do it. Maybe you'

TLH121: Growing and Learning

Dec 6th, 2021 41m 16s

Longevity in youth ministry definitely requires growing and learning. There's always more to learn and areas to grow. In this episode, we share lessons we're learning, books that we've found helpful, and a few hints at what is ahead.Thanks fo

TLH120: Partnering with Parents in Youth Ministry

Sep 13th, 2021 44m 13s

Partnering with parents in youth ministry can be a challenge. Depending on what stage of life and ministry you are in, knowing how and where to start can leave you frustrated.Never fear! In today's episode we're diving in with practical advic

TLH119: And We’re Back

Aug 30th, 2021 43m 34s

Annnnd we're back!It's been a long summer, and we're excited to be back recording new episodes. In this episode, we give you an update on where we've been, what's ahead, and what things we're currently working on.Thanks for listening and fo

TLH118: Rebuilding Your Youth Ministry

Jul 5th, 2021 1h 1m

It's no secret that youth ministry over the last year and a half has been incredibly difficult. What your ministry will look like after Covid is probably still up in the air. One thing seems to be true for almost everyone, what your youth minis

TLH117: Engaging Gen Z

May 3rd, 2021 48m 50s

How do we engage Gen Z? The largest generation we've ever seen certainly brings with it challenges and opportunities.In today's episode, Dr. Tim McKnight joins the show to talk about Engaging Gen Z. There's a lot to learn and this interview i

TLH116: What if they DO come back?

Mar 28th, 2021 43m 21s

In our last episode, we gave some helpful thoughts and tips for how to approach your youth ministry as we come out of Covid. Part of this is the reality that for most of us we won't see the same number of students we saw involved in our program

TLH115: What If They Don’t Come Back

Mar 8th, 2021 39m 54s

It's been a LOOOONNG year. With many churches now reopening for in-person gatherings, the question looms over many of us, "What if they don't come back?"To be fair, even before the pandemic we were often faced with the question of "What if no

TLH114: Youth Ministry Beyond the “In-Person” Gathering

Jan 25th, 2021 49m 44s

Over the past year, youth ministry has been one of constant reimagining. We've made plans, to make plans, only to make plans again. The "in-person" gathering is no longer a given.Turns out a global pandemic makes an in-person gathering diffic

TLH113: Ten Things We Learned in 2020

Dec 28th, 2020 53m 37s

This year has been a year like no other. In this episode, we talk through the BIG lessons we learned over the year. Some are personal lessons and some are ministry lessons. So take a listen and we would love to hear what lessons you've learned

TLH112: Helping parents with the Social Dilemma

Nov 16th, 2020 54m 36s

In this episode, our friend Barrett Johnson from I.N.F.O. for Families joins us to talk about helping parents navigate devices and social media. We talk about the documentary The Social Dilemma as well as some practical bits of help and takeawa