Partnering with local schools as a youth leader or ministry leader sounds impossible. After all, public schools and religion don't mix, right? While partnering with local schools can be challenging, it's certainly not impossible. In fact, it can actually be done really well when we approach it the right way. On this episode, join ministry leaders for a conversation about what it looks like to effectively partner with and serve our local schools—and the effect it might have on our ministries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small Group Leaders are vital to your youth ministry. If we're honest though, keeping up with SGLs beyond the kickoff of the year can be a real challenge. But should we really leave such an important part of our ministry unchecked? This week, join ministry leaders and Afton Phillips, Director of Small Group Strategies at Orange, for a conversation about the importance of evaluating Small Group Leaders and what it looks like to set your SGLs up for success in your student ministry's context.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating structure that supports the strategy of your youth ministry is key to overall ministry health and growth. But what should that structure look like? And how do you know if you have the wrong structure in place? On this episode, join Kurt Johnston, Pastor to Students at Saddleback Church, for a conversation with ministry leaders about the importance of structure and what you can do to create and implement structure that aligns with the overall strategy of your ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to separating or combining middle school and high school ministry environments, there are many factors to consider: ministry size, volunteers, space, budgets, and more. With variables like these, how do we create engaging and developmentally appropriate environments for middle AND high schoolers? This week, join ministry leaders as they discuss the benefits and drawbacks of separate and combined ministries, as well as possible solutions you can begin implementing in your ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're brand new to youth ministry or been in the trenches for years, establishing a plan for longevity is important—for you and the youth ministry you lead. But what does that plan for longevity look like? This week, ministry leaders are joined by Kurt Johnston, Pastor to Students at Saddleback Church, for a conversation on how youth workers can best set themselves up for effective long-term ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent school shooting in Parkland has had a lingering impact on this generation of students. In response to the event, many students are organizing school walkouts and protests to make their voices heard. And all of this puts youth workers in a unique spot. Do we encourage the walkouts? Do we remind students to respect authority? Do we avoid the issue altogether? This week, join ministry leaders as they discuss the best ways to lead students through this challenging season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In most areas of ministry, there's a finish line. There's a finish line for that weekend retreat. There's a finish line for that message you're writing. And if we're not careful, we tend to apply that same mindset to the students in our ministries as they graduate. But should graduation really be the end of our influence in a teenager's life? This week, Kara Powell joins ministry leaders for a conversation about equipping and walking with students long after their high school graduation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning and leading a mission trip for students in your youth group is no small task. From picking a destination to booking airline tickets to training the team, it can get overwhelming in a hurry. This week, join Elloa Davis, Charlie Conder, Ashley Bohinc, and CJ Palmer for a conversation about how you can make the most of your student mission trips—from the moment you begin the preparation process through your return home—while easing the burden on you and your ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.