Middle School Ministry Podcast

Have you and your church stayed open this whole time? Did you have to shut down and then got to re-open? After all that, are you having to shut down AGAIN?This week, Michelle and Ronald talk about having to go back to online.Again.Questions to Consider•How do you communicate with parents and students about going back online?•Who makes the call in your church about the youth group being online?•What things did you learn from the last shut down that you’re going to use if you have to go online again?

It’s time to vote. And this election cycle has been extra spicy for us and our students. So when politics come into the conversation during small groups and hanging out, how do we talk about politics without being a jerk? Today, Ronald and Michelle talk about how to do just that.Things we talk about this episode:•Reading good books •Listening to both sides of the news•Talking with leaders and when it’s right to talk politics•Listening to students process what’s happening

After a crazy break, student ministry is getting started back in force! This week, Ronald and Michelle talk about what that looks like in their ministries.Things we talk about this episode:•Starting small groups and big program•Outside versus inside•Communicating to everyone•The great NDOVYMT!

We’re pumped for this year’s NDOVYMT! In this episode, Ronald and Michelle talk about the big day of training, how they’ll use it, and how it’s helped train their middle school leaders!Things we talk about this episode:•Talks and topics at this year’s events•Ways to use the training AFTER the event•Sweet ways to experience the training even during a pandemic

*Ronald and Michelle are not medical doctors*This week we talk about trying to make small groups happen without making Covid-19 happen. We talk about how we communicated to parents, small group leaders and students. We also talk about the interesting ways we’re trying to make this stuff happen! Things we talk about this episode:•A couple ways we’re making small groups happen•What we tell leaders in the meantime•How to encourage in this crazy season

Everyone has some time of guidelines in place for their space.But what if that space doesn’t belong to your church?This week, Michelle and Ronald talk about the challenges of sharing space in the midst of a pandemic. It’s challenging for sure. It could also be a great chance for you to show middle school students what it’s like to be a great neighbor.Things we talk about this episode:•Not comparing yourself to other churches who had dedicated space•Thinking creatively and outside the physical space box•Trying to work things out with other ministries vying for the same space•Giving students a place to be

You’ve never gotten a complaint before, right?HA! In youth ministry, we’re dealing with parents and their kids. Parents care deeply about what goes on with their students and students often have lots of opinions anyway. In this episode, Ronald and Michelle talk about how to not let complaints go to your heart and compliments go to your head!Things we talk about this episode:•All the complaints we’ve gotten. Or most of them.•Asking if the complaint has any truth to it•Trying to reflect instead of get defensive•Looking for the deeper issue

School would be starting up soon (normally). Youth ministry would be finishing up its last summer trips (usually). Parents would be excited about their student promoting into the next grade (in normal circumstances).This year has been anything but normal! Michelle and Ronald talk about the crazy lives they’ve been living and the plans for the fall they’re making!Things we talk about this episode:•How to meet in person when everyone is mad/scared/sick of wearing masks•What steps to take to communicate the plan to parents•Why its important to be on board with the rest of your church

In the craziness of COVID-19, churches still need middle school pastors! This week we’re really excited to talk about Michelle’s new job. We also talk about some of the weirdness of starting in a ministry where you might not meet in person for… a long time.Join us!Things we talk about this episode:•Meeting with leaders and parents while socially distancing•Introducing yourself to your group (online and in person!)•Practicing handshakes, then not needing that skill•Getting ready for home groups and postcards!

We’re getting ready to welcome 6th grade students to the youth ministry! Also, we’re not entirely sure what we are welcoming them to…So we’re putting together a strategy to welcome students in the crazy COVID season. Ronald and Michelle talk about Ronald’s plan and see what in the world will happen!Things we talk about this episode:•Ronald’s three step welcome plan•Getting the children’s ministry on board•Helping parents feel at ease