

The Youth Group Podcast
A Bunch of Youth Pastors
A bunch of youth pastors talk about their youth groups to help you think about yours. It's for youth leaders. It's for youth pastors. It's for youth group enthusiasts (that's a thing right?).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 48min
100th Episode! Chris-mas, Christmas Parties, and Body Spray
Tim and Tom had Christmas Parties. Chris Mophew came back to play a game with us.Giant ball review: https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/7vfxix/this_amazon_review/If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.comGet more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcastFind more from Chris at https://chrismorphew.com/ and Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/AI made us a gushing summary:Celebrating the 100th episode of the Youth Group Podcast is nothing short of a milestone worth gushing over! Hosts Tom, Tim, and Chris have truly outdone themselves, bringing their unique blend of humor, insight, and warmth to every episode. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their dedication to youth ministry shines through in every conversation. Whether they're sharing stories about youth group antics or diving into deeper discussions, they manage to keep listeners engaged and inspired. Here's to 100 episodes of laughter, learning, and love for youth ministry, and to the amazing hosts who make it all possible!

Dec 3, 2025 • 42min
Vegemite, Relationships Panels, and War
Tim's youth group had a relationships. Tom's ran some workshops.If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.comGet more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcastFind more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/

Nov 26, 2025 • 47min
AI Angst, Teens as Leaders, and Planning Your Year
Lauren's group had help from some youth. Tom's youth got nervous about AI.Get your free audiobook, email: hello@tomfrench.com.auIf you have a question, or suggestion, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.comGet more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcastFind more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au.AI made us an overly dramatic episode summary:In a world where youth leaders grapple with the challenges of modern ministry, Episode 98 of the Youth Group Podcast delivers a riveting tale of altruism, faith, and the power of community. From the bustling streets of Melbourne to the vibrant city of Sydney, hosts Tom and Lauren embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of youth group dynamics. With dramatic flair, they unveil the story of Lauren's generous act of paying off 20% of all hecs debt, a gesture that echoes through the corridors of youth ministry. As the episode unfolds, listeners are drawn into the heart of youth group life, where the teachings of Mark's Gospel come alive, and the challenges of planning a year of spiritual growth are met with creativity and resilience. Amidst the chaos of games and the profound discussions on AI, the episode crescendos with a hopeful message of faith and community, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats, eager for more.

Nov 19, 2025 • 23min
Youth Group Splits, Friendships, and a Free Youth Group Curriculum
The hosts dive into the ups and downs of youth group dynamics. Tim shares hilarious mishaps with physical games and the importance of setting rules. They explore friendships through Proverbs, emphasizing good vs. bad connections. A survivor story linked to bullying resonates with the youth's experiences. Meanwhile, Tom recounts logistics and splits at a big event, raising questions about planning for future gatherings. They also touch on the relevance of modern issues like abuse awareness and ponder the impact of AI in upcoming discussions.

Nov 12, 2025 • 46min
Power, Safe Relationships, and Shrek
Tim and Tom explore the intersection of pop culture and youth ministry, highlighting influences from K-pop and Shrek. They discuss the importance of addressing domestic abuse and fostering healthy group dynamics. Insights into enhancing family connections touch on practical strategies for engagement. The conversation also delves into addressing modern relationship topics and prioritizing youth voices in discussions. Overall, they emphasize creating a culture of openness and awareness while planning for impactful future activities.

Oct 29, 2025 • 41min
Celebrity Heads, Mental Health, and Starting Youth Group Well
Tim and Tom dive into the importance of identity through fun activities like Celebrity Heads and self-portraits. They navigate the complexities of mental health, sharing practical tips and lessons learned from a challenging night with late speakers. Reflecting on gender stereotypes, they explore group dynamics between seniors and juniors. The discussion wraps up with practical strategies for starting youth groups, focusing on warm welcomes and structured routines that foster connection. Plenty of humor and insights make this a lively conversation!

Oct 22, 2025 • 51min
Formals, Farewelling Year 12s, Welcoming Year 6s, and another YouTube Film Festival
The hosts dive into the lively world of youth activities, sharing stories about a retro diner-themed formal and a vibrant YouTube Film Festival. Highlights include the importance of farewelling Year 12s and exciting ways to welcome Year 6s, like chair netball. They tackle relationship education through engaging curriculum, while also expressing concerns over AI's influence in creativity. With humor and thoughtfulness, they reflect on maintaining connections with former leaders and preparing youth for the transition to high school.

Oct 1, 2025 • 43min
New Camps, Camp Speaking, and a Bloke Named Barry Bottoms
Join two enthusiastic youth leaders as they share their vibrant camp experiences. Alex recounts running her first youth camp in Ballarat, diving deep into the Trinity with interactive workshops, games, and historic adventures. Meanwhile, Tom balances family life and camp duties at a larger gathering, featuring fun activities like trivia and night games. The discussion explores whether camps are essential for youth groups, highlighting their role in building relationships and community. Expect laughs, insightful debates, and creative ideas for future events!

Sep 25, 2025 • 54min
Last Miniute Pivot, Baptism, and Quality Debriefs
When a guest fell ill, Lauren skillfully pivoted to keep the youth group engaged with new games and activities. Tim challenged the youth to view baptism as an essential act of obedience, discussing the reasons behind the hesitation many experience. As they tackled community involvement and the role of leaders, they emphasized the importance of debriefs that celebrate God's workings rather than just program flaws. Their plans for upcoming events keep the excitement alive, blending faith with fun and learning.

Sep 17, 2025 • 34min
Being Terrified of Teenagers, Why Preach, and Decoding Culture: Exclusive Audiobook Sneakpeek
Dive into a sneak peek of a transformative audiobook focused on preaching to teenagers. Discover the importance of addressing youth culture with authenticity and care. Tom shares his first experiences in preaching and dismantles common objections while celebrating its relevance. He explores the biblical roots of preaching, highlighting the roles of Jesus and the apostles. The key takeaway? Genuine love and understanding your audience can build lasting connections and foster faith in the formative years of youth.


