

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

Aug 20, 2025 • 35min
Hot Chocolate Secrets, Bread Based Youth Group, and Evangelistic Events
Lauren's group had a big evangelistic event, plus she spills the tea on hot chocolate. Tom's youth group ran itself.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.AI made us an overly dramatic episode summary:In this electrifying episode of the Youth Group Podcast, join Tom and Lauren as they navigate the whirlwind of youth ministry with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of hot chocolate. From the bustling streets of Sydney to the serene landscapes of Tuvalu, Lauren's audacious presidential campaign unfolds with unexpected twists. Meanwhile, Tom orchestrates a symphony of bread-themed youth events, where the stakes are as high as the dough rises. Tune in for a night of epic duels, soul-stirring talks, and the quest for the perfect hot chocolate recipe. Will they conquer the challenges of youth leadership, or will the chaos of pool noodle battles and donut immunity reign supreme? Discover the answers in this unforgettable journey of faith, friendship, and fun.

Aug 13, 2025 • 47min
Marco Polo, Rookie Errors, and Leader Training
Tim and Tom share hilarious adventures from their youth groups, like playing Marco Polo and lessons on the Sabbath. They reflect on personal challenges, including balancing family life with ministry. Engaging discussions on creative strategies for inclusivity and meaningful youth engagement emerge, highlighting the importance of building community. They also tackle real-life challenges from church sessions and stress the need for effective leader training to foster belonging and support in youth ministry.

Aug 6, 2025 • 40min
Amazing Ideas for Your Youth Group (Classic Episode)
In a classic rerun, the hosts dive into innovative youth group activities that promise to engage and inspire. They discuss a thrilling mystery auction game and budget-friendly ideas like art nights and a YouTube Film Festival. A unique car wash experience offers a creative spin on spiritual teachings. Food-themed fun shines with a cereal party, celebrating community and variety. Lastly, they share adventurous challenges and tips for supporting youth leaders, emphasizing the joy of participation and connection.

Jul 30, 2025 • 55min
Trampolines, Huckleberry Finn, and Recruiting Leaders
Tim and Tom share whimsical reflections on youth group activities, like trampoline outings and a Mark Twain-inspired game. They celebrate personal milestones, including youth leaders' engagements that boost community spirit. The duo dives into the art of recruiting leaders, focusing on the importance of commitment and meaningful relationships. Creative teaching methods and interactive activities emphasize inclusivity and engagement, making for a lively conversation filled with humor and heartfelt moments.

6 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 58min
Why is That in the Bible?: How and Why to Teach the Tricky Bits of the Bible
Dive into the quirky and challenging aspects of the Bible, from nude encounters to bizarre food laws and unexpected themes like resurrection. Discover why engaging with tricky passages can ignite curiosity and deepen understanding among youth. Explore effective teaching methods for sensitive topics, and unravel the complexities of Biblical narratives while promoting an open dialogue. This discussion shines a light on the hidden gems in scripture that often get overlooked, encouraging the next generation to question and connect with their faith.

Jul 16, 2025 • 43min
You need to think about AI in Youth Ministry (with Ed Sowden)
In this engaging conversation, Ed Sowden, a youth minister, father, and Lego artist from Bathurst, dives into the profound effects of AI on teenage lives. He shares insights on how youth ministry can both leverage technology and maintain a human touch. Ed discusses the moral implications of AI, including privacy concerns and creativity challenges. He emphasizes the importance of guiding youth through the complexities of an AI-driven world, ensuring they remain rooted in their identity as image bearers of God.

Jul 11, 2025 • 43min
Game Architecture, Psalm Emotions, and Term 2 Highlights
Lauren, Alex, and Tim reflect on the term that has been and look forward to what is coming up.If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.comGet more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcastFind Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/AI Made us a Description:Join Lauren, Alex, and Tim as they dive into the highs and lows of youth group leadership. From the chaos of youth camps to the reflective moments in the Psalms, this episode is packed with insights and stories. Discover how youth leaders across Australia are navigating challenges and celebrating victories in their ministries.

4 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
Pancakes, Balloon Stomping, and Making Youth Join In (Reupload)
This episode dives into playful youth group adventures, from pancake parties to balloon stomping. The hosts share hilarious myths and quirky local legends, bringing a fun twist to community traditions. They address the importance of inclusivity in games, ensuring everyone feels welcome. A whimsical discussion on fast food prices adds a lighthearted touch. Personal stories about leadership challenges and a new car lead to reflections on youth engagement, emphasizing connections built through shared activities.

Jun 25, 2025 • 38min
Sea Pigs, the Gospel Chain, and Youth Praying Together (with Chris Morphew)
Chris Morphew is back to talk about camps, youth group, and returning to a youth group left. Tom's youth group ate dinner and had prayer workshops.If you have a question, or thoughts on pancakes and youth ministry, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.comGet more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcastFind more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Chris's stuff at https://chrismorphew.comAI made us a boring summary:In this episode of the Youth Group podcast, hosts Tom French and Chris Morphew engage in a lively discussion about their recent experiences in youth ministry. They share insights from various youth group visits, including a camp called Sea Pigs, and reflect on the importance of creating inviting spaces for youth. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of youth groups, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of prayer in building community. Tom shares updates from his own youth group, highlighting the challenges and joys of leading young people in their faith journeys. The episode concludes with thoughts on the ongoing chain of faith and mentorship that connects generations of believers.

Jun 18, 2025 • 47min
Politics in Youth Ministry, Dating Your Sibilings, and Dungeons and Dragons
Tim's youth played Dungeons on Dragons and pretended to be at McDonalds. Tom's youth group combined with other youth groups.The Coles and Woolies mud cake is $6.60.Matthew Dicks on the Knowledge Project can be found here: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/matthew-dicks/If you have a question, or thoughts on politics and youth ministry, 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/AI made us a boring summary:In this conversation, Tim Blagg shares insights from his experiences in youth ministry, discussing the dynamics of engaging youth through creative activities, the importance of church family, and reflections on leadership and preparation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating relationships within a church context and the significance of community building during combined youth events. In this conversation, Tom French and Tim Blagg discuss various aspects of youth ministry, including engaging activities, the significance of the Apostles' Creed, the role of politics in youth discussions, and the importance of storytelling in preaching. They reflect on combined youth events and share insights on how to navigate sensitive topics while fostering a supportive community for young people.


