It’s hard to believe but I began in student ministry over 25 years ago during my first summer after high school. In that time I have learned so much about student ministry in many different ways.
I learned by reading books on student ministry. I’m not sure where I would be if I hadn’t picked up a copy of Doug Fields Purpose Driven Youth Ministry or more recently Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark Devries among many more.
I learned by going to conferences like National Youth Workers Conference, and Orange Conference.
I learned by a lot of trial and error.
But I think I learned the most from the friendships I developed with other leaders and the conversations we had. I remember many times sitting with other leaders over a cup of coffee, or at the end of a night of camp, or at lunch. We would talk about life, and ministry and how things were going. We shared games, collaborated on Bible Studies, taught each other songs. We shared what was working in our ministry and also what was not working. We prayed for each other, supported each other and celebrated with each other.
I hope you have a group, or one or two people you can have conversations like that. It’s why we are launching a new podcast called “Student Ministry Conversations.”
Each week we post a new episode where we talk with a guest on different aspects of student ministry. These conversations are inspiring, insightful and are designed to equip, encourage and empower you as you minister to your students.
Episode are typically around 45 min to an hour, and this is intentional. The Student Ministry Conversations podcast is not a quick listen. It is focused on capturing intentional conversations with student ministry leaders, business leaders, volunteers, youth ministry professionals, thought leaders and others about student ministry and the future of the church
Here are a few of our most popular episodes
Student Ministry Leadership Teams with Daniel Acton
Speaking to Students with Kate Garnes
Getting on Board with your Pastor’s Vision with Luke Gajary
The Importance of Pastoral Self Care with Stephen Gehring
Leading Worship For and With Students with Melissa Glaves
We are also excited for future episodes on youth ministry processes and infrastructure with Kurt Libby from Youth Min Hub, Storytelling in youth ministry with Jonathan Germany and a great conversation about the future of youth ministry and importance of prayer with speaker and author Brock Morgan.
I hope you will listen and find this podcast a help and encouragement in your ministry. If you like it I ask that you also share this with someone else who would find it helpful as well.
I encourage you to go on over to Student Ministry Conversations podcast website and check it out. Then go to your favorite podcast host and follow us there. Listen to a few episodes and then leave a review and rating.
What happens to UMY LEAD? It’s still going to be here. We will not continue the podcast, but I will continue to post articles and helpful links that will aid you in ministry. So I encourage you to stay tuned, but also go in and check out the Student Ministry Conversations Podcast and let us know what you think.