Rethinking Youth Ministry | A podcast for youth ministry leaders, pastors, volunteers, and anyone who cares about students

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Latest Episodes:

RYM Minisode: Rethinking What Gen Alpha Actually Needs Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the RYM podcast, Jeremy shares how his approach to youth ministry has shifted from focusing on what he needed as a kid to understanding what today’s youth need. We discuss the importance of adapting to Gen Alpha’s unique needs and how curiosity and empathy can make your ministry more effective.

Here are 3 takeaways from this episode…
1️⃣ Focus on Today’s Needs: Shift from giving students what you needed to addressing their current needs.
2️⃣ Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Understand students’ diverse identities and listen deeply beyond their words.
3️⃣ Support Deconstruction: Encourage and support both your own and students’ questions and doubts to foster genuine faith.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM 137: Rethinking Measuring Success in Youth Ministry Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

What if we redefine success in youth ministry by shifting focus from traditional metrics like attendance to more meaningful measures such as spiritual growth, volunteer health, and community impact? In this episode of the Rethinking Youth Ministry podcast we disuss just that.

Here are 3 takeaways from this episode…
1️⃣ Expand metrics beyond attendance: Measure youth ministry success through spiritual growth and personal engagement, not just attendance numbers.
2️⃣ Emphasize healthy volunteer teams: Prioritize a fully staffed and healthy volunteer team to support students and distribute leadership.
3️⃣ Measure student impact in the community: Track how students serve their communities to reflect their spiritual growth and ministry impact.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM Minisode: Rethinking Creating Inclusive Spaces for All Students Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Jess, who is rethinking belonging and inclusivity in youth ministry.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Intentional Belonging: Create spaces where all students feel valued and known by name, fostering a sense of belonging.

2️⃣ Diverse Leadership: A diverse team of leaders helps connect with students from different backgrounds, enhancing community.

3️⃣ Rethinking Ministry: Constantly evaluate and innovate how to make youth ministries more inclusive and effective in fostering belonging and discipleship.

Learn more about our youth ministry cohort here: https://thinkorange.com/cohorts/.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM 136: Rethinking Navigating the Spiritual But Not Religious Generation Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

This episode explores how to engage a generation that identifies as spiritual but not religious. We discuss the importance of curiosity, overcoming fear, and guiding teenagers toward everyday faith practices while respecting their unique spiritual journeys.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Stay Curious: Approach spiritual conversations with young people by asking questions and understanding their beliefs without judgment.
2️⃣ Connect to Christian Practices: Guide their spiritual interests towards Christian traditions like prayer and reflection.
3️⃣ Overcome Fear: Don't let fear of the unknown hinder meaningful engagement; be confident in your faith when discussing spirituality.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

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RYM Minisode: How to Engage Both Middle and High School Students Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Michael, who is rethinking how to engage a combined middle and high school environment.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Focus on High Schoolers: When leading a combined youth group, it's often more effective to tailor messages and examples towards high school students, as middle schoolers tend to rise to the challenge, while high schoolers may disengage if content feels too young.
2️⃣ Offer Age-Specific Spaces: While large group activities can be combined, providing phase-specific small groups or hangout times ensures that both middle and high schoolers get the focused attention they need.
3️⃣ Creative Mentorship Opportunities: Consider special events, like a seniors-and-seventh-graders dinner, where high schoolers can mentor middle schoolers without the pressure of doing so every week, allowing both age groups to benefit from the ministry.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM 135: Rethinking the Topics of Identity, Change and Political Tension in Youth Ministry Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Rethinking Youth Ministry Podcast, join our team as we rethink how to talk about topics like identify, change, shinning Jesus’ light and political tension with middle school and high school students.

If you are an XP3 user this is a must listen episode because these are the topics that are covered in our Fall 2024 Season of XP3 curriculum. If you do not use XP3 you will gain insight into things to keep in mind when navigating these topics in your youth group and small groups. Whether you're a youth ministry leader, pastor, volunteer, or just someone who cares about the spiritual journey of middle and high school students, this episode is for you.

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM Minisode: Rethinking Empowering Small Group Leaders Beyond Sunday Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Phillip, who is rethinking how to get small group leaders involved.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Equip Leaders with Resources: Providing small group leaders with resources like gift cards can help them connect with students outside of scheduled ministry times.
2️⃣ Be Intentional with Scheduling: Encouraging leaders to get schedules from students and showing up at important events can significantly impact their relationship and support.
3️⃣ Utilize Technology for Connection: Regular group messages and notes of encouragement can help maintain a sense of community and support, even when physical presence isn't possible.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM 134: Rethinking if your Volunteers are Spiritually Mature Enough Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

How do you disciple your volunteers? How do you know if you volunteers are spiritually mature enough to serve? In this episode we breakdown these volunteer strategies when it comes to discipleship.

1️⃣ Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Effective youth ministry requires volunteers who are not only present but also spiritually mature and continuously growing in their faith.
2️⃣ Intentional Onboarding: A thorough onboarding process that includes assessing spiritual maturity and setting clear expectations is crucial for building a strong volunteer team.
3️⃣ Consistent Shepherding: Youth leaders should view their role as shepherding both students and volunteers, providing ongoing support, training, and spiritual guidance to ensure a healthy ministry environment.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM Minisode: Rethinking Getting Students on the Mic Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we hear from one of our listeners, Jordan, who is rethinking how to get students involved in programming.

3 takeaways from this episode:
1️⃣ Innovative Teaching Methods: How to use conversational styles like podcasting to engage students in large group settings.
2️⃣ Balancing Risks and Opportunities: Providing low-stakes opportunities helps students practice communication without fear of significant consequences.
3️⃣ Leveraging Technology: Utilizing phones and simple recordings allows students to create authentic, relatable content.

Listen now. 🎧
The Rethinking Youth Ministry podcast is brought to you by the XP3 curriculum team. Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RYM 133: Rethinking Why Teenagers Are Better at Serving Than You Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Rethinking Why Teenagers Are Better at Serving Than You

What should service look like in youth ministry? Does the next generation have any interest in serving? Join us as we rethink what serving in youth ministry can be.

3 takeaways from the episode ⬇️

1️⃣ Daily Integration: Make serving a regular part of everyday life for young people.

2️⃣ Meaningful Relationships: Focus on long-term relationships with the communities served.

3️⃣ Community Collaboration: Work with local organizations to address real community needs.

Join the Rethinking Youth Ministry Facebook Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/813773488740316

Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Learn more about XP3 Curriculum and TRY A SERIES FOR FREE at https://thinkorange.com/xp3.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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