Episode 17: Ministering to Middle School Students w/ David Knox

Episode 17: Ministering to Middle School Students w/ David Knox
 

Show notes for this episode can be found at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast/017

INTERVIEW WITH David Knox

  • Allow David to introduce himself...

  • Tell us your story of how God lead you to minister to middle schoolers

  • What do you love more about working with middle schoolers than high schoolers?

  • What are some of the different challenges that you face working with Middle Schoolers?

  • What do you miss about working with high schoolers?

  • What are some program ideas that you’ve found that have worked with middle school students?

  • What are some tips for teaching middle school students?

  • What advice would you give to guys who work with middle & high school students to help them connect better with middle schoolers?

Possible Questions:

  • Do y’all ever do anything with the high school? What are the advantages of splitting the groups

 

CLOSE THE SHOW:

  • Thanks for joining us.

  • Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

  • Our next episode will be about our favorite things about youth ministry.

  • You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

  • You are doing a great work in youth ministry.


 

Episode 16: Counseling Students w/ Mark Butts

Episode 16: Counseling Students w/ Mark Butts


Show notes for this episode can be found at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast/016.

OPENING TALKING POINTS…

  • We are getting right into our interview today with Mark Butts because of the length of the interview.


 

INTERVIEW WITH MARK BUTTS

  • Allow Mark to introduce himself... Give some of Mark's qualifications & education

  • What prompted you to pursue becoming a marriage and family therapist?

  • What has becoming a marriage and family therapist added to your ministry...how has it helped?

  • What do you know now about counseling students that you wish you had known 15 years ago when you started in YM?

  • What safeguards should YMs take when counseling students?

  • How should a YM deal with confidentiality with a student? When do you involve parents?

  • How do you know when an issue a student is dealing with requires professional help?


 

CLOSE THE SHOW:

  • Thanks for joining us.

  • Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

  • Our next episode will be about ministering to middle school students.

  • You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

  • You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

 

Intro & outro music: “Start A Fire” by Unspoken

 

Episode 15: Balancing Time at Work & Home w/ Aarek Farmer

Episode 15: Balancing Time at Home & Work w/ Aarek Farmer

 

 

OPENING TALKING POINTS…

Resource highlight…

  • RiseUpResources.com -- website with free graphics, announcement slides and guest connection cards

 

Activity or Devo idea…

  • Homemade Gift Swap -- Youth Group Christmas Party idea

 

INTERVIEW WITH AAREK FARMER:

  • Allow Aarek to introduce himself.

  • Was there ever a time when your time at home and time at work was out of balance? How did you know?

  • How does being out of balance harm your family?

  • How does being out of balance harm your ministry?

  • What steps have you taken to balance your time at work and home?

  • What advice would you give to young YM’s who are recently married?

  • What advice would you give to YM’s with young children?

  • What advice would you give to YM’s with older children?

 

CLOSE THE SHOW:

  • Thanks for joining us.

  • Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

  • Our next episode will be with Mark Butts on the topic of “Counseling Students”.

  • You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

  • You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

Episode 14: Secrets to Running Successful Retreats

Episode 14: Secrets to Running Successful Retreats


OPENING TALKING POINTS…

Resource highlight…

Activity or Devo idea…

 

SECRETS TO RUNNING SUCCESSFUL RETREATS:

  • Dream big.

  • Think outside of the box.

  • Collaborate/Dream with someone else.

  • Plan well. In advance.

  • Determine a purpose (not just a theme) for your retreat. (A good retreat theme and title are important, but without a purpose it means nothing)

  • Make it STICK! (Make it something that doesn’t just last throughout the retreat...a good retreat, a successful retreat sticks...it accomplishes your purpose behind the retreat both while away and when you return home)

    • Send them home with a reminder of the retreat.

  • Get a lot of other people involved.

  • Other Ideas: Chaperone meeting (what I expect out of them); create opportunities for your chaperones to grow and share too (they will grow just as much as the kids if you give them opportunity and that will benefit your ministry so much...they will want to come back)

  • Create opportunities for your students to share together.

  • Create opportunities for your students to learn experientially.

  • Create opportunities for personal growth.

    • IDEA: Prayer walk

  • Pray.

 

CLOSE THE SHOW:

  • Thanks for joining us.

  • Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

  • Our next episode will be about balancing time at home and time

  • You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

  • You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

 

Episode 13: Design For Dummies w/ Scott Utter

Episode 13: Design For Dummies w/ Scott Utter

OUR GUEST TODAY...

  • Scott Utter, youth minister at the Millview Church of Christ in Franklin, TN. Follow Scott on Twitter @SquattUtter. 

TODAY'S RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT

  • Jonathan Germany’s website...walkinginhisfootsteps.com...just released 2 free teaching series. (1) 13 week series on Discipleship and (2) a five week series on excuses.

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT UTTER

Thanks for joining us.

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will be about secrets to running successful retreats

You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

 

Episode 12: Lessons Learned Over The Summer

Episode 12: Lessons Learned from the Summer

 

ANDREW:

  • Less is more.

  • Lean on your adults.

  • Stop & be thankful for what God was doing.

ERIC:


 

  • Be balanced (and realistic) in summer scheduling.

  • Don’t over commit yourself to extra non-YM stuff at the expense of important YM stuff.

  • Foreign mission trips are awesome.

CLOSE THE SHOW:

  1. Thanks for joining us.

  2. Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

  3. Our next episode will be on Tuesday, September 30th…”Graphic Design for Dummies” with Scott Utter

  4. You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

  5. Check us out on iTunes, give us a good rating!

  6. You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

Episode 11: Starting Out in YM w/ Phil Baus

Episode 11: Starting Out in YM w/ Phil Baus

“Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers”

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com. 

QUESTIONS FOR PHIL:

  • If you hadn’t become a YM, what would you be?

  • Tell us about the process of graduating from college and looking for a YM job…

  • What did you learn through that process?

  • What would you do different if you had to do it over again?

  • If you had known what you know now, what questions would you have asked elders/preachers during the interview process?

  • What have you learned in your first year of YM that they didn’t teach you in college?

  • What advice would you give to guys who are finishing their degree and are looking for a church to work with?

Mention Phil’s resource that we will be releasing with the podcast episode - “Kingdom” 3 week teaching series

Click to download "Kingdom" teaching series

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will be on WEDNESDAY, JULY 29th, Live from SEC!!

You can find previous episodes at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

Episode 10: Interns w/ Andrew Howell

Episode 10: Interns w/ Andrew Howell

Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers.

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com. 

Also, check below for the resources that Andrew Howell is sharing with us!

QUESTIONS FOR ANDREW:

  • If you hadn’t become a YM, what would you be?

  • Tell us an intern horror story…

  • Why hire interns?

    • Ministers need training.

    • If you hire someone from your congregation, after 2 years encourage them to intern somewhere else?

  • What’s your interview process?

    • Try to find the best fit for your youth group, someone who’s been a leader in their youth group.

    • Candidates should write a letter to YM & elders why they want to intern with your church that summer. Letters should be turned in by Thanksgiving.

    • From Thanksgiving to Jan. 1, interview each candidate. Then name(s) of those chosen are brought to the elders by Feb. 1st.

    • Once intern(s) are hired, send them a job description/expectation sheet, summary about church, and contract they sign for the elders.

  • What jobs/responsibilities do you give interns?

    • Help lead trips and activities.

    • Have them write a letter to the students in your youth ministry. Guy intern to all the guys...Girl intern to all the girls.

    • Guy to teach at least 6 classes & preach once during summer.

    • Girl to plan girls retreat, some girl only events. Guy to plan one guys event.

    • Their main job is build relationships with students.

    • 2 books they are supposed to read. Books can change each summer. Plus a journal they should write in about their experiences during the summer.

      • One book for YM, one for life skill

      • “Crucial Conversations” by Kerry Patterson

      • “In a pit with a lion on a snowy day” by Mark Batterson

      • “You Lost Me” by David Kinnamon

  • Are there any “rules” that you give your interns? If so, what are they?

    • Ask elders, youth deacon, etc.

    • Have an ongoing conversation with interns about what is expected of them.

    • EXPECTATIONS NOT RULES

    • No dating between intern and teens. Guy and girl intern not allowed to date each other.

    • Set the example all of the time.

  • What is the benefit from hiring a female intern?

    • A blessing to your female students.

    • Girl-specific events

    • Relationship they build with someone setting a good example...especially a college student setting the example.

    • We, as male YM’s, will not have the kind of relationship that a female intern can have.

  • What boundaries do you set as a result of having a female intern?

    • Make sure your wife is comfortable with hiring a female intern first.

ANDREW'S RESOURCES:

Wonder Fall Retreat Package

Click to download Youth Intern Job Descriptions & Expectations

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will air on Tuesday, July 15th. You can find the show at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

 

Episode 9: Longevity in YM w/ Jerry Elder

Episode 9: Longevity in Youth Ministry w/ Jerry Elder

Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers.

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com. 

QUESTIONS FOR JERRY:

  • If you hadn’t become a YM, what would you be?

  • What was youth ministry like when you first started?

  • What things have changed in YM?

  • What things haven’t changed in YM?

  • What is the secret to having a healthy marriage and be a YM?

  • What is the secret to raising a godly family and be a YM?

  • What is the secret to staying at a church for 30+ years?

  • If you could change one thing that you’ve done or haven’t done over the years, what would it be?

  • What advice would you give to guys who are starting at a new work after they’ve been at their previous work for 10+ years?


Click to download Jerry's Resource - The Garage Devos Bible Study Material

Click here to see Jerry's video about The Garage. 

Click here to watch The Garage Devo in action. 

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will air on Tuesday, July 1st. You can find the show at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.

Episode 8: Evangelism in YM w/ Philip Jenkins

Episode 8: Evangelism in YM w/ Philip Jenkins

Welcome to the I’m a YM podcast, a podcast by youth ministers, for youth ministers”

I'm A YM Podcast is proud to be part of the AIM Network of podcasts. Find out more at adventuresinministry.com. 

QUESTIONS FOR PHILIP:

  • Tell us about some of the recent success that you guys have had at Mt. Juliet.

    • 49 baptisms in 2013 among youth group age students

  • Was there a turning point in your youth ministry where you and/or your teens became a lot more evangelistic?

    • First turning point was changing the way he thought about YM, utilizing volunteers and parents, etc.

    • February 2012 - studying the book of Acts, when the widows were being neglected. How the widows felt, how the apostles felt. Showed the video about Esmond Green, who died in the waiting room of the hospital while others are watching her, and no one helps her. Even hospital security. This illustration prompted discussion about neglect in the youth group.

    • The Lunch Ladies - group of students who are willing to fill awkward so others don’t have to. They greet every guest, make sure no one sits alone, and pour into others.

    • Document about Lunch Ladies?

  • Tell us about the little booklets that you guys use (or have used in the past).

    • “God Speaks Today” -- personal evangelism booklet by Jerry Jenkins. 5 lessons. (call Roebuck Parkway COC to get the booklet)

    • “Choosing God” and “Chosen” booklets. From Evangelism University. Blue book sets up a bible study, and the white book is used to guide the bible study.

    • “One Question” or “The Question” -- new booklet used by Mt. Juliet COC for campaign in Mt. Juliet (12questions.net)

    • “Choosing God” and “Chosen” booklets can be purchased from Mt. Juliet (Creative Graphics in Lebanon, TN).

  • What role do your adults & volunteers play in the overall evangelism of your YM? What are some ways you guys utilize adults & volunteers in the YM?

    • “We’ve got to do our part to let them have a part.”

    • Cocoon leaders - small group leaders on Wednesday nights. They facilitate discussion after the lesson on Wednesday night. Connect with students outside of church.

    • Deacons who work a lot with the middle school.

    • The elders sit down with every person who’s been baptized to let them know who the elders are, they are there for them, etc.

  • What are some ways you have found to get teens excited about evangelism?

    • Teens need to be able to celebrate together.

    • Brag on your students when they invite a friend to a retreat or activity.

PHILIP'S RESOURCES:

Follow AIM on Twitter (@theAIMstuff) & Facebook

Our next episode will air on Tuesday, June 17th. You can find the show at adventuresinministry.com/ympodcast or in iTunes.

You are doing a great work in youth ministry.