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10 Jul 2025

What’s Better for Ministry? Done-for-You or Custom Social Media

By Nick Clason|2025-06-16T06:50:59-07:00July 10th, 2025|communication, Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Nick Clason breaks down the battle between Done-for-You and Custom church social media—and why your ministry might need both.

Discover how a hybrid ministry strategy saves time and amplifies your church’s voice.

This episode unpacks it all, and share one thing that might give you the best of both worlds! (Shoutout to Hannah Montana!)

And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!

7 Jul 2025

Summer Isn’t Over Yet: How to Survive (and Thrive) in the Last Stretch of Summer Ministry

By Ronald|2025-07-03T05:55:39-07:00July 7th, 2025|Youth Pastor Life|1 Comment

By the time July hits, summer ministry feels less like a sprint and more like a slow crawl through a humid, snack-fueled wasteland. Camp is over. Mission trips are done (or nearly there). Your volunteers are vanishing like free pizza. And your students? They’re somewhere between sleep schedules that make no sense and spontaneous road trips their parents forgot to tell you about.

If you’re feeling tired, a little crispy around the edges, and wondering if ministry is supposed to feel like this: congrats. You’re normal. And good news: you’re not done yet.

Here are a few survival tips (and one or two thrive tips) to help you finish the summer well:

1. Lower the Bar, but Keep It Meaningful

If your July calendar is full of epic theme nights and you have zero energy to run them, you’re allowed to pivot. Movie nights. Board games. Popsicles and prayer. Give yourself permission to simplify.

Students don’t need high production every week. They need consistent adults who care. If that adult is wearing mismatched socks and drinking iced coffee like it’s a lifeline, even better. You’re relatable now.

2. Don’t Skip the One-on-Ones

Summer is the perfect time for relational wins. Some of the most meaningful ministry moments happen when you grab ice cream with a student or coffee with a leader.

If your regular rhythm has been big events, now is the time to go small. Text the student who’s been quiet. Call that volunteer who’s had a tough summer. The relational deposits you make now will pay off big when fall hits.

3. Take a Day Off and Actually Take It Off

You’ve earned it. Really.

Stop checking the group chat. Leave the inbox unopened. Don’t “just drop by” the church office. Sabbath is not for superstars. It’s for humans. You are one of those.

And if you’re the type who struggles to rest unless it’s productive, call it “strategic soul recalibration” and put it on your calendar. There. Now it’s official.

4. Let Students Lead Something. Anything.

One of the sneakiest benefits of summer is the freedom to experiment. Let a student share a devotional. Have them run games. Ask them to lead a prayer night.

Will it be awkward? Yes. Will it be awesome anyway? Also yes.

When students take ownership, they feel the weight of ministry and the joy. Don’t wait for fall to start giving them chances to lead.

5. Remember Why This Matters

Some of the students in your group right now are figuring out who they are. They’re trying to understand faith. They’re deciding if church is for them or if this was just a summer thing.

You’re showing up when it’s easy to cancel. You’re caring when no one’s clapping. You’re making a difference that’s hard to measure.

So don’t lose heart. Or at least don’t lose it alone. Talk to your people. Pray with your team. Laugh at the weird stories and hold on to the good ones.

You’re doing better than you think. And summer’s not over yet.

But hey: neither are you.

3 Jul 2025

3 Reels You Can Post This Week Without Filming Anything

By Nick Clason|2025-06-16T06:49:09-07:00July 3rd, 2025|communication, Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Need church social media content this week—but don’t want to film a thing?

Nick Clason shares 3 ready-to-post reel ideas built for youth pastors who want freedom and engagement.

Discover how the hybrid ministry strategy can simplify your posting rhythm and still crush it on Instagram and TikTok—no camera, no editing, no stress.

And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!

26 Jun 2025

The Secret Sauce to Consistent Summer Engagement

By Nick Clason|2025-06-16T06:47:08-07:00June 26th, 2025|communication, Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Volunteers, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Consistency is hard—unless you steal my system.

In this episode, I break down my exact weekly summer content rhythm for youth ministry using the ☀️ Summer Seasonal Social Media Pack:

1 spiritual reel
1 fun reel
1 carousel
and some bonus hybrid magic.

You’ll get the full template, schedule, and content—so you can stay consistent, connected, and (mostly) sane all summer long.

And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!

23 Jun 2025

Keeping Your Volunteers Motivated When the Excitement Wears Off

By Ronald|2025-05-21T05:52:17-07:00June 23rd, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Ah, mid-summer—the point when the initial burst of enthusiasm starts to fade faster than a teen’s Snapchat streak. As the novelty of summer activities wears thin, your volunteers might begin to feel less like superheroes and more like tired adults questioning their life choices. Don’t despair! Here are some fun and effective ways to reignite their passion and keep them enthusiastically engaged all summer long.

First things first: recognize and celebrate your volunteers often. Everyone loves to feel valued, especially when they’re juggling sweaty bus rides, endless snack duties, and emotional teen dramas. Surprise them with small tokens of appreciation—think iced coffee, gift cards, or goofy “Volunteer of the Week” certificates highlighting their quirky achievements (“Best Camper Wrangler” or “Ultimate Snack Ninja,” anyone?).

Next, inject some spontaneity into their routines. Even volunteers need a break from predictable schedules. Plan unexpected treats or spontaneous mini-events just for them—a surprise pizza party, a quick game of dodgeball after hours, or an impromptu ice cream outing. Breaking the routine adds a dash of excitement and shows your team you care about their well-being beyond their volunteer duties.

Another powerful motivator? Shared laughter. Create opportunities for volunteers to bond and share funny stories from the front lines. Regularly set aside time for “Volunteer Confessionals”—informal gatherings where your team can swap humorous tales of summer mishaps and triumphs. Laughter is a natural energizer and a great stress-reliever, turning moments of burnout into shared memories and camaraderie.

Finally, remind your volunteers regularly of the big picture—the genuine impact they’re making in the lives of your students. Share stories and testimonies from students about how their summer experiences have been meaningful, transformative, or just plain fun. Knowing they’re truly making a difference can reignite volunteers’ enthusiasm and motivation in profound ways.

With these strategies in hand, you’ll not only keep your volunteers motivated and engaged—you might even find they’re already eagerly signing up for next summer!

19 Jun 2025

Summer Social Media Mistakes (And How I’m Avoiding Them)

By Nick Clason|2025-05-26T06:02:10-07:00June 19th, 2025|Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, Mental Health, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Volunteers, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

Here’s what usually tanks your social media engagement every summer—and what I’m doing instead.

Because posting a blurry pic of your youth group playing dodgeball again is not a strategy.

I’ve made all the summer mistakes—so you don’t have to!

And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!

16 Jun 2025

How to Keep Cool (Literally and Figuratively) in Youth Ministry

By Ronald|2025-05-21T05:59:48-07:00June 16th, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

Let’s face it: July and August in youth ministry often feel like you’re leading activities on the surface of the sun. Between heatwaves, energetic teenagers, and the endless demand for “just one more game,” it’s crucial to find creative ways to stay cool—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So how can you prepare for that season BEFORE you get there?

Physically, water is your new best friend. When the temperatures climb, make sure your activities revolve around staying cool. Think water balloon fights, slip-and-slide kickball, or even “sponge dodgeball” (yes, it’s as fun—and wet—as it sounds). And let’s not forget hydration stations stocked with ice-cold drinks—hydrated teenagers (and volunteers) are happy teenagers (and volunteers).

Emotionally, the summer heat can test even the most patient youth pastor. Keep your cool by setting clear boundaries for yourself and your volunteers. Make sure you’re taking short breaks in the shade or even in air-conditioned spaces to recharge. Also, never underestimate the power of humor to diffuse stressful moments—because sometimes laughter truly is the best coping mechanism, especially when your carefully planned activity devolves into complete chaos.

Spiritually, prioritize moments of rest and reflection amid the busyness. Intentionally carve out time for quiet devotionals or prayer, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Invite your students into these moments as well—perhaps in the cool of the morning or during peaceful evening gatherings. Encouraging your group to connect spiritually helps everyone handle the heat of summer better.

Finally, embrace flexibility. Plans will inevitably go awry—storms, heat advisories, or unexpected setbacks will test your patience. When plans fall through, pivot gracefully and remember that adaptability is your superpower.

By combining physical refreshment, emotional resilience, and spiritual renewal, you’ll not only survive summer in youth ministry—you’ll thrive through the hottest days with joy, laughter, and a lasting impact.

12 Jun 2025

What I Posted This Week Using My Summer Content Pack

By Nick Clason|2025-05-26T05:59:06-07:00June 12th, 2025|Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, Mental Health, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Volunteers, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

I didn’t make anything new this week.

I literally just hit post.

Let me show you exactly what I shared using my Summer Content Pack—and how it performed.

Plus two bonus pieces of content that were the true all-stars at the end of this video!

And if you’re interested in seeing more of what the Hybrid Ministry Show has to offer, I’d love to encourage you to check out more!

9 Jun 2025

Creative (and Cheap!) Summer Activities

By Ronald|2025-05-21T06:05:54-07:00June 9th, 2025|Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Summer in youth ministry doesn’t have to mean blowing your entire budget on expensive outings or elaborate events. With a little creativity (and maybe some duct tape), you can provide incredible experiences that engage your students without draining your wallet.

Start simple—never underestimate the power of classic backyard games with a creative twist. Try grabbing a big pilates ball on Amazon and play any normal game you can think of using the oversized sports equipment! Soccer, kickball, volleyball all get way sillier with the larger twist on the game! You might want to order two though… just in case.

Outdoor movie nights are another easy win. Project a favorite film onto a wall or bedsheet, spread blankets on the lawn, and pop plenty of popcorn. Encourage students to bring their own snacks, creating a potluck vibe and keeping your costs minimal.

How about a photo scavenger hunt around town? Divide students into teams, give them quirky challenges (“pose like a statue,” “create a human pyramid,” “find something older than your youth pastor”), and let them snap away. Gather afterward to laugh at the results—bonus points if you showcase their creativity on social media or during a youth group meeting.

Another budget-friendly idea is a DIY craft day. Raid the church supply closet or local thrift stores for craft materials and let creativity run wild. Tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets, or custom-painted photo frames not only spark creativity but also give students tangible souvenirs from the summer.

Finally, embrace service projects as inexpensive, meaningful activities. Gardening, park clean-ups, or volunteering at local food pantries cost next to nothing but provide priceless opportunities for teaching empathy, teamwork, and community involvement.

Remember, creativity beats cash every time. With a little imagination, you can craft summer experiences your students will treasure long after the budget spreadsheets have faded.

5 Jun 2025

This Social Media Post is dead in 2025 – What to do instead

By Nick Clason|2025-05-14T10:02:15-07:00June 5th, 2025|Help Me With..., Hybrid Ministry, Mental Health, online youth group, Podcast, Technology, Volunteers, Youth Ministry Hacks, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

The “done-for-you” social media strategy is dead in 2025—and it might be quietly hurting your youth ministry.

HubSpot’s latest report says real impact comes from micro-connections over time, not cookie-cutter content.

If you want to win on social this summer without burning out, show up with authenticity, stay consistent, and use tools that amplify your voice—not replace it.