The Download Youth Ministry Blog/
10 Oct 2024

Easy Social Media Idea #3

By |2024-10-01T12:11:04-07:00October 10th, 2024|Hybrid Ministry, Videos, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

We have been trucking along, talking about how to make social media both effective and easy for you all at the same time!

This week I talk about another fun video concept that is not only easy to utilize, but also will increase the awareness of your social media team.

And in so doing, you’ll be able to start recruiting more and more team members to help you run social media at your church, not just for students, but by students.

I share with you my full-proof framework for student-led volunteer teams.

Can’t wait for you to check it out!

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I’ve got going on on my podcast, you should definitely check out my podcast: Hybrid Ministry.

Here’s all the places you can find me!

7 Oct 2024

Making a Communication Plan for Your Youth Ministry

By |2024-10-07T09:59:28-07:00October 7th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|5 Comments

“I didn’t know that was happening!”

“What do you mean I missed the deadline?”

“There was a retreat? When?”

“The lock-in ended four hours ago!?”

Let’s face it, there have been times when you wished someone had heard the communication you had sent out. And let’s be MORE real. There were times when you didn’t communicate as well as you could have.

So how can you communicate in a way that MOST of your parents, students, staff, and church know what’s going on?

Let’s make a plan!

Consistent Communication 

It can be really confusing for people if you have different dates and times posted in different places. Is it Wednesday at 7 pm or Tuesday at 6 pm? You can help make this streamlined by typing out the info and making sure it’s right, then send that to every channel you communicate to!

Wednesday, November 8th @ 7 pm

Our Dodgeball Tournament is going to be a blast! Meet us in the small gym with your team color. Snacks and drinks for sale for a $1! Here’s the form you need to fill out to play!

See how that works? Day, Date, Time, Place, What and Where. Get a volunteer or an admin to make sure your info is right and THEN put it everywhere!

Same Graphic Everywhere

You can see other people doing this with branding and signs for businesses. It’s REALLY helpful to make the same type of visuals for your ministry. Canva is GREAT for this. The resize tool is a gamechanger. Make a slide for the announcement for your group and then change it to a square social media post, a story post, and a banner on the top of your newsletter.

Check these out:

See? Same graphic, words, and vibe. But you can post this everywhere! And people (read: students, parents, senior pastor, etc) will see what you’re doing and get the information quickly!

Channels of Communication

Ok. You’ve got the info, the graphics, now what? Hopefully you’ve reserved the space, gotten volunteers, and done all of that behind the scenes work.

Now let’s tell people!

Think of all the places you can communicate this: youth group meeting, leader meeting, student ministry email, student ministry social media, website, church bulletin, group texting app, Sunday morning slide roll, posters…

You’ve probably got all of those and more! Get the information out there on all the channels you have to make sure the most amount of people hear about the event.

When do you communicate?

This one is HUGE! I loved being able to to let parents and students know the big events as far out as possible. Think summer camp, retreats, small group kick offs and other REALLY important dates. Usually a year out if you can make that happen. Sending out save the dates is a GREAT help.

Smaller events? I like to communicate those on a semester basis. What events are happening in the fall? The spring? The summer? I love to let people know about them right at the beginning of the season or semester so that they can plan and prepare as far out as possible.

But people still don’t know what’s going on!!

Hey. I get it. Sometimes people are just going to be OUT of the loop. But if you’ve emailed, text, posted, personally asked, and communicated to the leaders and students and parents, there’s not much more you can do!

Ask them where they normally look for information on what’s going on in the youth group and see if you can direct them there. And maybe subtly point out that it was posted four weeks ago and three times since then and they really should have known better…

…graciously.

Communicate Outside the Box

You can also think of different ways to communicate with your church. Maybe you release a five minute podcast each week summarizing your message and reminding them of upcoming events. Maybe you create a YouTube channel where you upload your talks and have students read off the big event details. Maybe you hand students bright colored pieces of paper to give to their friends to invite them Or business cards! Those are making a comeback I hear.

Whatever you do, make you communicate clearly, often, and ahead of time.

Then you can know you did the best you could!

Anything I missed out on? I’d love to hear down below.

3 Oct 2024

Easy Social Media Idea #2

By |2024-10-03T05:17:17-07:00October 3rd, 2024|Hybrid Ministry, Videos, Youth Ministry Ideas|3 Comments

Last week I rolled out part 1 of my 4 part social media strategy for churches and youth ministries, this week we’re continuing on track, and I’m sharing with you an even EASIER idea for this week, not to mention it comes complete with my full-proof topic and editing guide:

💡100 Topics Ideas & Templates💡

https://share.hsforms.com/1JOHqd4XOTbC5ZgfXB85BCwnumis

Check it out on this week’s episode of the podcast!

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I’ve got going on on my podcast, you should definitely check out my podcast: Hybrid Ministry.

Here’s all the places you can find me!

30 Sep 2024

Avoiding Fall Burnout

By |2024-09-30T11:22:10-07:00September 30th, 2024|Youth Pastor Life|4 Comments

As the fall season arrives, youth pastors often juggle a packed calendar full of events, retreats, and holiday planning. While the season is full of exciting opportunities to impact students’ lives, it can also be a prime time for burnout. The fast pace and growing demands can make it easy to neglect your own well-being. To avoid falling into this trap, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care, not only for your personal health but also for the long-term effectiveness of your ministry.

Spiritually, staying grounded is essential. Amid a busy fall schedule, carve out time daily to connect with God. Whether through personal devotions, prayer walks, or simply finding moments of quiet reflection, these rhythms are necessary to keep your heart aligned with the purpose of your calling. Just as you encourage your students to seek God’s presence, make sure you model this in your own life. Set aside specific times during the week to rest in God’s word and be filled up so you can pour into others from a place of abundance rather than exhaustion.

Emotionally and physically, finding balance is key. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your team or volunteers. Sometimes, youth pastors fall into the trap of thinking they need to do everything themselves, but allowing others to share the load not only lightens your burden but empowers others to serve. Take intentional breaks, prioritize sleep, and make room for activities that rejuvenate you, whether exercising, spending time with family, or enjoying a hobby. Physical care goes hand-in-hand with emotional health, and if your energy is depleted, it will eventually impact your ministry and relationships.

Finally, setting boundaries in ministry is essential for long-term health. It’s easy to say yes to everything, but protecting your time and energy is vital. Create clear expectations with your church leadership, volunteers, and even students about your availability, especially during busy seasons. Saying no to certain commitments is not a failure but a necessary step to ensure you can fully invest in the areas where God has called you. By setting these boundaries, you protect both your personal well-being and the sustainability of your ministry.

26 Sep 2024

Easy Social Media Idea

By |2024-09-23T09:12:05-07:00September 26th, 2024|Hybrid Ministry, Videos, Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

Social Media.

Can we all just admit it’s that annoying pesky task that you know you should remain active on, but if we’re honest, it can get the best of us and even become an annoyance.

What if I told you, I have a strategy that will help you make more relevant [custom] social media content, that ends up being less work on you?

Sound too good to be true?

Don’t worry, it’s not!

I lay out my top 4 social media ideas that are less work for you in this week’s episode of the “Hybrid Ministry” Podcast

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I’ve got going on on my podcast, you should definitely check out my podcast: Hybrid Ministry.

Here’s all the places you can find me!

23 Sep 2024

Why Should I Go to a Youth Pastor Conference?

By |2024-09-17T12:34:31-07:00September 23rd, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

Attending a youth ministry conference can feel like a big commitment—there’s time away from your ministry, expenses, and the challenge of leaving your students behind for a few days. But in reality, stepping away from the day-to-day grind to go to a conference could be one of the best decisions you can make for your personal development and the growth of your ministry. Here are a few reasons why going to a youth ministry conference is absolutely worth it:

1. Personal Spiritual Renewal

Ministry is draining. Constantly pouring into others can leave you feeling spiritually depleted, even if you love what you do. Youth ministry conferences provide a space to focus on your own spiritual growth, hear from experienced pastors, and worship without the pressure of leading others. The refreshment that comes from being ministered to instead of always doing the ministering can recharge you for the road ahead.

2. Fresh Ideas and Inspiration

If you’ve been in youth ministry for a while, it’s easy to fall into a rhythm—or worse, a rut. Conferences expose you to new voices, fresh strategies, and creative programming ideas that you can return to your ministry. Whether learning a new way to teach the Bible, discovering a game that’ll break the ice with your students, or hearing how others approach tough cultural issues, you’ll leave with tangible ideas you can implement immediately.

3. Networking and Building Friendships

Ministry can be lonely, especially when you feel like you’re on an island. Youth ministry conferences allow you to meet other leaders in the trenches like you, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. Remembering that you’re not alone in the challenges you face is encouraging. These conferences often lead to lifelong friendships with people who truly get what it means to invest in the next generation.

4. Equipping Your Volunteers

Some conferences allow (and encourage) you to bring your volunteers along. Imagine how your ministry would be impacted if your entire team caught the vision and heart for student ministry at the same time! These events often offer workshops tailored to equip and empower volunteers, giving them the skills and encouragement to lead well.

5. Keeping Up With Cultural Trends

Teen culture constantly evolves, and staying current can be overwhelming. Youth ministry conferences are a fantastic way to gain insights into what’s happening in your students’ world. You’ll hear experts discuss the latest trends, issues, and challenges facing today’s teenagers and learn how to respond biblically and effectively.

6. Reignite Your Passion

It’s easy to lose sight of your “why” in the hustle of ministry. Conferences allow you to step back, remember why you got into youth ministry first, and rediscover your passion for pointing students to Christ. Whether it’s a powerful message from a keynote speaker, a conversation with a peer, or a moment during worship, you may find that spark you’ve been missing.

7. Invest in Yourself and Your Ministry

While attending a conference requires a financial investment, think of it as an investment in the future of your ministry. The skills, strategies, and renewal you gain from the experience will more than pay off when you return to your students. Sometimes, the best way to serve them is to take a few days to get equipped and refreshed so you can come back stronger.

Final Thought

Yes, stepping away for a few days is a sacrifice, but the benefits of attending a youth ministry conference far outweigh the costs. You’ll return energized, full of new ideas, and ready to continue the incredible work of discipling students. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned veteran, there’s always something more to learn—and the conference experience could be just what you need to elevate your ministry to the next level.

Are you ready to take the leap and invest in yourself this year? You won’t regret it.

DYM is hosting two FANTASTIC youth pastor conferences you should check below.

23 Sep 2024

Conferences Are Back!!

By |2024-09-23T10:07:58-07:00September 23rd, 2024|Leadership, Youth Ministry Ideas, Youth Ministry Resources|0 Comments

19 Sep 2024

Best Phone Monitoring Apps

By |2024-09-06T07:44:27-07:00September 19th, 2024|Hybrid Ministry, Videos, Youth Ministry Ideas|0 Comments

So a parent approaches you, and asks you

“What are the best phone monitoring apps?”

In this week’s episode of the podcast I give a Youth Pastor’s honest review and assessment of the top 3 Phone Monitoring apps!

Aura+Circle
vs.
Bark
vs.
Covenant Eyes

Which one of these comes on top?
And which one would I personally recommend to a parent?

Hopefully you can also find it helpful as you partner with parents!

Check it out!

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I’ve got going on on my podcast, you should definitely check out my podcast: Hybrid Ministry.

Here’s all the places you can find me!

16 Sep 2024

How to Get Youth Ministry Speaking Gigs

By |2024-09-16T08:23:38-07:00September 16th, 2024|Teaching|1 Comment

Every so often, we see people ask on the Download Youth Ministry Community Facebook page how they can get speaking gigs. Here are some great tips just for you!

Be Faithful with Your Own Students
Before you start speaking to students from other ministries, make sure your heart is fully committed to your own group. Students can tell if you’re using them as a stepping stone in your ministry. They know whether you’re being sincere or not!
Make your ministry to your own students your top priority, and other opportunities will fall into place.

Record Yourself Speaking
Not many people enjoy watching themselves speak—I’m one of those people! But if you want to improve as a speaker, you need to critique yourself. Recording your talks and reviewing them gives you a chance to see where you can improve. Plus, it provides you with something to send to people who might ask for a sample of your teaching.
It’s better to have something ready to send than to stress out about recording your next message at the last minute!

Speak for Free Locally
There are plenty of local opportunities that can help you get used to speaking to outside groups. Your local high school or middle school likely has a Fellowship of Christian Athletes—reach out and see if you can speak to them! A local Christian club at those schools may also be an option.
If there’s a Christian school nearby with a chapel service, offer to speak there. Meeting the needs of local ministries is a great way to gain experience!

Trade Youth Groups with the Church Down the Street
It’s possible that a youth pastor you know is also looking for more speaking experience. You could arrange to trade speaking engagements—one week you speak at their youth group, and they speak at yours the next. This could provide a local church with a break and give you both valuable experience. You might even make a new friend in the process!

Don’t Suggest Yourself
This might just be my personal preference, but when someone suggests themselves for a speaking gig, I’m much less likely to consider them. While this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, I personally find it off-putting. Instead, ask a friend to recommend you.
If they don’t, even after you’ve asked, it could be a good opportunity for some soul-searching to figure out why.

Did I miss anything? Is there anything else you would suggest? Let me know in the comments!

Need to pick up some tips on talking to the squirrelly students? Grab this helpful guide on the DYM store!

12 Sep 2024

What Age Should I buy a kid a cellphone?

By |2024-09-06T07:44:28-07:00September 12th, 2024|Hybrid Ministry, Videos, Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

As a youth pastor, I’m sure you’ve navigated this question.

“What is the best age to buy your child a cellphone?”

There are so many factors to consider when answering that question.

Phones can be beneficial in the youth room and for things like group chats. But they can also be a big distraction.

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we looked at:

  • Are screens a blessing? or a Curse?
  • What are some relational parenting principles to help parents of your students to live by?
  • And finally, how do you recommend when a child is ready for a phone

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I’ve got going on on my podcast, you should definitely check out my podcast: Hybrid Ministry.

Here’s all the places you can find me!

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