Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. David Odom, Professor of Student Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to talk about the three arenas of youth ministry—students, parents, and the church.

Dr. Odom challenges youth pastors to expand their vision beyond just teenagers in the youth room to include intentional ministry to parents and deeper connection between students and the larger church body.

He also discusses practical strategies for balancing these arenas and shares a free assessment tool designed to help leaders evaluate their ministry’s health in each area.

• Why youth ministry must expand beyond only students
• How to build stronger partnerships with parents and families
• Practical ways to connect students with the larger church body
• How to measure the health of your ministry using the Youth Ministry Arenas Assessment
• How to avoid creating an isolated “youth group bubble”
• Why serving and intergenerational relationships are key to long-term faith
• The value of encouraging parents and affirming their influence
• Insights from Dr. Odom’s upcoming book, Youth Ministry Deconstructed

• Youth Ministry Arenas Assessment

• New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

• • Youth Ministry Deconstructed by Dr. David Odom (releasing Jan 2026)

  • Staying Power by Jody Livingston

Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Collective: Join Now

Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody talks with Josh Griffin about how to bring creativity, intentionality, and structure to your youth ministry programming. From midweek nights to camps and retreats, programming matters more than ever—and Josh shares proven ways to make it engaging and gospel-centered.

Whether you’re a new youth pastor or a veteran looking to freshen things up, this conversation will help you reimagine how you design your weekly gatherings for maximum connection and impact.

• How to define what “programming” really means in youth ministry

• Why creativity and emotion are essential to building engagement

• How to take “baby steps” toward a better program (without chaos)

• The power of variety and when to introduce change

• Programming pitfalls to avoid: too much change, copy-paste ideas, or doing nothing

• How to use fun and humor strategically

• Why connecting your ministry’s program to the larger church culture matters

• Simple, creative programming ideas (like LEGO walls, blessings, and Extreme Bingo)

• Download Youth Ministry
• Youth Ministry University

• Sidekick

Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Collective: Join Now

Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers, and stay focused on discipleship.

• The unique challenges and benefits of volunteer youth ministry leadership.
• How to balance ministry, work, and family effectively.
• The importance of efficient time management and saying no when necessary.
• Tips for recruiting and empowering volunteers you can trust.
• How to disciple students through relationships and everyday life.

If you’re a volunteer youth leader or know someone serving in this role, this episode is full of wisdom to encourage and equip you in ministry.

Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Facebook Group: Join Now

Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry?

Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

Youth camp is an essential part of any youth ministry.  Getting camp right can make all the difference for your ministry.

But it is the small things that can make or break you.  Since camp is so important, we’ve brought in the big guns on this episode!

Roger Davis from Generate Camps over at YM360 joins us today to talk ALL about youth camp.  We both seriously came away with a ton of personal notes on this one.

This episode is a bit longer, but it is PACKED with goodness.  You’re going to want to give this one a couple listens.

Links mentioned:

@jrogerdavis

Generate Camps

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• Keys to getting the most out of camp
• Should you bring your family to camp with you?
• Crucial things you MUST consider when planning your youth camp

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show

Youth Ministry games are what makes youth ministry well…youth ministry.  So in this episode we’re giving you our list of top 10 youth ministry games.

These games are our favorites for sure.  We’re giving you our best and doing our best (well trying at least) to give you the down low on how to play these go to youth ministry games.  We’re also giving you our tips and tricks for leading games successfully.

Give these a try with your group and let us know how they go.

Links mentioned:

@jodylivingston

@christrent

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• Our List of Top 10 Youth Ministry Games
• Tips and Tricks for Leading Games More Effectively

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show

In this episode Bubba Crowder joins us to talk fundraising for mission trips.

Let’s face it.  Fundraising and Youth Ministry often go hand in hand.  Fundraising for mission trips is almost always a need.

So what are some ways to effectively fundraise for mission trips?  What are some things to consider when choosing fundraising for mission trips?

Bubba Crowder knows this subject well and joins us to dispense his wisdom as we dive into this important topic.

Links mentioned:

fundthenations.com

52treads.com 

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• Who the third best looking guy born on July 23rd is?
• What are some important things to consider when fundraising for mission trips?
• What are some practical ways to fundraise for mission trips?

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show

In this episode Maina Mwaura joins us for an honest and direct conversation about racial diversity in youth ministry.

Since racial diversity is an increasingly important issue both in youth ministry and in our culture, knowing how to navigate this issue is crucial.  In this interview you’ll hear both honest questions seeking understanding, and honest answers to help us all be better in the area of racial diversity in youth ministry and beyond.

In addition, we just have to say that this episode is so full of good insights, healthy perspective, and encouragement to not only help you be better in youth ministry, but better as a believer.  Regardless of your context in ministry, you’ll find this episode to be really helpful as you lead and guide the teens in your influence.

Links mentioned:

The Longer Haul Mailing List

mainaspeaks.com

Acts 29 panel on Racial Reconciliation

Video with David Uth

Black Girls Interview

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• What are stereotypes that different races have toward one another?
• What does white privilege and racism really look like?
• Should you pursue diversity in your youth ministry if your church isn’t racially diverse?

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show

Ah, middle school students…

They’re full of energy, goofy, often smell bad, and are tons of fun.  I think most of us are just glad to have survived middle school and are glad we never have to go back and relive those “glory days.”

What do we do with Middle School students in our youth ministries though, and how can we make sure they are really getting our best?

In this episode we talk all about what youth ministry to middle school students looks like.  Most of all, Chris brings his years of experience to the microphone and pours out tons of wisdom about what makes the middle school years challenging to work with as well as the opportunities that they present.

This episode is a must listen for all who work with middle school students.

Links mentioned:

The Longer Haul Mailing List

Welcome to the Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast (episode 1)

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

http://www.9squareintheair.com/

http://www.carpetball.org/tabledesign.html

Brooms for Broomball – http://amzn.to/2HMRRKx

Portable Soccer Goals – http://amzn.to/2EXZeAU

Experiment with what ball works for you.

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• What kind of middle school kids Chris and Jody were
• What to actually do with middle school students in your youth ministry
• Should you separate your middle school and high school students?

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show

Episode 50 brings BIG CHANGES to the Longer Haul, we also dive into some serious truths about longevity in Youth Ministry and there is even a Live Magician (like for reals…a live magician).

In this episode you’ll hear about some really exciting and big changes happening at the Longer Haul.  What kind of big changes?  Well you’ll just have to give a listen…

I’m so excited and know that these will only help strengthen, resource, and equip youth pastors and youth workers to be more effective for the longer haul in youth ministry.

And…we’re giving away free stuff!

Links mentioned:

@ChrisTrent

Weariness is Part of the Job

Choosing to Stay in Youth Ministry when You Can Leave (episode 42)

When Youth Pastors Leave Too Often (episode 31)

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

Consider This by Chris Trent

#Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World

12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you’re enjoying the podcast please take a few minutes to subscribe and write a review on iTunes.  It goes a long way in helping other Youth Pastors and Youth Workers find the podcast.

You can do that right here!

Support the Show

How do you respond when facing criticism in youth ministry?

Let’s be honest, ministry can be very personal.  We generally pour ourselves into our youth ministry in practically every way.  So when there is some kind of criticism with how we are doing things, it can be really hurtful.

How we deal and address any criticism in youth ministry can be the make or break moment in our longevity.  Beyond this it can be a determining factor to our own personal health and stability.  But how should we respond?

In this episode I’m diving into this essential subject.  In this episode you’ll learn the value in receiving criticism, how to prevent it–or at least some of it, and the steps you need to take when dealing with it well.

Links mentioned:

Dealing with Expectations in Youth Ministry (Episode 037)

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition

In this particular episode, you will learn:

• What you can do to help prevent criticism in youth ministry
• How criticism in youth ministry can actually be helpful
• Steps to take when dealing with criticism

HELP OTHER YOUTH PASTORS!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any future episodes, and please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They help others know the value of the show, and I read each and every one of them.

If you like what you find at The Longer Haul.  Consider supporting it to provide even more for as little as a $1 per month…and get some cool rewards.

Support the Show