Youth Worker Collective

This week, Chris and Jeremy talk about why the developmental spiritual needs of the families in your ministry is important, and how you can help cultivate that as a leader.

This week, Chris and Jeremy wrap up our Conversations on Violence series by discussing lament.

This week, Chris and Jeremy continue their conversation on gun violence. In part two of this series, we're talking about religious terms that people use in times of tragedy.

There has been a lot of violence in our country over the past week. In this episode, Chris and Jeremy are discussing how to keep the conversations going and share a resource to help you navigate this difficult topic. Courageous Conversations for Youth: Gun Violence - https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/lead/courageous-conversations-for-youth-gun-violence?fbclid=IwY2xjawM38A1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5ZEZFbm00SWRpNmJ4VXA1AR6K5aAnZUDsI9K185UwSVHfcWfvbk83PbupH6Xv-xz9C4XUsdRqjIjt1ZFRkw_aem_AIRfy-32QGWfNLg2cWc7nA

This week, Chris and Jeremy are discussing how political conversations are often avoided within the church, but when they involve justice and morality they have a place in the church. It's important to be able to intentionally address what's going on in the world with your teenagers. This will help keep them from becoming numb to what marginalized communities are experiencing. Be sure to come prepared with suggestions and ways they can make a difference. One great resource for this is umcjustice.org.

Chris and Jeremy are going over a back to school checklist to help you get back into the swing of things after summer.

This week, Chris and Jeremy talk about Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation." TIME magazine said "With tenacity and candor, Haidt lays out the consequences that have come with allowing kids to drift further into the virtual world . . . While also offering suggestions and solutions that could help protect a new generation of kids." You can visit Jonathan Haidt's website to get more information about his book! jonathanhaidt.com

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about leading youth ministry as a parent.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about how to stay relevant within a super fandom culture you can't realistically keep up with.

This week Chris and Jeremy talk about how to handle when less people than you expected show up to an event.

This week, Chris and Jeremy are addressing the hard truth of having to fire a volunteer. We talk about best practices and how to be graceful and kind.

Chris and Jeremy are continuing their series of rules of youth ministry. We're talking about the importance of knowing and understanding your job title and ways that you can foster sustainability in ministry work.

This week, Chris and Jeremy give some tips on how to take some old games that have been popular in youth ministry for years and give them a new twist!

This week Chris and Jeremy sit down to discuss the "He Gets Us" ad that aired during the Super Bowl. They explore the importance of authenticity as well as diving a little deeper before sharing content with others.

Chris and Jeremy are continuing their series of Rules of Youth Ministry. This week we are sharing 6 tips on how to be yourself.

This week Chris sits down with Rev. Stephanie Dunn and Deb Arca to talk about spiritual practices for Lent. You can get a copy of Stephanie's new book, "Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent" is at https://store.upperroom.org/product/draw-close (Enter discount code "DC20" for 20% off!) ABOUT THE BOOK: On each of the 40 days of Lent, Dunn introduces you to a biblical text, prayer, and word prompt to ponder, followed by a blank page for you to respond in whatever way you choose—sketching, doodling, poetry, journaling, or however your heart desires! As you engage with the Lenten texts in this immersive way, you'll discover new depths of insight, connection, and spiritual renewal. Through the act of creation, you'll find a sacred space where prayer, meditation, and creativity converge, nurturing your soul and fostering a closer relationship with God.

Chris and Jeremy are kicking off a series of episodes about the Rules of Youth Ministry. This week, they're sharing SIX tips for how you can be easy to work with.

As we start back with a new year and a new semester for your students, we pulled a back-to-school episode from our livestream this past summer.

This week Chris and Jeremy look at youth ministry through the metaphor of car maintenance. If you don't take care of it, then it will break down. What are some of the things you need to be looking at in order to maintain your youth ministry?

This week Chris and Jeremy are talking about what to do when someone stops attending your youth ministry events.