Middle School Ministry Podcast

How bad have you had to hold it? How many times have you stayed up all night keeping middle school students from being dumb?We want to know!https://www.ymlcohort.comGot a story? Email us! [email protected]

Have you given yourself any time off this summer? Like a day for a weekend thing and two to three days for a summer camp?You really should!https://www.ymlcohort.com/Got a story? Email [email protected]

We often call camp the mountain top experience, but what if we shifted our perspective?https://www.ymlcohort.com/Got a story? Email [email protected]

We got together in person for the first time in YEARS. It was such a blessing to hang out and encourage, talk calling and passions, and share youth ministry wisdom and tips.What’s your favorite part about hanging out in person with other youth pastors?Need a cohort to get encouraged? Check out the Youth Ministry Leader Cohort!https://www.ymlcohort.com/Got a story? Email [email protected]

How do we keep middle school students on task during small group?Got a story? Email [email protected]

They graduated.Or you moved.Or they moved.And they aren’t your students anymore.How do you support them?Got a story? Email [email protected]

What do you get your volunteers to show them you appreciate them??Got a story? Email [email protected]

You won’t stay forever. You’re going to be replaced. So what’s your plan?Got a story? Email [email protected]

Andrea talks to a group that doesn’t talk back.What would you do?Got a story? Email [email protected]

Andrea talks to a group that doesn’t talk back.What would you do?Got a story? Email [email protected]

Take a group of middle school students on a retreat? Sure! What could go wrong?Got a story? Email [email protected] Follow Up Questions:How did you feel about the food?Did you do any fun activities?Who did you spend time with?What surprised you about Spring Retreat?Was there a Bible passage that stood out to you?What lies do you believe? What does God’s Word say about those lies?What was it like spending time reading the Bible on your own?Is there anything you’re still wondering about?What is one thing that challenged you that you want to remember from the weekend?

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve gotten donated to your ministry?Got a story? Email [email protected]

Get answers ahead of time!If you’re gonna ask heavy questions, make sure you vet the answers…Otherwise you’ll get the stories!Got a story? Email [email protected]

Take a group of middle school students on a retreat? Sure! What could go wrong?Got a story? Email [email protected] Follow Up Questions:How did you feel about the food?Did you do any fun activities?Who did you spend time with?What surprised you about Spring Retreat?Was there a Bible passage that stood out to you?What lies do you believe? What does God’s Word say about those lies?What was it like spending time reading the Bible on your own?Is there anything you’re still wondering about?What is one thing that challenged you that you want to remember from the weekend?

Make sure you ask a ton of questions and prepare ahead of time!Like: How big’s your screen? What’s your crowd like? Should I swear on stage?Maybe not that one.Got a story? Email [email protected]

What to do when you cancel church for the week!5 Game Pack For Physically Distant FunGot a story? Email [email protected]

You can’t do live worship every week, but you want to do something! What can you do?Worship Portal: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa5g-ZnSm-_MyDIDnQBt4HQGot a story? Email [email protected]

Now that 2026 is here, it’s time to reconnect with those new students!What now?Got a story? Email [email protected]

You’ve got a group of girls, that won’t talk.What now?Got a story? Email [email protected]

086 - WAY too many Middle School BoysWhat would you do with a middle school small group of boys that had 22 kids and only 1 adult?Yikes!Got a story? Email [email protected]

Dealing with middle schoolers who may NOT be thinking of the conceptual way you’ve decided to teach today.Got a story? Email [email protected]

We can’t get away from middle school students. Meaning we keep hearing “6-7” over and over again!Got a story? Email [email protected]

Have you ever accidentally stumbled over the latest trend or saying without knowing it? It can be either really funny or super embarrassing. Let’s hear which it was for Andrea!Got a story? Email [email protected]

Do you ever need to take a break during the most hectic time of the year? It makes sense to! Ronald and Andrea break down some tips and tricks for taking a break.

An important question. One we want you to answer too!Email [email protected]

080 - Is Middle School the Worst?Andrea asks Ronald the hard hitting questions this week. Like, why is middle school the worst and why do you like middle school ministry so much?Email [email protected]

What do you think of this? I don’t think we’ve ever had one!What about your ministry?Email [email protected]

Andrea and Ronald have forgotten things getting ready for events and we’re sure we’re not the only ones!What have you forgotten getting ready for ministry?Email [email protected]

075 - Sheteem?Sometimes doing middle school ministry means you have to choose your battles, and your words, carefully.Check it out!Email us [email protected]

We checked in with the DYM facebook community to see when they want to promote their students to the youth ministry!Check it out!Email us [email protected]

Ronald and Nick Clason had a conversation about social media, phones, and middle school students!Check it out!Download the freebie!

Ronald and Andrea talk DYM Round Tables and lessons learned.Did you go to First Decade or Round Tables this year?Email us and let us know what you [email protected]

Well, sometimes the stories you share are more fun than what we can come up with!Listen to hear the stories that we heard!Email the show:[email protected] maybe follow us on social?Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/middleschoolministrypodcast/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/middleschoolministrypodcast

Andrea and Ronald talk about heading to the DYM First Decade Conference. You should really consider going sometime!Also, the email Ronald kept telling you to use is wrong. THIS is the right one:[email protected] to go to a DYM conference? Check out the link!https://dymtraining.com/dym-training-home-page/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Middle School Ministry Podcast, Ronald and Andrea dive into the crucial topic of sermon timing. Ever wondered why some messages seem to fly by while others drag on for what feels like an eternity? Join them as they discuss the importance of pacing, keeping your audience engaged, and how to effectively convey your message within a reasonable timeframe. They’ll share tips for crafting concise talks, recognizing cues from your audience, and maximizing impact without overstaying your welcome.Reflection Questions:What strategies have you used to ensure your messages are appropriately timed and engaging for your audience?How do you gauge whether you’re losing your audience's attention during a talk?What lessons have you learned from experiences when a talk went longer (or shorter) than intended?Call to Action: We want to hear your thoughts on sermon timing! Share your experiences or questions by emailing us at [email protected]. Let’s refine our craft together!

In this engaging episode of the Middle School Ministry Podcast, Ronald and Andrea tackle a common challenge faced by youth ministers: what to do when a story or lesson takes an unexpected turn. Whether it’s a humorous mishap or a moment of awkwardness, getting the room back on track can feel daunting. Join them as they share personal experiences, practical strategies, and tips for regaining control of the atmosphere and ensuring your students remain engaged and focused.Reflection Questions:What have been some of your most memorable “story gone wrong” moments, and how did you handle them?How can you prepare for unexpected situations in your lessons to minimize disruption?What techniques have you found effective in redirecting your students’ attention and energy during a chaotic moment?Call to Action: We’d love to hear your stories and strategies! Share your thoughts or questions by emailing us at [email protected]. Let’s learn and grow together!

In this insightful episode of the Middle School Ministry Podcast, Ronald and Andrea explore the vital role friendships play in the life of a youth minister. Serving in ministry can often feel isolating, but having genuine friends provides support, accountability, and a space to recharge. Join them as they discuss personal stories, share practical tips for building friendships, and highlight the benefits of community in ministry.Reflection Questions:How do your current friendships support your work as a youth minister?What barriers do you face in developing friendships, and how can you overcome them?In what ways can you intentionally foster relationships within your ministry community?Call to Action: We want to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences or ask questions by emailing us at [email protected]. Let’s support each other in ministry!

Join Ronald and Andrea in this exciting episode of the Middle School Ministry Podcast as they dive into innovative and engaging event ideas for your DNOW (Disciple Now) event! From fun activities to impactful sessions, they’ll share practical tips and creative themes that will keep your students engaged and excited. Whether you're a seasoned youth leader or new to ministry, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you plan a memorable event that fosters spiritual growth and community.Reflection Questions:What themes or activities have resonated with your students in the past, and how can you build on those experiences for your upcoming DNOW?How can you incorporate opportunities for discipleship and spiritual growth into your event planning?In what ways can you engage parents and volunteers in the DNOW experience to create a stronger community?Call to Action: We want to hear from you! Share your own event ideas or ask questions by emailing us at [email protected]. Let’s make this DNOW unforgettable together!

Andrea and Ronald talk about great tips for starting the Fall off right!Questions to consider:What can you do to improve your ministry this fall?How can your fall be better this year than last?Have a question? Email the show! [email protected]

Andrea and Ronald talk about what to do with the first part of youth group and why it matters!Questions to consider:How do you structure your program?Have you signed up for the DYM Conferences?Have a question? Email the show! [email protected]

Andrea and Ronald talk about why it’s important to train and treat student ministry leaders and volunteers!Questions to consider:Have you signed up for the NDOVYMT? (trainmyvolunteers.com)How do you treat your leaders well?

Andrea and Ronald continue discussing a social media post that is making the rounds. What do you think?Questions to consider:Who can you turn to for mentoring?How can you find community in your church?

Andrea and Ronald discuss a social media post that is making the rounds. What do you think?Questions to consider: How can you “lead from the second chair” as a youth pastor?Why is it important for youth pastors to build trust?

What do you do when you hear complaints? What about when they come from somebody who didn’t make the original issue? Yikes! We talk about that today!Questions to consider:What are you doing for these groups: parents, students, volunteers, staff?What are you most excited about for the fall?

It’s almost fall! What are you planning for your ministry? What do you have ready? Need some quick ideas? We’ve got you!Questions to consider:What are you doing for these groups: parents, students, volunteers, staff?What are you most excited about for the fall?

058 - Reflecting After CampAndrea shares some great wisdom on taking a moment to unpack and reflect after a busy week of camp!Questions to consider: Do you take any time to pause after camp?What’s your biggest insight when doing this?

Andrea and Ronald are busy this summer! So we’re off for this week. Blessings on you all!Questions to consider:Do you have any breaks this summer?Have you submitted your vacation time yet?

Do you need one more event for your summer calendar? Andrea and Ronald have some great events that have been hits for us. We’re here to make some ideas happen for you!Questions to consider: Do you have a favorite summer event?What is the last event you did that was a hit?

Woohoo! Summer camp is happening! Are you ready for the crazy and awesome experience of camp? I hope so! Andrea and Ronald offer some tips that could save your life. Probably.Questions to consider:What’s your favorite part of camp?How can you help make your camp experience better this year?

Have you ever gotten an angry parent email or text? How did you handle it? Let’s chat about it!Questions to consider:Who would you talk to if you got a parent email?Could you hold off on responding to a tough text?