The Youth Ministry Podcast

Every year the style shifts. New slang. New apps. New music. New pressures. What students are into today won’t be what they’re into next year.But what they need? That hasn’t changed.In this episode, we talk about the tension youth pastors feel between chasing trends and staying anchored in truth. Culture evolves, but students still need belonging. They still need identity. They still need purpose. They still need adults who see them, know them, and point them to something bigger than themselves.The packaging changes. The gospel doesn’t.

Culture changes fast. Trends shift. Platforms rise and fall. What students wear, watch, stream, and say this year will look different next year. But while culture may feel like king, it was never meant to be Lord. Culture on the outside may change but your values must stay the same.In this episode, we unpack what it means to minister to students in a world where social media sets the tone, identity is self-defined, and relevance feels like survival. How do youth pastors stay culturally aware without becoming culturally driven? How do we engage what students love without compromising what they need?

Starting at a new church can feel overwhelming—new people, new culture, and a lot of expectations. In this episode, we talk directly to youth pastors and leaders who are new to a church or stepping into a new role and wondering, “Where do I even begin?”We break down three essential principles every new leader needs to embrace!

Jared and Karston sit down with Blarg to talk about all thing's student involvement — from getting teens on stage to behind the scenes in worship and production. Whether you’re trying to build a team, develop leaders, or just get students to show up on time, this episode is full of practical tips and honest stories to help you create a culture of serving in your ministry.  

We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Erick (yes, Karston’s dad) and Josh Griffin! In this episode, we talk about what it takes to stay faithful, healthy, and effective in youth ministry over the long haul. Whether you’re just getting started or feeling burnt out, this one’s packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a few good laughs.

In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest game-changers for youth pastors: smart resourcing. Guests Erick and Josh Griffin bring decades of experience, sharing their wisdom on how to leverage tools and people to avoid burnout and keep ministry sustainable. From juggling endless programming to balancing your time effectively, they unpack why letting go of doing it all yourself can actually strengthen your ministry. Packed with practical tips and real stories, this episode challenges you to work smarter so you can focus on what matters most—building real relationships with your students. 

In this episode we tackle a question every youth pastor wrestles with: How do we grow wide without growing shallow? Depth and growth aren’t rivals—they’re partners. We explore how to cultivate spiritual depth in ourselves and our students while also leading ministries that thrive and expand. With real talk, practical tips, and some hard-earned wisdom, this episode challenges us to build ministries rooted in Christ, not just driven by numbers. 

In this episode, we sit down with youth ministry legend Erick, a seasoned vet with 32 years of frontline ministry experience, to crack the code on one of the most crucial aspects of ministry: volunteers. From building a team that lasts, to inspiring buy-in and creating a culture where leaders thrive, Erick shares practical wisdom, hilarious stories, and hard-earned lessons. If you’ve ever struggled to recruit or retain volunteers, this one’s for you. 

This week we sat down with Colton Tucker, a youth ministry veteran who’s mastered the art of “being there”—from the football sidelines to the lunch line, Colton shares practical wisdom and wild stories about how simply showing up on school campuses can change everything. Whether he’s coaching teams, hanging out in the cafeteria, or praying with students before practice, Colton’s presence brings the gospel to life. If you’ve ever wondered how to gain access to schools, build trust with coaches, and truly be present in students’ everyday lives, this episode is a can’t-miss.

The real victory isn’t on the scoreboard. Join us as we talk with Josh Philips. Former NFL player, Youth pastor, and CrossFit instructor. You name it; he’s done it as an athlete. We talk about everything from family to youth ministry, to the NFL.

Mental health matters, for leaders and students alike. Jared and Karston tackle this important topic, discussing ways to support mental health, create a safe space for honest conversations, and show compassion for students going through tough times.

In ministry, preparation is everything. Jared and Karston talk about why planning sermons ahead can make all the difference, helping you share messages that flow naturally, stay focused, and reach the students who need them most.

Jared and Karston welcome female leaders who bring a unique and valuable perspective to youth ministry. It’s a thoughtful conversation that sheds light on the joys, challenges, and insights women bring to the ministry world.

Church dynamics can be complicated, but understanding them is essential. This episode dives into the realities of church politics, giving you tips for navigating challenges with integrity and staying focused on what matters most.

Games are more than just fun—they’re a chance to connect and inspire. Tune in as Jared and Karston share their favorite ways to design games that engage students, build friendships, and help young people feel like they truly belong.

Ministry work can feel isolating at times, but it doesn’t have to. In this episode, Jared and Karston talk about the importance of building connections, finding community, and why supporting each other is key to thriving in youth ministry.

Jared and Karston look back at their early days in youth ministry, sharing the real-life lessons they’ve learned along the way. From surprises to hard-earned wisdom, they open up about what they wish someone had told them at the start.