Author

About the Author
I am a Youth Ministry veteran of twenty four years, and currently serve as the Student Pastor at High Desert Church.  I help equip and encourage Youth Pastors through this blog and podcast The Longer Haul.  My passion is helping Youth Pastors create a ministry of longevity that they truly love.  I am the grateful husband of Sarah and the dad of Emma, Anna, Lizzy, and Jack.  I am a speaker, lover of vintage VW’s, and the owner of one 1972 VW Westfalia Bus.

Practical Self-Care Tips for Youth Ministry Leaders to Thrive Long-Term

As a youth ministry leader, your job is demanding. You pour into others, lead teams, guide teens, and offer support to your congregation, often sacrificing your own needs to care for those around you. But what happens when you’re running on empty? The reality is that ministry leadership can only be sustained by prioritizing self-care—without…

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TLH141: 10 Common Youth Ministry Traps and How to Avoid Them

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores 10 common youth ministry mistakes—and how to avoid them. These traps, from focusing too much on attendance to neglecting personal spiritual health, can hinder the growth and effectiveness of your youth group. Jody shares practical strategies to help youth pastors build sustainable ministries…

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How Ministry Leaders Can Prioritize Self-Care and Avoid Burnout

How Ministry Leaders Can Prioritize Self-Care and Avoid Burnout If you’re in ministry, you know the joy of seeing lives changed, the thrill of serving others, and the satisfaction of walking alongside people as they grow in their faith. But if you’re honest, you also know the weight of it all—the endless demands, the emotional…

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TLH140: Developing Student Leaders in Youth Ministry—Best Practices for Impact

In this episode, Jody and Doug Franklin explore the intricacies of student leadership and the importance of developing leadership skills among youth. Doug shares his journey in youth ministry, emphasizing the need for leadership development resources and the significance of understanding each student’s unique gifts and wiring. They discuss the process of leadership development, the…

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TLH139: AI Tools for Youth Pastors—What to Use and What to Avoid

In this episode, Jody and Ryan Sebastian, from the Youth and Culture Podcast, discuss the intersection of AI and youth ministry, exploring how AI tools can enhance communication, streamline content creation, and improve overall ministry effectiveness. Ryan shares his journey in youth ministry, the challenges faced, and the innovative ways AI can be utilized to…

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TLH138: Why Youth Ministry Coaching Could Be the Game-Changer You’re Looking For

In this episode, Brian Wallace joins the show to explore how coaching sparks powerful conversations with teenagers. He highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit in these interactions, guiding both youth leaders and teens to gain valuable insights and awareness. Brian also contrasts coaching with consulting and teaching, emphasizing how coaching fosters deeper, more…

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