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.

Words To Speak Often To Teens

Sometimes it is the simple things you say that really make the biggest difference in someone’s life.  This is certainly the case with Youth Ministry. Being intentional with what you say to your Youth is vitally important.  Best of all, it isn’t that complicated either.  These words are simple, but powerful.  Here are five things…

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TLH014: Seasons in Youth Ministry

Want to be in your ministry for a long time?  You’ll need to know this. In every Youth Ministry there are certain seasons that can be expected.  Knowing what these are and being prepared for them when they come can make or break you.  If you are not prepared for these when they come; you…

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10 Reasons NOT to Be a Youth Pastor

There are tons of reasons to be a Youth Pastor.  There are also, hundreds of things to love about Youth Ministry. As I meet and talk with Youth Pastors or those wanting to go into Youth Ministry I often find that many are pursuing Youth Ministry for the wrong reasons.  So, inspired by such conversations, here…

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TLH013: Balancing Family and Youth Ministry

Balancing family and Youth Ministry is an impossible task.  Today my guest is my amazing wife Sarah Livingston.  We give you an honest inside look at how we manage our family and Youth Ministry.  We share what works…what hasn’t always, and give you some practical advice on making it all work. Links mentioned: Dear Youth…

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TLH012: What Youth Leaders Need From Youth Pastors

Having a team around you is SO IMPORTANT.  Those Youth Leaders that serve alongside you have things that they need from their Youth Pastor.  What are they?  Matthew Hart shares from his years of Youth Ministry experience to help you invest well in your Youth Leaders and learn what Youth Leaders need from Youth Pastors….

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TLH011: Equipping Students to Defend their Faith

It is crucial that we prepare the students in our Youth Ministry to defend their faith.  Where do you start?  What are the most important issues?  Dr. Jamie Dew gives practical advice to make sure your students’ faith doesn’t get washed away when they leave your ministry.  Put on your thinking caps, in this episode…

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