In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast Jody sits down with Ben Compton, a volunteer youth leader with nine years of experience building a thriving ministry while working full-time. Ben shares his journey of balancing work, family, and ministry, offering practical advice for volunteer leaders on how to manage time, recruit volunteers,…

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, we kick off 2025 with a practical episode on how to make changes in youth ministry—without getting fired. As youth ministers reflect on the past year and plan for the future, change often feels inevitable. But making changes can be tricky, especially when it comes…

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody explores the crucial topic of mental health and longevity in youth ministry. Jeff Glenn, a veteran youth pastor with over 26 years of experience, shares in this episode practical ways to manage stress, avoid burnout, and thrive in ministry. What you’ll learn: How to…

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. Dave Coryell to discuss his new book, Less Like Hippos, More Like Honeybees. They explore how to move students from passive consumers of faith to active participants who live for Christ every day. Dr. Coryell shares practical insights on empowering…

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…

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…