Graduating From GodIn this episode you’ll hear from Steve Parr, author of The Coffee Shop That Changed A Church, among other books.  Steve shares about his recent research on why those that stay in church after graduating from the Youth Ministry, stay in church rather than stray from their faith.

This may be the most important content I have shared to date in any format.  Whether you are a Youth Pastor, Youth Worker, Parent, or other staff member, you will find this episode SUPER helpful and informative.  It is packed with great actionable items that are backed with credible research.

Links mentioned:

6 Benchmarks in Your Youth Ministry

Why Youth Pastors Leave Around the 2-3 Year Mark

3 Reasons You Should Stay In Your Current Ministry Position

5 Reasons You Struggle To Get Along With Your Pastor

SteveParr.net

@SteveRParr

Resources mentioned in this Podcast:

How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

The Coffee Shop That Changed A Church by Steve Parr

In this particular episode, you will learn:

  • Major factors that contribute to students staying in church after graduating from “Youth Group”
  • Practical steps you can take to help keep your students from graduating from God
  • The one key to helping students stay faithful after graduation

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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.

5 comments on “TLH007: Why They Stay (Keeping Teens From Graduating From God)

  1. Matthew Hart says:

    great podcast Jody. looking forward to hearing some more about the results of that research. Seems to me that is good to hear why some students stayed.

  2. Jody says:

    Thanks @disqus_BpxswfRru1:disqus. This is super important stuff for sure!

  3. Hey Jody. Any update on the publishing of this data?

    Also how do you keep from not getting discouraged? When I hear things like this it’s encouraging because it’s actionable things but it’s also super burdensome because I feel like I’m mostly on my own and it won’t get done unless I do it. We struggle (as a church not just a ministry) to get people involved so it’s difficult to think how to add these things in.

    1. Jody says:

      Hey Adam! The last I heard was that they now have a publisher and are hoping to have it out this fall. I can’t wait to see it all.

      As far as discouragement it seems to come with the territory I think. I have written a post on overcoming discouragement though that you may find helpful.

      https://thelongerhaul.com/overcoming-discouragement/

      Having goals to work toward and evaluate really really help though. Hang in there man. You’re making much more of a difference than you think you are. It just takes time to build a culture.

  4. Steve Parr says:

    The book is now available. I hope you will get your copy, will share with others, and join us in a movement to touch the next generation. Visit http://www.whytheystay.com to learn more.

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