It has become a regular occurrence for me. At least once a week I have someone reach out asking if I know of anyone I could recommend for their Youth Pastor search.

Sadly, the answer is the same every time these days…no.

It seems that nearly everyone is looking to hire a Youth Pastor and the cupboard is bare.

So, where have all the Youth Pastors gone?

In this episode, I’m joined by my friends Dr. Tim McKnight (author of Engaging Gen Z), Dr. Scott Pace (author of Student Ministry by the Book), and Todd Jones (from Stoked on Youth Ministry) to discuss what led to the lack of Youth Pastors and what we can do to solve this problem.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Baptist Press Article: Why is there a shortage of student ministers and what can be done about it?

Anderson University

The College at Southeastern

Stoked on Youth Ministry

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Engaging Gen Z by Dr. Tim McKnight

Student Ministry by the Book by Dr. Scott Pace and Dr. Ed Newton

Navigating Student Ministry: Charting Your Course for the Journey by Dr. Tim McKnight

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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.

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