Student Ministry Podcast

How can we use social media in a way to really advance our ministry to students without it becoming an overwhelming beast that always demands our attention? In other words, how can we use it as a tool to advance our mission rather than it taking over? On this solo episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares 10 social media tips for those in lead in student ministry.  Links mentioned during this episode: First Few Years website - http://1stfewyears.com  Episode 86 with Dave Adamson - https://studentministryconnection.com/podcast/086-metachurch-student-ministry-with-dave-adamson/  Download Youth Ministry's gold membership, which includes social media content - https://dymmembership.com/  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to sa

How do we move students from participating to contributing? On this episode, Christen Clark of the Collide Kids Podcast joins us to discuss why it's so important for students to serve and how you can get them moving in that direction.  Links mentioned during this episode:  Follow Christen on Instagram: @christenclark  Follow Christen's podcast on Instagram: @collidekidspod  Check out Christen's podcast at https://collidkidspodcast.com (also on most podcast apps)  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save $20 off your next order)  Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry.  Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, including these listed below:   Apple Podc

How do we avoid burnout in ministry? Many of us are used to going at 90 miles an hour, firing on all cylinders 24/7, and rarely looking out for ourselves. But if we’re honest, most of us know we can’t keep that up. So how do we continue to do good student ministry for the long haul? On this episode, we brought back James Sabin, the youth and family pastor at Kingdom Church in Westover, WV. The last time James was on the podcast was episode 34, where he talked about his own burnout story and how to overcome burnout. Today, with that season behind him, James talks about how to avoid burnout, the importance of rhythms, why we should stay connected, and so much more! Links mentioned during this episode:  Follow James on Instagram: @jamessabin13 Subscribe to James' "Youth Ministry Soul Keeper" podcast: https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com/youth-ministry-soul-keeper (also on most podcast apps) Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection

What is one thing that can take your ministry to the next level? While there are a lot of ideas you might have, today we share one simple step that can immediately change your ministry, your team, and more! On this solo episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares about the importance of celebrating wins in our ministry and gives examples in five different areas of concentration.  Links mentioned during this episode: First Few Years website - http://1stfewyears.com  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save $20 off your next order)  Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry.  Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, including these listed below:  

How do we effectively communicate to middle schoolers? They have so much potential, but sometimes it's difficult to speak to them from the stage, in groups, and individually. Ashley Bohinc, author of Communicating to Middle Schoolers and director of middle school strategy at Orange, will speak directly to that question, talk about the importance of contextualizing everything we teach, and also give you an opportunity to connect with others who have a desire to also grow in this area.  We're giving away a FREE copy of Communicating to Middle Schoolers on September 22, 2022. Here's how to enter: Follow us on Instagram - https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection  Leave a comment on the post for episode 88 - Tell us one of your favorite stories involving middle school.  Bonus entry if you tag someone else in the comments.  Links mentioned during this episode:  Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleymariebohinc  Follow Ashley on Twitter: @ashleybohinc  Check out Ashley's website at https://ashleybohinc.com  Bu

How can we get our students to actively share their faith? We all desire that, but how do we make it happen? On this episode, Travis Deans, the northeast regional director for National Network of Youth Ministries, talks about 9 Month Mission Trip, a strategy that will help students see every day as a an opportunity to be a missionary.  Links mentioned during this episode: Follow Travis on Twitter: @tdeans  Email Travis at tdeans@nnym.org  Read more about 9 Month Mission Trip at https://www.9monthmissiontrip.com  Watch the 9 Month Mission Trip livestream event at https://www.9monthmissiontrip.com/livestream-event.html  Download the 9 Month Mission Trip app at https://get.theapp.co/tbyh  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save $20 off

How can we leverage digital ministry to reach more students for the Gospel and connect way beyond our church walls? Dave Adamson, who is known to most people as Aussie Dave, is currently the Director of Orange Australia and New Zealand and recently released his book, MetaChurch: How to Use Digital Ministry to Reach People and Make Disciples. And on this episode, he shares some very practical ideas on how to connect with students using digital ministry. He also shares incredible encouragement to all of us who serve in student ministry!  Links mentioned during this episode: Follow Dave on Twitter: @aussiedave  Follow Dave on Instagram: @aussiedave  Subscribe to Dave's YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/c/aussiedave  Buy Dave's book, MetaChurch, on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3cYYg9g  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: @studentministryconnection  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Twitter: @stuminconnect  Spon

Welcome to this very special episode of the podcast! As many of you know, we have been around as a podcast since February 2016. Over that time, we’ve had 85 episodes with over 70 guests. This started out as a huge experiment. I knew I wanted to have these conversations with others in student ministry, and I thought maybe others would want to listen in to those conversations too. Low and behold, you did want to listen, you keep showing up, and you keep sharing it with others.  Please know that we are not planning to end the podcast anytime soon. It’s been a huge blessing to me and many others. What I really want to do is take it to the next level for you and the many student ministry workers who have yet to tune in. So, starting today, we are rebranding. The podcast and the bigger vision moving forward will be known as Student Ministry Connection! Listen to this episode to learn more about what Student Ministry Connection will be about and what is on the horizon! Links mentioned during this episode: Read Steve

Episode 84 of podcast features a conversation with Tyler Smith, who is a longtime student pastor, sports journalist, coach, and author of a book named Searching for Seven. In this episode, we will hear Tyler's story, what it is like to be a Christian in the sports world, and hear him share some wisdom around following Jesus all seven days a week.  Links mentioned during this episode: Buy Tyler's book on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3xN8529  Searching for Seven website is https://www.searchingforseven.com  Tyler's website is https://tylerdsmith.net  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code TSMPOD to save 10% off)  Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry.   Subscribe to The Stu

Episode 83 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Tommy Woodard and Eddie James of The Skit Guys. We discuss their stories, but we also spend time talking about their upcoming movie, Family Camp, which releases on May 13, 2022. Tommy and Eddie will tell you exactly why you should watch the movie and also how you can use it in your student ministry. And of course, they also offer some amazing encouragement to you, the youth worker throughout the episode. Links mentioned during this episode: Website for Family Camp movie: https://familycampmovie.com The Skit Guys' website: http://skitguys.com  Family Camp discussion Guide: https://bit.ly/familycampguide  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Sponsor for this episode of the Student Ministry Podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code TSMPOD to save 10%

Episode 82 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Jeremey Veal, the pastor of student ministries at GFN Church in South Carolina. As Jeremey currently leads out in a number of areas in his church, he has had to shift his focus to empower his volunteers and students, simplify the student ministry calendar, and more. If you wear more than one hat in your ministry, get ready to learn from Jeremey on how he has navigated that in his church.   Links mentioned during this episode: Follow Jeremey on Instagram: @jmveal  Follow Jeremey on Twitter: @jeremeyveal  Jeremey's upcoming website will be jeremeyveal.com  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Sponsor for this episode of the Student Ministry Podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code TSMPOD to save 10% off)  If you would like to support The Student Mi

Episode 81 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Josh Griffin of Mariners Church and Download Youth Ministry. Josh is a veteran youth worker with over 25 years of experience who not only loves ministry to teenagers, but he absolutely loves equipping and empowering other youth workers. Before coming in staff with Mariners, Josh served for 13 years at Saddleback Church as the High School Pastor under the leadership of Rick Warren. He's also the co-founder of DownloadYouthMinistry.com and hosts an almost-400-episode youth ministry podcast with Doug Fields. He's created more than 50 youth ministry resources and authored several books. Josh and his wife Angela have 4 teenagers of their own. In this episode, we will hear Josh's story, about his ministry at Mariners and Download Youth Ministry, and also what DYM is preparing for youth workers who are just starting out in their ministry. Links mentioned during this episode: First Few Years website - http://1stfewyears.com  Download Youth Minis

Episode 80 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Dan Navarra around youth pastor compensation. For the last 5 years, Dan has been providing amazing research around salary, benefits, and all things compensation within the world of student ministry. Dan does ministry coaching through Chemistry Staffing and has also recently begun a new role with National Christian Foundation, which he talks about briefly on this episode.  Links mentioned during this episode: Download the 2022 Compensation Survey - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/compensation-youth-pastor-2022  Chemistry Staffing website - http://chemistrystaffing.com  Contact Dan via email - dan.navarra@chemistrystaffing.com  Follow Dan on Twitter: @DanNavarra  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Sponsor for this episode of the Student Ministr

Episode 79 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with P.T. Smith, who is on staff with Young Life in the Denver, Colorado, area. Not only does P.T. share some of his incredible story, he also explains the ministry of Young Life and some ways you can partner with them in your area, and he provides some encouragement around what we can do in the area of racial injustice.  Links mentioned during this episode: Email P.T. at pt@denveryl.org  Young Life's website is https://younglife.org  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Sponsor for this episode of the Student Ministry Podcast:  G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code TSMPOD to save 10% off)  If you would like to support The Student Ministry Podcast, check out our website and click the "Become a Patron" button: http://thestudentministrypodcast.com 

Episode 78 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Tom Bump, founder of Restoring Leaders. Tom has many years of ministry experience within kids ministry, student ministry, and more. His organization is designed to help and restore ministry leaders who find themselves in especially hard seasons. In fact, that is also the topic of his new book, Valleys Over Mountains, which he discusses in this episode of the podcast.  Links mentioned during this episode: Enter for a chance to win a copy of Valleys Over Mountains - https://bit.ly/valleysovermountains  Buy a copy of Valleys Over Mountains - https://amzn.to/3gMfx4r  Restoring Leaders website - http://restoringleaders.org  Visit Tom's website - https://tombump.com  Email Tom at tom@restoringleaders.org  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Twitter: @stuminpod  Subscribe

Episode 77 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Marc Therrien of workcampNE. Much of Marc's growth is connected to faith in action, which is why he now serves as one of workcampNE's directors. Through environments focused on home repair and the Bible, their team allows you, the youth leaders, to focus on the students, grow in your relationships with them, and encourage their relationships with Christ. If you are looking for a service-based trip for your students, be sure to check out workcampNE. If you cannot make one of their summer camps work, Marc and his team are also available to discuss what serving could look like for your group during another part of the year.  Enter to win a free physical copy of The State of Religion and Young People 2021 by going to the link https://bit.ly/springtidebook and entering your contact information. (Winner drawn on January 31, 2022.)  Links mentioned during this episode:  Check out workcampNE's website at https://www.workcampne.com  Watch work

Episode 76 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with John Decker of Every Student Sent, a unique community-based platform with vision of connecting students to existing ministries, churches, and each other in order to propel them towards Gospel-centered mission as they navigate and engage culture during college. In this episode, we'll hear John's story and take a deep-dive into this amazing resource and how it can help you, your students, your parents, and more. A special video version of this episode can be found on YouTube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGnHPofOweo Links mentioned during this episode: Visit Every Student Sent's website at https://everystudentsent.org  Email John at john.decker@everystudentsent.org  Visit Campus Renewal's website at https://www.campusrenewal.org  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter: @stevecullum  Follow The Student Ministry Podcast on Instagram: @thestudentministrypodcast  Follow The Studen

Episode 75 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Dr. Josh Packard, the Executive Director at Springtide Research Institute. He and his team conduct qualitative and quantitative research on the inner and outer lives of young people, ages 13-25. Recently, they released The State of Religion and Young People 2021: Navigating Uncertainty, a compilation of their latest research. Springtide states, "Over 75% of young people identify as religious or spiritual. But they told us they’re not turning to faith communities during stressful moments in life." Their latest report offers the data, insights, and framework we need to support young people as they face life’s biggest questions. Enter to win a free physical copy of The State of Religion and Young People 2021 by going to the link https://bit.ly/springtidebook and entering your contact information. Links mentioned during this episode: Learn more about The State of Religion 2021 - https://www.springtideresearch.org/research/the-state-of-reli

Episode 74 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Todd Rhoades around what many are calling The Great Resignation, the phenomena in our current culture consisting of many people resigning from their jobs. And the church is not immune to it. We discuss the implications for the church as a whole and for those of us in student ministry.  Todd has invested over 30 years in serving churches, having served as a worship pastor for over 15 years, a church elder for more than a decade, and in various ministry leadership roles in both the business and non-profit sectors. As the original founder and developer of ChurchStaffing.com, Todd fundamentally changed the way thousands of churches search for pastors and staff on the internet. Most recently, Todd’s work with Leadership Network has provided him exposure to the innovative trends in today’s church and inside knowledge of how healthy churches operate and uses it to help churches find a healthy, long-term fit for their next team member. A graduat

Episode 73 of The Student Ministry Podcast features a conversation with Brett Talley. As a pastor’s kid, Brett grew up in the church world and felt called to full-time ministry at a young age. After jumping into the local church as a youth pastor and next gen pastor for over 11 years, he moved into his current role with Orange and Orange Students. Steve and Brett talk about what an Orange Specialist does, what Brett has learned after working with so many student ministries, and also about the importance of learning and speaking into Phases.   Links mentioned during this episode: Email Brett at brett@thinkorange.com  Connect with Brett on Twitter - @brettryantalley  Connect with Brett on Instagram - @brettryantalley  Check out Brett's website at https://www.brettryantalley.com  Find out more about Orange at http://whatisorange.com  Learn more about Orange Students at http://orangestudents.com  Read more about Phases at https://justaphase.com  Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com Follow Stev