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Welcome to the Youth Ministry Booster podcast! The most honest and hilarious podcast in student ministry. Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. We are the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders like you! We are here for you with the humor and the help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage. Youth ministry is better together. Learn more @ http://www.youthministrybooster.com
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Send us a text 20 years in and still learning new things! 🎧 Special Guest Alert: TJ Scrapper from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, who has dedicated two decades to guiding young people through their spiritual journeys. 🎙️ Youth Ministry In A New Era (Reimagined) In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of youth pastors and the growing recognition of the…
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Youth Ministry: Superheroes, Sports Teams, Spiritual Gyms, Sprouting Discipleship & Real Talk
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Send us a text 🎉 Let's kick it! Join us and our good buddy Cameron! as we dive into a fun fall episode. Do you ever wondered what happens when a Christmas game goes hilariously off the rails? Or how much leadership is a team sport? This episode is packed with laughs and real talk on the wild ride that is youth ministry! Special guest alert: Cameron…
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Send us a text But how do you teach the Bible? So that students will learn? Special Guest Alert: Karen Workun! In this engaging episode Zac Workun and his guest Karen Workun dive deep into effective strategies for teaching scriptural texts. Karen shares her unexpected passion for genealogy, likening it to storytelling through concise biographies, a…
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Send us a text Catchphrase... the things we tell ourselves (and others) *Chad's Back!* Join us as we share laughs and insights on relationship, care, and catchphrase. We also touch on the balancing act between Chad’s new responsibilities and his ongoing commitment to our podcast, highlighting the importance of consistency in both ministry and podca…
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Send us a text Coming to you live *Special Guest Alert* Join us in the ETCH podcast ring with Zach Burke! The heart of the conversation lies the exploration of ministry across contexts from Kentucky, to Tennessee, to Florida. Zac and Zach share stories from our time in home churches, where familiar faces can be both a blessing and a challenge, and …
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Send us a text Ever wondered about the coolness of names from different languages? Join us for a lighthearted chat with Chad Daugherty from Pensacola, Florida, as he shares his love and experiences in middle school ministry. As we bond over the shared quirks of middle school or "J-High." Get ready for some laughs as we recount some of our best misf…
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Send us a text What if your life took an unexpected turn, leading you from a planned career in medicine to a rewarding path in ministry? From career work to calling? Special guest alert! This week Jacob Dunn, family pastor at Valley Creek Baptist Church, joins us live from #ETCH24 Tune in for a lively chat about the power of friendships, the unexpe…
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Send us a text Who is your friend that autocorrect can't figure out how to spell their name? Our special guest this week is Daryn Fox and she will have you in stitches! Join us for this week's heartfelt episode with amusing stories and Daryn's daring toilet-papering adventure and call to ministry. Transitioning into the new role. In this episode we…
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Send us a text Wait Chad Higgins is a verb now? In this episode, we're excited to welcome Christian Moore to the garage floor! Join us for a fun and lighthearted conversation where we imagine Chad Higgins' latest adventures—most likely cracking jokes at a Waffle House—and share our own quirky late-night memories from this iconic spot. We talk favor…
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Send us a text But seriously... what is your go to Chili's triple dipper Hey friends meet our new friend Britton Bishop.Britton and Zac share personal stories emphasizing how important small, faithful acts shape future leaders. We discuss the crucial roles of humility and vulnerability, stressing that building genuine connections and providing a sa…
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Send us a text What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? "What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? In this episode, we dive deep with Anthony Vargas as he shares his journey from Mississippi to Dallas, and finally to Yukon, Oklahoma, exploring the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Anthony opens …
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Send us a text What happens when a dedicated youth ministry leader steps into a new role amidst organizational upheaval? Amanda Mejias shares her ministry journey from organizing recreation basketball leagues and fitness programs at her home church in Virginia to becoming a girls ministry specialist at LifeWay. Amanda’s story is not just about tran…
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Send us a text What do you get when you combine a love for coffee, tacos, and the rising cultural trend of YouTube golf? You get Micah Lynn. Micah Lynn is a second generation minister, growing up as a pastor's kid in Texas and then growing and blossoming at OBU and during his residency at the Cross Church School of Ministry. Micah shares his journe…
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Send us a text How do you know you are called to this thing called youth ministry? Special guest alert w/ Josh White, Executive Pastor and long-time friend of the podcast, who shares his remarkable journey into ministry. Josh's path to ministry was far from the conventional seminary path, and his story is a testament to the power of embracing the l…
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Send us a text The real secret to youth ministry? This week we are joined by special guest Shelby Millis! From her calling in seventh grade to her current role as a youth director at Asbury Church, Shelby’s journey is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom. She also shares her summer of self-care, including her beloved porch swing bed and wee…
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Send us a text Ever wondered if chaotic cafeteria brawls could turn into life-changing spiritual moments? Welcome special guest Brian Preston! NextGen pastor-awesome Brian joins us this week, filling in for Chad, to share his wild and wonderful camp stories straight from our garage recording setup. It's the end of CampSZN and we reminiscing about y…
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Send us a text Can the magic of the Olympics transform your youth ministry? Join us as we celebrate Summer Olympic Month with a spirited debate comparing the allure of summer versus winter games. We'll dive into the exhilarating speed of track and field races, the unique thrill of the biathlon, and the intensity of events like speed skating and swi…
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Send us a text It's Shark Week fam! We are celebrating what about you? It's a big deal in the Higgins and Workun households. But wait.. could Shark Week transform your youth ministry? Join us as we tap into the fervor of this annual oceanic extravaganza, and let's draw some parallels to youth ministry strategies. We discuss how identifying and leve…
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Send us a text Aww if middle school you could see you now... they would be proud! Switching gears, we tackle a pressing question in youth ministry: (When) Should we split middle school and high school programs? Chad and Zac explore the pros and cons, offering creative solutions for engagement without doubling efforts. From leadership roles for olde…
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Send us a text People can be mean! Or if we are being honest... how do you handle the unfiltered honesty of middle school girls in youth ministry? In this fresh episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac and Chad bring their humor and truthfulness to tackle it! Chad + tortilla = hilarious. What is something you have been told something that…
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Send us a text Smmer camps can transform your youth ministry experience! Join us for a special crossover episode where Zach and Chad from Youth Ministry Booster team up with Amanda and Corinne from His Glory Her Good. We share our personal camp memories, from childhood to recent leadership and we highlight the profound impact camps have had on our …
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Send us a text Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion? There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours... Join Zac and Chad as they swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys). In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- li…
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Send us a text We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. Remember school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those …
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Send us a text Facebook marketplace is safe right? Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of te…
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Send us a text JEREMY SIT DOWN! Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right? If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you! Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues: If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen…
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Send us a text Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong? Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coach…
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Send us a text Ever bitten off more than you can chew? Hey friends, Zach Workun and Chad Higgins back for another episode and another year of youth ministry podcasting. This episode is a smorgasbord of tips and tales, starting with my own kitchen catastrophe that turned into a smoky sous vide saga. You'll hear how Chad's culinary mishap serves up a…
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Send us a text Ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions this holiday season? Ever tried to surprise your high-end friends with a gift only to find it relegated to the 'middling' category? Grab a cup of cocoa and join us as we traverse the holiday gift-giving terrain, highlighting the importance of backstory and adventure in choosing presents. We'…
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Send us a text Could you eat faster than Zac? No One's Going To Take It! Join Zac and Chad, where we kick things off with a hilarious debate centered around Zac's rapid-fire eating habits and his lofty claim of inhaling 50 hot dogs in four minutes. We even ponder on what would be the most embarrassing food record to hold. It's a light and hearty st…
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Send us a text Youth Ministry Is Relational, but what does that mean? Have you ever wondered how to maximize relational opportunities in youth ministry? That's exactly what Zac and Chad are unpacking in this episode. Chil or No-Bean Chili? We kick off the show with some winter joys and a feel-good chat about all things chili. There's even a bit of …
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Send us a text How do I get students to actually read their Bibles? Join Zac and Chad as we recount some wilds stories of swimming in open waters. Seriously though, Chad why would you push your wife towards the sharks? Getting students to engage with Scripture starts where they are and nurturing their curiosity so they don't fall into patterns of o…
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Send us a text What are we going to do next? What do we have planned? It's something we say often as youth ministry leaders, but is that really all there is? Is ministry just a matter of planning? Do we really need a better calendar? Is all about what we can plan? We are talking spiritual health inside of Youth Ministry Booster and we have been ask…
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Send us a text Piles. Stacks. Mess. UGGGHHHH! Are you tripping over clutter, both in your physical space and your digital life? Same. Until... Join Chad Higgins and Zac as we take a deep dive into personal organization. This is part 3 of our organized for impact series for youth ministry leaders. There is power, power, wonder working power of label…
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Send us a text The battery was dead! Taking control of schedules, creating task lists, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, we discuss how these skills are critical in improving focus, efficiency, and dealing with student ministries. Zac and Chad wrap up their discussion by exploring the significance of organization in student ministry. Learn…
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Send us a text I CANT FIND IT! If you have ever been frustrated when looking for an old email, a file, or even a thing in your office then we have your back! Youth may be chaotic, but your ministry doesn't have to be chaotic. Honest talk. Have you ever considered how this lack of organization might be affecting not just yourself, but the people aro…
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Send us a text Summer fun is almost done, but are you fall ready in youth ministry yet? Zac and Chad have some laughs, stories, and insights to help get you ready for a big fall early. In this episode the guys talk about recruiting and training leaders, transitioning new recruits via camp experiences, and launching key spiritual initiatives in Sept…
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Send us a text Struggling to fill those last-minute spots for your summer camp? We hear you! It's one of the biggest weeks of ministry, budget, and responsibility of the whole year! Fear not, as in this episode, we'll provide you with valuable insights and strategies to ensure a successful camp season. Join Chad and Zac as they talk about what make…
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Send us a text On this episode of Youth Ministry Booster, the hosts announce the exciting news that Season 5: Revival Generation registration is now open! This episode not only brings you exciting possibilities for the new season but takes some unexpected turns with discussions on vitamin water, scurvy, and Flintstone vitamin dipping sauce. I know …
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Send us a text What's the most important thing youth ministry offers? The first answer is Jesus, but is there another layer that students need to experience to help hear the name of Jesus more clearly. In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk one of their most beloved principles for healthy student ministry. It's a vital part o…
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Send us a text Do you ever get caught up in your feels? Your students will be up in their feelings this summer (especially at camp)... so what's your plan? In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad talk about how emotions are an important part of youth ministering. It's part of their development and an important piece of pastoring fa…
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The Greatest All Time Questions You Can Ask When You Interview For A Youth Ministry Position
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Send us a text What would you say you want me to do here? In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad challenge each other back and forth to ask the most important questions a candidate can ask when interviewing for a ministry position. A lot is at stake when applying for a job and a candidate should have as much interest in the church…
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Send us a text What does it take to make a disciple? How do teenage disciples grow? Resources. What an important word to define. In this episode of the YMB podcast co-hosts Zac and Chad reflect on their experiences with other resource events (*cough book fairs cough*) and what those previous moments have taught them about youth ministry's work to e…
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Send us a text What makes a sermon/teaching moment great? Like for serious though? More than just relaying insight, feeling clever, or speaking with passion, what makes a sermon or teaching moment great? In this episode of Zac and Chad bound their way through what makes a great communicator. Biblically sound, yes! Quick to the Gospel message, of co…
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Send us a text Why aren't more parents coming to your parent meetings? But for real tho... This episode is a how to plan, run, hook, and pop off the next time you are working to get your youth ministry parents/guardians together in one room. It's also about birthday parties. For this episode Chad, Parent Ministry Specialist, spills the tea on what …
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Send us a text Greatest.Of.All.Time. or GOAT as the kids would say... This is another episode in a (random but timely) series of episodes in which Chad and Zac talk about ministry things that are "GOATED." So for this episode of Greatest Of All Times, let's ask what is your idea of a GOAT Volunteer... wait, don't say their name out loud! But seriou…
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Send us a text New. The feeling of the New New. This episode is for all of those who have ever felt new at church, youth group, student ministry... This may be you right now, or when you were a teenager, but this episode is especially for those who have NOT been new in a LOOOONNNGGG time. There is a whole set of feelings, experiences, and unguided …
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Send us a text Greatest.Of.All.Time. or GOAT as the kids would say... This is the first in a (random) series of episodes in which Chad and Zac talk about ministry things that are "GOATED" So for this episode of Greatest Of All Times, let's start with your ideal work day. What's the best way you could spend a day doing the work you were called to do…
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Send us a text Don't believe the lie. Numbers do matter, we just need better ones! 2022 was a year of great consistency and we want to share what we have learned about healthy and better numbers for all of us! It's another episode of Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. In this episode they talk about why numbers actually do mat…
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Send us a text What's the most important thing you could do in the next few weeks for your own health? For your ministry? We think we have an idea that might serve as a really healthy new year resolution, resolve? commitment? Hey YM friends we are excited to be back for our 8th year and in 2023, our collective 23 year, the GOAT year let's talk abou…
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Send us a text Merry Christmas! Hey YM friend & family, whether you are in finishing up this year in the office or hitting the road, or relaxing at home we hope you enjoy this episode from our team to you. In this episode Zac and Chad talk about Christmas traditions, the season, and what healthy youth ministers need for the end/beginning of this ye…
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