Best Youth Ministry Booster Podcasts (2024)

1
Creating Champions in Your Youth Ministry: We are feeling Olympic today! 29:20

3h ago29:20

29:20

Send us a Text Message. 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 skatin…

1
Shark Week: Making Waves In Youth Ministry 26:16

5d ago26:16

26:16

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
When to make the split... High School & Middle School Ministry 30:57

27d ago30:57

30:57

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Youth Ministry Leadership And Handling Criticism 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a Text Message. 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 somet…

1
Preparing for Camp in Youth Ministry w/ His Glory Her Good 24:55

2M ago24:55

24:55

Send us a Text Message. 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 ha…

1
The Youth Ministry Art of Engaging Middle School Boys 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

Send us a Text Message. 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 ques…

1
Navigating Youth Ministry Highs & Lows: From Static to Soul-Care 28:27

4M ago28:27

28:27

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Help Your Youth Ministry Small Group Leaders Win (and stick around!) 29:44

5M ago29:44

29:44

Send us a Text Message. 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 room…

1
Discipline, Distractions, & Disruptions During Youth Ministry Teaching 35:54

5M ago35:54

35:54

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Crafting Winning Games for Youth Ministry: Thanks ChatGPT 28:07

6M ago28:07

28:07

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Rethinking Youth Ministry Goals, Failures, & Successes 35:06

6M ago35:06

35:06

Send us a Text Message. 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 se…

1
Holiday Gift Giving Guide and Navigating Parent-Youth Ministry Relationships 27:36

7M ago27:36

27:36

Send us a Text Message. 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 pres…

1
Parasocial Relationships and Youth Ministry 36:18

8M ago36:18

36:18

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
How Youth Ministry Grows Relationally 27:41

8M ago27:41

27:41

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Ocean of Curiosity: How to get youth ministry students to read the Bible. 30:02

9M ago30:02

30:02

Send us a Text Message. 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 patt…

1
The Best Free Thing In Youth Ministry (that you might not even be using). 26:49

10M ago26:49

26:49

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Organize For Impact 3: Chaos To Orderly Youth Ministry 43:54

10M ago43:54

43:54

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Organizing For Impact: When the Youth Ministry Car Won't Start 38:25

11M ago38:25

38:25

Send us a Text Message. 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 minist…

1
Organizing for Impact: Grow your Youth Ministry through Structure 35:22

12M ago35:22

35:22

Send us a Text Message. 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 p…

1
Get Fall Launch Ready In Youth Ministry, And It's Still Summer 28:48

1y ago28:48

28:48

Send us a Text Message. 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 initiative…

1
Boosting Summer Camp Attendance: Strategies for a Successful Season 31:01

1y ago31:01

31:01

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
A Scurvy-Free Journey to Youth Ministry Revival 29:04

1y ago29:04

29:04

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
Ministry of Fun: A secret but important youth ministry principle 36:23

1y ago36:23

36:23

Send us a Text Message. 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 vit…

1
Ministry of Feelings: Preparing for Big Summer Camp Feels in Youth Ministry 35:01

1+ y ago35:01

35:01

Send us a Text Message. 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 pas…

1
The Greatest All Time Questions You Can Ask When You Interview For A Youth Ministry Position 39:38

1+ y ago39:38

39:38

Send us a Text Message. 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 t…

1
Resources That Grow Youth Ministries Making Disciples, What It Really Takes 30:06

1+ y ago30:06

30:06

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
What Makes Preaching & Teaching In Youth Ministry Great? 31:26

1+ y ago31:26

31:26

Send us a Text Message. 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 messa…

1
How To Have The Best Parent Meeting In The History Of Youth Ministry 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
What makes for the greatest volunteers in youth ministry? G.O.A.T. Year 33:49

1+ y ago33:49

33:49

Send us a Text Message. 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! B…

1
What New Feels Like In Youth Ministry, also something NEW for you. 31:32

1+ y ago31:32

31:32

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
Youth Ministry Workday GOAT Greatest Of All Time Series 25:19

1+ y ago25:19

25:19

Send us a Text Message. 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 cal…

1
Numbers Do Matter In Youth Ministry 35:32

1+ y ago35:32

35:32

Send us a Text Message. 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 actual…

1
Trust The New Year Youth Ministry 27:47

1+ y ago27:47

27:47

Send us a Text Message. 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 …

1
What Christmas Means To Youth Ministry 2022 21:41

1+ y ago21:41

21:41

Send us a Text Message. 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 o…

1
Youth Ministry Is A Long Game In A Short Season 23:17

1+ y ago23:17

23:17

Send us a Text Message. What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? For us one of the most important is playing the long game (lifelong discipleship) in a short season (3-6 years at best). In this episode Zac and Chad talk through one of the 7 Youth Ministry Booster Hou…

1
Disciple Now By Any Other Name, Or Youth Ministry Winter Camp Is Coming. How to get ready for your next big student ministry event. 24:07

1+ y ago24:07

24:07

Send us a Text Message. What about D-Now? Or Winter WKND? Campference? Or Big Retreat Thing? No matter what you call your winter-spring thing, it's almost here, and we want to help you have the energy you need around your big upcoming D-now event (or winter camp, or WKND, or whatever... you get it.) In this episode Zac and Chad chat about what's so…

1
Youth Ministers Work Hard, Rest Hard. It's a rule. 28:09

2y ago28:09

28:09

Send us a Text Message. What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through one of the 7 Youth Ministry Booster House Rules that matter the most towards shaping our community and defining the tone and language for our conversations and …

1
Obscure Youth Ministry Questions Answered 26:45

2y ago26:45

26:45

Send us a Text Message. It's been almost 7 years and 250 episodes, but what haven't we covered? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the IG questions we have received in the last few weeks that really mattered to our YMB podcast listeners. Seriously though, y'all are really concerned about food and condiments... We are spending the next few we…

1
Our House, Our Rules For Healthy Youth Ministry 25:47

2y ago25:47

25:47

Send us a Text Message. What is healthy ministry? What are the rules that help define a healthy ministry as understood by health-seeking ministers? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the 7 Youth Ministry Booster House Rules that matter the most to shaping our community and defining the tone and language for our conversations and goals. A lot…

1
Wisdom For Youth Ministers In A Fleeting And Foolish Age 25:47

2y ago25:47

25:47

Send us a Text Message. Why don't more stores have environments that match their titles? In this episode Zac and Chad talk through the wisdom it takes to navigate the hard choices, the difficult seasons, and make pivots inside the ministry, for the ministry, and possibly for your life. A counsel to surround you. We all need wise counsel, a group of…

1
Youth Ministry Apologies, Tables, Ladders, and Chairs 28:23

2y ago28:23

28:23

Send us a Text Message. Chad is here to apologize. His apology and stance on table clothes is fully covered in this episode. If you wondering why check 3 episodes earlier when he was unable to set the record straight. But, this episode is also a chance to talk about perspectives in designing sacred spaces. Whether you love or hate your youth room, …

1
Soul Care, Sushi, and Obscurity in Youth Ministry 21:01

2y ago21:01

21:01

Send us a Text Message. What is the most obscure youth ministry topic that we could cover in a few episodes? Send us your pick for obscurity via instagram @youthministrybooster or email zac@youthministrybooster.com Zac and Chad get a little more open about restaurant food, corner cases, and Soul Care. Register for Launch 2022 Let's answer the Paren…

1
Launch a Youth Ministry Plan for Parent Ministry 22:11

2y ago22:11

22:11

Send us a Text Message. Orange you glad you have a plan for August 25th? Zac and Chad get a little silly, giddy, excited for Launch 2022. Summer was full of big events, travels, and surprises. BOOSTER SIGNUPS END September 1st, 2022 What are you doing to get ready for fall after a busy summer? Register for Launch 2022 Let's answer the Parent Minist…

1
Youth Ministry Embarrassment, Guilt, Shame, and Girl Scout Cookies 26:22

2y ago26:22

26:22

Send us a Text Message. This is an episode about Girl Scout cookies. It's also an episode about the real feelings many of your students are probably feeling, right now... Zac and Chad get a little confused if this a phone or a podcast and maybe share a little too much, but there is a really important conversation that youth pastors should be having…

1
4 Tips To Transition Kids To Youth Ministry, Welcome, Howdy, Yeet Your Incoming New Class of Students 29:04

2y ago29:04

29:04

Send us a Text Message. This is a sparkling episode of fresh tips and insights on how to welcome new (young) students into your existing ministry. It's almost Promotion Sunday? Howdy week? Yeet Week? Zac and Chad get us practical as an ice chest full of cold drinks on a summer day with this episode of helpful insights into transitioning your new st…

1
More Momentum for Youth Ministry; or how you feel about it matters. 24:02

2y ago24:02

24:02

Send us a Text Message. Momentum. It's a word that sparks or fizzles depending on what just went right (or wrong). It's the never-ending wash of waves on the seashore. It's Zac and Chad disagreeing on exactly how much time we could or should spend on this... Mo' Momentum, it begs the question... when will it ever end? The answer. Never, and yet, we…

1
Youth Ministry Momentum Or How To Make The Most And Maximize The Summer Season 21:37

2y ago21:37

21:37

Send us a Text Message. Momentum. It's a word that sparks excitement into the heart of every senior leader and an is an exhale for every leader who feels swallowed up by the current wave. In this episode Zac and Chad break down the waters inside the wave of momentum you may or may not be feeling right now. Summer is halfway done! Yeehaw! or so what…

1
Every Message Demands A Response Art Of Preaching In Youth Ministry Part 3 22:38

2y ago22:38

22:38

Send us a Text Message. What makes a sermon a sermon? Last week we talked about the necessity of text, THE TEXT. This episode we invite you to ask, "what's the response?" It's the now what of whatever was read and said. It's the impetus to action, the immediate and/or lifelong application. We believe every good sermon demands a response. So let's a…

1
Quick To The Text, The Art Of Communicating In Youth Ministry 26:18

2y ago26:18

26:18

Send us a Text Message. "Hurry up. Move. Get in to it!" These are probably all thoughts you have had while preaching and teaching to students and we are here to confirm that they are normal and it is right for us to "get into it" (the it being Scripture) as soon as it makes sense. So let's talk about teaching and TEXT. This episode is part 2 in the…

1
Preaching As An Experience. The Art Of Communicating To Students In Youth Ministry 34:55

2y ago34:55

34:55

Send us a Text Message. Hey, hey, it's summertime in student ministry and that means we have a lot of unique opportunities to teach and preach that might stretch us from our usual weekly/monthly habits. In this episode Chad and Zac talk about the art of talking to teenagers. Whether you are preaching at (a) camp, leading a worship night, gathering …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Youth Ministry Booster Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide