Episode 18: Thanks

This week, we take a second and are thankful.As we stop and reflect over the many things in our lives that we are thankful for, we shared from you – the Nation – what you were thankful for. Here is a brief list:
• Adult volunteers
• Student Leaders
• Parents
• Church Leadership
• Relationships; between students, volunteers and leaders
• Family
• Wife
• Rick Lawrence’s book “Sifted.”
• The “SYM Family”
• Tim Tebow
• And lots more…
Also, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up… and we’re getting really excited about it.Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

Episode 18: Thanks

This week, we take a second and are thankful.As we stop and reflect over the many things in our lives that we are thankful for, we shared from you – the Nation – what you were thankful for. Here is a brief list:
• Adult volunteers
• Student Leaders
• Parents
• Church Leadership
• Relationships; between students, volunteers and leaders
• Family
• Wife
• Rick Lawrence’s book “Sifted.”
• The “SYM Family”
• Tim Tebow
• And lots more…
Also, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up… and we’re getting really excited about it.Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

Episode 18: Thanks

This week, we take a second and are thankful.As we stop and reflect over the many things in our lives that we are thankful for, we shared from you – the Nation – what you were thankful for. Here is a brief list:
• Adult volunteers
• Student Leaders
• Parents
• Church Leadership
• Relationships; between students, volunteers and leaders
• Family
• Wife
• Rick Lawrence’s book “Sifted.”
• The “SYM Family”
• Tim Tebow
• And lots more…
Also, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up… and we’re getting really excited about it.Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

Episode 18: Thanks

This week, we take a second and are thankful.As we stop and reflect over the many things in our lives that we are thankful for, we shared from you – the Nation – what you were thankful for. Here is a brief list:
• Adult volunteers
• Student Leaders
• Parents
• Church Leadership
• Relationships; between students, volunteers and leaders
• Family
• Wife
• Rick Lawrence’s book “Sifted.”
• The “SYM Family”
• Tim Tebow
• And lots more…
Also, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up… and we’re getting really excited about it.Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

Episode 17: High-Velocity Volunteers

This week, we were joined by Katie Edwards, Jr. High Director at Saddleback Church.As one who leads a large team, Katie shared with us (and the Youth Ministry Nation) some great tips on working with volunteers.
Having been on staff since 21, Katie admitted to us “I thought I knew everything.”She soon learned that she didn’t.However, she also learned from “some great people who taught me how to develop volunteers.”
One of the key principles is to multiply, multiply, multiply; no matter what the size of your church – the principle is still the same – Multiply.
Emails were sent in as well as questions from the Live show.Questions like “How can I get more leaders?” and “What is the best way to get volunteers to talk to teens – rather than other volunteers.”
Katie shares her heart, her strategies and her ideas on these topics – and more! (Including some fashion tips about her scarf.)
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Also, be sure to check out the podcast Katie is on- The Youth Ministry Garage. Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]


See you soon..

Episode 17: High-Velocity Volunteers

This week, we were joined by Katie Edwards, Jr. High Director at Saddleback Church.As one who leads a large team, Katie shared with us (and the Youth Ministry Nation) some great tips on working with volunteers.
Having been on staff since 21, Katie admitted to us “I thought I knew everything.”She soon learned that she didn’t.However, she also learned from “some great people who taught me how to develop volunteers.”
One of the key principles is to multiply, multiply, multiply; no matter what the size of your church – the principle is still the same – Multiply.
Emails were sent in as well as questions from the Live show.Questions like “How can I get more leaders?” and “What is the best way to get volunteers to talk to teens – rather than other volunteers.”
Katie shares her heart, her strategies and her ideas on these topics – and more! (Including some fashion tips about her scarf.)
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Also, be sure to check out the podcast Katie is on- The Youth Ministry Garage. Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]


See you soon..

Episode 17: High-Velocity Volunteers

This week, we were joined by Katie Edwards, Jr. High Director at Saddleback Church.As one who leads a large team, Katie shared with us (and the Youth Ministry Nation) some great tips on working with volunteers.
Having been on staff since 21, Katie admitted to us “I thought I knew everything.”She soon learned that she didn’t.However, she also learned from “some great people who taught me how to develop volunteers.”
One of the key principles is to multiply, multiply, multiply; no matter what the size of your church – the principle is still the same – Multiply.
Emails were sent in as well as questions from the Live show.Questions like “How can I get more leaders?” and “What is the best way to get volunteers to talk to teens – rather than other volunteers.”
Katie shares her heart, her strategies and her ideas on these topics – and more! (Including some fashion tips about her scarf.)
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Also, be sure to check out the podcast Katie is on- The Youth Ministry Garage. Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]


See you soon..

Episode 17: High-Velocity Volunteers

This week, we were joined by Katie Edwards, Jr. High Director at Saddleback Church.As one who leads a large team, Katie shared with us (and the Youth Ministry Nation) some great tips on working with volunteers.
Having been on staff since 21, Katie admitted to us “I thought I knew everything.”She soon learned that she didn’t.However, she also learned from “some great people who taught me how to develop volunteers.”
One of the key principles is to multiply, multiply, multiply; no matter what the size of your church – the principle is still the same – Multiply.
Emails were sent in as well as questions from the Live show.Questions like “How can I get more leaders?” and “What is the best way to get volunteers to talk to teens – rather than other volunteers.”
Katie shares her heart, her strategies and her ideas on these topics – and more! (Including some fashion tips about her scarf.)
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Also, be sure to check out the podcast Katie is on- The Youth Ministry Garage. Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]


See you soon..

Episode 16: Random Randomness Pt. 2

Sometimes in Youth Ministry… things don’t go according to plan.In this episode (Episode 16) – we saw this first hand.Originally, the plan was to have Johnny Scott, from CIY, join us.Unfortunately, technology wasn’t our friend, and so – on the fly – we changed things up.We asked our LIVE audience to send in their questions – and they did.
Kurt shared about his recent vacation and shared some valuable examples of important it is to ‘disconnect’ at times.This led into a great discussion (between Jake and Kurt as well as in the LIVE chat) about answering the question “What does it take to shut off your Youth Pastor mind.”
We discovered that there are almost two answers to this question.
1. Can you/should you really turn off your ‘youth pastor’ mind.
2. Do you ever want to?

Another discovery that he experienced while on vacation was asking the question “What things are there in Youth Ministry that we shouldn’t let people see ‘behind the curtain.’”
There was more talk and excitement for the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference.In this discussion, there was sharing of their favorite Conference moments, resources that they use and who would win in a match; Rambo, The Terminator, Andy Brazelton or Kami Gilmour.You’ll have to watch to see who they think would win.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

See you soon..

Episode 16: Random Randomness Pt. 2

Sometimes in Youth Ministry… things don’t go according to plan.In this episode (Episode 16) – we saw this first hand.Originally, the plan was to have Johnny Scott, from CIY, join us.Unfortunately, technology wasn’t our friend, and so – on the fly – we changed things up.We asked our LIVE audience to send in their questions – and they did.
Kurt shared about his recent vacation and shared some valuable examples of important it is to ‘disconnect’ at times.This led into a great discussion (between Jake and Kurt as well as in the LIVE chat) about answering the question “What does it take to shut off your Youth Pastor mind.”
We discovered that there are almost two answers to this question.
1. Can you/should you really turn off your ‘youth pastor’ mind.
2. Do you ever want to?

Another discovery that he experienced while on vacation was asking the question “What things are there in Youth Ministry that we shouldn’t let people see ‘behind the curtain.’”
There was more talk and excitement for the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference.In this discussion, there was sharing of their favorite Conference moments, resources that they use and who would win in a match; Rambo, The Terminator, Andy Brazelton or Kami Gilmour.You’ll have to watch to see who they think would win.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

See you soon..

Episode 16: Random Randomness Pt. 2

Sometimes in Youth Ministry… things don’t go according to plan.In this episode (Episode 16) – we saw this first hand.Originally, the plan was to have Johnny Scott, from CIY, join us.Unfortunately, technology wasn’t our friend, and so – on the fly – we changed things up.We asked our LIVE audience to send in their questions – and they did.
Kurt shared about his recent vacation and shared some valuable examples of important it is to ‘disconnect’ at times.This led into a great discussion (between Jake and Kurt as well as in the LIVE chat) about answering the question “What does it take to shut off your Youth Pastor mind.”
We discovered that there are almost two answers to this question.
1. Can you/should you really turn off your ‘youth pastor’ mind.
2. Do you ever want to?

Another discovery that he experienced while on vacation was asking the question “What things are there in Youth Ministry that we shouldn’t let people see ‘behind the curtain.’”
There was more talk and excitement for the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference.In this discussion, there was sharing of their favorite Conference moments, resources that they use and who would win in a match; Rambo, The Terminator, Andy Brazelton or Kami Gilmour.You’ll have to watch to see who they think would win.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

See you soon..

Episode 16: Random Randomness Pt. 2

Sometimes in Youth Ministry… things don’t go according to plan.In this episode (Episode 16) – we saw this first hand.Originally, the plan was to have Johnny Scott, from CIY, join us.Unfortunately, technology wasn’t our friend, and so – on the fly – we changed things up.We asked our LIVE audience to send in their questions – and they did.
Kurt shared about his recent vacation and shared some valuable examples of important it is to ‘disconnect’ at times.This led into a great discussion (between Jake and Kurt as well as in the LIVE chat) about answering the question “What does it take to shut off your Youth Pastor mind.”
We discovered that there are almost two answers to this question.
1. Can you/should you really turn off your ‘youth pastor’ mind.
2. Do you ever want to?

Another discovery that he experienced while on vacation was asking the question “What things are there in Youth Ministry that we shouldn’t let people see ‘behind the curtain.’”
There was more talk and excitement for the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference.In this discussion, there was sharing of their favorite Conference moments, resources that they use and who would win in a match; Rambo, The Terminator, Andy Brazelton or Kami Gilmour.You’ll have to watch to see who they think would win.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.)You can head over here to watch it LIVE.Have a question or two you want to ask??Send in your questions to [email protected]

See you soon..

Episode 15: Leading Up When You Feel Like Throwing Up

15 down.Halfway to 30.This is exciting!!!Each show seems to get better (if that’s at all possible) each time.Remember, you can send in questions/comments/just a hello to [email protected] - so, send in your stuff.

Also.. each week, you may have noticed.. we have a “hood ornament.”Send in something to be featured for a week.

This week, Brooklyn Lindsey joined us.It was an engaging conversation as we discussed how the Youth Ministry of your church can influence the rest of your community.

Be sure to watch it!!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 15: Leading Up When You Feel Like Throwing Up

15 down.Halfway to 30.This is exciting!!!Each show seems to get better (if that’s at all possible) each time.Remember, you can send in questions/comments/just a hello to [email protected] - so, send in your stuff.

Also.. each week, you may have noticed.. we have a “hood ornament.”Send in something to be featured for a week.

This week, Brooklyn Lindsey joined us.It was an engaging conversation as we discussed how the Youth Ministry of your church can influence the rest of your community.

Be sure to watch it!!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 15: Leading Up When You Feel Like Throwing Up

15 down.Halfway to 30.This is exciting!!!Each show seems to get better (if that’s at all possible) each time.Remember, you can send in questions/comments/just a hello to [email protected] - so, send in your stuff.

Also.. each week, you may have noticed.. we have a “hood ornament.”Send in something to be featured for a week.

This week, Brooklyn Lindsey joined us.It was an engaging conversation as we discussed how the Youth Ministry of your church can influence the rest of your community.

Be sure to watch it!!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 15: Leading Up When You Feel Like Throwing Up

15 down.Halfway to 30.This is exciting!!!Each show seems to get better (if that’s at all possible) each time.Remember, you can send in questions/comments/just a hello to [email protected] - so, send in your stuff.

Also.. each week, you may have noticed.. we have a “hood ornament.”Send in something to be featured for a week.

This week, Brooklyn Lindsey joined us.It was an engaging conversation as we discussed how the Youth Ministry of your church can influence the rest of your community.

Be sure to watch it!!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 14: Two Shanes...Or Not Two Shanes

This week, we were joined by Shane and Shane.. a dynamic duo that will tickle your ears.

We joined them as they shared their experience in making their new album, their family and some “interesting items” in the home, and how much they are looking forward to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March.

They will be joining us as the Worship Leaders this year (again..) and we can’t be more excited. (Really.. we tried.It’s impossible)

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 14: Two Shanes...Or Not Two Shanes

This week, we were joined by Shane and Shane.. a dynamic duo that will tickle your ears.

We joined them as they shared their experience in making their new album, their family and some “interesting items” in the home, and how much they are looking forward to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March.

They will be joining us as the Worship Leaders this year (again..) and we can’t be more excited. (Really.. we tried.It’s impossible)

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 13: Junior High 101

Kurt and Jake sit down with with Scott Rubin, junior high pastor at Willow Creek, to discuss some of the basics of Junior High Ministry.

See you next show!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 13: Junior High 101

Kurt and Jake sit down with with Scott Rubin, junior high pastor at Willow Creek, to discuss some of the basics of Junior High Ministry.

See you next show!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE?You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March?Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.You won’t want to miss it!