Podcast
Youth Ministry Hacks
Hosted by DYM Podcast Network · EN
Justin Knowles and Sean Lord (2 great friends and veterans in Youth Ministry) have open conversations with each other and great guests about real life hacks in youth ministry. They will talk about things they are doing in youth ministry, what is working, what is not, and have some friends join the conversation along the way. The goal is to share real life, helpful, time saving and efficient hacks to help you do ministry better.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 130: The Future Of Youth Ministry with Dr. Terry Parkman
Oct 1500:55:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode we link back up with Dr. Terry Parkman talking about his new book called Future Church: How Disruption, Innovation, and a New Generation Are Reshaping the Church. We live in an age defined by disruption―artificial intelligence, digital tribalism, decentralization. In our posttruth culture too many leaders cling to outdated models, unsure how to engage a world that has already moved on. Is this the end―or the beginning of something new?Terry Parkman, DMin, recognizes the opportunity within the chaos. With today’s cultural, technological, and spiritual paradigms shifting faster than ever, this moment demands more than a few tweaks. It demands transformation. In Future Church, Terry boldly calls leaders to rethink how the Church engages the next generations without diluting the Gospel. With clarity and conviction, he unpacks how leaders can ride the waves of disruption rather than drown beneath them.This is a field guide for those ready to:Understand why the old maps don’t work in a posttruth, postinstitutional world.Reframe discipleship for the Adaptive Age without compromising orthodoxy.Embrace decentralization as a model, not the enemy.Recognize and activate the missional power of Generations Z, Alpha, and Beta.Build flexible, Spirit-led systems that thrive in cultural upheaval.Leverage disruption to serve, not silence, the Gospel.This isn’t deconstruction. It’s a blueprint for what comes next. The message hasn’t changed, but everything else must.THE FUTURE ISN’T SOMETHING WE NEED TO FEAR. IT’S SOMETHING WE’RE CALLED TO LEAD.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobsFuture Church Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG77J2VV/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_6P7RH3P5XS63HNVVP4XK?linkCode=ml1&tag=terryparkman-20&linkId=15a224ce4ccc44d8bf672f859ce0dc62&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOVY3aWh6NHJPcHdjVHVpYwEeUyejoJcPBWrWTW9J94z1dhNYTVsZXSIMLYmI7OWz5hf99n8hvUGzDPbRg-E_aem_sydrmsl7I3c2Y5st6W2uDgConnect with Terry: https://www.terryparkman.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOVY3aWh6NHJPcHdjVHVpYwEetoElLL6QTJ5eEFNGV1KSw8TQQtaz-f7lv7c5kv5m2vtluciwamcINhvNv3k_aem_VfTCOEND0fDqNnssWGHTzQ
Transcribe →Episode 129: Equipping Volunteers & Student Leaders w/ Jake Hancock
Sep 2900:50:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Justin and Sean sit down with Jake Hancock, Director of Students at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Arizona.Not only is CCV one of the largest churches in the U.S., but they also have a thriving student ministry making a massive impact.Jake shares how to cast clear vision, set strong expectations for leaders, and build a healthy student serve culture—from strategy to execution. This conversation is jam-packed with practical gold you can take straight back to your ministry.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobsHit up Jake on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeahancock?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXFsMG9lZ3NmMHc4dw==
Transcribe →Episode 128: Unapologetic Spiritual Formation in Youth Ministry w/ Anthony Lucarini
Sep 1500:53:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sean and Justin sit down with Anthony Lucarini—Next Gen Pastor at Low Country Community Church in South Carolina—to talk about a major shift we’ve been noticing in Gen Z.The hype-driven, attractional model isn’t connecting like it used to. Instead, students today are hungry for something real—unapologetically spiritual environments where they can encounter Jesus, hear truth, and grow deeper in their faith. And surprisingly, even students who don’t go to church seem more curious than ever.We talk through how youth pastors can rethink programming, messages, and culture to reflect this shift—and how to lead ministries that don’t just entertain students but equip them spiritually.It’s a rich and practical convo. We can’t wait for you to hear.Make sure to follow Anthony on IG:https://www.instagram.com/anthonylucarini/
Transcribe →Episode 127: The 5 Things That Change Everything for Your Leaders
Jun 3000:47:38Tap to summarizeIf you're leading a youth ministry team, there's a good chance you’re asking your leaders how things are going. But… what if you’re asking the wrong question?In this episode, Justin shares a simple shift that could totally change how you lead, how your team connects, and how your ministry thrives. These five questions aren’t complicated—but the impact? Game-changing. Don’t lead on autopilot. Lead with intentionality.This one’s for every youth pastor, team lead, or ministry director who wants to build a culture that actually lasts.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobs👀 Bonus: Stick around for a challenge at the end of the episode—your leaders will thank you for it.
Transcribe →Episode 126 – We’re Back! Casting Vision, Finding Rhythm, and Leading Well
May 16, 202500:41:52Tap to summarizeWe’re back! After a few months off, Youth Ministry Hacks returns with a fresh episode full of vision and practical leadership insight. Justin and Sean dive into the same foundational talk Sean recently shared with his new team—casting vision and setting the tone for how we lead in ministry.In this episode, we cover five key challenges and reminders every youth worker needs:Remember your why for doing ministryFind a sustainable rhythm that fuels longevityKnow your limits before they take you outStart equipping the next generation nowRecognize that leaders are the pastorsWhether you’re restarting, realigning, or just need fresh encouragement, this episode is packed with real talk and honest reflection to help you lead with clarity and purpose.
Transcribe →Episode 125: What We Are Bringing Into 2025 With Our Leadership
Jan 17, 202500:38:26Tap to summarizeJoin Justin and Sean as they kick off 2025 with reflections on their lives and ministries. They’ll share insights on what they’re focusing on and how they’re bringing fresh vision and intentionality into the new year. Through ministry, leadership, and personal growth, they’re driven to make 2025 the best year yet.Come join the conversation!Episode sponsor:onwardleader.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coleader Curriculum! Coleader.co
Transcribe →Episode 124: Hacks On Measuring What Matters
Nov 26, 202400:19:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Justin shares what he taught at the Download Youth Ministry Round Tables Conference about metrics. Metrics are something that is not talked about ina setting like this but it’s something we talk about weekly in our churches. We want to have a good, healthy view of metrics and what to track that is just butts in seats. Justin challenges us on how to do that and what types of things we should be looking for. Episode sponsor:onwardleader.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coleader Curriculum! Coleader.co
Transcribe →Episode 123: Youth Ministry Q&A Hacks
Oct 4, 202400:57:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Justin and Sean take on your questions about youth ministry and do their best to answer them. They hit topics like:● Discipline in youth ministry● Depression in ministry● Delegation● Lowest point in youth ministry for us● Message prep● When it's time to leave the church● Follow up with new students● And more! Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/ Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co
Transcribe →Episode 122: : 3 Things We Have Learned Through The Summer
Sep 10, 202400:51:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 122 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin and Sean are back after a summer hiatus to catch up on what's been happening in their ministries. They discuss Justin’s new role and the journey that led him there, the process of delegating tasks, God’s faithfulness, the importance of praying through strategy, and much more. Tune in to hear their latest insights and experiences in youth ministry! Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/ Check out Coleader Youth Ministry Curriculum! Coleader.co
Transcribe →Episode 121: Hacks On Seasonal Approach To Ministry
May 1, 202400:24:44Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 121 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justinintroduces a new seasonal approach to youth ministry. Instead of spreading themselvesthin year-round, they're focusing on key aspects during specific seasons: Outreach andSchool Focus, Grow Deeper, and Training. Tune in to learn how this strategic shiftmaximizes effectiveness and impact!Check out our sponsor:MessageBible.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coeader Curriculum!Coleader.co
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