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Operations MasteryInside a $2M Video Marketing Agency's Systems for Client Work, Reviews & Referrals With Torrey, CEO of SparkhouseIn this episode of 'Operations Mastery' Torrey Tayenka, CEO and co-founder of Sparkhouse, a creative and video content agency, collaborates with marketing departments and advertising agencies to provide support in executing creative content, offering video production, marketing, photography, and content creation services, with a team of full-time employees handling pre-production and post-production tasks, utilizing project management systems to streamline their workflow, prioritizing client involvement and communication through weekly updates and automated tasks, and maintaining a strong reputation with hundreds of 5-star reviews and referrals, while also being involved in the Add Federation of Orange County.Links And...2023-09-0522 min
RethinkingEDUEp21-Networks-Kelly Young, Grace Kiboko, Education Reimagined, and SparkHouseThe learner-centered movement is pushing the boundaries of what school should be for so many young people. It's fundamentally asking teachers, administrators, parents, and student to rethink what might be possible in school. In this episode, we explore some of these ideas with Kelly Young, the President of Education Reimagined, and Grace Kiboko, a recent graduate of Iowa BIG and a participant in SparkHouse, a learner-centered convening of Education Reimagined. Plugs include New Ed Tech Classroom, Rich Blocks Poor Blocks, Community Share, Canva, Procreate, and @SoYouWantToTalkAbout. Music by Ketsa.
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Youth Ministry PodcastEpisode 105: Greatest HitsAfter 104 episodes, it's time for the Youth Ministry Podcast to release its Greatest Hits album. Today, Jake and Erik discuss their favorite episodes from the past two years and say "farewell" (for now) to this podcasting endeavor.2019-11-2945 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 104: If Only I'd KnownThey say hindsight is 20/20. Today Jake and Erik look through the lens of their combined 30 years experience and ruminate on what they would've told their younger selves when they were starting out in youth ministry. Also, Jake asks listeners for some help.2019-11-2247 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 103: Design in MinistryYou have a lot to think about as a youth minister, and most of it is related to what's in front of your face every day: registration forms, staff meetings, lesson planning, receipts, and the clogged sink in the youth room. Who has time to consider things like user experience and graphic design? YOU, that's who! Today Jake and Erik offer some suggestions for how to step away from the daily grind and design meaningful ministry moments at your church.2019-11-1541 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 102: Leaving GracefullyDeparting from a congregation is almost never easy, and yet most ministry professionals will say “goodbye” to several churches during their career. In this episode, Jake and Erik discuss ways to leave a church with grace for yourself and grace for your congregation.2019-11-0839 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 101: Digital CatechismTeens spend an average of nine hours online each day. Social media is ubiquitous. Young people and figuring out their online and in-person identities on the fly every day. How can the church support young people and their parents as they encounter the complicated and wonderful world of social media? In this episode Jake and Erik talk about their recent interactions with parents and teens on the topic of social media and offer suggestions for how to facilitate these conversations at your church.2019-11-0146 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 100: 100th Episode Lock-In Spectacular!Live, from Sparkhouse Headquarters in Minneapolis, MN – it’s the 100th episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast! In this very special episode, Erik and Jake are joined by members of the Sparkhouse team to give you a look behind the scenes of the ministry of publishing. Plus they’ll give you a recap of all the shenanigans that took place during their outrageous lock-in.2019-10-2546 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 99: Shared MinistryYouth ministry isn’t something you do alone. Not only do you have leaders in your congregation to support you, but you can partner with other church youth groups for all kinds of activities. Jake and Erik discuss their experiences with shared ministry events and offer suggestions for things to consider when planning these outings, retreats, and trips.2019-10-1843 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 98: Talking TikTokIf you’re around young people, you’ve probably heard of TikTok. In a little more than a year since it was launched, TikTok has become one of the fastest growing and most popular apps in the world. Today Jake and Erik discuss the ways youth are interacting with this video app. Then they bring on their resident expert, Erik’s teenage daughter Anna, to answer their questions and to set her father straight on a few things.2019-10-1143 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 97: Road TripJake and Erik took a road trip to Sparkhouse HQ to prepare for the 100th Episode Spectacular. In today’s episode they rehash what they discussed in the car, including; establishing healthy boundaries with youth, what to do when holidays conflict with church programming, and when to perform background checks for mentors.2019-10-0437 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 96: Education, ContinuedYouth Ministry is an ever-changing vocation. It’s important for adults to learn new ways of teaching, relating, and leading young people. There are countless ways to develop new skills for ministry—events, conferences, conventions, books, coaching, consultants, and cohorts—but which ones are right for you? In this episode Jake and Erik discuss the anatomy of a great professional development experience and offer some questions to ask before attending your next continuing education event.2019-09-2738 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 95: Classroom ManagementYouth ministers like to think of ourselves as a lot of things—mentors, spiritual leaders, teachers, event planners, etc. It can be tough to consider that we need to be disciplinarians at times. Jake and Erik discuss the topic of classroom management and offer some tips for how to effectively (and graciously) curtail unhelpful student behavior.2019-09-2036 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 94: Ministry MailbagIt’s time, once again, for Jake and Erik to open up the ministry mailbag and discuss the topics you’ve suggested. Today they chat about social anxiety, parent motivation, and how to relate to the tough, perhaps bothersome kid who always shows up at youth group.2019-09-1345 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 93: Bible StudyThe more Bible study changes, the more it stays the same. Or does it? For a few thousand years faithful people have been studying Scripture. There are many different ways to approach this important task, but often times youth ministers feel ill-equipped to lead these conversations. Jake and Erik offer their thoughts on ways to do Bible study, but only after Jake recommends a video and Erik dives into some listener feedback.2019-09-0648 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 92: Hypothetically SpeakingYouth Ministry often occurs in the everyday tasks of studying, teaching, leading, and relating. Every once in a while it’s good to step away from reality and imagine a different way of doing ministry. In this episode Jake and Erik ask each other some hypothetical questions about programming, facilities, and money—and one of them considers joining a monastery.2019-08-3045 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 91: Back to SchoolParents and children are getting ready to head back to school. The church program year is also starting to ramp up, which means sending out schedules, training volunteers, while preparing all the great lesson and activities. Jake and Erik check in regarding their thoughts around the back-to-school season and discuss an important article about 21st century parenting.2019-08-2337 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 90: Grieving with Mike StavlundWhy do bad things happen to people? Where is God in the midst of difficult times? How do youth ministers grieve along side people who are suffering…or are suffering themselves? Pastor Mike Stavlund joins Erik and Jake to discuss these and other profundities of pastoral care.2019-08-1653 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 89: Live from Churchwide AssemblyThe ELCA held Churchwide Assembly this week. Erik had an opportunity to speak with some of the youth voting members about their hopes for the future. They have some important things to say to pastors and youth ministers about what it's like to be a young leader in the church. Enjoy listening to their perspective!2019-08-0937 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 88: Feelin' CampyChurch camp provides a special opportunity for young people to grow in faith, meet new people, and learn about themselves. It’s also a place where the next generation of church leaders will discover their calling in ministry. Jake and Erik wash off the bug spray and check in from Lutheran Lakeside Camp to discuss the ways congregations can make outdoor ministry an important part of their program.2019-08-0243 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 87: Pop Culture CrossoverMinistry doesn’t happen in a cultural vacuum. Every day we are surrounded by people, art, and media which can inform our work with young people. For this reason, Erik and Jake are once again doing a Pop Culture Crossover. This time, they discuss the remake of Disney’s “The Lion King” and its implications for youth ministry.2019-07-2642 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 86: Origin Story - Part 2In the previous episode, Erik shared stories of how he discerned a call in youth ministry. This week, it’s Jake’s turn.2019-07-1944 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 85: Origin Story - Part 1“You’re in ministry? Interesting! How did you get started?” People often wonder how and why someone would enter into the vocation of ministry. Some ministers can identify a major milestone which pointed them on their career path. (See: Luther, Martin) For others, the discernment came with slightly less fanfare. In this episode Jake interviews Erik about his ministry origin story and invites listeners to reflect on how they got involved in ministry as well.2019-07-1240 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 84: Trip ChaperonesYouth trips and retreats are special times for young people and adults to connect with one another and with their faith. A great adult chaperone can make a huge impact on the overall success of the trip. How do you go about selecting and training the right adults for this mountaintop experience? Erik and Jake have some thoughts!2019-07-0349 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 83: VolunteersYouth ministry rarely happens without the support of volunteers. Your ability to equip these volunteers will profoundly impact young people for the rest of their lives. No pressure, right? Fortunately, Jake and Erik are here to offer their insights on how to recruit, train, and retain the adults who participate in your ministry.2019-06-2847 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 82: Pre-Event ButterfliesEveryone feels a little nervous energy before a big event. Youth ministers are no exception. It may look like we thrive on chaotic events, meaningful service projects, and severe sleep deprivation – but there are a lot of logistics that go into preparing for these experiences. Sometimes the details of a big event are still in flux days (or hours) before go-time. In this episode Jake and Erik discuss the ways they’re getting their mind, body, and spirit ready for upcoming events. And one of us forgets how to spell the other guy’s name.2019-06-2147 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 81: VBSVacation Bible School is one of the most high-profile events of summertime ministry. It’s an opportunity for the church to connect with young families and teach Bible stories in fun and creative ways. What does VBS Week mean for youth ministers? How might churches modify their VBS experiences to better meet the needs of the community? In this episode Jake and Erik take a deep dive into all things VBS and figure out how long this cultural phenomenon has been around.2019-06-1445 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 80: The Dark ForestSummer is here, which means Jake and Erik have a little extra time to read and reflect. In this episode they discuss an article called, “The Dark Forest Theory of the Internet” and its implications for youth workers. They also suggest some ways to assess the recently concluded program year.2019-06-0741 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 79: Youth Ministry Pro TipsJake and Erik have been in youth ministry for a while—more than 25 years between them. In that time they’ve developed some habits, mindsets, and practices which have enhanced their professional experience. In this episode they offer ten pro tips for people in all stages of life and ministry.2019-05-3139 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 78: Apps for MinistryThere are more than 2 million mobile apps available to the public. Many of these can be used to make your ministry life easier and more efficient. But how do you know which ones to use or how to use them? Jake and Erik (to be honest, mostly Jake) discuss some of their favorite apps and offer some practical tips for how to use these apps to enhance your ministry.2019-05-2446 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 77 : Mission TripsSummer is only a few weeks away. For many youth ministers, summer means Mission Trips. No matter if this is your first or twenty-first trip, you have a lot to keep in mind before, during, and after this experience. Jake and Erik offer their insights on effective pre-trip communication, engaged leadership during the mission trip, and healthy recuperating after you come home.2019-05-1751 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 76 : Pastoral Care & ConfidentialityBeing in ministry often means accompanying people during difficult times in their lives. It’s an honor to be invited into these circumstances because it means you’ve earned the trust of the people in your community. But not everyone in ministry is sufficiently trained to handle all pastoral care circumstances. Jake and Erik discuss the joys and challenges of this kind of ministry, how to maintain integrity and healthy boundaries, and when it’s time to reach out for extra help.2019-05-0850 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 75: Ministry MattersYouth Ministry is important, difficult work. It’s easy to get so focused on daily tasks that you forget the ways you make a difference. This week, Jake and Erik invite you to take a deep breath and reflect on the moments your ministry inspires and encourages people.2019-05-0348 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 74: Youth Committee Best PracticesCommittees can be a burden and a blessing for people in ministry. Ideally, they provide accountability, support, and inspiration for staff and programs. But sometimes they feel obligatory and directionless. In this episode Jake and Erik draw on their experiences and offer some best practices for healthy youth committees.2019-04-2644 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 73 : Communication Dos and Don'tsCommunication is a crucial element in any relationship, especially among church workers and congregation members. But how can youth ministers effectively communicate with all the people about all the things? Which forms of media are best suited for which events? How to strategies change depending on the audience? How often should you be reaching out? Jake and Erik offer their thoughts on some of their communication successes and failures. (And they crown a Youth Ministry Madness winner!)2019-04-1744 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 72: The GraduateThe next several weeks are filled with “lasts” for high school seniors – exams, performances, dances, parties, and commencement. These are exciting and time-consuming experiences for your teens. How can you stay connected with kids who are busy doing important activities outside of church? Jake and Erik offer some ideas for how the church can come along side graduates and their parents to nurture them through these special moments.2019-04-1241 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 71: "Nones: Ya Business"The fastest growing religious group in America is called “The Nones” – people who self-identify as having no religious affiliation. The Nones are now the same size as Evangelicals and Catholics and twice the size of Mainline Christians. What does this mean for people in youth ministry? Jake and Erik offer their thoughts about ways to faithfully nurture young people’s faith in this current context.2019-04-0547 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 70: Self-Care Check-InThese next few months can be incredibly busy and stressful for youth ministers. It’s important to take care of yourself as you prepare for Holy Week, wrap up the program year, and coordinate all the special summer events. Join Jake and Erik for a conversation about the benefits of self-care, what it is (and isn’t), and how you can begin to establish helpful habits in your daily life.2019-03-2943 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 69: Ministry MailbagSpring is finally here, so it’s time for Erik and Jake to spring open the ministry mailbag and answer questions from you, the listener. Topics discussed include retreats, vocation, and innovation fatigue. Also, be sure to join in the fun and fill out your Youth Ministry Madness bracket.2019-03-2243 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 68: Youth Ministry Madness 2019It’s March, and that can only mean one thing. (Nope, not Lent.) Time for March Madness, baby! Sparkhouse is once again bringing you Youth Ministry Madness, a bracket-style game where you pick your favorite youth ministry clichés, leader tips, challenges, and oops. In today’s episode Erik and Jake go through each region, discuss the matchups, and make their predictions. You can participate in Youth Ministry Madness by going to go.wearesparkhouse.org/youthministrymadness2019-03-1545 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 67: SOLD! Auction FundraisersLike it or not, fundraisers are a regular part of youth ministry. This week Jake and Erik discuss their favorite way to generate money for youth trips: auctions. You’ll hear lots of practical advice about how to plan, promote, and implement this all-church fundraising event.2019-03-0850 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 66: "Wanna Meet for Coffee?"One of the best ways to connect with young people is to meet them in a public place like a coffee shop or bakery. Why is this approach to ministry so important? How do you go about having meaningful and grace-filled conversations with young people? And most important of all—who’s buying? Jake and Erik address these questions and more, but first they discuss a recent article about kids who are inheriting a pre-existing online identity.2019-03-0151 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 65: Youth Group Fanny PackWe’ve all had days when ministry programs don’t go according to plan. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, too few students show up, too many students show up, or maybe you didn’t have enough time to adequately prepare. This is why it’s important to have an imaginary "Youth Ministry Fanny Pack" with some no-prep, timeless tools at your disposal. In this episode Jake and Erik discuss the games, movies, and Bible study techniques they utilize when they’re in a pinch. Jake also offers insights on ways to create and organize your own youth ministry “pan-pan” list.2019-02-2247 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 64: Liturgy in Youth GroupLiturgy gets a reputation for being archaic and boring, especially among young people. Church has a long history of creating traditions, rituals, and spiritual practices. Is there a place for such things in youth group? What could that look like? Jake and Erik discuss ways liturgy principles can create meaningful youth ministry experiences. They also circle back to last week’s conversation about love and discuss some recent news articles about purity culture.2019-02-1538 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 63: Talking About LoveLove is in the air! With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s time to talk about love in youth group. What are some of the best (and worst) ways to tackle this topic? How can you include all the kids in this conversation, not just the ones interested in dating or romance? Grab your favorite translation of 1 Corinthians 13 and join Erik and Jake for a discussion that’s all about love.2019-02-0840 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 62: Polar Vortex-travaganzaFor many church workers, winter brings two things: nasty weather and continuing education events. This week, Jake and Erik discuss both of these topics—Jake’s experience at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s 2019 Extravaganza event and the recent stretch of bad weather across the country. They also reflect on establishing appropriate boundaries in youth ministry and how to employ humor (or not) in youth group.2019-02-0140 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 61: Pop Culture Crossover: This Is It Ministry doesn’t happen in a cultural vacuum. Every day we are surrounded by people, art, and media which can inform our work with young people. For this reason, Erik and Jake are trying out an every-once-in-a-while episode format called Pop Culture Crossover. This week they identify six insights for ministry in the documentary, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” You don’t need to have seen the movie to follow along with the conversation, and you just might find yourself singing along more than once. 2019-01-2543 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 60: Empowering Youth to Lead Young people aren’t just the church’s future, they are the church’s present. Congregations can benefit from the passionate enthusiasm youth have to offer. But not every church is nimble enough to enact the kind of speedy changes young people demand. How can youth ministers empower young people to lead? What are some ways congregations can be open to the ideas offered by their young members? Erik and Jake consider these questions and offer their thoughts on how youth can make their voices heard by church leaders. 2019-01-1839 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 59: Building TrustPublic opinion of clergy has plummeted in recent years. Fewer than 40% of Americans believe pastors are honest or have high ethical standards. What does that mean for youth ministers? How can you earn the trust of your students, parents, staff, and church members? Erik and Jake (after some hand-wringing about the state of the church) offer several ways you can convey honesty and integrity in your ministry. Nurses Again Outpace Other Professions for Honesty, Ethics Religion Considered Important to 72% of Americans Youth Ministry Podcast: Child Safety Policies2019-01-1144 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 58: What Makes a Milestone?Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Baccalaureate…the church performs many important rituals for young people. But what about the person who isn’t ready at the same time as their peers? How can youth ministers celebrate meaningful milestones while remaining flexible? Jake and Erik talk about ways they practice sacred traditions in their congregations. They also have a few ideas for moving milestones out of the church and into the home, neighborhood, and school.2019-01-0444 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 57: New Year's Resolutions It’s time to make New Year’s Resolutions. What are your goals for 2019, and what are the odds you’ll keep these in the forefront of your thoughts for more than a few weeks? In this episode you’ll hear Jake and Erik talk about their personal and professional aspirations for the coming year. They’ll offer ways to make reasonable resolutions and suggest strategies for avoiding the mid-February flameout. 2018-12-2839 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 56: Year in ReviewAs the year draws to a close, it’s time for Erik and Jake to look back at some of the more indelible moments from 2018. How have their experiences on summer youth trips continued to bear fruit into the winter months? What are the ways popular culture influenced their youth ministry? Which apps, websites, podcasts, and books helped them connect with kids? And, is Fortnite going away anytime soon? (Spoiler: no, it’s not.)2018-12-2153 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 55: O Holy NightIn the pantheon of Christmas songs, one song rises above all other songs. In this episode, Erik and Jake take a deep dive into the carol “O Holy Night.” Prepare to immerse yourselves into a wellspring of knowledge about the greatest Christmas song of all time. You can also check out Erik’s Christmas music playlist at https://blog.wearesparkhouse.org/christmas-music-playlist-all.2018-12-1449 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 54: Blue Christmas‘Tis the season to be jolly. But not everyone feels merry and bright this time of year. Jake and Erik have a complicated relationship with the seasons of Advent and Christmas. It’s a time of wonder and hope, but it can also be a time of heightened anxiety and depression. In this episode, they offer suggestions to help overwhelmed youth ministers keep their heads above water and help busy kids stay connected. Also found in this episode: coffee puns and Lutheran college choir nerdery.2018-12-0743 minYouth Ministry PodcastMisunderstood People who are called to Youth Ministry wear many different hats. We are event planners, theologians, teachers, counselors, carpool drivers, pizza-ordering experts, janitors, preachers, musicians, and role models. It’s easy for parents and church members to not fully understand the complexity of our work. Today you’ll hear a dozen youth workers answer the question, “What’s one thing you wish people understood about your job?”2018-11-3046 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 52: Urban Youth MinistryWhat does urban youth ministry look like, and how is it different from ministry in other contexts? Jose Rodriguez and Sean Fenner, two youth workers from California who work with inner-city teens, sat down with Erik during National Youth Workers Convention to share some of the strategies they use to help urban kids in need. You’ll hear Sean and Jose discuss the joys and struggles of ministry, how to find the resources they need to reach kids, and the ways they partner with schools and other community organizations to fulfill the purposes of their ministries.2018-11-2334 minYouth Ministry PodcastBONUS: LIVE from NYWC 11.16.18 We’re coming to you live from National Youth Workers Convention in St. Louis! Erik and Carla chatted with people from all over the country during the first night of the conference. If you’re attending #NYWC18 you’ll hear from several of your fellow attendees. Listeners who aren’t at the conference will get a taste of the excitement which comes when people who are passionate about youth ministry come together for education, fellowship, and renewal. Thanks to everyone who stopped to talk with us. 2018-11-1642 minYouth Ministry PodcastPrayer This week Erik is joined by Jake Bouma to tackle the topic of prayer. They offer some ideas for how to demythologize this spiritual practice with young people. Topics include: null curriculum (8:00), “practice makes practice” (16:00), doodle prayer (19:00), acrostic prayer (21:30), Help, Thanks, Wow (24:20), and the Divine Hours (35:50).2018-11-1640 minYouth Ministry PodcastTales of Youth Ministry Erik is joined by two Sparkhouse colleagues, Ben Gieseke and Kelly Bakalich, who will talk about their experiences working with kids. Ben served a couple of two-year stints in congregations while he was seminary. Kelly is a former volleyball coach and youth volunteer who led a small group in her church. Both of them discuss their motivation for getting into youth ministry, the ups and downs of church life, and what they miss most about their regular encounters with young people.2018-11-0932 minYouth Ministry PodcastThe Saints of Youth Ministry All Saints Day is a Christian festival that celebrates and honors saints living and dead, known and unknown. The saints we encounter in youth ministry are volunteers, fellow ministry colleagues, parents, and even students. They make the way a little clearer, a little easier. In this episode, Bryan and Erik lift up the saints from their ministries.2018-11-0233 minYouth Ministry PodcastScariest Moments in Youth Ministry Everybody makes mistakes. However, the mistakes we make in youth ministry can sometimes feel…unique. In this special “It’s almost Halloween” episode, Bryan and Erik talk about their scariest moments in youth ministry and wonder how they still are allowed to do this job.2018-10-2640 min
AAFOC Podcast InterviewsAAFOC Interview - Torrey Tayenaka (CEO of Sparkhouse) & Rob Patterson (Host)Check out the new AAFOC Podcast Video series. This episode features Torrey Tayenaka, the CEO & Founder of Sparkhouse, which is an Orange County-based video marketing, advertising, and video production company. This episode is hosted by Rob Patterson. Don’t miss Torrey's insights and advice on the power of video in the advertising industry! Also, learn more about Torrey's philanthropic organization called Forge54, which gets about 100 creative and strategic-minded professionals in the community to help a non-profit organization with a marketing campaign.
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To watch the video version of this interview on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/aN_mdI_vX9A
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Torrey Ta...2018-10-2021 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 47: Getting Parents Connected in Your Youth Ministry Youth ministry doesn’t work (or at least, doesn’t work well) with a solo, lone wolf approach. You want (need?) parents to be involved in your youth ministry. But what does that look like? How much do you collaborate? When do you take the lead? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss the pros and cons of having parents connected to your ministry.2018-10-1940 minYouth Ministry PodcastSocial Media Social media is everywhere, both in the lives of youth workers and in the lives of the students in their ministries. How do you navigate something that is literally everywhere? What are the best practices? What boundaries do you need to set as a youth leader? In this episode of the podcast, Bryan and Erik remember a time before social media, talk about their own practices, and discuss ways to make it an effective (and safe!) part of your youth ministry.2018-10-1240 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 45: Special Civic Duty Replay: Relational Youth Ministry!From job descriptions to youth ministry articles, the words “relational youth ministry” have become standard in the world of student ministry. But…what does it mean? Is it simply going to the mall, buying a hip pair of jeans and learning how to play the latest video game? And how do we relate to students, especially when most youth leaders are adults? Where are the danger zones? What are the benefits? And most importantly: is there a deeper meaning to this phrase that has become so prominent in youth ministry? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss about what it mea...2018-10-0539 minYouth Ministry PodcastFaith Formation with Young Children Even if you don’t have ministerial responsibilities with young children, it’s important to know what’s happening with the toddler set in your church. How are their brains developing? What does it look like for younger children to do faith formation? How are the parents managing everything in their life? And finally, what is the church’s response and role? In this episode, Bryan and Erik are joined by Dr. Dawn Rundman, author of Little Steps, Big Faith: How the Science of Early Childhood Development Can Help You Grow Your Child’s Faith. Check the book out here: http...2018-09-2845 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 43: When Your Kids are in Youth GroupIf a youth worker has kids, eventually they will end up in youth group. How do we handle that transition? What are some ways to give your kid an opportunity to have a unique youth group experience without constantly being a hovering parent? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss having their kids in youth group, how to use this information to train volunteers, and remember times when they, too, were surly teenagers.2018-09-2139 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 42: Questions and DoubtWe’ve all been there. The lesson is going great and then suddenly a kid asks the sort of question that makes you want to run from the room screaming. Students ask big questions. Does that mean we have to have equally comprehensive and meaningful answers? What if we don’t know the answer? In this episode, Bryan and Erik are joined by Jeremy Steele, author of All the Best Questions (and some answers too) to talk about questions, doubt, and the power of sometimes saying, “I don’t know.” You can learn more about Jeremy’s bo...2018-09-1439 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 41: CurriculumCurriculum! How do you choose it? How do you use it? Would it be better to just write your own? Using curriculum in youth ministry is as natural as lock-ins and lasertag, but how do you make sure your curriculum is right for your group? In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about why curriculum matters, when it’s a roadblock, all while trying not to be homers for their company.2018-09-0742 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 40: Scheduling ConflictsYou’ve planned the perfect retreat, the sort of weekend experience that is going to change everything in the lives of your students. But then you realize…you scheduled it on the exact same weekend as the All-Regional Dodgeball Competition…and nobody is coming to your retreat. What do you do? Get mad? Reschedule? Wax philosophically about the state of the church and “kids these days”? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss scheduling conflicts, what it means to communicate effectively, how to come alongside community and school events, and trying your best to not make youth ministry about you.2018-08-3143 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 39: Wonder and Youth MinistryWe’ve all been there before—you’ve designed a perfect lesson. Seminary is finally paying off. You’re about to make the point you’ve been building toward all lesson when you realize…nobody is engaged. They’re staring at their phones, out the window. What happened? In this episode of the podcast, Bryan and Erik are joined by special guest Sarah Logemann to discuss the idea of wonder, how to use it in your youth group, and why it’s integral to keeping students engaged in their life of faith.2018-08-2437 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 38: Mailbag pt. 2We recently opened up our inboxes to YOUR questions about everything related to #youthministry.... and there were so many great questions that we wanted to address, we had to create not just one -- but TWO -- Youth Ministry Podcast episodes to chat through everything! Tune in to this week's episode with Bryan and Erik as they continue the conversation, talking about expanding your calling, volunteer expectations, and everything in between. 2018-08-1734 minYouth Ministry PodcastScience and Youth Ministry2018-08-1343 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 37: Mail TimeAs summer winds down, Erik and Bryan open up the mailbag to answer listener questions about attendance policies, budgeting, and building momentum between middle school and high school ministries. Thanks to everyone who reached out!2018-08-1031 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 36: FortniteBy now, you’ve probably seen a kid Flossing or doing the Best Mates dance. Maybe you’ve heard a kid talk about their recent Victory Royale. Noobs. Bandies. Squads. What is all this, you ask? Fortnite! It’s a game that has taken over the culture in many ways – in both good and not-so-good ways. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss what Fortnite is, how youth workers should think about it, and are joined by two very special guests.2018-08-0341 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 35: Camp MinistryIt's summer and that means one thing--church camp! If you've spent even one summer in youth ministry, you know: church camp is a big deal. For some kids, it's a chance to reconnect with far-off friends. For others, it's an opportunity to grow in their faith. And for most of them, it's an unforgettable experience that lasts well into the program year. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss mountaintop experiences, cry nights, and one of them is coming to you live! from actual confirmation camp!2018-07-2739 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 34: Recruiting, Training, and Keeping VolunteersWhether you’re starting a new job, or have been in your position for a few years, the importance of reliable, effective volunteers cannot be overstated. But how do you find people who are called to youth ministry? How do you get them onboard? What’s the best way to empower them? And what does God have to do with all of this? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss how to find, train, and keep effective volunteers.2018-07-1942 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 33: Comp TimeYou’re done with the mission trip – or maybe it’s camp – and it was a week full of hard work, meaningful interactions, and fun. So now it’s back to the grindstone! Unless you’re planning on taking comp time. Do you take comp time? You should be taking comp time. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss how to determine how much time to take after a trip, the reasoning behind it, and why Sabbath is necessary for youth ministry.2018-07-1334 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 32: Live from Youth Gathering 2018 Youth Gathering 2018 is a wrap. Bryan interviewed a bunch of participants and leaders about what they liked, how they were impacted, and why it’s important to gather 30,000 of your closest friends every three years. 2018-07-0540 minYouth Ministry PodcastEpisode 31: Games!Remember the story where Jesus and the disciples play the classic youth ministry game Sardines? While youth ministry games haven’t been along that long, there’s no denying that games are baked into the DNA of youth ministry. From icebreakers and up-front games, to dodge ball and Ultimate Frisbee, youth workers have literally thousands of choices to start or end their weekly programming. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss the good, the bad, and the messy.2018-06-2936 minYouth Ministry PodcastUsing (and Misusing) The BibleStudents will always have questions about the Bible and part of our job as youth workers is to help them understand, engage, and read Scripture with a certain amount of faith, knowledge, and insight. But how do we do that well? And how do we push back against less-than-helpful theologies that come at students from celebrities, pop culture, and other places? In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about reading the Bible with integrity, when and how to say, “I don’t know”, and both of them realize that, maybe, they’re not the best communicators.2018-06-2239 minYouth Ministry PodcastProfessional DevelopmentYouth ministry is a professional position, despite the nights of laser tag and go-carts and pizza eating. And while some of us may have some inherent laser tag skills, there are many opportunities to grow as a youth worker in both the skills we employ and the knowledge we bring to our ministry. In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about the difference between continuing education and professional development, effective ways of developing skills in ministry, and whether you can get away with taking a class in bread baking.2018-06-1541 minYouth Ministry PodcastGetting Started in a New Job (and introducing Church Corner!)Starting a new job in youth ministry can be like drinking from a firehose. You’re faced with new students, new coworkers, new parishioners and – naturally – new ways to lose credit card receipts. So how do you get started in a new congregation without losing the trust of the parents and volunteers? How do you set yourself up for a long and effective ministry? In this episode, Erik interviews not-so-special guest Bryan to talk about his new church job, being bi-vocational, and all the mistakes they’ve made in previous positions.2018-06-0845 minYouth Ministry PodcastPerformance ReviewsNobody wants to hear about the things they’re doing wrong. For many youth workers, that’s exactly what a performance review sounds like—a chance to get dumped on. In this episode, Bryan, Erik, and special guest, Pr. Eric Carlson, discuss why performance reviews are critical to ministry success, how to get them started in your context, and who should be doing them (hint: everyone.) Eric Carlson is Assistant to the Bishop at Southeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA.2018-05-2541 minYouth Ministry PodcastSummer MinistrySummer, summer, summertime! A time for water games, mission trips, and…well, pretty much anything you want to do, right? Well, maybe. Summer may be a time of decreased attendance, but that doesn’t mean it should lack the same quality and depth found during the program year. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss what makes a good summer ministry, how to plan it, how to mix fun and educational activities, and whether paintball should ever be on your calendar (it shouldn’t).2018-05-1838 minYouth Ministry PodcastEnding the Program Year WellFrom graduating seniors to confirmands and the end of youth group, the final months of the youth ministry program year is full of opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate the kids in your ministry. But how do we differentiate a graduating high school senior from a kid who just finished confirmation? Can we use budget money to buy our volunteers a thank you gift? In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about honoring students in worship, how graduation and confirmation Sunday sometimes deliver unintentional messages, and how to throw a really good end of the year party.2018-05-1140 minYouth Ministry PodcastYouth Ministry MailbagBryan and Erik have heard your voices and they have responded! Yes, it’s another round of Youth Ministry Mailbag, the podcast format where we take your questions and answer them live on the Youth Ministry Podcast. What do you do about noise in worship? Should you have a job description? And is it appropriate to maintain contact with members of a church once you’ve left for a new position? In this episode, Bryan and Erik style, profile, and answer your questions to the best of their ability.2018-05-0442 minYouth Ministry PodcastGoing on a Mission: An Interview with Dave SchererDave Sherer is a hip-hop artist known to many as AGAPE*. In this episode of the podcast, Bryan and Erik talk with Dave about the theology of mission trips, ways to prepare your group for the experience, and how to avoid some of the common mission pitfalls. Learn more about Dave’s ministry at www.hiphopoutreach.com2018-04-2746 minYouth Ministry PodcastWhen it’s Time to LeaveLeaving a ministry position is never easy. Breaking the news to students, families, and other staff members is hard, as is the process of interviewing and starting at a new position. How we discern when it’s time to leave – what we’re being called to – is important for not only our health, but health of the congregations we’re leaving. So how do we know when it’s time to leave a church? How do we value and advocate for ourselves in the job search process? How do we sift through the various job advertisements to find one that will co...2018-04-2039 minYouth Ministry PodcastTransitions in MinistryRachel Kurtz is a Minneapolis-based songwriter, performer, and recording artist. She shares personal testimonies of tragedy and triumph with a vulnerability that captivates her audience. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Erik to discuss life as a single mom, the ups and downs of being a traveling musician, and what it’s like to change direction and expand her audience in the middle of her career. Check out her latest album, “Love, Rachel Kurtz” at rachelkurtz.com.2018-04-1342 minYouth Ministry PodcastDiscipleship in Youth MinistryDiscipleship is a word that is often used in youth ministry circles. But what does it mean? How do we make it a part of our ministries? And how do we tap into a word that has such diversity of meaning and practice? In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss how to get kids to take ownership of their faith, the risks involved with doing so, and what a theological tool kit looks like.2018-04-0543 minYouth Ministry PodcastJesus Christ SuperstarJesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that has inspired and excited audiences for close to fifty years. Following the passion narrative, Jesus Christ Superstar gives us an opportunity to experience that story in a different way. But what does it say to students? How can we use it in youth ministry? Should we use it in youth ministry? In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about how Jesus Christ Superstar impacted their lives, discuss where it goes wrong theologically, and try not to act like fanboys.2018-03-301h 02Youth Ministry PodcastMarch Madness: Youth Ministry ClichesYouth ministry is full of clichés, some true, some more myth than fact, and others we maybe wish weren’t as personally convicting. From Youth Group Name Acronyms (C.H.A.O.S) to Side Hugs and the phrase, “No Purpling” we have a unique (and sometimes confounding) language to describe youth ministry. In this episode, Bryan Bliss, Erik Ullestad, and special guest, Jake Bouma, discuss the Final Four of Sparkhouse’s Best (or worst?) Youth Ministry Cliché bracket, how hard it is to keep up with church credit card receipts, and why kids should S.M.Y.L.E. more...2018-03-2345 minYouth Ministry PodcastHoly Week and Youth MinistryHoly Week is coming. What are you going to do with your students? Whether it’s a passion play, stations of the cross, or even a 30 Hour Famine-like simulation, giving students an opportunity to understand and experience the highs and lows of the passion narrative is a fundamental part of youth ministry each year. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss six practical ways to help students engage with Holy Week and offer up a challenge to listeners. To submit your joke, go to: www.ympodcast.com/contact 2018-03-1636 minYouth Ministry PodcastCompeting with SportsEvery youth worker has grumbled about basketball tournaments on Sunday mornings or show choir concerts on Wednesday nights. The culture no longer props up the church by encouraging people to attend worship and not scheduling anything that conflicts with church activities. As youth workers, how do we respond? Do we keep grumbling? Or do we innovate? And if we do change, does that mean basketball and church are equal? Has church become an extra-curricular activity? In this episode, Bryan and Erik talk about Gloria Lee’s article, “You Can’t Compete With Sports”, think about the practical and theological implicat...2018-03-0935 minYouth Ministry PodcastListener MailbagHow do you deal with unruly students? What’s the difference between expectations and requirements? Does a kid need to go to confirmation in order to make a public declaration of faith? And what makes a youth worker, a youth worker? In this week’s special mailbag episode, Bryan and Erik answer listener questions, confront a quandary, and wonder how they survived having small children (one word: Doodlebops.)2018-03-0240 minYouth Ministry PodcastFacing Tragedy in Youth MinistryThe brokenness of the world is not hidden from our students. They see it in their communities, the schools, and in their daily lives. As youth workers, we have the opportunity to walk alongside students as they think about, talk through, and begin to understand tragedy and suffering. We offer not only an attentive ear, but also a reminder of God’s presence in the world—of the Kingdom of God. In this episode, Bryan and Erik discuss a youth worker’s role in navigating tragedy, offer tips on ways to think about that response both theologically and practically, and st...2018-02-2337 minYouth Ministry PodcastMinistry Among Kids with DisabilitiesAll are welcome! Really? Often times churches fall short in their ability to truly welcome people with disabilities. What barriers exist in youth ministry for kids with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities? In this episode, Erik interviews Molly Beck Dean, veteran youth minister and current Director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, for an honest conversation about common misconceptions about relating to people with disabilities, offers some ideas for how congregations can be a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and discusses life as a parent of a child with Joubert Syndrome. 2018-02-2234 minYouth Ministry PodcastEnneagram and Youth Ministry Part 2Every student who comes into your youth group is different and knowing these differences—knowing some of the background personality traits that may or may not affect behavior—can be an important part of youth ministry. In this episode, Bryan and Erik are joined by Carla Barnhill to discuss typical youth group kids, the higher calling of youth ministry, and who is Carla’s favorite.2018-02-0945 minYouth Ministry PodcastEnneagram and Youth Ministry Part 1There are plenty of – ahem – personalities in your youth group. Quiet kids, sporty kids, and of course the “Ooh-ooh! I know the answer, please pick me!” kid. Each comes to youth group with their own set of aspirations, insecurities, and personality quirks. But how do we make sure this socially diverse group of kids all feel engaged, welcomed, and loved? How do we balance the “too cool for youth group” student with the “excited to be here” student? In this episode, Bryan and Erik are joined by special guest Carla Barnhill to discuss the Enneagram personality inventory, why it is important for...2018-02-0241 min