Shows
ETCH with Chuck Peters34. Define the Relationship: Partnering with Parents for Lifelong Faith with Chad Higgins and Zac WorkunIn the world of next generation ministry, it’s easy to focus all our energy on the kids and students who show up week after week. We pour into them, plan for them, and pray over them. But what if the greatest impact we can make isn’t just in the classroom or the youth room - but around the dinner table at home?This episode invites ministry leaders to pause and reflect on a foundational truth: parents are the primary disciplers of their children. When we as church leaders shift from programming for families to partnering with...2025-07-2844 min
Disciple-making in Community with Ken BraddyS7E8: Practicing Biblical Hospitality in Small Groups with Zac Workun and Delanee WilliamsThink back to the first time you visited a small group. Were you greeted by name? Did someone show you where to sit or introduce you to others? Those small moments of hospitality can shape someone’s entire church experience. In this episode of Disciple-Making in Community, host Ken Braddy is joined by Delanee Williams and Zac Workun for a rich conversation on the biblical importance of hospitality in small groups. Drawing inspiration from the intentional, guest-focused environment of a cruise ship, they offer practical insights for leaders who want to create welcoming, transformative spaces where everyone feels seen an...2025-07-2243 min
Youth Ministry BoosterYouth Ministry Work, The Summer Slump, And Preparing For FallSend us a textThe hype of camp is fading. The smell of leftover sunscreen and emotional debriefs still lingers. But now it’s time to face the real ministry question: What’s next? In this episode, Chad and Zac unpack the sneaky shift from summer chaos to fall calendars, and how to survive the mid-summer mental fog without quitting or creating a whole new youth group (again).July can be a peculiar time in youth ministry. The adrenaline of summer events still lingers while the pressure of fall kickoff looms on the horizon. Some of u...2025-07-1029 min
His Glory, Her Good67. Define the Relationship with Zac and ChadSend us a textWhen's the last time you had a DTR? And no, we aren't talking about dating on this episode! When's the last time you defined the relationship you have with the parents in your ministry?If we believe parents are the most important disciple makers of their students, where do we fit into all of it? How can we champion parents without them thinking we are trying to replace them? What are ways we can invite parents into what God is doing inside our ministries?We are answering these questions...2025-07-0135 minETCH with Chuck Peters26. Bridging the Gap: Connecting Kids and Student Ministries for Lifelong Discipleship with Zach Workun and Jana MagruderOne of the most pivotal seasons in a young person’s spiritual journey is the transition from kids ministry to student ministry. It’s a season filled with excitement, change—and often, challenges. As ministry leaders, we want to see continuity and connection, not confusion and inconsistency. But how do we intentionally bridge the gaps that naturally exist between age-specific ministries?In this episode, Chuck Peters, along with Jana Magruder and Zac Workun, reflect on the importance of collaboration across ministry lines. We examine the relational, physical, and philosophical gaps that often go unaddressed—and how these affect t...2025-06-0246 min
Chasing Elephants PodcastNo more awkward parent ministry (feat Chad Higgins) | EP. 243In this episode of Chasing Elephants, Jeff sits down with LifeWay Students Specialist Chad Higgins to talk about the newly released book Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together, co-written by Higgins and Zac Workun. This conversation goes beyond strategy, it explores the heart of why the church must redefine how it partners with parents.Jeff and Chad dive into research-based insights showing that parents are ready for more, more connection, more guidance, more collaboration with the church. But often, leaders don't know how to initiate or sustain that relationship.
2025-05-1643 min
The Christian Podcast CommunityThe Caleb Gordon Podcast || Chad Higgins (Lifeway Resources)I sat down with Chad Higgins to talk about his and Zac Workun's new book, 'Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together.'This conversation is packed with insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone passionate about building strong bridges between the church and the home.I pray it blesses and encourages you this week!If you'd like a copt of the book you can get it here: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/define-the-relationship-P005848598?fbclid=IwY2xjawJv4W1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHsS8wLPsyINrrH7KfhDwmQ_51eGQxhbK-4ldYhsl8Vompii-cHTVPMrpOidJ_aem...2025-04-1933 min
The Caleb Gordon PodcastThe Caleb Gordon Podcast || Chad Higgins (Lifeway Resources)I sat down with Chad Higgins to talk about his and Zac Workun's new book, 'Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together.'This conversation is packed with insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone passionate about building strong bridges between the church and the home.I pray it blesses and encourages you this week!If you'd like a copt of the book you can get it here: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/define-the-relationship-P005848598?fbclid=IwY2xjawJv4W1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHsS8wLPsyINrrH7KfhDwmQ_51eGQxhbK-4ldYhsl8Vompii-cHTVPMrpOidJ_aem...2025-04-1933 min
Team TalkBonus Episode | How to Handle Tough TopicsJameson is joined by Zac Workun, a Student Ministry Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources to talk how you, as a LifeGroup Leader, can generally tackle tough topics within your group. 2025-04-0713 min
The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers056 | Volunteers & Parents: A team for Helping a Teenagers Grow in ChristIn this episode of the Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers, Chris Trent and Jennifer Fletcher are joined by Lifeway experts Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration between youth workers and parents. Drawing from their new book, Define the Relationship, they share insights from research on the dynamics of parent-youth leader relationships and highlight the need for volunteers to serve as liaisons, advocating for both sides.00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Youth Ministry Podcast02:56 The Importance of Volunteers...2025-03-1738 min
Picking Your Brain Student Ministry PodcastEpisode #30 - Zac WorkunOn this episode of Picking your Brain, we interview Lifeway's Zac Workun and pick his brain about all things student ministry!2025-01-2636 min
Student Ministry Conversations4 Failures in Leadership with Zac Workun | SMC Podcast | Episode 179Welcome to this weeks episode where Brent sits down with Zac Workun of Lifeway Students to talk about different failures in youth ministry leadership and how to avoid the pitfalls that can come from them. These are all practical tips to help you succeed where you are and make longevity in your church a priority!
Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that...2024-11-0744 minYouth Ministry BoosterHow To Teach the Bible (Teacher's Version) w/ Karen WorkunSend us a textBut how do you teach the Bible? So that students will learn?Special Guest Alert: Karen Workun! In this engaging episode Zac Workun and his guest Karen Workun dive deep into effective strategies for teaching scriptural texts. Karen shares her unexpected passion for genealogy, likening it to storytelling through concise biographies, and how this interest parallels the narrative engagement required in studying and teaching the Bible. Zac talks about the art of creating a "learning tree," drawing connections through recurring names and themes in scripture to enhance comprehension.2024-11-0747 min
Revive Youth Leader PodcastYouth Ministry Different - Zac WorkunIn this episode, we talk about life, ministry, and how we can be more effective. Zac talks about a number of great areas of ministry. You are not going to want to miss out on this and the many things that Lifeway has to offer, including Youth Ministry Booster. Check out him and Chad Higgins on their podcast. 2024-10-2934 min
@mysouthernhills messagesOct 6 / Zac Workun / All Patched Upwww.mysouthernhills.church2024-10-1131 min
The Glass House with Ben and Lynley Mandrell116. Handling Criticism with Youth Ministry BoosterSend us a textPeople can be mean! No matter what position you serve in, none of us are exempt from receiving criticism. On today's show we're featuring a crossover episode from Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They share stories of thier own experience with criticism and offer practical strategies to process feedback without losing your cool. This episode also underscores the importance of emotional health, both through your closest ministry relationships and friendships outside of work, ensuring that you're grounded and ready to face each challenge with grace and a smile. 2024-09-2333 min
The Youth Ministry Podcast for Volunteers045 - Networking with Other Youth Ministry VolunteersPodcast 045 | Networking with Other Youth Ministering VolunteersJoin us in episode 45 as we are joined by Chad Higgins and Zac Workun from Lifeway/Youth Ministry Booster. We talk with Chad and Zac about the importance of networking for youth ministry volunteers. They share the need for collaboration and community among volunteers, as well as the value of learning from and celebrating with one another. Overall, the episode highlights the significance of building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within the volunteer community. TakeawaysCollaboration is essential for y...2024-09-0340 min
Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder310. Rethinking Ministry Goals, Failures, and SuccessThis week we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite shows from the Lifeway Podcast Network - Youth Ministry Booster. This show is the most honest podcast in student ministry! Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins, the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders, Youth Ministry Booster brings you the humor and help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage! Chad and Zac tackle the hefty topic of expectations in ministry. They peel back the layers on why we plan events and who they're truly for. It's all about syncing our passions with the real needs...2024-07-0437 min@mysouthernhills messagesJune 9 / Zac Workun / So Misunderstood2024-06-1234 minDisciple-making in Community with Ken BraddyS4 E1 Student Ministry That Matters with Zac WorkunWelcome back to another great season of Disciple-making In Community with Ken Braddy. He is joined by guest Zach Workin, a student ministry specialist. They discuss the importance of student ministry and the elements of a healthy student ministry, including kingdom expanding, character transforming, and culture shaping.Zac Workun serves as the Student Ministry Training Specialist for Lifeway. Zac is one of the co-founders of Youth Ministry Booster, Lifeway Students’ collaboration and training network. He has served the local church in various youth ministry roles for over 15 years. He is a graduate of OBU with de...2024-06-0431 min
Group Answers Podcast with Brian Daniel273. How Do We Talk with Teens? with Zac WorkunHave you ever been talking to a teenager and find yourself in a situation where you don't know what to say? Sometimes it can feel like there is a huge wall between you and the teens in your life. Today on Group Answers Zac Workun and Brian Daniel dive into how we can effectively engage with the next generation in small groups. Zac currently serves as the Student Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Students. Zac is also the co-founder and network lead for Youth Ministry Booster. Zac is a voracious reader, avid gamer, car-camper, folk musician, black coffee-drinker...2024-05-1534 min
Next Gen Ministry Coaching PodcastHOW TO COMMUNICATE AND PREACH TO STUDENTS BETTER WITH ZAC WORKUN OF LIFEWAY & YOUTH MINISTRY BOOSTERIn this episode, I sit down with Zac Workun of Lifeway Ministries and host of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast where we dive into how to effectively communicate and preach to students, how to navigate digital ministry, and stay fresh in ministry. Zac is an absolute blast, and I promise you’ll love him and learn a TON from this conversation. Enjoy, and if you find the content helpful, please share with a friend! 📲 SET UP A FREE COACHING CALL WITH ME TO HELP GROW YOUR MINISTRY: https://calendly.com/ma...2024-05-1036 minHis Glory, Her Good24. Are You Ready for Camp? with Zac and ChadSend us a textIn this fun crossover episode, our friends from the Youth Ministry Booster podcast, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins, have joined us to talk all things CAMP! Through sharing our own experiences, our hope is that you will create the time to best prepare your heart and mind for a week away at camp with students.Did you love hearing from our friends at Youth Ministry Booster? You can subscribe to their podcast here. Want to check out all of our Lifeway camps? Click here to get started!2024-04-2924 minDisciple-making in Community with Ken BraddyS3E2 Lifeway's Best and Mostly Free ResourcesToo often leaders feel ill equipped in training their discipleship leaders. For reasons such as budgeting, or the lack of knowledge of what's available to them, obstacles stand in the way of training and equipping leaders to truly make disciples. Well today we have good news for you! On today's episode Melita Thomas, Dwayne McCrary, and Zac Workun joins us to share some of Lifeway's best, free, and mostly free resources for every area, kids, students, adults, and more! This episode is rich with amazing resources and you can find all the links to them below! Melita Th...2024-02-2739 min
Community Baptist Coweta2/11/24: Guest Speaker - Zac Workun2024-02-1332 min@mysouthernhills messagesJan. 28th / Zac Workun / Omnivores Delight/ 1 Corinthians 8mysouthernhills.church2024-02-0133 min@mysouthernhills messagesJan 14: Zac Workun //Sarcasm and It's DetrimentSarcasm and It's Detriment2024-01-1733 minGroup Answers Podcast with Brian Daniel259: Student Discipleship with Zac WorkunToday on the show, Brian Daniel chats with Lifeway's own, Zac Workun about trends in Student Discipleship. Zac Workun serves as the Student Ministry Training Specialist for Lifeway. Zac is one of the co-founders of Youth Ministry Booster, Lifeway Students’ collaboration and training network. He has served the local church in various youth ministry roles for over 15 years. He is a graduate of OBU with degrees in business management and religion and received his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity with a certificate of Baptist Studies. Zac and his wife Karen have two wild boys—Isaiah & Gideon. Zac is an O...2023-12-1235 min
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH130: Changes in Youth Ministry with Zac Workun and Chad HigginsIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast longtime friends of the show, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins from Lifeway Students and Youth Ministry Booster join us to talk about the changes we're seeing in youth ministry today.
We dive into all kinds of changes and some history of how we got here as well as some reminiscing on how The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast and Youth Ministry Booster started.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Follower: Becoming More than Just a Fan of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
A Short Guide to Groups: The Art of Leading Community by Jared Musgrove...2023-10-0551 min
Student MinistryEpisode 373: Pumpkin Spies“Ministry doesn’t just happen when you control it” – Zac Workun “If we are not careful we can be calendar busy but not ministerially busy.” – Ben Trueblood About Ben […]2023-10-0345 min
Student MinistryEpisode 373: Pumpkin Spies“Ministry doesn’t just happen when you control it” – Zac Workun “If we are not careful we can be calendar busy but not ministerially busy.” – Ben Trueblood About Ben […]Do you lead a group in your local church? Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clinking THIS LINK.2023-10-0346 minStudent MinistryEpisode 366: Urgent Care“When the busy is the result of procrastination or the wrong priorities, it makes it hard to get the rest we need.” – Zac Workun “You are measured by who […]2023-05-161h 06Student MinistryEpisode 366: Urgent Care“When the busy is the result of procrastination or the wrong priorities, it makes it hard to get the rest we need.” – Zac Workun “You are measured by who […]Do you lead a group in your local church? Check out Group Answers with Brian Daniel by clinking THIS LINK.2023-05-161h 07
1 Million Sent1 Million Sent - Episode 23 - Feat. Zac WorkunWelcome to '1 Million Sent' - the podcast where we equip and ignite the next generation to share Jesus in everyday life. Hosted by Ryan Fontenot of R.A.G.E Ministries, this podcast is all about equipping 1 million students in the next generation to share the gospel where they are with who they know.
In each episode, Ryan will have in-depth conversations with friends, leaders and experts in the field to discuss the important topics in culture and Church today. From understanding your faith to sharing it with others, this podcast will give...2023-05-0932 minYouth Ministry BoosterNumbers Do Matter In Youth MinistrySend us a textDon't believe the lie. Numbers do matter, we just need better ones! 2022 was a year of great consistency and we want to share what we have learned about healthy and better numbers for all of us! It's another episode of Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. In this episode they talk about why numbers actually do matter.They talk about why youth ministry feels like it needs more numbers, and how to find better ones. They discuss importance of getting below the surface of what t...2023-01-1835 min
First Baptist JoplinLevel Up: Session 4 Message Zac Workun, our speaker for Impact Weekend preaches on the prodigal son out of Luke 15 today. 2022-11-1332 min
Youth Ministry Maverick: Hosted by Jeff HardingEpisode 75: Addressing Apathy In StudentsA constant struggle in youth ministry is how to handle students who are unengaged, apathetic, and for whatever reason...not interested. In addition, there are some uncommon cultural and generational factors that compound the complexity of approaching apathetic students well. Zac Workun from LifeWay Students joins Jeff to talk about some evergreen methods along with methods that help us compensate for modern variables.
Follow Zac on Instagram here, and check out the link in his bio to access the latest content from LifeWay Students:
2022-10-2421 minKids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder235. New to MinistryMelita Thomas, Zac Workun, and Jana Magruder join the podcast to discuss being new to ministry.The post New to Ministry appeared first on Kids Ministry.Join us for ETCH 2025. Sign up and get the details HERE. ETCH Conference Connect with Lifeway Kids Leave us a voice message here with any questions or feedback!2022-09-0126 min