Lead222 Podcast

There is no better way to start off the new year then to make a decision to increase your prayer time with God. Veteran and head coach Chris Herning gives us practical ways to build a prayer team, train students on the importance of prayer and how to increase your own personal discipline of prayer. This can be a great discussion in your huddle groups as we stay committed to be healthy leaders. Chris Herning: Chris Herning and his wife, Brooks, have been doing youth ministry together since 1990; and have been serving at their current church - Vineyard Christian Church, reaching students on the north side of Chicago and the close suburbs since 1994. Chris has been a coach and has played a vital role in Lead222 for many years. Chris Herning - chrisherning@gmail.com Books Recommended: Prayer is a place by Charles Below God on Mute by Pete Greid FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.lead222ymstaffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

We’re back talking about our 9 Markers of a Healthy Youth Ministry! This episode we are talking about Intentional Events and what some key elements of an event that makes it intentionally planned. Take a listen as we discuss successes, how we have failed at planning events and how the weather is really getting to Jake. Bo Challenge: Capture photo or video at your next event so that your students can share them on social media!Bonus Bo Challenge - Have a student take the photo or video! Bonus Bonus Bo Challenge - Have a student make the social media post for your social media account! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @lead.222-------Did this conversation resonate with you? Do you have a suggestion for a future episode? We want to hear from you! Write us at info@lead222.com Help us grow the community!Subscribe, share, and leave a review.For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠

The Pod is looking a little different this season… Tony has stepped away from the pod BUT Nathan Gerber is here! Take a listen as you get to know Gerb, we talk about Fall launch and how Nathan has changed his legal name apparently. Bo Challenge: Invite! Invite! Invite! The coaching season is starting soon and we want Youth Pastors from around the country to get plugged in. Challenge 1a - if you don’t know any Youth Pastors in your area… get on it and reach out! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @lead.222-------Did this conversation resonate with you? Do you have a suggestion for a future episode? We want to hear from you! Write us at info@lead222.com Help us grow the community!Subscribe, share, and leave a review.For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffingwww.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠

Jake and Tony are back again looking at the 9 Markers of a Healthy Youth Ministry! This week is part 2 of their discussion on Student Ownership. They had the chance to chat with Lead222’s own Toby Thomack and a Youth Leader of his, Kiara, about how this marker is key to their ministry! Grab a cup of coffee, steam some tea, and take a listen as they discuss Kiara’s student ownership journey, Toby’s student intern program, and Tony’s inability to eat an ice cream bar properly. Enjoy! Bo Challenge: Pray that students would have a heart to own the ministry they are a part of! If you already have student ownership happening, pray for them to continue growing in faith and their relationship with God!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LEAD222! Bo Challenge:  Power of the invite! Bring someone into Lead222 and start in January!  Reach out to your volunteers intentionally today in some way. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you? Do you have a suggestion for a future episode? We want to hear from you! Write us at ⁠info@lead222.com⁠  Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠

Ep73 - Healthy Teams w/ Dylan Sundeen  Jake and Tony revisit the second of Lead222’s 9 Markers of a Healthy Youth Ministry, Healthy Teams, as they sit down and talk with friend of the pod - Dylan Sundeen. Take a listen as they discuss what perspective to have when it comes to your volunteers, how relational equity being a must, Tony shares about the Christmas gift he gave to his students, and we find out Dylan has a weird love for syrup.  Bo Challenge:  Power of the invite! Bring someone into Lead222 and start in January!  Reach out to your volunteers intentionally today in some way. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you? Do you have a suggestion for a future episode? We want to hear from you! Write us at info@lead222.com  Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠

Jake and Tony talk all about the second of Lead222’s 9 Markers of a Healthy Youth Ministry, Healthy Teams. Take a listen as they discuss why team dynamics are crucial to a healthy ministry, practical steps that you can implement today, and how Tony’s pickleball skills are unmatched by anyone in the Lead community.  Bo Challenge: The power of the invite! Who is someone in your sphere of connections in ministry that you can invite into this community? Everyone needs a place to grow as a healthy leader who leads a healthy life, family and ministry! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you? Do you have a suggestion for a future episode? We want to hear from you! Write us at info@lead222.com  Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠

Dave Choutka discusses with Billy McMahan what he has learned about Gen Z through his research with the Great Commission Research Network. They explore five key areas for engaging with the next generation in ministry, creating spaces for authenticity, sharing a compelling vision that Gen Z wants to be a part of, and why mentorship is crucial for discipling the next generation. This is an episode you won't want to miss! Billy McMahan Bio: Billy McMahan has 15 years of experience in building, designing and leading ministries to reach the next generation. He has served in both church and parachurch ministry and has also spent time as a missionary in Indonesia. Billy currently serves as the Southwest Mobilizer with Africa Inland Mission. He seeks to walk with people, cast vision, and call people towards the Great Commission. He holds a BA in Intercultural studies from Biola University, an MA in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton, and is working toward a DMin in Organizational Leadership at Asbury Theological Seminary. Billy is also the current Vice President for the Great Commission Research Network and has experience researching and writing on Gen Z, Evangelistic Strategy, and Leadership Development.email Billy: bcmcmahan12@gmail.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at ⁠⁠⁠dave@lead222.com⁠⁠⁠ Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠ Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

At the heart of a Trailblazer lies a supernatural courage, strength, and faith to live a life of Uncommon Integrity. Don't miss this conversation with Micah Davis the author of Trailblazers as we discuss the importance of being men and women of character. Micah shares 3 character forming practices of Learn to be alone, Decelerate and Listen, and Take charge of your day.  You don't want to miss this conversation!  Micah will be our opening session speaker at this year's LeadSummit Conference.   Micah E. Davis is a pastor and he believes the written and spoken word are a medium to illicit heart change and life transformation. He has committed his life to using words for good. Micah lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife Rylei and their Australian Kelpie, Leo. In his free time, he can often be found hiking, reading, or drinking a cold glass of sweet tea. Links: Media Center –Trailblazers (cover image, head shot, author bio, interview questions, etc.) Book Cover Image Author Image  (Author photo by Garrett and Mikaela Hoppes, Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved.) Book Buy Link Micah’s website Micah on TikTok Micah on Facebook Micah on IG Micah on Twitter Micah on YouTube  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at ⁠⁠⁠dave@lead222.com⁠⁠⁠ Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠⁠⁠www.lead222.com ⁠⁠⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠⁠⁠staffing.com⁠⁠⁠ Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222  

In this episode Dave has a conversation with Larry Gonzalez the youth pastor at Highland Park in Lakeland, Florida. Larry shares about the incredible things happening in his student ministry and why students are inviting their friends. We cover key principles to create an invite culture that include: Vision and mission, student ownership, hard conversations, follow up systems, and celebration.  You don't want to miss this episode! Larry Gonzalez: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/iamlarryalexander/ email: larryg@hpnaz.org FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at ⁠dave@lead222.com⁠ Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: ⁠www.lead222.com ⁠ Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/⁠staffing.com⁠ Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Description: In this episode we are joined by Justin Knowles who is the Director of Kids & Youth at Sandals Church in Riverside, CA. We discuss how follow up is an essential part of evangelism and discipleship and how students are seen, known and loved.  Justin shares 4 needs of follow up and then gets very practical with 4 ways to be intentional with follow up.  He shares the new systems that Sandals is putting in place of weekly, monthly and quarterly follow up.  You don't want to miss this episode! Justin Knowles Bio: Justin is the Director of Kids & Youth at Sandals Church in Riverside, CA. He oversees the kids and youth ministry teams across all 14 campuses. He co-hosts the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast.  He and his wife Kristin have 2 sons (Graham & Wade). Find Justin on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/justinknowles3/ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

In this episode Bo and Dave have a conversation with Joel Firebaugh who is the Lead Student Pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati about Starting Over. If you are starting over at a new church, starting in ministry for the first time, or been at your ministry role for years this episode is a wealth of wisdom to lead in a healthy way. We talk about how to assess the ministry, how long it takes to build trust, what expectations need to be clarified and agreed upon along with a timeline to accomplish that plan and how we win homefield with our family. You don't want to miss this important episode. Joel Firebaugh Bio He serves as the lead student pastor at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, OH. Crossroads is one church in 11 different locations with over 20,000 in attendance. Joel brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to student pastors everywhere.  Joel gets excited about spending time with his wife, Anna, connecting students to Jesus, and doing poorly executed magic tricks. Joel’s passion is helping the next generation take the next steps in their faith journey with Jesus!  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Christmas is just around the corner. In the midst of a busy season being intentional at home is key to winning homefield.  In this special holiday episode, Bo and Dave share their Christmas traditions and challenge us to be intentional with our family this Christmas.  FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Dave and Dr. Dave Olges discuss top mental health issues that teens are currently facing. We share best practices on how to help prepare and equip small group leaders to respond to mental health issues teenagers might bring up in a small group setting. We also discuss when to involve parents and the importance of a plan of reporting.  A very important episode you don't want to miss. Dr. Dave Olges is a licensed mental health counselor with more than 25 years of clinical experience. For more than a decade, he’s taught counseling skills, research methods, counseling theories and couples and family counseling to graduate and doctoral students. Dr. Dave Olges Bio Dave Olges is a professor of Counselor Education and Supervision. For more than a decade, he’s taught Counseling Skills, Research Methods, Counseling Theories and Couples and Family Counseling to graduate and doctoral students. Previous to his move to academia, David has also been a pastor in the areas of Community Groups, Pastoral Care, College and Careers and Youth ministry. David and his wife Shari live in Indianapolis with their youngest child, a high schooler. The older two children have moved off to college and simply don’t call often enough for his liking. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

In this episode, Dave is joined by Matt Swigart, Director of LEADMissions. Matt's got some incredible stories of spiritual transformation and Kingdom Impact from his experiences on all 4 of the LEADMission trips this past summer. He then gives us a strong encouragement on how significant spiritual formation takes place through short-term mission trips, and especially on LEADMission trips! We wrap up with a look at the 2023 LEADMission trips and LEADCamp that you don't want to miss. If you're planning a mission trip, this is a great episode to check out. Check out our Lead222 Mission information here: https://www.lead222.com/missions Matt Swigart - mswigart@lead222.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Is your youth ministry healthy and growing? Bo and Dave continue in our series with Part 3 today: What's My Part In Leading A Healthy Ministry. We discuss what makes a healthy ministry, how to evaluate your ministry, and how to develop a strategy. Don't miss this conversation and discuss this episode in your coaching and huddle groups. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

How's your marriage? Bo and Dave continue in our series with Part 2 today: What's My Part In Leading A Healthy Marriage. They discuss topics of communication, spiritual growth, finances and romance.  Don't miss this conversation and follow through on the challenge they give to each person in this episode. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Bo gives us wisdom on how to be a healthy leader spiritually, mentally and physically.  Bo and Dave talk about key principles and attitudes that we must own to pursue health and to be a healthy leader. Don’t miss this important conversation and then use this episode to discuss in your huddle and coaching groups. Youth Workers Survey Report: http://lead222.com/state-of-the-youth-workers-report.pdf FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.Lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Coming out of Covid we were curious where youth pastors were at so Lead222 and NNYM partnered to survey youth pastors. The insights led us to write a State Of The Youth Pastors Report and have a podcast discussion around the data. Don't miss this powerful conversation and incredible wisdom shared from Joe Landi and Tyler Roland. We hope this will be helpful to you as a youth worker to understand the landscape, find some identification, and some language to help you navigate this season of youth ministry To get the full report and survey results email dave@lead222.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.lead222/staffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.lead222ymstaffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222

Dave and Bo are joined by Co-Lead Pastor of Soul City Church in Chicago, one of America's fastest growing urban churches. She is the author of What's Here Now? How to stop rehashing the past and rehearsing the future and start receiving the present.  Jeanne shares such wisdom to help us slow down from busy lives and ministry and ask ourselves a simple question: What's Here Now? Jeanne Stevens is the founding and co-lead pastor of Soul City Church in Chicago, one of America's fastest growing urban churches. Prior to starting Soul City Church, Stevens was on the pastoral staff at Willow Creek Community Church and North Point Community Church. A sought-after speaker, leader, and writer, Jeanne's passion is to help people wake up to their purpose as they pursue a life of wholehearted freedom. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Jarrett, and their two children. What’s Here Now? is available NOW! Jeanne will also join us as a speaker for our upcoming NLCC conference!: Whether you're running a race, playing a sport, or beginning a new season, how you start means everything for the journey ahead. . As we look ahead towards the next season of youth ministry, we must start strong. Our own personal health, families, and ministries depend on it. Join us on August 30th for this year's NLCC as together we start strong this fall. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline! At this Years NLCC we will be diving deep into Authentic Community as we discuss whats its like walking through the Valleys and what it means to have consistent Soul Care. This is a can't miss event! Sign up here now! https://lead222.breezechms.com/form/NLCC2022 ONLINE Jeanne: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannestevens  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannestevens/  Website: www.jeannestevens.com FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222 ------- Did this conversation resonate with you?  We want to hear from you! Write us at dave@lead222.com Help us grow the community! Subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more information about Lead222 or find a community of leaders in your area: www.lead222.com  Lead222 Youth Ministry Staffing www.lead222ymstaffing.com Contact Dave at Dave@lead222.comFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @Lead.222