Youth Ministry Hacks

In this episode we link back up with Dr. Terry Parkman talking about his new book called Future Church: How Disruption, Innovation, and a New Generation Are Reshaping the Church. We live in an age defined by disruption―artificial intelligence, digital tribalism, decentralization. In our posttruth culture too many leaders cling to outdated models, unsure how to engage a world that has already moved on. Is this the end―or the beginning of something new?Terry Parkman, DMin, recognizes the opportunity within the chaos. With today’s cultural, technological, and spiritual paradigms shifting faster than ever, this moment demands more than a few tweaks. It demands transformation. In Future Church, Terry boldly calls leaders to rethink how the Church engages the next generations without diluting the Gospel. With clarity and conviction, he unpacks how leaders can ride the waves of disruption rather than drown beneath them.This is a field guide for those ready to:Understand why the old maps don’t work in a posttruth, postinstitutional world.Reframe discipleship for the Adaptive Age without compromising orthodoxy.Embrace decentralization as a model, not the enemy.Recognize and activate the missional power of Generations Z, Alpha, and Beta.Build flexible, Spirit-led systems that thrive in cultural upheaval.Leverage disruption to serve, not silence, the Gospel.This isn’t deconstruction. It’s a blueprint for what comes next. The message hasn’t changed, but everything else must.THE FUTURE ISN’T SOMETHING WE NEED TO FEAR. IT’S SOMETHING WE’RE CALLED TO LEAD.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobsFuture Church Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG77J2VV/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_6P7RH3P5XS63HNVVP4XK?linkCode=ml1&tag=terryparkman-20&linkId=15a224ce4ccc44d8bf672f859ce0dc62&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOVY3aWh6NHJPcHdjVHVpYwEeUyejoJcPBWrWTW9J94z1dhNYTVsZXSIMLYmI7OWz5hf99n8hvUGzDPbRg-E_aem_sydrmsl7I3c2Y5st6W2uDgConnect with Terry: https://www.terryparkman.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOVY3aWh6NHJPcHdjVHVpYwEetoElLL6QTJ5eEFNGV1KSw8TQQtaz-f7lv7c5kv5m2vtluciwamcINhvNv3k_aem_VfTCOEND0fDqNnssWGHTzQ

In this episode, Justin and Sean sit down with Jake Hancock, Director of Students at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Arizona.Not only is CCV one of the largest churches in the U.S., but they also have a thriving student ministry making a massive impact.Jake shares how to cast clear vision, set strong expectations for leaders, and build a healthy student serve culture—from strategy to execution. This conversation is jam-packed with practical gold you can take straight back to your ministry.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobsHit up Jake on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeahancock?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXFsMG9lZ3NmMHc4dw==

In this episode, Sean and Justin sit down with Anthony Lucarini—Next Gen Pastor at Low Country Community Church in South Carolina—to talk about a major shift we’ve been noticing in Gen Z.The hype-driven, attractional model isn’t connecting like it used to. Instead, students today are hungry for something real—unapologetically spiritual environments where they can encounter Jesus, hear truth, and grow deeper in their faith. And surprisingly, even students who don’t go to church seem more curious than ever.We talk through how youth pastors can rethink programming, messages, and culture to reflect this shift—and how to lead ministries that don’t just entertain students but equip them spiritually.It’s a rich and practical convo. We can’t wait for you to hear.Make sure to follow Anthony on IG:https://www.instagram.com/anthonylucarini/ 

If you're leading a youth ministry team, there's a good chance you’re asking your leaders how things are going. But… what if you’re asking the wrong question?In this episode, Justin shares a simple shift that could totally change how you lead, how your team connects, and how your ministry thrives. These five questions aren’t complicated—but the impact? Game-changing. Don’t lead on autopilot. Lead with intentionality.This one’s for every youth pastor, team lead, or ministry director who wants to build a culture that actually lasts.🔗 Links Mentioned:Coaching, community, and connection: youngpastorsnetwork.comWork with Justin 1-on-1: youngpastorsnetwork.comExplore open youth ministry jobs at Flatirons Church: flatironschurch.com/jobs👀 Bonus: Stick around for a challenge at the end of the episode—your leaders will thank you for it.

We’re back! After a few months off, Youth Ministry Hacks returns with a fresh episode full of vision and practical leadership insight. Justin and Sean dive into the same foundational talk Sean recently shared with his new team—casting vision and setting the tone for how we lead in ministry.In this episode, we cover five key challenges and reminders every youth worker needs:Remember your why for doing ministryFind a sustainable rhythm that fuels longevityKnow your limits before they take you outStart equipping the next generation nowRecognize that leaders are the pastorsWhether you’re restarting, realigning, or just need fresh encouragement, this episode is packed with real talk and honest reflection to help you lead with clarity and purpose.

Join Justin and Sean as they kick off 2025 with reflections on their lives and ministries. They’ll share insights on what they’re focusing on and how they’re bringing fresh vision and intentionality into the new year. Through ministry, leadership, and personal growth, they’re driven to make 2025 the best year yet.Come join the conversation!Episode sponsor:onwardleader.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coleader Curriculum! Coleader.co 

In this episode, Justin shares what he taught at the Download Youth Ministry Round Tables Conference about metrics. Metrics are something that is not talked about ina  setting like this but it’s something we talk about weekly in our churches. We want to have a good, healthy view of metrics and what to track that is just butts in seats. Justin challenges us on how to do that and what types of things we should be looking for. Episode sponsor:onwardleader.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coleader Curriculum! Coleader.co

In this episode, Justin and Sean take on your questions about youth ministry and do their best to answer them. They hit topics like:●      Discipline in youth ministry●      Depression in ministry●      Delegation●      Lowest point in youth ministry for us●      Message prep●      When it's time to leave the church●      Follow up with new students●      And more!  Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com   Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/     Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co

Welcome to Episode 122 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justin and Sean are back after a summer hiatus to catch up on what's been happening in their ministries. They discuss Justin’s new role and the journey that led him there, the process of delegating tasks, God’s faithfulness, the importance of praying through strategy, and much more. Tune in to hear their latest insights and experiences in youth ministry!  Episode sponsor: xpscripture.com  Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel: https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/   Check out Coleader Youth Ministry Curriculum! Coleader.co

Welcome to Episode 121 of the Youth Ministry Hacks Podcast! In this episode, Justinintroduces a new seasonal approach to youth ministry. Instead of spreading themselvesthin year-round, they're focusing on key aspects during specific seasons: Outreach andSchool Focus, Grow Deeper, and Training. Tune in to learn how this strategic shiftmaximizes effectiveness and impact!Check out our sponsor:MessageBible.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Check out Coeader Curriculum!Coleader.co

In episode 120 of our podcast, Justin and Sean opened the floor for your questions, and they tackled a variety of topics on the show! From navigating growth in your ministry to establishing camp rules, defining student leadership roles, sparking interest in Bible reading among guys, and prioritizing church attendance, they covered it all.Tune in to the episode and grab your notepad because there are plenty of valuable insights to glean from this discussion! It's one you won't want to miss!Check out our sponsor: MessageBible.comJoin the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Looking for a great curriculum? Check out DYM's Coleader! Coleader.co 

In Episode 119 of Youth Ministry Hacks, Justin and Sean are getting raw and real about leadership revelations. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest conversations about what God's been showing them and how it's shaking up their ministry game.From battling mental headspace to fine-tuning their strategies, they're laying it all out on the table. Forget the old ways of doing things; Justin and Sean are all about creating genuine moments for students to meet Jesus and ditching outdated practices.Join the YM Hacks Instagram Channel:https://ig.me/j/Ababaue99NXURdiv/Looking for flexible, affordable curriculum? Check out Coleader! coleader.co

In this episode, Sean sits down with THE Brad Lomenick, leadership consultant, coach, author… lots of other things… and talks through leading in 2024, identity as a leader, calling, mission, and ministry assignment. It is a great and challenging conversation that is perfect to start the new year. Check out Brad’s Stuff here:http://www.bradlomenick.com/Check out Co-Leader! Coleader.co

In this episode Sean Lord is solo going through what he walked through his all small group leaders through in their latest training. They walk through how to keep students engaged in groups and how they are to been seen and experienced. Check out his slide presentation:https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h420j8fvtvrreufsp1dct/YMH-Sean-Leader-Training.pptx?rlkey=m4k1yqrk2njir947ld7pwbvz1&dl=0Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co

Justin shares some of the content as he and his crew trained their own small group leaders on how they want to multiply their groups, split them, be more “sticky” in welcoming new students placed in them and the vision of why they want to grow them. Check out Coleader as well! Coleader.co

Sean and Justin sat down and took your questions!Questions ranged from letting leaders go, to the age old bathing suits rules, to disruptive students, to how midweeks are set up and more. Check out Coleader! Coleader.co

This episode we talk with Matt Manno from Newlife in Queens, New York about what it means to be Emotionally Healthy. We talk about how Emotional Health is a necessity not only for ourselves, but for the leaders and students that we lead.Matt@emotionallyhealthy.orghttps://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/Check out Coleader Now! https://www.coleader.co/

Description: In this episode Justin and Sean sit down with Gary Garcia to talk about taking a back seat in leadership roles to raise up new and younger leaders. This is a vital part of building up God’s kingdom and they chat through the in’s and out’s of how they have done that over their time. Gary is 31 years in youth ministry at the same church and the lead pastor of that church now. The conversation is a good one and worth a listen.Gary’s IG:https://www.instagram.com/gary.daniel.garcia/

Sean and Justin dive into what are the top 4 things they are focusing in right now in the summer that will set them up better in the fall. Take a few minutes and see if they hit on anything that would be beneficial for your ministry. SPONSOR: APU Youth Leadership Initiative ​​Looking for a discipleship conference this summer for high school students? Join us at the Kaleo Youth Conference at Azusa Pacific University on July 8,, 2023. This one-day conference for high school students (and their leaders) will focus on hearing the call of Jesus in the small and big decisions of life. We will have dynamic speakers, impactful worship, engaging workshops, and Chick-Fil-A dinner, for only $25. For more information go to apuyli.org https://apuyli.org/kaleo-conference-summer-2023/Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclordCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/

Sean interviews Justin about effective follow up. It stemmed from a failure in Justin’s ministry that they are trying to be more intention this year about. They walk through the spiritual implications of follow up and give some practical thoughts on follow up in your ministry.Follow Sean and Justin on IG:@justinknowles3@seanclordCheck out DYM Coleader https://www.coleader.co/Flat Irons College https://flatironscollege.com/