The Effective Ministry Podcast

Youthworks Ministry Support
  • 4.9 (10)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED TWICE MONTHLY

Join the Youthworks Ministry Support Team as they discuss how to have an effective youth and children’s ministry in every church in conversation with local ministry workers as well as national and international voices. Get in touch - effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net www.youthworks.net

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    105 - Think Tank - Spaces of Belonging

    Episode Description This episode is a little different! We're sharing a recording of a Theology Think Tank on the topic of belonging, facilitated by Dr. Louise Gosbell in collaboration with YouthWorks College and the Ministry Support Team. You'll hear Louise's teaching, live Q&A, and group discussion — all focused on what it means to create spaces of belonging for children and young people in your local church context. Guest - Dr. Louise Gosbell — Academic and ministry practitioner with a long background in disability inclusion ministry. Former voluntary coordinator for the Sydney region of CBM Australia's disability inclusion program. Louise teaches at YouthWorks College and writes academically on belonging, disability, and the body of Christ. In This Episode A theological framework for belonging from 1 Corinthians 12 — Paul's image of the body of ChristWhat researchers say belonging actually feels likeJohn Swinton on belonging: "To belong, you need to be missed"The mental, emotional, and physical health benefits of belongingHow Australia's Belonging, Being and Becoming framework reflects the importance of belonging in early childhood educationIntroduction to Eric Carter's Dimensions of Belonging Framework — and group discussion on how it applies to children's and youth ministryPractical, low-cost strategies for fostering belonging in your programsArticle link; https://courageous-omelet-90c.notion.site/GOSBELL-Creating-Communities-of-Belonging-for-Children-and-Young-People-Youthworks-Think-Tank-30be772d74bd80b0ba50cd8a29f2de0e?source=copy_link Louise's email; lgosbell@aut.edu.au Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net

    1hr 20min

  2. 31 MAR

    104 - Low Hanging Fruit For When Kids Are In | Meaghan Gates, Adam Jolliffe, Al James

    We’re thinking about how to make the most of when kids are in the room for church gatherings. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Meaghan Gates, Adam Joliffe, and Al James share some simple, practical “low-hanging fruit” to help include children and young people meaningfully. We start with a core conviction: kids aren’t the “future church”—they’re full members of the body of Christ right now. From there, we reflect on how we can unintentionally “other” children, especially through the way we speak, and how small shifts in language can make a big difference. We talk about using accessible (simple, not simplistic) language, speaking directly to children rather than about them, and giving equal weight to both the main gathering and kids’ programs when children are dismissed. We also highlight the importance of celebrating children’s contributions as genuine ministry, not performance. When it comes to preaching, we share a range of practical ideas to help engage all ages—things like creating multiple entry points through sermon sheets, using clear prompts and simple challenges tied to the big idea, incorporating visuals, building in short discussion moments, and intentionally resetting attention throughout the sermon. If you’re planning for Easter—or any all-age gathering—these are ideas you can pick up and put into practice straight away. Timestamps 00:00 — Easter and all-age services 01:35 — Meet the hosts 02:27 — Why kids belong in the church now 03:41 — How language shapes culture 06:35 — A story of preacher anxiety 08:07 — Simple, not simplistic 11:13 — Speaking directly to children 13:51 — Valuing kids’ church alongside the main gathering 15:09 — Celebrating ministry, not performance 18:18 — Praise as ministry 18:45 — Building momentum for kids serving 20:48 — Preaching: low-hanging fruit 22:48 — Sermon sheets and access points 25:22 — Using a simple “challenge” hook 27:38 — Visuals and interaction 30:13 — Re-engaging attention 33:09 — Building a culture of welcome over time 34:27 — Key takeaways and wrap-up Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net

    36 min

  3. 17 MAR

    103 - Exploring Ecclesiology in Youth and Children's Ministry

    Kicking off the 2026 Effective Ministry podcast, Al James and Annemarie Rivers discuss how ecclesiology (the theology of the church) shapes youth and children’s ministry, asking whether youth group, kids’ church, and afterschool clubs are “church.” Drawing on Chase Kuhn’s work (including discussion of Donald Robinson, Broughton Knox, Kevin Giles, and Graham Cole), they explore church as the gathering (ecclesia) created by God’s word, centered on hearing and responding in faith, and focused on building up God’s people. They consider the gathered and scattered nature of church, the distinction between earthly intermittent gatherings and the constant singular heavenly church, and why the heavenly church’s oneness implies diversity. They discuss Robinson’s claim that the church’s primary task is not evangelistic, how evangelism still occurs in and from the gathering, and Kuhn’s conclusions that age-specific ministries are valid but not ideal expressions of church, requiring integration and intergenerational discipleship. Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net

    38 min

  4. 3 MAR

    Summer Re-Release 6 - 091 - Under 5's Ministry with Meagan Ho and Eliza Batten

    Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26 This week, we are re-releasing episode 091 - Under 5's Ministry with Meagan Ho and Eliza Batten. Intentional Under Fives Ministry: Insights and Strategies In this episode, Meagan and Eliza discuss their extensive experience and passion for ministry to children under five. They share practical insights and examples from their own work including the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment and the benefits of using play-based learning. They also provide advice on implementing a structured curriculum, building trust with parents, and fostering an inclusive church community. Additionally, they highlight useful resources and emphasize the role of consistency and relational engagement in children's spiritual development. Listeners are encouraged to attend the upcoming House Conference for more insights into effective youth and children's ministry. Resources referenced -Raising disciples https://www.instagram.com/raising.disciples_/Baby devotions https://www.instagram.com/babydevotionsLift their eyes https://www.instagram.com/lifttheireyes Connect with Youthworks Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction and Megan's Background 03:05 Eliza's Journey in Kids Ministry 06:11 Teaching Bible Content to Under Fives 09:32 Practical Tips for Engaging Under Fives 11:28 Learning Through Play 13:13 Building Relationships and Safety 29:49 Challenges in Ministry to Under Fives 37:38 Resources and Final Thoughts

    42 min

  5. 17 FEB

    Summer Re-Release 5 - 101 - Youth Ministry and the Social Media Ban with Chris Jones

    Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26 This week, we are re-releasing episode 101 - Youth Ministry and the Social Media Ban with Chris Jones. Navigating Social Media Ban for Under 16s: Implications for Youth Ministry In this episode, Al chats with Chris Jones, a colleague on the Ministry Support Team at Youthworks. They discuss the upcoming social media ban for individuals under 16 in Australia, taking effect on December 10. They explore the practical and pastoral implications of this ban on youth ministry, including how to adapt communication strategies, the impact on youth groups' social media presence, and the broader societal changes it may bring. The conversation highlights the need for youth ministers to prepare their teams and families for these changes and to focus on fostering genuine, embodied community within their youth ministries all for the sake of young people knowing loving and following Jesus. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:23 Chris Jones' Role and Responsibilities 00:47 Enjoyment and Challenges in Youth Ministry 01:26 Discussion on Social Media Ban for Under 16s 02:34 Details of the Social Media Ban 05:26 Implications for Youth Ministry 06:32 Global Perspective and Government's Role 10:16 Pastoral and Practical Implications 20:21 Questions and Considerations for Youth Ministries 26:37 Navigating Youth Ministry in the Digital Age 27:09 Exploring Communication Platforms for Youth Groups 29:17 The Role of WhatsApp in Youth Ministry 32:12 Pastoral Implications for Youth Leaders 43:00 Engaging Families in the Transition 45:04 Opportunities and Challenges Ahead 50:22 The Impact of Mobile Phones in Youth Groups 51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net

    55 min

  6. 3 FEB

    Summer Re-Release 4 - 098 - House Conference Follow up Q and A with Dr Viv Cheung and Dr Graham Stanton

    Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26 This week, we are re-releasing episode 98 - House Conference Follow up Q and A with Dr Viv Cheung and Dr Graham Stanton. This episode continues the HOUSE Conference 2025 series from Youthworks. Earlier, we released a pre-conference lead-up series including: Ep 92 - House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Viv Cheung | The Cost and Joy of Being a Living SacrificeEp 93- House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Graham Stanton | The Beauty and Ugliness of SacrificeEp 94 - House Conference group discussion with Jocelyn Bignill & Toby MacgregorYou can also listen to: Ep 87 - The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025 During HOUSE, many questions were raised and submitted online by Delegates. This post-conference follow-up addresses some of the questions we didn’t have time for at the conference, with insights from Dr Viv Cheung and Rev Dr Graham Stanton. The discussion explores biblical, theological, and pastoral aspects of sacrifice, and highlights practical applications for ministry with young people and children. Whether you attended HOUSE, engaged with the lead-up series, or are just tuning in, this episode will help you reflect, discuss, and apply the theme The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice in your ministry — and gives a glimpse of what’s possible at next year’s conference, 25–27 August 2026. Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2026 → https://youthworks.net/house Links & Resources HOUSE Conference 2026 – https://youthworks.net/houseConnect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net

    1hr 12min

  7. 20 JAN

    Summer Re-Release 3 - 090 - Public High School Ministry with Katie Stringer

    Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26 This week, we are re-releasing episode 090 - Public High School Ministry with Katie Stringer. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh, a Youth and High School Ministry Advisor with YouthWorks in Sydney, speaks with Katie Stringer about Special Religious Education (SRE) in public high schools in New South Wales, Australia. Katie, who teaches Christian SRE to nearly 900 students each fortnight across multiple schools, shares her journey of getting involved in SRE and the unique opportunities and challenges this ministry presents. The discussion includes practical steps for initiating SRE programs, the importance of creating a spiritual ecosystem within schools, and the impact SRE can have on both students and volunteers. Katie emphasises the vital role of collaboration among local churches and the transformative power of prayer and teamwork in sustaining and expanding SRE efforts. Christian SRE To connect with Christian SRE, click here. Connect with Youthworks Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    45 min

  8. 6 JAN

    Summer Re-Release 2 - 097 - ADHD and discipleship in children and youth ministry

    Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26 This week, we are re-releasing episode 97 - ADHD and discipleship in children and youth ministry. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Meaghan Gates is joined by Di Lucas from Youthworks Ministry Support Team and Luke Graham, a children's minister in Canterbury. The discussion focuses on the significant challenges and rewarding experiences of working with neurodiverse children in church settings. Luke shares insights about creating inclusive spaces through initiatives like the Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry Network. Di offers personal perspectives and practical strategies from her own experiences both as a mother to children with ADHD and as an individual with an ADHD diagnosis. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical support for neurodiverse children and their families, stressing that no expertise is required to start making positive changes. 00:00 Introduction to Church and Community 00:47 Meet the Hosts and Guests 02:39 Challenges of Working with Neurodiverse Kids 04:46 Biblical Perspective on ADHD 12:21 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids 32:25 The Power of Praise for Kids 33:31 Inclusion of Neurodiverse Kids in Church 36:54 Personal Experiences with ADHD in Ministry 39:33 Strategies for Supporting Kids with ADHD 50:11 Supporting Parents of Kids with ADHD 57:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Connect with YouthworksClick through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here. We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net Bec Baines Accessibility Ministry Advisor https://www.youthworks.net/blog/bec-baines Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry page https://www.facebook.com/groups/775236337121469

    1hr 4min
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4.9
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About

Join the Youthworks Ministry Support Team as they discuss how to have an effective youth and children’s ministry in every church in conversation with local ministry workers as well as national and international voices. Get in touch - effectiveministrypodcast@youthworks.net www.youthworks.net

Information

  • Creator
    Youthworks Ministry Support
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Youthworks Ministry Support
  • Show Website
    The Effective Ministry Podcast

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