Volunteer Youth Worker Podcast Youth Worker Community

“I think first of all, as leaders, we have to understand what the gospel is first and foremost so that we can lead, encourage, coach, challenge, and even call [our students] to a decision.”
Mark Miller, from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, joins Jeremy on the podcast to discuss leading teenagers to Jesus. Mark emphasizes the importance of a moment of decision in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and the need for youth leaders to understand and articulate the gospel. Listen in for a clear way that you can lead your students to faith in Jesus. 

You can join the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in spreading the gospel online by heading to SearchforJesus.net or check out www.billygraham.ca
 
Billy Graham would often pray: “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust you and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name, amen.”

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 10:9: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

“I think it's always the goal is always to get to somebody's heart. Like what do you believe about yourself and God?”
This is the question that Kyla is helping youth workers focus on as we connect with all of our students, including those that identify in the LGBTQ+ community. In light of that, Kyla recommends these three lead in questions that help us understand our students better:

Would you share your story with me?Tell me more about your identity… What does that mean for you?We want you here – what could we do to help make you feel that truth?

If you haven’t met Kyla yet, she introduces herself on her website by saying, “Hi, I’m Kyla. I am a biological female who transitioned and lived as male for 6 years, then detransitioned. I’d love to share my story with you.” In this conversation we get to hear a bit of that story, but you can hear more back on episode 200.

You definitely want to learn more about Kyla and her ministry. You can track with her on Instagram or through her website: kylagillespie.com and you should definitely reach out to find ways to connect her with the work you are doing.

Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this episode, Jeremy and Sid discuss the crucial role of prayer in youth ministries. You’ll hear their personal insights on making prayer a core part of ministry culture, emphasizing its impact on both your other volunteers and youth. Listen in for practical tips on integrating prayer as a personal practice heading into ministry situations as well as how to pray for your students and pray with your students.
Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition
Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this episode, Jeremy and Sid discuss how to coach other small group leaders in both informal and formal settings. They emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of teachability and asking questions to spark curiosity and learning. They also suggest defining a fixed time for coaching sessions and setting clear expectations for the coaching relationship. The hosts encourage veteran small group leaders to take on the role of coaching and supporting younger leaders, recognizing the impact they can have on the next generation.
 
Check out the Next Steps Awards from Power to Change - Students. There’s $50,000 available this year!
If you’d like to find a university campus group, check out this link: https://p2c.com/students/campuses/
Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition
Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition
 
Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community
Takeaways
Youth workers have the power to shape the future of their students by speaking truth and providing a vision for their lives. Youth workers should see themselves as conduits of truth, communicating the messages of Jesus and helping students discover their unique gifts and potential. There is a hesitation among youth workers to exercise their influence due to fear of getting it wrong or pushing students away, but the void is then filled by other voices. Prayer and seeking God's vision are essential for youth workers to effectively guide and mentor their students. Asking the right questions can help youth workers uncover the potential and purpose in their students' lives. Youth workers have the opportunity to make an eternal difference in the lives of young people and should embrace their role as shepherds and guides.
Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction and Framing the Question 00:57 The Role of Youth Workers in Shaping the Future 04:04 Being Conduits of Truth 08:38 Speaking Truth and Calling Out Students 11:08 Asking the Right Questions 13:49 Prayer for Volunteer Youth Workers

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition
 
Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community