Ministry Coach: Youth Ministry Tips & Resources

Kristen Lascola
  • 5.0 (101)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Kristen Lascola from North Coast Church gives weekly insight and tips on how to grow the size and health of your Youth Ministry!  With over 20 years in Student Ministry, Kristen shares her knowledge and experiences and frequently features guests from various ministries, churches and leadership roles so that you can use proven strategies to increase your impact from your leadership role. This podcast will help you grow your leadership skills, enhance your youth group, learn new youth group games, put on impactful youth ministry events, build a thriving volunteer staff, grow your influence and create a healthy environment so that you can help take the ministry God has you in to the next level. Hit subscribe and get ready to advance your youth ministry!  https://www.growyouryouthministry.com/

  1. 2D AGO

    After 1,200+ Youth Group Services, Here's What I Learned...

    Send a text Join our Spring 2026 Cohort with Onward Leadership Training - Sign Ups are Limited and end March 1st - www.onwardleader.com! What will 1,200+ midweek youth group programs teach you? In this episode, we open the youth ministry playbook on the 7 biggest lessons I learned from doing over 1,200 youth group services spanning over 2 decades.  These tips will help you keep a student ministry healthy & growing - so you can build a program that’s both fun and spiritually focused without burning you or your ministry volunteers & staff out. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a fellow youth pastor, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more leaders find practical youth ministry tools they can use this week! ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#208) Youth Ministry Growth Starts With This ONE Thing... (#111) Plan a Whole Year of Youth Group Games in Under 30 Minutes (#093) Youth Pastor Self Care: Making Time for Yourself & Avoiding Burn Out ======= We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach ========= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder https://amzn.to/3eXmvkj *This episode is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which simply means, if you buy something, we will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) Thank you!* Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    31 min

  2. FEB 5

    Why I Almost Quit Youth Ministry...and Why I Stayed

    Send a text The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Have you ever stared at the youth ministry calendar, dreading another midweek youth group program or overnight event and wondered "is time to quit student ministry?" I’ve been there...more than once. This conversation is a candid look at 4 moments that nearly pushed me towards leaving youth ministry and the surprising anchors that pulled me back.  If you’re looking for honest stories, tangible tools, and a reminder that your work as a youth pastor matters even when the metrics feel fuzzy, this one’s for you! If this resonated, share it with a leader who needs a lift, subscribe for more practical help, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ with your biggest takeaway...we read every single one! ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#168) Listen to This If You Are Thinking About Quitting Youth Ministry (#210) The #1 Reason Most Youth Pastors QUIT Within the First 2 Years (#019) How to Deal with Difficult Students in Youth Ministry - Protecting Your Flock (#093) Youth Pastor Self Care: Making Time for Yourself & Avoiding Burn Out ======= We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach ========= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    36 min

  3. JAN 29

    6 Mistakes that Limit Growth in Youth Ministry

    Send a text The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Today, we will be taking an in-depth look at 6 growth-killing mistakes we see all the time in youth ministry and laying out a clear path to build momentum that actually lasts. From fixing inconsistent youth group programming to creating student-owned culture, this is a practical, field-tested guide to growth rooted in health. If you’re ready to remove barriers, raise the bar, and see students take ownership, this student ministry conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a fellow youth leader, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  to help more youth ministries find these tools.  ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#239) Your Youth Ministry Website is ALL WRONG! (Here's How to Fix It) (#040) How to Start a Student Leadership Team in Youth Ministry (#242) Youth Ministry Room Set Up & Decorating Ideas - Youth Room Remodel! (#047) Youth Pastors & Parents - Best Communication Tips! (#170) The 7 Essential Tips on How to GROW Your Youth Ministry! ======= We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach ========= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    33 min

  4. JAN 22

    5 Myths About Growing a Youth Ministry

    Send a text The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Do you ever feel like a bigger youth ministry will fix everything? Think again!  Today we unpack 5 common myths about youth group growth and share what it really takes to build a healthy, sustainable student ministry...one that can handle momentum without losing its purpose.  If you’re ready to prioritize health over hype and build a youth ministry that lasts, this conversation will give you the mindset and tools to do it. Subscribe, share with a youth leader who needs it, and leave a quick review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more youth ministries grow the right way! ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#170) The 7 Essential Tips on How to GROW Your Youth Ministry! (#243) 5 Mistakes Youth Pastors Make When Their Youth Ministry Isn't Growing ======= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder https://amzn.to/3eXmvkj *This episode is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which simply means, if you buy something, we will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) Thank you!* Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    34 min

  5. JAN 15

    How to Engage With the Female Students in Your Youth Ministry

    Send a text The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** What if the girls in your youth ministry aren’t disengaged—they’re just not being invited in? In this episode, we unpack simple, high-impact changes that help female students feel represented, included, and excited to serve, without sidelining anyone else in your student ministry. We will be breaking down how simple adjustments to visible leadership, sermon topics & illustrations, discipleship, games and events can bridge the gap that may be existing in how you are currently running your youth group. The result is a youth ministry culture where fairness, representation, and relational depth make space for every student to belong & feel connected. Ready to rethink the playbook and raise engagement for your female students? Listen in and if you get value, then subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.  Your feedback helps more youth leaders find these tools and build healthier youth ministries ❤️. ======= 📚 Books mentioned in this episode ⬇️: 📘 "The Blue Parakeet" by Scot McKnight - https://amzn.to/49DZYqA 📕 "The First Christian" by Tim Keller - https://amzn.to/3YF6W9G ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#215) How to Connect With Introverted Students in Your Youth Ministry (#142) Is Your Youth Group Struggling to Connect? 5 Tips that Work ======= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder https://amzn.to/3eXmvkj *This episode is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which simply means, if you buy something, we will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) Thank you!* Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    34 min

  6. JAN 8

    Best Books for Youth Pastors: Must-Read Books for Youth Ministry (2026 Edition)

    Send a text The time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry is NOW...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com ***Are you looking for books that will actually move the needle in your youth ministry and your leadership as a youth pastor? In this episode, we are presenting nine books that don’t just inspire, but they reshape how you lead, preach, and disciple within your student ministry. This is a great time to compile your reading list and this conversation aims straight at the places youth pastors feel stuck and offers practical ways forward. ======= 📚 Books mentioned in this episode ⬇️: 📕 "Lead Like it Matters" by Craig Groeschel - https://amzn.to/4qAsFvk 📗 “Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart" by J.D. Greear - https://amzn.to/49m54Yg 📘 "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn - https://amzn.to/3LjgSma 📙 "Renovated" by Jim Wilder - https://amzn.to/4sMRLsX 📕 "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller - https://amzn.to/4js9P7a 📗 "Prayer" by Tim Keller - https://amzn.to/3YZkVXR 📘 "How Not to Read the Bible" by Dan Kimball - https://amzn.to/3LyCaw8 📙 "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers - https://amzn.to/3NbOa7c 📕 "So the Next Generation Will Know" by Sean McDowell & J. Warner Wallace - https://amzn.to/3LgJsEL 👉 Loved the conversation? Subscribe, share it with a youth leader who needs fresh fuel, and leave a review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to help more youth pastors find the show ❤️ ======= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#015) Best Books for Youth Pastors - 9 Must Read Books (2020 Edition) ======= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder https://amzn.to/3eXmvkj *This episode is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which simply means, if you buy something, we w Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    34 min

  7. 12/18/2025

    5 Essential Youth Ministry Planning Strategies to Start the New Year STRONG!

    Send a text Are you ready to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together! Make sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Start the New Year strong with these 5 essential youth ministry planning strategies!  In this episode, we break down five planning moves that create real margin, sharpen your focus, and lift the quality of everything from student ministry leader care, youth group games, sermons, calendar planning to small group time.  If you’re ready to grow your student ministry with clarity and margin in the New Year, hit play, share this with a fellow youth worker, and subscribe so you never miss new tactics!! ========= Books mentioned: 📕 “Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart" by J.D. Greear https://amzn.to/49828hY Resources Mentioned: Lifechurch.com Coleader G Shades LeaderTreks We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach ========= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#164) Why You Need Multiple Speakers in Your Youth Ministry (#111) Plan a Whole Year of YOUTH GROUP GAMES in Under 30 Minutes! (#078) Youth Ministry Calendar Overview - Youth Group Planning Ideas! ======= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    39 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Youth Pastors: Get on the RIGHT TRACK for the New Year!

    Send a text Start the New Year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** One of the best ways that you can get your youth ministry on the right track for the new year is to get YOURSELF on the right track!  Today, we will be going over a ton of beneficial systems to get you and your youth group from where you are to where you want to be!  We will also map out practical rhythms across the five engines of a thriving youth pastor: physical health, spiritual devotion, social connection, mental growth, and emotional care.  Finally, we will get tactical about habits that stick: pairing tough tasks with small rewards, using time-blocking to protect non-negotiables, and converting idle moments into learning opportunities.  If you’re ready to swap pressure for a plan and design a year that actually aligns with your calling, this conversation gives you the framework to start and stay consistent. Like, subscribe and share this episode with a fellow student ministry leader or youth pastor! ========= Books mentioned in this episode: 📕 “Atomic Habits” James Clear https://amzn.to/44mndnb 📘 “Lead Like it Matters” by Craig Groeschel https://amzn.to/4pvojFL We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need. If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com! If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach ========= You may also enjoy these episodes: (#141) Attention Youth Pastors!  You Need Deeper Friendships! ======= 🔄 CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 📱: Ministry Coach Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryCoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ministrycoachpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ministrycoachpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ministrycoachpodcast Kristen Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klascola/ Jeffrey Lascola: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmasterbengal/ ======= Audio Equipment: Microphones https://amzn.to/3V9GrrT Microphone Preamp https://amzn.to/3QVB3WQ Digital Recorder https://amzn.to/3eXmvkj *This episode is not sponsored. Some of the links are affiliate links which simply mea Join us for the Spring 2026 Onward Leadership Training Cohort!!  3 months long...1 on 1 Coaching Sessions...Group Coaching Sessions...a Super Fun Retreat...PLUS lifetime access to the Youth Ministry Growth Accelerator course & coaching program!!   www.onwardleader.com for more info! Support the show

    43 min
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About

Kristen Lascola from North Coast Church gives weekly insight and tips on how to grow the size and health of your Youth Ministry!  With over 20 years in Student Ministry, Kristen shares her knowledge and experiences and frequently features guests from various ministries, churches and leadership roles so that you can use proven strategies to increase your impact from your leadership role. This podcast will help you grow your leadership skills, enhance your youth group, learn new youth group games, put on impactful youth ministry events, build a thriving volunteer staff, grow your influence and create a healthy environment so that you can help take the ministry God has you in to the next level. Hit subscribe and get ready to advance your youth ministry!  https://www.growyouryouthministry.com/

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