Practically Honest with Kaye Wolfinger Kaye Wolfinger

As youth leaders, it's difficult to say goodbye to our graduates. Especially as life takes them in new and exciting paths, but often away from our local churches. It is difficult to help guide each one of them individually to find their next place for them to grow in their faith. In this podcast, we talk about the transition to college ministry and the unique opportunities it offers as we highlight Ohioi Northern University and talk to their Chaplain and a student.

Tim Beck and I are joined by Deena Wolfe as we talk about how being youth leaders has impacted us as parents. We share our honest experiences with you in this podcast.

The pandemic as shifted ministry all together. As churches made the difficult decision to not meet in person in order to protect their most vulnerable members, many lost the connections with one another. We have discussed this in podcasts in the last few months. While we can grieve for what is lost, we need to find ways to move forward. In this podcast, I talk with a pastor/dad/youth leader about what youth ministry looks like in his church and home. Joe and his wife have seven children that range in age from eight to twenty one. I admire their approach to ministry. They just do life and welcome those around them into their daily routine. I believe this the future of ministry.

Tik Tok App took off during the pandemic. Most adults try to stay away from it. However, it is important for those of us that live and work with young people to be where they are and paying attention to what is influencing them. In this podcast we discuss the fall Tik Tok challenge called "Devious Licks" and how to stay connect to the world of young people.

As October begins, and we contemplate ministry this fall/winter, we are still faced with the difficulties of living during this pandemic in a very devasive political climate. For many church leaders, especially youth leaders, not much has changed in twelve months except the number of children and teens who are suffering from this virus. So, where does that leave us? How do we navigate a ministry when so many factors are in play?

While being out talking with youth leaders, many are struggling with similar roadblocks. Here are just a few:

It is difficult to know who is even a part of the youth group.
Volunteers are gone or those around do not want to give of their time anymore
Feeling weary and tired. Being creative and finding new ways to reach teens is exhausting
There has not been a break in 18 months
Do we meet face to face? Outside or inside? Wear masks or not? Social distance at youth group?
What does the future look like for youth ministry?

We address these questions and give some thoughtful advice in this podcast.

Chasity and I discuss the book we are currently reading in our book club this month. It's a great one! John Mark Comer takes us through his own struggle in finding quiet, peace and sabbath in his own life. He talks about hurry is not from God and how it can in face separate us from God. Take a listen, even if you haven't read the book. You may be inspired to reflect on this hurried life we all lead and actually do something different.