Have you ever had a team of volunteers but had no idea how to help them develop? Should you provide training for them? If so, how often and what in the world do you teach them?That’s the kind of challenge Kirsten Knox and Brian Lawson address head-on as they unpack the journey of shaping volunteer leaders in youth and children's ministries.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Have you ever considered that welcoming new volunteers is just the first step on a much longer journey? That's precisely the focus of our latest episode on Making Sense of Ministry. In this Five-Minute Mentoring episode, Brian Lawson walks you through a critical step in nurturing a volunteer toward long-term success. Get ready to discover the secrets to building a committed, long-term team—because the truth is, when you think you can finally take a breath after onboarding, that's when the real work begins.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

How do you onboard a new volunteer? We know that if you don't welcome and guide a new volunteer in your Youth Ministry or Children's Ministry well, they will likely not last. So if it's time for you to up your onboarding skills, then give this episode a listen.Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Do you struggle with asking for help? You're not alone. Join me, Kirsten Knox, as I divulge my own trials with this issue, particularly how it influenced my effectiveness in recruiting volunteers for youth ministry. Learn how changing my perspective from seeking help to inviting others to partake in the transformative work God is already doing in our youth's lives made a significant impact. Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Have you ever found yourself spiraling in frustration? Join us as we share our personal tales – Brian's tussle with a guacamole-less Chipotle visit and Kirsten's fiery four-square showdown. And the truth is, we can feel frustration with volunteers - ever been there? We spill the beans on the essentials - from documents like background screenings to laying down clear expectations. Our candid discussion offers practical advice to bypass roadblocks that often lead to leadership frustrations. This episode is your guide to ensuring your volunteers hit the ground running in their respective roles.Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Ready to ask a potential volunteer to join your Youth Ministry or Children's Ministry? In this episode, Brian uncovers how to successfully connect with potential volunteers, from choosing the ideal setting for your conversation to effectively communicating your ministry's vision. The way you ask may just make or break whether the person will say yes to joining your ministry team.This episode will give you a clear understanding of the BEST way to ask a potential volunteer to serve in your ministry. Subscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Ever wondered how a NASCAR risk manager or a post office worker could be the best addition to your ministry team? Buckle up! We’re about to take you on a unique journey about unique volunteers. We've learned the immense value of diversifying our volunteer teams, drawing from our volunteers' skill sets, backgrounds, and ages, even when they defy the ‘typical’ volunteer image. It's easy to overlook the quiet ones, like the tireless administrative volunteer ensuring birthday postcards are sent out - but trust us, their impact is far-reaching and deeply meaningful to young people. We'll also delve into the depths of our own biases when recruiting and how they can inadvertently limit the potential of our ministries. We all have our blind spots, but learning to recognize and navigate them is crucial in building a team that can truly take your ministry to the next level.Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Ready to create a stellar volunteer team for your ministry? Kirsten Knox will guide you through the process of choosing the best possible team for your ministry. We kickstart the discussion with an engaging debate about the greatest basketball players of all time, using this analogy to highlight the importance of selecting the best team for your ministry. Tune in to learn how to begin your recruitment process by considering the best. Discover why it's crucial to maintain an open mind during the selection process and not prematurely dismiss potential volunteers. You'll find out how prayer and the wisdom of Jim Collins on having the right people on the 'bus' can guide you toward success in youth or children's ministries. Don't miss out on your chance to assemble your All-Star team. Unearth more gems of wisdom on building success in youth or children's ministries by visiting YMinstitutecom.Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode, we walk through tales of memorable volunteers, the influences they wield on youth and children's ministries, and the lessons we can glean from their stories. Ever been amused by a volunteer who does something quirky? Or marveled at a longtime volunteer who creates a ‘happy place’ of serving within the church? As we round off this episode, we lean into the life cycle and retention of volunteers. We share a poignant story, a single unpleasant encounter that drastically reshaped our volunteer recruitment process. We then tap into the art of trusting our instincts for volunteer selection and tactfully guiding volunteers onward when the time is right. Tune in and be inspired by the immense power volunteers offer to our communities.Resources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Have you ever had someone complain, and now it's all you can think about? Have complaints ruined a meaningful moment in ministry? In this Five-Minute Mentoring episode, Brian discusses the interwoven web of joys and complaints. Understanding this web can help you stay positive and joy-filled as you serve in ministry.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Everyone goes through seasons of feeling spiritually dry. Perhaps that is you right now. You may even wonder if it is time to quit children's or youth ministry. In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss being spiritually dry and how to move forward in a positive way.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode of Five-Minute Mentoring, we explore knowing your audience and why it may be one of your best ways to gain respect from both parents and church members while creating stronger relationships with young people.Resources For YouYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Have you ever experienced drama in your ministry? No matter the age group we serve, there will be drama. In this episode, Kirsten and Brian discuss the drama they have experienced in ministry and how they handle it.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode of Five-Minute Mentoring, we explore the concept of transparency in ministry, the danger of oversharing, and why these are important concepts to apply to your leadership and ministry.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In truth, we all face discouragement at times. So what do we do about it? How do you handle discouragement? And will it defeat you? In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss a few thoughts on discouragement in youth ministry and children's ministry. Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share the struggle many Youth and Children's Ministers face when connecting with parents. If you struggle to connect with parents, you will appreciate this episode.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share some of the mistakes they made as a rookie in ministry and some that they continue to make. Their discussion will give you confidence, insights, and ways to avoid these common mistakes in your ministry.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode, Brandon Sangster from St. Lukes's UMC joins Brian and Kirsten to discuss communicating values and upping your communication game to the next level. We encourage you to check out Brandon's youth ministry on Instagram and TikTok.Find Brandon on Instagram or TikTok.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkSupport the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten share some of their hopes for ministry this fall, reflect on interesting summer stories, and discuss one BIG way you should support your volunteers.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.

Steve Schneeberger, YMI founder and Lead Director of Student Ministries across all locations for Church of the Resurrection (the largest UMC in the United States), joins us to discuss Summer ministry strategies, plans, and whether we love or hate ministry in summer.Resources MentionedYouth & Children’s Ministry Job BoardYouth and Children’s Ministry CertificationsYouth or Children’s Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.Support the showResources MentionedSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin.