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Welcome to the Youth Ministry Booster podcast! The most honest and hilarious podcast in student ministry. Hosted by Zac Workun and Chad Higgins. We are the biggest fans of youth ministry leaders like you! We are here for you with the humor and the help to engage, entertain, equip, and encourage. Youth ministry is better together. Learn more @ http://www.youthministrybooster.com
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Ministry Leaders and their families live in a “glass house”—an environment where they are left vulnerable to the stress of ministry, the criticism of others, and feel the spotlight on their personal weaknesses. Lifeway's "The Glass House" is a space where ministry leaders will shed light on the challenges they often don't feel permission to talk about. Listeners who work in the trenches of church life will feel seen and gain tools to navigate ministry and life. Those who live outside this "g ...
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Send us a text Coming to you live *Special Guest Alert* Join us in the ETCH podcast ring with Zach Burke! The heart of the conversation lies the exploration of ministry across contexts from Kentucky, to Tennessee, to Florida. Zac and Zach share stories from our time in home churches, where familiar faces can be both a blessing and a challenge, and …
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Send us a text Managing time well is one of the greatest challenges for anyone in ministry. Between sermon prep, meetings, family commitments, and personal spiritual growth, finding balance can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Chris and Nikki Ogden open up about the realities of time management as a pastor and pastor’s wife. They walk us through…
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Send us a text Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Glass House—where Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive deep into the real-life highs and lows of ministry with pastors and their spouses, all while living in a glass house! This episode is extra special because we’re bringing you highlights straight from the Southern Baptist Convention! Ben and…
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Send us a text Ever wondered about the coolness of names from different languages? Join us for a lighthearted chat with Chad Daugherty from Pensacola, Florida, as he shares his love and experiences in middle school ministry. As we bond over the shared quirks of middle school or "J-High." Get ready for some laughs as we recount some of our best misf…
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Send us a text What if your life took an unexpected turn, leading you from a planned career in medicine to a rewarding path in ministry? From career work to calling? Special guest alert! This week Jacob Dunn, family pastor at Valley Creek Baptist Church, joins us live from #ETCH24 Tune in for a lively chat about the power of friendships, the unexpe…
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Send us a text Who is your friend that autocorrect can't figure out how to spell their name? Our special guest this week is Daryn Fox and she will have you in stitches! Join us for this week's heartfelt episode with amusing stories and Daryn's daring toilet-papering adventure and call to ministry. Transitioning into the new role. In this episode we…
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Send us a text People can be mean! No matter what position you serve in, none of us are exempt from receiving criticism. On today's show we're featuring a crossover episode from Youth Ministry Booster with Chad Higgins and Zac Workun. They share stories of thier own experience with criticism and offer practical strategies to process feedback withou…
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Send us a text Wait Chad Higgins is a verb now? In this episode, we're excited to welcome Christian Moore to the garage floor! Join us for a fun and lighthearted conversation where we imagine Chad Higgins' latest adventures—most likely cracking jokes at a Waffle House—and share our own quirky late-night memories from this iconic spot. We talk favor…
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Send us a text As a ministry leader, do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions while your heart isn't really in it anymore? Checking off the tasks, doing your job, while all the while our hearts are drifting and the Holy Spirit is quietly leaving the building. This message is for you! When looking at Samson's life, you see a man w…
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Send us a text But seriously... what is your go to Chili's triple dipper Hey friends meet our new friend Britton Bishop.Britton and Zac share personal stories emphasizing how important small, faithful acts shape future leaders. We discuss the crucial roles of humility and vulnerability, stressing that building genuine connections and providing a sa…
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Send us a textLifeway Podcast Network
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Send us a text What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? "What can football teach us about youth ministry and preaching? In this episode, we dive deep with Anthony Vargas as he shares his journey from Mississippi to Dallas, and finally to Yukon, Oklahoma, exploring the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Anthony opens …
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Send us a text The church building was built in the 40's, and it's really starting to look like it! The new pastor has a vision for making it more visually appeasing, first time guest friendly, and updating the security for the sake of children. But there's a big problem, how can he get the congregation on board with a project that has a minimal bu…
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Send us a text What happens when a dedicated youth ministry leader steps into a new role amidst organizational upheaval? Amanda Mejias shares her ministry journey from organizing recreation basketball leagues and fitness programs at her home church in Virginia to becoming a girls ministry specialist at LifeWay. Amanda’s story is not just about tran…
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Send us a text Happy Monday Friends! Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick have an incredible discussion with Ben and Lynley about their latest movie, The Forge. This film focuses on discipleship and following Jesus, and Alex and Stephen share their hearts behind making this film. They emphasize the importance of having a strong foundation in Christ…
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Send us a text What do you get when you combine a love for coffee, tacos, and the rising cultural trend of YouTube golf? You get Micah Lynn. Micah Lynn is a second generation minister, growing up as a pastor's kid in Texas and then growing and blossoming at OBU and during his residency at the Cross Church School of Ministry. Micah shares his journe…
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Send us a text In every pastor's ministry, there comes a time when they must walk through a transition and hand over leadership to the next generation. Is it possible for pastors and congregations to navigate these waters smoothly? On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley discuss succession planning with Bryant Wright and Clay Smith du…
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Send us a text How do you know you are called to this thing called youth ministry? Special guest alert w/ Josh White, Executive Pastor and long-time friend of the podcast, who shares his remarkable journey into ministry. Josh's path to ministry was far from the conventional seminary path, and his story is a testament to the power of embracing the l…
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Send us a text Last summer at the Southern Baptist Convention, Ben and Lynley got to sit down with pastors and wives from all over the country and have them choose one of four different questions to answer. On today's episode, we asked two couples "what is one thing you would change about your brain?" In this conversation, ministry leaders Brandon …
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Send us a text The real secret to youth ministry? This week we are joined by special guest Shelby Millis! From her calling in seventh grade to her current role as a youth director at Asbury Church, Shelby’s journey is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom. She also shares her summer of self-care, including her beloved porch swing bed and wee…
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Send us a text Have you ever been listening to someone spew out their feelings and you immediately want to "fix" it? Have you felt the need to tell them everything is going to be okay and to look at the positives? Now imagine what it would feel like to simply sit with them in their feelings. To simply let them experience the depth of their emotions…
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Send us a text Ever wondered if chaotic cafeteria brawls could turn into life-changing spiritual moments? Welcome special guest Brian Preston! NextGen pastor-awesome Brian joins us this week, filling in for Chad, to share his wild and wonderful camp stories straight from our garage recording setup. It's the end of CampSZN and we reminiscing about y…
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Send us a text Can the magic of the Olympics transform your youth ministry? Join us as we celebrate Summer Olympic Month with a spirited debate comparing the allure of summer versus winter games. We'll dive into the exhilarating speed of track and field races, the unique thrill of the biathlon, and the intensity of events like speed skating and swi…
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Send us a text It's Shark Week fam! We are celebrating what about you? It's a big deal in the Higgins and Workun households. But wait.. could Shark Week transform your youth ministry? Join us as we tap into the fervor of this annual oceanic extravaganza, and let's draw some parallels to youth ministry strategies. We discuss how identifying and leve…
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Send us a text In a field where you are constantly pouring out and meeting the needs of others, it can be easy to neglect yourself. However, caring for yourself as you lead a ministry shouldn't just be a well-intention, it is critical to make it a way of life. Today's show is for all of you that have had the well-intentions, but have struggled with…
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Send us a text Aww if middle school you could see you now... they would be proud! Switching gears, we tackle a pressing question in youth ministry: (When) Should we split middle school and high school programs? Chad and Zac explore the pros and cons, offering creative solutions for engagement without doubling efforts. From leadership roles for olde…
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Send us a text If you're a regular listener to The Glass House, then you've heard plenty of wives speak to the topic of supporting their husbands in ministry. But what you haven't yet heard is how a husband can also be their wife's biggest cheerleader and supporter when she is the one in vocational ministry. Jen Wilkin and her husband Jeff, join Be…
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Send us a text People can be mean! Or if we are being honest... how do you handle the unfiltered honesty of middle school girls in youth ministry? In this fresh episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac and Chad bring their humor and truthfulness to tackle it! Chad + tortilla = hilarious. What is something you have been told something that…
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Send us a text Happy Southern Baptist Convention Eve! Over the next few days Southern Baptist Churches from around the country will come together in Indianapolis and will debate about key issues involving our churches. Recently Ben preached a sermon from Romans 14 and we thought it would be perfect to publish it on The Glass House. It is not uncomm…
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Send us a text Today on the Glass House we are surprising you with a really special Friday episode. At Lifeway we have some really fantastic podcasts that we want to make sure you know about. Angie Elkins is our producer on the Glass House, but she also has her own show called Let It Shine. Lynley has been a co-host with her this season and they ha…
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Send us a text Emotions are created by God as indicators of how we are processing the environment or circumstances around us. Most people identify themselves as emotional or not by how much they cry; however, there's a lot more to emotions than crying and it's important that we experience the emotions God has given us. On today's episode of TGH, Be…
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Send us a text Smmer camps can transform your youth ministry experience! Join us for a special crossover episode where Zach and Chad from Youth Ministry Booster team up with Amanda and Corinne from His Glory Her Good. We share our personal camp memories, from childhood to recent leadership and we highlight the profound impact camps have had on our …
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Send us a text After every Sunday church service, the biggest thing on the pastor's mind, is how quickly the following Sunday's message is coming. Sermon preparation doesn't just effect the pastor, it also effects the entire family. On today's show Ben and Lynley share with a live audience filled with student ministry leaders at the Lifeway Headqua…
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Send us a text One of the best tools young parents have, is the tips from older parents a little further down the road! On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley share with you practical tools for being intentional in your parenting while serving in ministry. From family closers to teaching your kids how to return a question, you'll hea…
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Send us a text There is no typical work week for a pastor. Unforeseen life events, people in crisis, or administrative tasks will always be ever-changing week to week. While being flexible is necessary in ministry, so is establishing healthy boundaries and time management skills. On today's show, Ben Skipper, Senior Pastor of Carterville Baptist Ch…
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Send us a text We cannot believe we are already at our 100th episode! It’s been quite a journey and we are so thankful for the guests who came and shared their life and story with us. This show wouldn’t be what it is without vulnerability and transparency, and we’re thankful to create a space where ministry leaders can experience both. To our liste…
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Send us a text Head to college, get married, land your dream job, have kids, go to church, and live the American Dream. It's the reality most American Christians are living in, and it's where the Ley Family found themselves when they experienced a calling from God asking them to leave it all behind. On today's episode, Michael and Naomi Ley share t…
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Send us a text Question...which zoo animal would be the ultimate pocket-sized companion? There is a right answer, but we want to hear yours... Join Zac and Chad as they swap stories that will crack you up and maybe even crack the code on connecting with middle schoolers (read:boys). In this episode, we don't shy away from the pressing questions- li…
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Send us a text A recent study discovered that over 1/2 of pastors over the age of 50 had less than $50,000 in their retirement fund and no expectation they would ever retire. On today's episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley dive into a topic that no pastor likes talking about: finances! Dr. Hance Dilbeck from GuideStone joins in this conversat…
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Send us a text Too often pastors and their wife feel pressure to step into any role necessary and serve the church. However, we all have different personalities, gifts, strengths, and yes, even weaknesses. On today's show Ben and Lynley discuss Clifton Strengths Finder with Ed O'Neal. Ed O'Neal is an American Veteran, leadership developer, and exec…
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Send us a text We're not just talking shop; we're opening up about the art of pacing and the vital act of delegating to avoid burnout. Remember school field trips? This episode Zac and Chad are taking that nostalgic trip down memory lane... it's a memory and a feeling. Ministry comes in waves and this time between spring and summer is one of those …
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Send us a text Ministry leaders typically spend time caring and discipling their congregation, and often times forget the very people they're in the trenches with. Caring for your staff and team is crucial for the overall health and impact of a church's ministry. On today's show, Pastor Mark and Jenna Hallock share ways they've created a healthy cu…
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Send us a text Facebook marketplace is safe right? Zach and Chad, your ministry mentors and amateur online bargain hunters, are here to draw the parallels. This episode is an open lesson for what we have learned navigating the challenges that small group leaders face, especially when confronted with the whirlwind or overload that is a roomful of te…
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Send us a text We all know that living in the glass house is hard, but growing up in it can be even harder. Today Ben and Lynley are concluding this 3 part series on what it's like to grow up in the glass house. Today's conversation is two Lifeway employees, Tyler Litton and Heather Burczynski. Tyler is the manager of Media Creative and Heather ser…
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Send us a text One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. And even though all of these people were pastor's kids, they a…
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Send us a text JEREMY SIT DOWN! Whew sorry about that... Kids Amma I right? If you have ever had issues with students not listening, being distracting, or even disruptive during teaching time... then do we have a toolkit for you! Dealing w/ Distractions, Disruptions, & Discipline Issues: If you've ever felt like a ringmaster in a circus of pre-teen…
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Send us a text One of the most common feedback we hear is how much you love hearing about raising kids in the glass house. You've spoken, and we've listened! We're so excited to share this series with you! Over the next few episodes you'll hear from those who grew up in the glass house. Today's we're kicking off this series with Kelly Minter. Kelly…
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Send us a text The Glass House is starting a new series interviewing pastors' wives! We will hear from the different generations what it required of them to be a pastor's wife when they were younger. On today's show we have Veronica Geear, wife of JD Greear, Senior Pastor of The Summit Church in North Carolina. Veronica shares some incredible wisdo…
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Send us a text Ever had one of those moments where you're left holding your head in your hands, wondering where your brilliant idea went wrong? Our podcast usually gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it takes to plan not just fun, but also memorable activities for youth ministry. This week we are laying out our failures, asking for help and coach…
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Send us a text Have you ever asked your spouse a simple question, like, "whats for dinner?" and all of a sudden they're making a snarky comment back to you? Have you ever found yourself responding out of irritation and frustration when your spouse or kids simply ask you a question? On today's show Nicole Zasowski describes to us what happens when w…
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