Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast: Recent Episodes
Word of Life
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast all about serving in Youth Ministry. Whether it be youth group or youth camp, whatever God has you serving in, that's what we're here talking about. Join us, Josh and Kyle, as we talk through some of the burning, practical questions facing those in youth ministry. We don't have it all figured out, but let's learn and explore this side of ministry together!
Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook.
A Word of Life Podcast
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with Zack Jernigan (High School Pastor) and Josiah Brondyke (Middle School Pastor) from Idlewild Baptist Church in Florida to talk about something every church wrestles with—keeping middle school and high school ministries connected.
It's easy for ministries to become silos. Different schedules, leaders, and rhythms often mean students "start over" when they move up. Zack and Josiah unpack how they intentionally bridge that gap through communication, shared goals, and humility.
From unified discipleship paths to team collaboration, this conversation is full of practical insights for youth pastors who want to build ministry that's relationally strong and spiritually consistent from 6th through 12th grade.
Key Talking Points: ✅ Why middle school and high school ministries often feel disconnected ✅ The importance of shared discipleship goals between ministry teams ✅ How to communicate and collaborate across age-specific programs ✅ Making the handoff between ministries relational, not just administrative ✅ Building mutual trust and respect between ministry leaders ✅ What small churches can learn from Idlewild's approach ✅ How alignment impacts long-term student discipleship
Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down to tackle one of the biggest challenges in youth ministry: loneliness in leadership. Even in a room full of students and volunteers, many youth pastors feel like they’re carrying the weight alone. That’s why we’re diving into Multiply U, a free leadership training platform designed to help you equip your team, grow together, and stop doing ministry solo.
We unpack why team-based leadership matters, how to break the cycle of burnout, and how practical tools like Multiply U can make equipping your leaders simple, scalable, and sustainable. Whether you’re leading volunteers, staff, or just starting to build your ministry team, this conversation will give you hope and a plan.
Key Talking Points: ✅ Why so many youth leaders feel isolated ✅ The “Expectation Monster” every leader faces ✅ Why equipping your team is not optional—it’s essential ✅ How Multiply U makes training volunteers easy and free ✅ The role of community, coaching, and shared learning ✅ Real steps to stop doing ministry alone
Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime ✅ Multiply U (Free Training App): https://wol.is/multiplyu
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle welcome Gideon Kohls—a former podcast listener turned Bible Institute student, camp counselor, and future youth ministry leader.
Gideon shares his story of growing up in church without a youth pastor, discovering the impact of intentional discipleship, and how Word of Life camp and the Bible Institute helped solidify his calling. From working at a pizza shop to leading campers through real-life conversations, Gideon reflects on lessons learned, habits formed, and how to stir a hunger for God’s Word that lasts.
This episode is a powerful reminder that youth ministry is not about programs—it’s about people, discipleship, and pointing the next generation toward Jesus.
Key Talking Points: ✅ Going from podcast listener to podcast guest ✅ Growing up without a youth pastor—and the difference when one finally arrived ✅ How COVID shaped Gideon’s journey and led him to Florida ✅ The role of camp ministry and drama team in reaching students ✅ Why daily disciplines like quiet time and Scripture memory are essential ✅ How youth leaders can model growth that sparks hunger in students ✅ Reaching students where they are without leaving them there ✅ Building intentional programs that let the Holy Spirit do the real work
Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime ✅ Learn more about the Bible Institute: https://wordoflife.edu/
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
Episode Summary What does it really look like to help students take next steps in their walk with Christ? In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with author and Word of Life leader Scott Foreman to unpack how to move students from stuck to growing.
Scott explains why next steps are more than slogans, how to equip parents as primary disciplers, and how to assess ministry health with four simple Acts 2 priorities. From “no Scripture, no social media” mornings to setting churchwide benchmarks, this conversation is packed with practical tools to help you personalize discipleship and build steady, Gospel-centered growth.
Key Talking Points ✅ Next steps are part of sanctification, not one-size-fits-all slogans ✅ How to personalize growth rhythms that actually stick ✅ Equipping parents as the first disciplers, with youth ministry as reinforcement ✅ Four lenses for ministry health: Word, Community, Evangelism, Stewardship ✅ Balancing team strengths through delegation so no one gift dominates ✅ Building benchmarks for kids and parents at every stage (elementary through graduation) ✅ Sticky habits like “no Scripture, no social media,” analog Bibles, and family devotions ✅ Word of Life’s pathway for next steps: Quiet Time, sharing the Gospel, mission trips, Camp Crew, Bible Institute
Great Youth Ministry Resources ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod 📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. Through practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.
🙌 GET YOUR FREE YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://multiply.life
📅 New episodes drop the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
Episode Summary: Let’s be honest—most of us are making it up as we go.
In this episode, Josh and Kyle sit down with Phillip and Casey Puett for a raw, encouraging look at what happens when we stop winging it and start leading with intention. From burnout and budgeting to raising kids and serving in ministry as a couple, the Puetts share what they’ve learned (and are still learning) about trusting God with their yes—even when life is messy.
Whether you’re married in ministry, navigating multiple callings, or just trying to find healthy rhythms, this episode is for you.
Key Talking Points: • Why “just winging it” doesn’t work in real-life ministry • Casey’s honest story of burnout and rebuilding with purpose • Creating space for each other’s callings in a marriage • Trusting God with your family, finances, and future • Setting boundaries and rhythms that actually work • Parenting in ministry without losing your sanity • What faithfulness really looks like when life feels stretched
📲 RESOURCES & LINKS Free Youth Ministry Curriculum → https://multiply.life All Links → https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join Our Facebook Group → https://facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram → https://instagram.com/wol.youthministries Facebook → https://facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube → https://youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website → https://youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Stacking Chairs is a Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast from Word of Life. It’s for leaders who show up early, stay late, and want to do more than survive ministry—they want to do it with purpose. Join Josh and Kyle for real conversations, practical insight, and encouragement that hits where you live.
Keep stacking those chairs! 🪑
🙌 GET YOUR FREE YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://multiply.life
📅 New episodes drop the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
Episode Summary: What if church wasn’t built on programs, but on real community? In this episode, Josh and Kyle sit down with Ander Chen of Acts 2 Network to unpack how their ministry reaches college students, disciples them intentionally, and raises up lifelong kingdom workers—all without a cookie-cutter system.
They talk about life-on-life discipleship, bivocational ministry, and why college ministry might be the most overlooked but strategic age group in the church today. Whether you're a youth leader, a college student, or just wondering what church could look like, this conversation will challenge you to go deeper than just “doing church.”
Key Talking Points: • Why college students are often spiritually hungry—and often forgotten • The power of life-on-life discipleship over flashy programming • How Acts 2 Network plants ministries by prioritizing relationships • Challenges of discipling intellectual, searching students • Preparing high school students for spiritual life in college • What bivocational ministry looks like in real life • Why true discipleship starts with faithfulness, not excellence
📲 RESOURCES & LINKS Free Youth Ministry Curriculum → https://multiply.life All Links → https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join Our Facebook Group → https://facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram → https://instagram.com/wol.youthministries Facebook → https://facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube → https://youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website → https://youthministry.wol.org Explore Acts 2 Network → https://acts2.network
About Stacking Chairs: Stacking Chairs is a Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast created by Word of Life. Whether you're leading a youth group, running a camp, or showing up early to set out chairs, this podcast is for you. Join hosts Josh and Kyle as they equip and encourage ministry leaders to keep showing up—faithfully, relationally, and biblically.
Keep stacking those chairs! 🪑
🙌 GET YOUR FREE YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: https://multiply.life
📅 New episodes drop the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
Episode Summary: In a world focused on speed and numbers, what if the biggest ministry impact comes from just one conversation?
Josh and Kyle dive deep into the value of one-on-one discipleship—sharing how they're building relationships with students, earning trust with parents, and prioritizing meaningful connection in a busy ministry world. This episode will leave you challenged, encouraged, and ready to start small for big impact.
Key Talking Points: • The power of one-on-one discipleship • Practical ways to meet with students • Earning trust from parents and setting wise boundaries • Learning through brokenness and humility • Encouragement to “start with one” • The difference small meetings can make in a student's faith journey
📲 RESOURCES & LINKS Free Youth Ministry Curriculum → https://multiply.life All Links → https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join Our Facebook Group → https://facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram → https://instagram.com/wol.youthministries Facebook → https://facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube → https://youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website → https://youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast from Word of Life, created to equip and encourage youth leaders. Whether you're leading a youth group, camp, or anything in between—we're here to talk real ministry, real impact, and the people who literally stack the chairs.
Keep stacking those chairs!
SIGN UP NOW AND CLAIM YOUR FREE SERIES FOR ANY AGE GROUP IN YOUTH MINISTRY: https://multiply.life
New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
Episode Summary:
If you’re navigating multiple callings, limited time, or trying to make sense of Gen Alpha’s world (Skibidi what??), this episode will encourage and equip you.
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle candidly share their own experiences with bi-vocational ministry—what it looks like, the struggles, and the unexpected blessings. They also dive into a timely conversation about the emerging Gen Alpha generation, what’s changing in youth culture, and how leaders can prepare to reach and disciple this new wave of students.
Key Talking Points: - What bi-vocational ministry really looks like today - Encouragement for leaders serving without a full-time ministry role - The growing need to celebrate and honor volunteer leaders - Why Gen Alpha is different—and what it means for your youth ministry - Generational dynamics in today’s church - Practical tips for preparing your ministry to engage Gen Alpha effectively - The importance of relational ministry across generational divides
Great Youth Ministry Resources: https://multiply.life
Join the Conversation: Are you navigating bi-vocational ministry or already seeing shifts with Gen Alpha students? We’d love to hear your experiences! Share with us in the comments or on social media. Let’s grow and learn together.
Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you’re running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
Episode Summary: What happens when church culture replaces the Gospel with rules? Pastor and podcaster JC Groves joins the show to talk about growing up in a legalistic system—where modesty meant swimming in jeans and salvation meant constant fear.
This isn’t just JC’s story. It’s the story of students sitting in your youth group, quietly wondering if they’ll ever be “enough.” And if we’re not careful, legalism becomes the gateway drug to deconstruction.
This week on Stacking Chairs, we get honest about spiritual trauma, identity crises, and how Jesus sets us free—not through rebellion, but through real discipleship.
Key Talking Points:
- The hidden harm of man-made religion 🎭
- Why legalism leaves students feeling afraid and fake 🧱
- Deconstruction vs. Gospel reconstruction 🛠️
- What it means to actually disciple students 🧑🏫
- The freedom found in grace, not performance 🙌
Great Youth Ministry Resources: 📚 Curriculum & Tools – Everything you need to lead well
Let’s Talk: Ever watched a student walk away from church because of legalism? You’re not alone. Jump into the conversation on the Stacking Chairs Facebook group or DM us on Instagram.
🎧 Find everything here → linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
About Stacking Chairs: Stacking Chairs is the Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We celebrate the leaders who show up early, stay late, and live to see every student grow in Christ. With real stories, practical wisdom, and honest conversations, we’re here to help you build deep and engaging youth ministries.
Special Thanks: Powered by Word of Life Youth Ministries—on mission to help every student, everywhere, grow in their walk with Christ.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with veteran youth pastor Chris Bowles to tackle the problem of “winging it” on Wednesday nights. Chris unpacks how a clear, written strategy moves students from unreached guests to core disciples and keeps ministry healthy when staff transition. Drawing on decades of local church experience and new tools from Word of Life, he explains how intentional planning frees leaders from burnout, empowers volunteers, and delivers consistent discipleship long after any one pastor leaves.
Key Talking Points: ✅ Four levels of student growth – unreached, uncommitted, committed, core ✅ Personality driven ministry versus plan driven ministry ✅ Simple calendar hacks that ensure weekly touch points beyond Wednesday night ✅ Training volunteers to disciple so the pastor is not the bottleneck ✅ Metrics that matter more than attendance ✅ How Word of Life coaching and resources give churches a ready made roadmap
Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start for free): https://multiply.life
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod 📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders whether you run a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we are on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing in Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle welcome back Ethan Warren—a former assistant camp director turned behind-the-scenes operations leader at Word of Life. Together, they explore what it means to “answer the call” in ministry when the job you’re doing isn’t exactly the one you signed up for. From leadership lanes to filling gaps to letting go of your way of doing things, this episode challenges youth leaders to serve with humility, build systems that outlast them, and raise up others without burning out. Whether you’re a doer, a leader, or somewhere in between, this is a must-listen for anyone building sustainable, Gospel-centered ministry teams.
Key Talking Points:
✅ Leader, Doer, or Facilitator? Knowing your lane
✅ How to fill ministry gaps without becoming irreplaceable
✅ Leading with grace when others drop the ball
✅ Avoiding resentment and burnout in leadership
✅ Letting others lead—even if they do it differently
✅ When to change the system—and when to let it go
Great Youth Ministry Resources:
✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: https://multiply.life
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818
📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries
🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs:
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast.
We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle share real-life stories of juggling ministry demands, family responsibilities, and even side jobs—all without losing their minds (most days!). They explore what happens when you’re spinning more plates than you can handle, how to identify when you’re genuinely “overcommitted,” and why setting boundaries sometimes feels so difficult. Along the way, they offer practical insights for youth leaders who want to serve wholeheartedly yet avoid the burnout spiral. If your to-do list is growing faster than you can keep up, tune in for honest talk and a reminder that it’s okay to slow down and say “no” every once in a while.
Key Talking Points:
✅ The Plate-Spinning Metaphor
✅ Choosing What Matters Most
✅ Healthy Boundaries & Delegation
✅ Avoiding Identity Traps
✅ Practical Tips to Beat Burnout
Great Youth Ministry Resources:
✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: Multiply.life
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod 📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs:
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast.
We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, we’re joined by ministry veteran Mike Bream to talk about something most leaders don’t think about until it’s too late—how to leave your ministry role well.
Whether you're transitioning out of a healthy team, navigating a toxic environment, or just passing the baton to the next leader, how you exit matters. We unpack what it looks like to leave with grace, integrity, and a heart for the Church—not just your church.
Key Talking Points:
✅ How much time should you take to pass the torch?
✅ Should you stay in the church after stepping down from staff?
✅ What does “leaving well” look like in a toxic ministry environment?
✅ Why your exit impacts your students—more than you think
✅ Leaving well whether your exit is public or private
✅ Stewarding your role for the good of the broader Church
✅ Overlapping and supporting the next leader coming in
Great Youth Ministry Resources:
✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: Multiply.life
🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod 📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs:
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast.
We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!
👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS ARE SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, we sit down with Brent Finchum to unpack the pros and cons of different youth group structures. We discuss factors like spiritual maturity, group dynamics, leadership capacity, and church culture that all play a role in deciding what’s best for your ministry.
Key Talking Points: ✅ The benefits and drawbacks of splitting middle school and high school ✅ How group structure affects discipleship and spiritual growth ✅ What to consider before making a change ✅ Practical ways to help students transition between age groups ✅ How to engage older students in mentoring younger ones
Great Youth Ministry Resources: • Free Youth Ministry Resources: https://multiply.life
Join the Conversation: How do you handle disruptive behavior in your youth group? Share your thoughts in the comments or send us a message on social media! Let’s learn from one another and grow together.
Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS ARE SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory Navigating disruptive behavior in youth ministry is no easy task. From getting kids to pay attention during sermons to addressing behavior that might require asking a student to step away temporarily, these situations can feel overwhelming. But they’re also an opportunity to lead with grace, truth, and a focus on restoration.
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, hosts Josh Paulhamus and Kyle Gray are joined by guest Eric Gill to discuss real-life scenarios and practical strategies for managing disruptive behavior in youth group and camp settings. They share personal stories, proven techniques like the “three-strike rule,” and insights into balancing discipline with ministry values. Whether you’re a veteran youth leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead effectively without losing trust.
Key Talking Points:
• How to get kids to pay attention during sermons 📖
• When and how to ask a student to step away temporarily 🚦
• How long a student should be asked to take a break from camp or youth group ⏳
• The importance of balancing discipline and grace in youth ministry ⚖️
• Personal stories of tough conversations with students and parents 🗣
Great Youth Ministry Resources:
• Free Youth Ministry Resources: Multiply.life
Join the Conversation:
How do you handle disruptive behavior in your youth group? Share your thoughts in the comments or send us a message on social media! Let’s learn from one another and grow together. Find all things Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website: youthministry.wol.org
About Stacking Chairs:
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!
Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries.
Kyle talks with a student who started coming to camp because his mom made him and is now a Bible Institute student at Word of Life.
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We play a game to start the episode seeing how well we know the texting lingo of the day. We then talk about disunity amongst students in your youth ministry.
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Kyle's wife Nicola joins us on this week's episode! This is part 2 of this episode.
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Join the community in our Linktree link above to stay connected as well
Kyle's wife Nicola joins us on this week's episode!
Find all things Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Join the community in our Linktree link above to stay connected as well
A special episode where the whole thing is one giant "small group"
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Join us for Pursuit Camp wol.is/pursuit
Have you been to a Word of Life Reverb event? We think it could be the perfect outreach event for your youth group!
Mentioned Resources:
reverb.wol.org
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Krissie speaks with us about mental health and how it's seen in the church. Do we talk about it enough or too much?
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Mentioned Resources:
https://www.krissiejoy.com/book
https://www.careforpastors.org/
https://www.pastorskids.org/
https://youtu.be/29THVL1i2ag?si=KTOaHtTjGR_HWAg8
We all focus and identify with the "one" in the parable of the lost sheep, but what about the care of the other 99?
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There's no such thing as the perfect student; but what are we doing to train up the next generation?
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Mentioned Resources:
wol.is/pursuit
camps.wol.org
Hypothetically, what does the ideal leader look like in your youth ministry? We talk about building a list and how to be intentional in working with others!
Mentioned Resources:
wol.is/reverb
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Jack Wyrtzen, Word of Life's founder, believed that each generation is responsible for reaching their generation with the Gospel. How are you equipping others and yourself with that mission?
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It's fall and it's time for kick-offs! What does the start of a new school year look like for your ministry?
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Mentioned Resources:
reverb.wol.org
wol.to/webelieve
We'll be back with a new episode next week! Check out the new community and all things Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Peer pressure is common for all of us, but how do we equip the students in our ministries and our homes to deal with that pressure?
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Brian Tanedo shares with us how foundational an undergraduate program like the Word of Life Bible Institute can be! Join us on campus and learn more at wol.is/visit
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What's it like starting a new job, especially when that new job is in the role of a pastor?
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Join us for the Portion Conference: https://wol.is/portion
Summer camp is over at Word of Life in Florida, and we have James on the Podcast talking about how he thought that camp went this summer.
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We speak with Jerrod Gunter about his vision and mission with RiotStarter. How can you help your students start a movement that starts with prayer and will reach their generation?
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Events are a staple of youth ministry! What's your process look like when it comes to event planning?
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Check out the Portion Conference at https://wol.is/portion
It's so easy to fall into the trap of "if given the opportunity, I need to take it."
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Check out the Portion Conference at wol.is/portion
Rich Andrews talks with us about what it looks like to be a good follower and some practical steps when working with your leadership.
Mentioned Resources:
Portion Conference: wol.is/portion
Community Group & Linktree
What are some practical ways to get students in the Word on a regular basis?
Join the conversation on our NEW Stacking Chairs Youth Ministry Community here, now! https://www.facebook.com/groups/stackingchairscommunity/
Find all things Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Pranks in youth ministry and camp are almost a staple, but when does it go too far?
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Another episode about the balance of parenting and ministry! In this episode, we get the perspective of 4 people for the first time on Stacking Chairs.
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We talk with Matt Melville this week about the important ministry of being a dad!
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We're back with new episodes! We follow up on our conversation from our last new episode and we catch up a little bit with what's been happening in our lives!
Thank you all for your patience and prayers this season. We're glad to be back!
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
A great revisited episode with Tommy Sewall this week! We'll be back next week with a new episode, Lord willing.
Another camp-themed episode to revisit as we quickly approach camp! We'll see you all in a couple weeks.
We'll be back in just a few weeks! For now, enjoy this great episode as we're getting ready for camp.
We'll be back with new episodes on the first Wednesday of June! Until then, we'll be posting revisited episodes. Please also keep Kyle and his family in your prayers during this time!
We talk today about how your teaching matters and how it will affect you and those you teach!
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How do we approach baptism regarding youth ministry?
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We should be back next week with a new episode! For now, we revisit a great episode with Erick talking about the things that we've learned while in ministry.
What if I don't wanna do what I have to do in ministry? We all feel that way sometimes!
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Our words can be the greatest and worst influence when it comes to youth ministry!
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We have an announcement in today's episode! We talk about community with Caleb Cody and how we believe this announcement will help, in a small way, build community.
Why do we not teach the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline to those we serve or even to ourselves?
Mentioned Resources:
Quiettime.life
How do you respond when you're asked to give a last-minute sermon or lesson? We talk about this as well as being prepared for teaching in general!
Mentioned Resources:
Stacking Chairs linktree
teachersource.life
We ask ChatGPT a question concerning youth ministry and then unpack its answers!
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How can we work with leaders with whom we don't share a vision? Dylan and Axton join Josh to discuss this question one of our listeners submitted!
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Word of Life Youth Ministries offers more than just curriculum, and who better to talk about it than our friend Chad who works in WOL Youth Ministries?
Mentioned Resources:
youthministry.wol.org
teachersource.life
We've touched on this topic before, but today we talk with Mike Bream and unpack more when it comes to conflict.
Find all things Stacking Chairs here
Erick helps us think about some of the lessons we've learned along the way. What would you do differently if you knew then what you know now?
Mentioned Resources:
youthministry.wol.org
wol.to/ukraine
Andy DeNoon works with Sunday Cool and talks with us about what it's like to navigate comedy in the Christian world! Check out https://www.sundaycoolswag.com/ and mention Stacking Chairs to get 10% off your order from the Sunday Cool Swag Store.
What's the best way to ensure that your youth ministry kids are fed spiritually during camp? We talk about the vision behind camp counselors and the pros and cons of who you choose to trust your students with.
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Hey everyone! We're getting ready for camp, so we'll be back with a brand new episode next week. In the meantime, listen back to one of our older episodes talking about making the camp impact actionable!
We talk about a subject suggested by one of our listeners: what does it look like to have parents of kids in your youth group as youth leaders? We unpack the pros and cons in today's episode!
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Email us at StackingChairsPod@wol.org
Christmas season is here! Take a moment and hear about what we will be focusing on as the year wraps up and a good challenge for you and your leaders to focus on this season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We'll be back with a new episode in January.
How do you deal with a student that could be a distraction? We have Dylan on this episode to talk about "problem children" and spoiler alert: we were all "problem children"!
Aren't all teens from all generations basically the same? We should be able to use the same tactics and programs that we have had for the past 50 years! Although you may already know this isn't true, Tommy Sewall joins us today to help us understand how to shift for this generation. The Gospel is the same, but how we approach Gen Z has changed.
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Ethan Warren joins us for the first time and Justin Crow returns as a guest! They share with Josh their unique experience of passing the reins on to the next person in ministry. Justin has taken on the responsibility of assistant camp director as Ethan has moved to a new role. Their insight into these positional changes will help give you perspective for if your role changes one day!
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We revisit episode 26 in preparation for Thanksgiving tomorrow!
Join us for our Giving Tuesday Livestream on November 29 on our YouTube channel. You can find it and all things Stacking Chairs at linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
TL:DR Social Media has changed a lot.
How much do you know about the apps and social platforms that your students are on and using today? We talk about the pros and cons of social media and its effects on all of us. We give some insight into how social media is used for apps like Twitter, Reddit, and more, exploring the impact of how we communicate today.
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Our culture continues to change and grow, but the Word of God stays the same. What does it look like for youth ministry workers to share the truth of God's Word in the midst of this changing culture?
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We've all worked with kids in youth ministry who may not "fit in". What does it look like to connect with those kids and should we be trying to get them to fit the mold? Justin Crow joins Josh to discuss this topic.
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James Koch joins Kyle and Josh to discuss the planning process that goes into camp. There's so much more that goes into the background than you may think. We learn more and hear some fun stories along the way!
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Josh is joined by Axton Bryant in Kyle's absence to talk about conflict resolution. What causes conflict and how should we approach it? Plus, we discuss some practical thoughts on different kinds of conflict. Find all things Stacking Chairs at linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
The Bible and the Christian lifestyle are often counter-cultural. How do we approach controversy, and are we doing it the right way? Today's episode, at times, often hits a more solemn note; how are we speaking the truth with empathy and love?
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What does serving in youth ministry look like when it comes to our responsibilities? How far above, above and beyond is enough? We unpack these questions and a couple more in today's episode, and we learn what it means to say "yes" in ministry. Find all things Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Our guest, Axton Bryant, joins us in our conversation regarding what's next after youth group. How do we help students stay engaged in God's Word and continue to build the foundation for life? Find all things Stacking Chairs here: linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
This episode recorded during camp is with our friend Humberto Mendez! Humberto tells us how he was called to ministry, specifically youth ministry, and how he continues to serve God in that calling. Find things all Stacking Chairs at https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
This episode was recorded during our camp season, so we interviewed a real-life teenager! Kathy offers her unique perspective on youth ministry as someone still involved as a student in youth ministry.
Find all things Stacking Chairs here: linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
We're back after our break! How do you show and receive appreciation? No matter where you are in the structure of your ministry, it's important to show and know how to receive appreciation from above, below, and around you. Keep up with Stacking Chairs at linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Scott Foreman has a unique perspective on parenting in the modern age. His book, "Seven Crazy Years", is the basis for our questions in today's episode. There's lots to unpack whether you're a parent or a youth leader!
We are taking a month-long break after camp season, so join us again on September 7 for the next episode!
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Today, we speak with a worship pastor, Brandon Arnold who is serving with a church in Tampa. He shares a unique perspective and purpose for why he serves in leading worship and what worship truly is.
We talk with Dylan Franklin about media being used in ministry. What's the purpose of media and how do we overcome the obstacles that can come with it?
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
What exactly are deep truths and how do we unpack them for a younger audience? Cameron Triggs helps us talk through this topic this week and shares some great insight!
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Why is it important to know your theology? Today, we speak with Brent Finchum, who works with Word of Life Youth Ministries, about why it's important to know theology. Is it practical or just for the smart kids?
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
This week we talk with someone working at summer camp and discuss the importance of rest. Are you building intentional rest in your life and ministry? What even is rest?
Watch, Listen and Follow: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Today, we talk with Alejandro Nuesch about the impact and importance of young adult ministry. You'll hear why young adult ministry is so important and what it takes to minister to the age group after youth group.
Mentioned Resources:
camps.wol.org
youthminsitry.wol.org
wordoflife.edu
bbpargentina.com
Today, Kyle meets with Jason Lamb and Debbie Bresina, President of Dare 2 Share. We talk about what it looks like to be in leadership, especially in ministry. Debbie has some great insight in regards to her approach to leadership!
Today, we meet with Jason Lamb from Dare 2 Share ministries to discuss the role of partnership between ministries. Whether partnering with churches or organizations, the Gospel and discipleship are our shared mission!
Mentioned Resources:
youthministry.wol.org
dare2share.org
Jake and Emily, who minister in Taiwan, join Josh this week to discuss what it's like to reach another culture with the Gospel. Through the conversation, we learn valuable truths about reaching any culture!
Mentioned Site:
youtube.com/pilgrimage-films
What is your process of preparing a lesson? We talk about the ways that we approach lesson planning in today's episode. Join the conversation on social media and tell us how you handle this important part of youth ministry!
Often times with youth ministry, we think of our ministry as only to teens and children. Is it important that we also find ways to minister and connect with their parents too? We talk about this and more in today's episode!
Mentioned Resources:
youthministry.wol.org
wol.to/camp
Why make youth ministry fun? Today, we talk about why making youth ministry fun is an essential part of reaching youth with the truth!
Mentioned resources:
youthministry.wol.org
reverb.wol.org
wol.to/camp
How do you tackle absolute truth when the culture and society around you say that truth is fluid, always evolving and changing? We ask that question in today's episode. We also take some time to say thank you to all those listening. We appreciate you being a part of this community; keep serving the Lord through youth ministry!
https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod
Do you find yourself running on empty often? What are you doing to fill up? Today, we learn and talk with Chad on how to make plans to avoid running empty! Also, learn more about the Advocate program at Word of Life here: wol.to/advocate
Today we talk with Brian Baker about discouragement in ministry that can so easily take hold. Is discouragement inevitable? How do we beat being discouraged, and how can we encourage others? We talk about all of this in today's episode!
Resources mentioned:
Wordoflife.edu
Youthministry.wol.org/multiply
How do you quantify success in youth ministry? Can it be found in numbers? We discuss today's topic with John Bubar.
After an event, kids in your youth ministry may come out with what many call a "spiritual high." In today's episode, we talk about how to answer the question "How do I keep the spiritual high after an event?" Ministry is not just a moment.
Is the focus on building our brand inherently wrong? How do we keep the Gospel as our purpose while building a brand in youth ministry? We ask Erick Gil how he and those at his church find this balance.
Josh and Kyle dive into the questions for youth surrounding sin and consequences. How should we present the danger of sin when youth may say it has no consequences? Also, the question is raised: "Can anxiety be sinful?" Join us for a beneficial, sometimes heavy topic in episode 6.
Kyle and guest, Mike Bream, talk about how to ask good questions. What does it take to build relationships with students and are questions key? Youth ministry is not a stepping stone into the rest of your career.
Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook.
A Word of Life Podcast
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast all about serving in Youth Ministry. Whether it be youth group or youth camp, whatever God has you serving in, that's what we're here talking about. Join us, Josh and Kyle, as we talk through some of the burning, practical questions facing those in youth ministry. We don't have it all figured out, but let's learn and explore this side of ministry together! Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook. A Word of Life Podcast
Jason Lamb from Dare2Share joins us to talk about mobilizing leaders to share the Gospel. When was the last time that you shared the good news of Jesus Christ with someone?
Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook.
A Word of Life Podcast
Vulnerability can't be bad, can it? In this episode, we really ask the question "how vulnerable is too vulnerable?"
Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook.
A Word of Life Podcast
In this episode, we ask the question "what really is the purpose of youth ministry?" Join us, Kyle and Josh, as we explore this question and kickstart this podcast! Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook. A Word of Life Podcast
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast all about serving in Youth Ministry. Whether it be youth group or youth camp, whatever God has you serving in, that's what we're here talking about.
This episode explores the purpose of youth ministry. What's the point in serving youth specifically in regards to ministry?
Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook.
A Word of Life Podcast