Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Dr. David Odom, Professor of Student Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, to talk about the three arenas of youth ministry—students, parents, and the church. Dr. Odom challenges youth pastors to expand their vision beyond just teenagers in the youth room to include intentional ministry to parents and deeper connection between students and the larger church body. He also discusses practical strategie

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody talks with Josh Griffin about how to bring creativity, intentionality, and structure to your youth ministry programming. From midweek nights to camps and retreats, programming matters more than ever—and Josh shares proven ways to make it engaging and gospel-centered. Whether you’re a new youth pastor or a veteran looking to freshen things up, this conversation will help you reimagine how you design your weekly gatherings for maximu

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody shares a timely reminder for youth pastors heading into the busy fall season: you don’t have to choose between being faithful and being fried. This episode walks through practical strategies for creating a fall rhythm that fuels your ministry without burning you out. What You’ll Learn: Why busyness doesn’t always equal fruitfulness How to re-center your calendar around purpose, not pressure Weekly, monthly, and quarterly rhythm

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with veteran youth pastor Paul Turner to talk about longevity in ministry—what it takes to stay faithful through the decades, the different challenges of each stage of life, and what youth pastors need most in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Paul brings nearly four decades of ministry experience to the table with vulnerable stories, practical insights, and honest encouragement for youth workers at every level. WHAT YOU’LL

In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of rest and planning for youth pastors. As the summer winds down, many youth pastors find themselves exhausted from camps, mission trips, and events. Steve Cullum from the National Network of Youth Ministries joins the show as we explore strategies to transition smoothly into the school year. Discover practical insights on scheduling breaks, building supportive teams, and finding personal rejuvenation. Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or new to t

In this special 150th episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Chris Trent returns to the show—but this time, he’s asking the questions. Chris interviews Jody Livingston about his new book, Staying Power: 10 Essentials for Longevity in Youth Ministry. Together, they talk about the heart behind the book, what led Jody to write it, and why staying in youth ministry is more possible—and more important—than ever. This conversation is packed with honest reflections, encouragement, and pra