With just a tap on the screen, you can be on your way to find inspiration, get new ideas, and grow yourself both professionally and personally. With a great list of podcasts, you can be mentored while brushing your teeth, your drive time can be redeemed, and your leadership can go further faster. You can listen in when the leading experts are gathering behind closed doors and you can hear MainStage presentations; all for free. After talking with those in the trenches in youth ministry, here are 14 of the top podcasts that you need to listen to today.
1. Rethinking Youth Ministry by XP3 Students
These 40 minutes conversations tackle the difficult and essential topics of youth ministry. From evaluating small group leaders to understanding the teenage brain, these topics will challenge your thinking and equip you to take your next steps in leading middle school and high school students.
2. The Download Youth Ministry Show by DYM Podcast Network
With 330+ episodes, this podcast is a library of topics to answer your youth ministry questions. You will walk away feeling like you sat through an encouraging staff meeting. Also: Did you know DYM has a podcast network with 8 different youth ministry podcasts to help you win! Check them all out at https://podcast.downloadyouthministry.com
3. The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast by Carey Nieuwhof
According to Edison Research, 15% of Americans over the age of 12 listened to a podcast this week. And based on how many folks recommended it, I wonder if most of these folks were tuning into Carey Nieuwhof’s Leadership Podcast! Every week, Carey interviews leaders in a way that brings life change to listeners.
4. Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast by Jody Livingston & Chris Trent
We all know the demoralizing statistics on how few youth ministry leaders stay in it for the long haul. Jody Livingston and Chris Trent desire to survive and thrive. With a deep understanding of not only student and youth ministry culture but also the Word, these episodes will help you keep the main things on the top of your priority list.
5. The Think Orange Podcast by Orange Leaders
The Think Orange Podcast is for your entire ministry team. These long-form podcasts are a deep dive conversation with multiple featured guests on the same subject. The practical tips, intentional strategy, and insights offered in each episode will have you thinking orange in no time.
6. Youth Ministry Booster Podcast by Zac Workun, Chad Higgins, and Kristen Lascola
Each of these encouraging episodes works to answer Student Ministry’s most honest and pressing questions. Here you will find timely advice that works around your youth ministry calendar.
7. Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast by Nick Blevins
Each week, Nick Blevins interviews a leader to discover principles and practices for family ministry. With 100 episodes, Nick has covered topics on growing your volunteer teams, partnering with parents, core values in family ministry, and how to know when it’s time to stay or go.
8. Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast by Life.Church
This leadership podcast describes itself as, “a conversation designed to help you make the most of your potential as you work to become the leader God created you to be.” Craig Groeschel is the founder and senior pastor of Life. Church and teaches over 100,000 people weekly. This podcast invites you to learn directly from Craig without paying for a conference or leaving the comfort of your living room.
9. Youth Ministry Answers by Kenny and Elle Campbell
Where else can you go to get your youth ministry questions personally answered through a podcast? Kenny and Ellllllllllle Campbell, feature a new question every month and often bring other youth ministry experts in to get you the best answers. You can submit your question at YMAnswers.com
10. Lead to Win with Michael Hyatt by Michael Hyatt & Company
Personally, I love that Michael and his daughter work together to make this podcast a success. If you are looking to better manage time and influence then listen in for insights and tools to win at work and succeed in life.
11. 5 Leadership Questions by Todd Adkins, Eric Geiger, and Daniel Im
Through five strategic questions, these hosts interview leaders to learn how they practically learn both inside and outside of the workplace. If you ever wanted to know what your favorite author or conference speaker would tell their 20-year-old self, then this podcast is for you.
12. unSeminary Podcast by Rich Birch
Going back to seminary would cost you an arm and a leg, but each unSeminary episode is a free step back into the classroom for practical leadership training. With over 20 years in church leadership, Rich has a depth of knowledge you will want to take in.
13. The Science of Social Media by Buffer
Social media plays a huge role in youth ministry today. This short weekly podcast gives you the strategic tips you need to stay relevant on a variety of apps and social media options. Subscribe now and rock your social media channels.
14. TED WorkLife with Adam Grant by TED
It’s almost impossible to make a podcast list without mentioning TED. You spend a quarter of your life at work, so shouldn’t you enjoy it? Check out this new podcast by TED, they are only a few episodes in, but I think you will enjoy.
So open up your podcast app or go download Overcast, Spotify, or Pocket Cast and add a few of these to your list! With more than half a million active podcasts, I’m sure I’ve missed a few. What would you add to this list?
Corey Jones is the XP of NextGen at Southern Hills Christian Church in Carrollton, Georgia. In his spare time, you can find him at a local coffee shop or fighting crime in Gotham. Corey wants to encourage and equip those around him and can be found on social media at @COREYRAYJONES.
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