ABOUT THIS EPISODE
After more than 30 years in youth ministry, what would you do differently?
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers, Josh Griffin joins me to talk honestly about youth ministry, teaching students, leadership mistakes, difficult conversations, building teams, and why you might not be too old to serve students.
Josh has spent more than three decades serving in youth ministry, from being an intern to leading in large churches, and continues to serve students today as a junior high pastor.
We talk about:
• How to keep students engaged without watering down the message
• Why trying to impress people can hurt your teaching
• The importance of object lessons and memorable visuals
• Why “everything is the message” in youth ministry
• A mistake Josh is still trying to correct after decades in ministry
• How to approach difficult topics without becoming known only for what you’re against
• Why you can’t be good at everything
• How to build a ministry team around your weaknesses
• Why older adults may be more valuable to youth ministry than they realize
• What students actually need from the adults who serve them
Whether you’re a youth pastor, volunteer, church leader, or someone considering stepping into youth ministry, this conversation is full of practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades in the trenches.
Find out more about Josh Griffin:
- Website (Student curriculum, games and more): Downloadyouthministry.com
- Connect with him on Instagram: instagram.com/joshuagriffin
- Check out his podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youth-ministry-debrief/id6798447361
---
Beyond the Numbers is a podcast for pastors, youth pastors, children’s ministry leaders, church staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders who want to build healthier, more Christlike ministries instead of simply chasing bigger numbers.
Chapters
00:00 — Coming up
00:56 — Meet Josh Griffin | 30 years and counting
03:19 — What did you get right? | Secret to keeping students engaged
08:15 — Everything is the message
12:35 — What would you do differently
20:00 — Advice For student leaders/pastors | Lead from your strengths
23:50 — Leaders biggest ministry fear? Am I too old?
28:30 — Josh Griffins info
30:37 — Beyond The Numbers 1 Year anniversary
🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 5:30 AM
Subscribe for honest conversations about church leadership, ministry leadership, discipleship, healthy churches, ministry culture, leadership development, and building healthier ministries.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/735ZeWw...
📺 Full Playlist: https://bit.ly/Beyondthenumbersytplaylist
📸 Instagram: / beyondthenumberspc
📘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/beyondthenumbersfacebook
#YouthMinistry #MinistryLeadership #ChurchLeadership #YouthPastor #BeyondTheNumbers
