Summer summer summertime is here! I’m sure you don’t have much time to sit back and unwind like DJ Jazzy Jeff, but we can all dream, right?

As we celebrate everything that summer has to offer (maybe a little too much on the ice cream side), we’re adding something else to your list: five of the best Youth Ministry Podcast episodes to check out to get your summer fix.

Whether you are headed down to Houston for a little event called Youth Gathering or if you are simply running errands or looking for something to listen to while you mow the lawn, the Youth Ministry Podcast has what you need—and today, we’re highlighting the five episodes you must check out this summer.

Enneagram and Youth Ministry

Let’s face it, there are plenty of personalities in your youth group. Some kids bring 110%, while others may be on the quieter side. Whoever they may be, it offers some challenges as you find ways to engage and welcome each one. In this episode, Bryan and Erik welcome a special guest to talk about the Enneagram personality inventory and why it’s important for youth workers. (BONUS: there is a part two if you are interested!)

Listener Mailbag

We’ve already talked a bit about why this one is our favorite, so you know it’s a good one. We love hearing from you – our listeners – so when Bryan and Erik have a chance to respond to your questions, it makes it an even better podcast episode. In this episode, they answer a few key questions like, how do you deal with unruly students? Does a kid need to go to confirmation to make a public declaration of faith? And what makes a youth worker, a youth worker?

Competing with Sports

Not to make it sound like summer is almost over, but before we know it—sports will be ramping up again. In this episode, Bryan and Erik chat about Gloria Lee’s article, “You Can’t Compete with Sports,” think about the practical and theological implications, and offer a perspective on how youth workers can respond to sports and extracurricular activities.

Going on a Mission: An interview with Dave Scherer

Bryan and Erik are joined by special guest Dave Scherer (better known as hip hop artist AGAPE) to talk about the theology of mission trips, how to prepare your group for the experience, and the mission pitfalls to avoid in this podcast episode.

Summer Ministry

We would be amiss to not call out the most obvious Youth Ministry Podcast episode: Summer ministry. Summer may be a time with less students, but that doesn’t mean you should change your ministry. Bryan and Erik talk about all things summer—from how to plan and deliver a good summer ministry.

Interested in keeping up with the Youth Ministry Podcast? Check out our website for a fresh episode every Friday and follow us on Instagram.