In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James hosts experienced youth and children's ministry advisors Chris Jones, Josh Ord, Megan Gates, and Di Lucas for the second half of their Q&A session. They tackle current issues such as the impact of new social media legislation in Australia on youth ministries, effective strategies for welcoming newcomers, and ways to integrate youth into church families. The discussion also covers approaches to encouraging Bible reading among youth, strategies for small kids' ministries, and best practices for preparing youth for baptism and confirmation. The group emphasizes the importance of creating intentional cultures within youth groups, leveraging relationships for deeper discipleship, and utilizing digital tools like audio Bibles. Each advisor brings valuable insights from their extensive experience, offering practical solutions and innovative ideas for youth and children's ministries.

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

Connect with Youthworks

• Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.
• You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.
• You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to House Conference 2025

00:13 Exploring Sacrificial Discipleship

01:44 Introducing TMT: Training Ministry Teams

02:22 New Developments in TMT

03:34 Effective Ministry Podcast: Q&A Session

04:33 Discussing New Social Media Legislation

13:52 Creative Uses of Social Media in Ministry

18:27 Welcoming Newcomers to Youth Ministry

21:13 Investing in Youth and Children's Ministry

24:12 Starting a Youth Group from Scratch

28:03 Collaborating with Other Youth Groups

29:37 Integrating Youth Ministry with the Broader Church

32:18 Discipling Teens Focused on Social Aspects

37:50 Encouraging Bible Reading Among Teens

40:39 Effective Discipleship Strategies

46:36 Preparing Youth for Baptism and Confirmation

51:11 Connecting Youth to Church Families

52:42 Building Momentum in Small Kids Ministries

56:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections