Simply Youth Ministry Show (Mobile-audio)

SYM Post Game Show w/ Jon Acuff and The Skit Guys

symshow@gmail.com — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:28:01 -0700

Join Kurt Johnston and Jake Rutenbar as they chat life, ministry, comedy, etc with Jon Acuff and the Skit Guys. This was filmed LIVE onsite at the Simply Youth Ministry Conference 2012 in Louisville, KY!

SYM Post Game Show w/ Francis Chan, Craig Gross & Shane and Shane

symshow@gmail.com — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:54:31 -0700

Join Kurt Johnston and Jake Rutenbar as they chat life, youth ministry, head shaving techniques, and porn with Francis Chan, Craig Gross & Shane and Shane during the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Louisville, KY.

Group Magazine Live #3: The Down-and-Dirty on Youth Ministry Salaries

symshow@gmail.com — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:59:55 -0800

Group Magazine Live is a topical, live podcast that will run every two months to coincide with the current issue of Group Magazine.

GML’s third episode will discuss “The Down-and-Dirty on Youth Ministry Salaries”. We will dive into everything from who decides, average salaries, large church vs small church, why, what, how to support a family, oh yeah and our GROUP Magazine’s biennial Youth Ministry Salary Survey!

Guests will include:
Rachel Cruze - Speaker, DaveRamsey.com representative, and daughter of Dave Ramsey
Tony Myles - Senior Pastor of Connection Church in Medina, OH
Brian Berry - Author, and Group Magazine's "Family Matters" columnist

Hosts:
Rick Lawrence - Editor of Group Magazine
Toby Rowe - Group Missions Trips

Episode 28: Freestyle

symshow@gmail.com — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:49:57 -0800

Kurt and Jake engage in a freestyle session, answering email questions from viewers as well as some live via The Nation. Topics range from discipleship and practical methods to 'jump-start' your ministry, all the way to the origin of the phrase 'it takes a village.' Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (usually Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00am PST.) Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 27: Children's Ministry: Friends Not Foes

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:03:11 -0800

Kurt and Jake chat with Steve Adams, Children's Pastor at Saddleback Church, about the important relationship between youth and children's ministries. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 26: What Do You Think About Big Events?

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:30:27 -0800

Kurt and Jake talk big events with Johnny Scott, Program Director with CIY (Christ in Youth). Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 25: How to Build Your Lessons

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:18:47 -0800

Kurt and Jake talk lesson prep with Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 24: Random Randomness pt. 2

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:20:39 -0800

Kurt and Jake answer some questions from The Nation, share some personal ministry stories, and as always, have a discussion about Tim Tebow . Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 23: Spiritual Goals: Good or Goofy?

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:49:44 -0800

Kurt and Jake discuss what it looks like to set spiritual goals for students with Tim Levert. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon.

Episode 22: Happy New Year!

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:43:22 -0800

Since this is a holiday show, we kept this one nice and short. (We’d hate to take up your time watching us when you could spend time with your family!)
In this show, we looked back. Kurt and Jake shared with us all their favorite memories of 2011. They also shared with us their goals for Youth Ministry (as a whole) in the coming year.
• All churches would think of ways to break down the “silos” in their ministries
• That all Youth Workers would feel valued by their church
• A culture would be cultivated where we prepare Christ followers to grow on their own.
• That a burden for lost people in our own community would grow.
These are all powerful goals.. and goals that we hope will not only be ours but yours as well.
We shared as well the coming year.. and some big changes that are happening to the show (all for the best.. we promise.)
Lastly, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up!!
Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.

Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

See you soon..

Episode 21: Surviving Church Chaos

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:35:36 -0800

In this season that we’re in (.. and “that season” meaning NFL..) what would the SYM Show be without a regular chat about Tim Tebow.
This week, we were joined with a friend of the show – Danny Bowers. (Want more information about him? Check him out on twitter.)
Danny shared with us his take on “surviving church chaos.” He shared that often times, as we go through a ‘dark season’ in life, we often feel all alone. And in those times, often the hardest part of church chaos is that there is a relational drain. “When the chaos happens, you get an emotional depletion” Danny shared. “It pulls so much out of you.”
In this week’s show, we learn a part of Danny’s story.. and where he has come from… and in his story, we learned that there are many different types of ‘Church Chaos.”’
It was also incredible to hear (and very inspirational) Danny’s viewpoint and experience navigating through ‘Church Chaos’ as a husband and father. Be sure to listen to the entire show to hear his view on this topic.
Lastly, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up!!
Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

See you soon..

Episode 20: Uncommon Youth Ministry

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:21:51 -0800

Kurt and Jake discuss what it means to have an 'uncommon youth ministry' with Mark Riddle. Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website. Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com See you soon..

Episode 19: Mom of Teenagers Speaks Her Mind

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:21:18 -0800

How often are we able to truly hear what parent’s think? Sure, we ask them .. and you might get the one parent that is brutally honest with you. But usually, that honesty comes with hurt and pain attached.
Well, this week, we asked one of our own – Kami Gilmour – to share with us her view of Student Ministry. With love flowing and nothing but praise for Youth Pastors across the world, Kami shared with us her joys and frustrations with Youth Pastors.. and let us into the mind of a parent.
As she shared her heart, she also shared her encouragement, saying “you’ll never know how much you matter.” Also.. knowing that many of us work tirelessly to help make an impact, she said “for every Thank You, there are 100 unspoken.” Powerful words.
As she wrapped up her personal views (from the parental side) she stressed how Youth Pastors/Workers/Leaders must partner with parents. One of the cardinal sins of Youth Minsitry is not having any relationship with the parents… as well as making the parents out to be the “bad guy.”
Lastly, as the “Queen” (Director) of the Simply Youth Ministry Conference, she shared with us the importance of community and that the Simply Youth Ministry Team has been “called to love on Youth Workers everywhere. Every Youth Worker that walks in feels valued, loved and known.”
Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

See you soon..

Episode 18: Thanks

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:13:25 -0800

This week, we take a second and are thankful. As we stop and reflect over the many things in our lives that we are thankful for, we shared from you – the Nation – what you were thankful for. Here is a brief list:
• Adult volunteers
• Student Leaders
• Parents
• Church Leadership
• Relationships; between students, volunteers and leaders
• Family
• Wife
• Rick Lawrence’s book “Sifted.”
• The “SYM Family”
• Tim Tebow
• And lots more…
Also, the Simply Youth Ministry Conference is coming up… and we’re getting really excited about it. Make sure you register and stay up to date with information here on the website.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

Episode 17: High-Velocity Volunteers

symshow@gmail.com — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:32:42 -0800

This week, we were joined by Katie Edwards, Jr. High Director at Saddleback Church. As one who leads a large team, Katie shared with us (and the Youth Ministry Nation) some great tips on working with volunteers.
Having been on staff since 21, Katie admitted to us “I thought I knew everything.” She soon learned that she didn’t. However, she also learned from “some great people who taught me how to develop volunteers.”
One of the key principles is to multiply, multiply, multiply; no matter what the size of your church – the principle is still the same – Multiply.
Emails were sent in as well as questions from the Live show. Questions like “How can I get more leaders?” and “What is the best way to get volunteers to talk to teens – rather than other volunteers.”
Katie shares her heart, her strategies and her ideas on these topics – and more! (Including some fashion tips about her scarf.)
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Also, be sure to check out the podcast Katie is on- The Youth Ministry Garage. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

See you soon..

Episode 16: Random Randomness Pt. 2

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:26:27 -0800

Sometimes in Youth Ministry… things don’t go according to plan. In this episode (Episode 16) – we saw this first hand. Originally, the plan was to have Johnny Scott, from CIY, join us. Unfortunately, technology wasn’t our friend, and so – on the fly – we changed things up. We asked our LIVE audience to send in their questions – and they did.
Kurt shared about his recent vacation and shared some valuable examples of important it is to ‘disconnect’ at times. This led into a great discussion (between Jake and Kurt as well as in the LIVE chat) about answering the question “What does it take to shut off your Youth Pastor mind.”
We discovered that there are almost two answers to this question.
1. Can you/should you really turn off your ‘youth pastor’ mind.
2. Do you ever want to?

Another discovery that he experienced while on vacation was asking the question “What things are there in Youth Ministry that we shouldn’t let people see ‘behind the curtain.’”
There was more talk and excitement for the upcoming Simply Youth Ministry Conference. In this discussion, there was sharing of their favorite Conference moments, resources that they use and who would win in a match; Rambo, The Terminator, Andy Brazelton or Kami Gilmour. You’ll have to watch to see who they think would win.
Want to join in the conversation? Follow Kurt or Jake on Twitter to see when the next LIVE Show is (Friday’s at 12:00 EST/9:00 PST.) You can head over here to watch it LIVE. Have a question or two you want to ask?? Send in your questions to symshow@gmail.com

See you soon..

Episode 15: Leading Up When You Feel Like Throwing Up

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:21:11 -0800

15 down. Halfway to 30. This is exciting!!! Each show seems to get better (if that’s at all possible) each time. Remember, you can send in questions/comments/just a hello to symshow@gmail.com - so, send in your stuff.

Also.. each week, you may have noticed.. we have a “hood ornament.” Send in something to be featured for a week.

This week, Brooklyn Lindsey joined us. It was an engaging conversation as we discussed how the Youth Ministry of your church can influence the rest of your community.

Be sure to watch it!!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March? Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 14: Two Shanes...Or Not Two Shanes

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:00:50 -0700

This week, we were joined by Shane and Shane.. a dynamic duo that will tickle your ears.

We joined them as they shared their experience in making their new album, their family and some “interesting items” in the home, and how much they are looking forward to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March.

They will be joining us as the Worship Leaders this year (again..) and we can’t be more excited. (Really.. we tried. It’s impossible)

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March? Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

See you next show!

Episode 13: Junior High 101

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 23:00:07 -0700

Kurt and Jake sit down with with Scott Rubin, junior high pastor at Willow Creek, to discuss some of the basics of Junior High Ministry.
See you next show!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March? Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 12: Missional Impossible

symshow@gmail.com — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:08:28 -0700

No, we didn’t have Tom Cruise on the show..(although that may have been pretty cool..) But we did complete our first dozen shows – and we are excited. On this week’s show, we had a REAL Doctor in. Dr. Tim Levert joined us (with a fancy backdrop and all) and shared his insights on having a ministry with a purpose.

The biggest discussion revolved around this: Attraction vs. Missional. Do you do both, one or the other… how does that look. I can’t give you the answer here (you’ll have to watch the show..) .. but needless to say, there is some good tidbits in this show that you won’t want to miss.

Lastly, but definitely not least – there is a contest in this show that you will not want to miss!

See you next show!

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March? Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 11: The Long Haul

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:04:56 -0700

What does this show and “Encino Man” have in common? If you answered ‘Pauly Shore’ – you won! 20 years ago, Pauly Shore was at the height of his career. 20 years ago, Gary Garcia started youth ministry at his current church. Gary’s still there. Pauly – well.. he was sighted in Florida..

Gary spends time with the team, answering questions, sharing wisdom and helping veterans and rookies alike what it means to make “the Long Haul.”

Here are a few links to look for from the show:

“Hoops of Hope” was this week’s “Hood Ornament” for the show. Be sure to check out what they do and who they are here!

Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.

Looking for more information on the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in March? Check out our website here!

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 10: Random Randomness

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:19:59 -0700

We made it! 10 shows in, and people are still watching! First of all.. thank you! Thank you to our fans, our family… those that are still watching. Secondly… keep sending in your questions! (You can send them to symshow@gmail.com)
This show, we took questions “from the field”, the LIVE audience, as well as impromptu questions that just came up.
Some of the interesting points of discussion were;
- modesty and dress. Where do you draw the line?
- Kurt shares his snoring habits
- The “Desk Objects:” Send them in!
Want to watch the show LIVE? You can!! Watch it LIVE here -– www.simplyyouthministry.tv - and jump in on the conversation.
Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 8: You Ministry on a Shoestring

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:30:30 -0700

How do you do Youth Ministry on a tight budget? What happens when you can’t even afford a shoestring on a “shoestring budget?” These questions (and more) were talked about on this show. Kurt and Jake invited Lars Rood (check out his website here!) and discussed the topic of budgets, restrictions and sharing.
One of the highlights of the SYM Show (which is why you should watch it LIVE) was the interaction between the LIVE audience and the host, Kurt and Jake. Through the magic of technology, you are able to send in your questions, straight to Kurt’s iPad. Simply, amazing.

Some key quotes from today’s show (we can’t give them all, because we want you to watch the show..)

• “Can I say ‘crap’ on the show?
• “You’re a sushi gangster.”

Both quotes led to some great conversation in our online chat room. Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 7: Building a Faith that Lasts

symshow@gmail.com — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:22:31 -0700

While this may be a slightly biased opinion, the new SYM Show is getting better each week. This week, we invited Dr. Kara Powell, author of "Sticky Faith", to join the team. The advice given, the discussion that followed and the questions that were asked by the LIVE audience were incredible. In "The 8," Kara shares specific ways to better your youth ministry by ministering not only to the students, but also the family.

As always, Jake and Kurt were a pleasure to watch and listen to. The honesty, transparency, and ability to help you feel 'a part of the team' is remarkable.

Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.

Episode 6: Juggling Wisely

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:21:05 -0700

On this show: Family Portraits (with white knee high socks), Ron Burgundy, and “is 5 the perfect number.” This week was a show full of laughs, distraction and interaction. We had a number of NEW viewers (welcome!) and got stuck on the topic of “cities with ‘THE’ in their name.”

Our guest was Brian Berry today. He shared with us how to have a healthy balance of Family and Ministry. As the conversation went on, we soon discovered that this is a topic that we all struggle with; whether we’re married or single. Learning to create and keep that balance is crucial, and Brian Berry shared a lot of great points that we should all take to heart.

One of the highlights of the SYM Show (which is why you should watch it LIVE) was the interaction between the LIVE audience and the host, Kurt and Jake. Through the magic of technology, you are able to send in your questions, straight to Kurt’s iPad. Simply, amazing.

Some key quotes from today’s show (we can’t give them all, because we want you to watch the show..)

•“[the bear] was bigger than Shaq..”
•“Word of the day? Fulcrum.”
•“How do I keep my marriage fresh? .. sushi.”

These quotes led to some great conversation in our online chat room. Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.

Episode 5: The Soul of a Leader

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:38:15 -0700

What is Youth Ministry without threats of waking up beside a horses head. In this episode, Jake and Kurt bring in special guest, Greg Stier, from Dare 2 Share ministries, and talk about what it means to have the “Soul of A Leader.” One of the highlights of the SYM Show (which is why you should watch it LIVE) was the interaction between the LIVE audience and the host, Kurt and Jake. Through the magic of technology, you are able to send in your questions, straight to Kurt’s iPad. Simply, amazing.

Some key quotes from today’s show (we can’t give them all, because we want you to watch the show..)

•“If you’re a leader, and you’re not connect to the Leader of your soul, you’re a train wreck waiting to happen.” – Greg Stier
•“If you don’t schedule time with God, I think you’re making a mistake…” – Greg Stier

Both quotes led to some great conversation in our online chat room. Be sure to stay tuned to Kurt’s Twitter, Jake’s Twitter, and Simplyinsider’s Twitter to see when we’re filming LIVE in the future.

Episode 4: Inside the Mind of a Rookie Youth Leader

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:03:23 -0700

Excitement, passion, and a plan for the future. Or was it overconfident and naive? :) In today's episode we sit down with Justin Herman, one of the Youth Ministry Nation, who's in his first 7 months as a youth pastor. We get inside his mind to learn the lessons we see when looking through the eyes of a rookie youth leader.

Episode 3:The Adolescent Brain

symshow@gmail.com — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:08:45 -0700

On today's show we look at how the mental development of teenagers effects our ministry. Mark Oestreicher joins the crew as we discuss details of what is happening in an adolescent brain and how this dictates what our ministry and teaching should look like.

Group Magazine Live #1: Sexual Sin

symshow@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:51:49 -0700

This is the first online Group Magazine Live event and the topic is Sexual Sin. Rick Lawrence, editor of Group Magazine, is joined by Craig Gross (XXXChurch.com), Jeff Wallace (Youth Worker), and Danette Matty (Youth Worker).