Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast

Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Youth Ministry Podcast all about serving in Youth Ministry. Whether it be youth group or youth camp, whatever God has you serving in, that's what we're here talking about. Join us, Josh and Kyle, as we talk through some of the burning, practical questions facing those in youth ministry. We don't have it all figured out, but let's learn and explore this side of ministry together! Join our community of those serving in youth ministry @stackingchairspod through Instagram and Facebook. A Word of Life Podcast

Stacking Chairs #87 - Navigating Bi-Vocational Ministry & Gen Alpha 06/11/2025

Stacking Chairs #87 - Navigating Bi-Vocational Ministry & Gen Alpha SIGN UP NOW AND CLAIM YOUR FREE SERIES FOR ANY AGE GROUP IN YOUTH MINISTRY: https://multiply.life New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! Episode Summary: If you’re navigating multiple callings, limited time, or trying to make sense of Gen Alpha’s world (Skibidi what??), this episode will encourage and equip you. In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle candidly share their own experiences with bi-vocational ministry—what it looks like, the struggles, and the unexpected blessings. They also dive into a timely conversation about the emerging Gen Alpha generation, what’s changing in youth culture, and how leaders can prepare to reach and disciple this new wave of students. Key Talking Points: - What bi-vocational ministry really looks like today - Encouragement for leaders serving without a full-time ministry role - The growing need to celebrate and honor volunteer leaders - Why Gen Alpha is different—and what it means for your youth ministry - Generational dynamics in today’s church - Practical tips for preparing your ministry to engage Gen Alpha effectively - The importance of relational ministry across generational divides Great Youth Ministry Resources: https://multiply.life Join the Conversation: Are you navigating bi-vocational ministry or already seeing shifts with Gen Alpha students? We’d love to hear your experiences! Share with us in the comments or on social media. Let’s grow and learn together. Find all things Stacking Chairs: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website: youthministry.wol.org About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you’re running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/36944500

Stacking Chairs #86 - The Gateway Drug to Deconstruction: Legalism and the Gospel 05/28/2025

Stacking Chairs #85 - How To Craft A Youth Ministry Plan That Outlives the Leader 05/14/2025

Stacking Chairs #85 - How To Craft A Youth Ministry Plan That Outlives the Leader 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with veteran youth pastor Chris Bowles to tackle the problem of “winging it” on Wednesday nights. Chris unpacks how a clear, written strategy moves students from unreached guests to core disciples and keeps ministry healthy when staff transition. Drawing on decades of local church experience and new tools from Word of Life, he explains how intentional planning frees leaders from burnout, empowers volunteers, and delivers consistent discipleship long after any one pastor leaves. Key Talking Points: ✅ Four levels of student growth – unreached, uncommitted, committed, core ✅ Personality driven ministry versus plan driven ministry ✅ Simple calendar hacks that ensure weekly touch points beyond Wednesday night ✅ Training volunteers to disciple so the pastor is not the bottleneck ✅ Metrics that matter more than attendance ✅ How Word of Life coaching and resources give churches a ready made roadmap Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start for free): 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: 📱 Join our Facebook Group: 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders whether you run a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we are on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing in Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/36569245

Stacking Chairs #84 – Answering the Call in Leadership 04/23/2025

Stacking Chairs #84 – Answering the Call in Leadership 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle welcome back Ethan Warren—a former assistant camp director turned behind-the-scenes operations leader at Word of Life. Together, they explore what it means to “answer the call” in ministry when the job you’re doing isn’t exactly the one you signed up for. From leadership lanes to filling gaps to letting go of your way of doing things, this episode challenges youth leaders to serve with humility, build systems that outlast them, and raise up others without burning out. Whether you’re a doer, a leader, or somewhere in between, this is a must-listen for anyone building sustainable, Gospel-centered ministry teams. Key Talking Points: ✅ Leader, Doer, or Facilitator? Knowing your lane ✅ How to fill ministry gaps without becoming irreplaceable ✅ Leading with grace when others drop the ball ✅ Avoiding resentment and burnout in leadership ✅ Letting others lead—even if they do it differently ✅ When to change the system—and when to let it go Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: https://multiply.life 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: https://linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod 📱 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 📸 Instagram: @wol.youthministries 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries 🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/36272755

Stacking Chairs #83 – Overcommitted: How to Balance Ministry, Family & Side Gigs Without Burning Out 04/08/2025

Stacking Chairs #83 – Overcommitted: How to Balance Ministry, Family & Side Gigs Without Burning Out 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle share real-life stories of juggling ministry demands, family responsibilities, and even side jobs—all without losing their minds (most days!). They explore what happens when you’re spinning more plates than you can handle, how to identify when you’re genuinely “overcommitted,” and why setting boundaries sometimes feels so difficult. Along the way, they offer practical insights for youth leaders who want to serve wholeheartedly yet avoid the burnout spiral. If your to-do list is growing faster than you can keep up, tune in for honest talk and a reminder that it’s okay to slow down and say “no” every once in a while. Key Talking Points: ✅ The Plate-Spinning Metaphor ✅ Choosing What Matters Most ✅ Healthy Boundaries & Delegation ✅ Avoiding Identity Traps ✅ Practical Tips to Beat Burnout Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: 📱 Join our Facebook Group: 📸 Instagram: 👍 Facebook: ▶️ YouTube: 🌐 Website: About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at . /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/36046825

Stacking Chairs #82 – Leaving Well: How to Exit Ministry Roles with Grace & Integrity (Mike Bream) 03/26/2025

Stacking Chairs #82 – Leaving Well: How to Exit Ministry Roles with Grace & Integrity (Mike Bream) 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS AND SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, we’re joined by ministry veteran Mike Bream to talk about something most leaders don’t think about until it’s too late—how to leave your ministry role well. Whether you're transitioning out of a healthy team, navigating a toxic environment, or just passing the baton to the next leader, how you exit matters. We unpack what it looks like to leave with grace, integrity, and a heart for the Church—not just your church. Key Talking Points: ✅ How much time should you take to pass the torch? ✅ Should you stay in the church after stepping down from staff? ✅ What does “leaving well” look like in a toxic ministry environment? ✅ Why your exit impacts your students—more than you think ✅ Leaving well whether your exit is public or private ✅ Stewarding your role for the good of the broader Church ✅ Overlapping and supporting the next leader coming in Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Free Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools: 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs at: 📱 Join our Facebook Group: 📸 Instagram: 👍 Facebook: ▶️ YouTube: 🌐 Website: About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at . /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/35864755

Stacking Chairs #81 - Should We Split Youth Group? (Brent Finchum) 03/12/2025

Stacking Chairs #81 - Should We Split Youth Group? (Brent Finchum) New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS ARE SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: https://wol.to/mystory In this episode of Stacking Chairs, we sit down with Brent Finchum to unpack the pros and cons of different youth group structures. We discuss factors like spiritual maturity, group dynamics, leadership capacity, and church culture that all play a role in deciding what’s best for your ministry. Key Talking Points: ✅ The benefits and drawbacks of splitting middle school and high school ✅ How group structure affects discipleship and spiritual growth ✅ What to consider before making a change ✅ Practical ways to help students transition between age groups ✅ How to engage older students in mentoring younger ones Great Youth Ministry Resources: • Free Youth Ministry Resources: https://multiply.life Join the Conversation: How do you handle disruptive behavior in your youth group? Share your thoughts in the comments or send us a message on social media! Let’s learn from one another and grow together. Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1371987896934818 Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: facebook.com/wolyouthministries YouTube: youtube.com/@wolyouthministries Website: youthministry.wol.org About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at Word of Life Youth Ministries. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/35661785

Stacking Chairs #80 - How To Handle Disruptive Kids In Youth Group 02/27/2025

Stacking Chairs #80 - How To Handle Disruptive Kids In Youth Group 👉 DOWNLOAD FREE YOUTH MINISTRY LESSONS ARE SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH MILLIONS: Navigating disruptive behavior in youth ministry is no easy task. From getting kids to pay attention during sermons to addressing behavior that might require asking a student to step away temporarily, these situations can feel overwhelming. But they’re also an opportunity to lead with grace, truth, and a focus on restoration. In this episode of Stacking Chairs, hosts Josh Paulhamus and Kyle Gray are joined by guest Eric Gill to discuss real-life scenarios and practical strategies for managing disruptive behavior in youth group and camp settings. They share personal stories, proven techniques like the “three-strike rule,” and insights into balancing discipline with ministry values. Whether you’re a veteran youth leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you lead effectively without losing trust. Key Talking Points: • How to get kids to pay attention during sermons 📖 • When and how to ask a student to step away temporarily 🚦 • How long a student should be asked to take a break from camp or youth group ⏳ • The importance of balancing discipline and grace in youth ministry ⚖️ • Personal stories of tough conversations with students and parents 🗣 Great Youth Ministry Resources: • Free Youth Ministry Resources: Join the Conversation: How do you handle disruptive behavior in your youth group? Share your thoughts in the comments or send us a message on social media! Let’s learn from one another and grow together. Find all things Stacking Chairs at Join our Facebook Group: Instagram: @wol.youthministries Facebook: YouTube: Website: About Stacking Chairs: Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We're here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you're running a youth group, a camp, or any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who get there early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge and encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs! Special Thanks: This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build deep and engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and creative Gospel events. Learn more about how we’re on a mission to ensure Every Student, Everywhere Is Growing In Their Walk With Christ at . /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/35449865