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 #94 – Bridging the Gap: Keeping Middle & High School Ministry Connected 10/16/2025

Stacking Chairs #94 – Bridging the Gap: Keeping Middle & High School Ministry Connected 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with Zack Jernigan (High School Pastor) and Josiah Brondyke (Middle School Pastor) from Idlewild Baptist Church in Florida to talk about something every church wrestles with—keeping middle school and high school ministries connected. It’s easy for ministries to become silos. Different schedules, leaders, and rhythms often mean students “start over” when they move up. Zack and Josiah unpack how they intentionally bridge that gap through communication, shared goals, and humility. From unified discipleship paths to team collaboration, this conversation is full of practical insights for youth pastors who want to build ministry that’s relationally strong and spiritually consistent from 6th through 12th grade. Key Talking Points: ✅ Why middle school and high school ministries often feel disconnected ✅ The importance of shared discipleship goals between ministry teams ✅ How to communicate and collaborate across age-specific programs ✅ Making the handoff between ministries relational, not just administrative ✅ Building mutual trust and respect between ministry leaders ✅ What small churches can learn from Idlewild’s approach ✅ How alignment impacts long-term student discipleship Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: 📱 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 lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up 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 strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/38601905

Stacking Chairs #93 – Escape Survival Mode & Stop Doing Ministry Alone 09/25/2025

Stacking Chairs #93 – Escape Survival Mode & Stop Doing Ministry Alone 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down to tackle one of the biggest challenges in youth ministry: loneliness in leadership. Even in a room full of students and volunteers, many youth pastors feel like they’re carrying the weight alone. That’s why we’re diving into Multiply U, a free leadership training platform designed to help you equip your team, grow together, and stop doing ministry solo. We unpack why team-based leadership matters, how to break the cycle of burnout, and how practical tools like Multiply U can make equipping your leaders simple, scalable, and sustainable. Whether you’re leading volunteers, staff, or just starting to build your ministry team, this conversation will give you hope and a plan. Key Talking Points: ✅ Why so many youth leaders feel isolated ✅ The “Expectation Monster” every leader faces ✅ Why equipping your team is not optional—it’s essential ✅ How Multiply U makes training volunteers easy and free ✅ The role of community, coaching, and shared learning ✅ Real steps to stop doing ministry alone Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: ✅ Multiply U (Free Training App): 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: 📱 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 lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up 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 strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/38349130

Stacking Chairs #92 – Pizza Shop to Bible College: Gideon's Journey & Why Youth Ministry Matters 09/11/2025

Stacking Chairs #92 – Pizza Shop to Bible College: Gideon's Journey & Why Youth Ministry Matters 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: Episode Summary: In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle welcome Gideon Kohls—a former podcast listener turned Bible Institute student, camp counselor, and future youth ministry leader. Gideon shares his story of growing up in church without a youth pastor, discovering the impact of intentional discipleship, and how Word of Life camp and the Bible Institute helped solidify his calling. From working at a pizza shop to leading campers through real-life conversations, Gideon reflects on lessons learned, habits formed, and how to stir a hunger for God’s Word that lasts. This episode is a powerful reminder that youth ministry is not about programs—it’s about people, discipleship, and pointing the next generation toward Jesus. Key Talking Points: ✅ Going from podcast listener to podcast guest ✅ Growing up without a youth pastor—and the difference when one finally arrived ✅ How COVID shaped Gideon’s journey and led him to Florida ✅ The role of camp ministry and drama team in reaching students ✅ Why daily disciplines like quiet time and Scripture memory are essential ✅ How youth leaders can model growth that sparks hunger in students ✅ Reaching students where they are without leaving them there ✅ Building intentional programs that let the Holy Spirit do the real work Great Youth Ministry Resources: ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: ✅ Learn more about the Bible Institute: 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: 📱 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 lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up 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 strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/38182585

Stacking Chairs #91 – Next Steps in Youth Ministry: Moving Students From Stuck to Growing (with Scott Foreman) 08/27/2025

Stacking Chairs #91 – Next Steps in Youth Ministry: Moving Students From Stuck to Growing (with Scott Foreman) 📅 New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month! 👉 GRAB YOUR FREE 4-PART YOUTH MINISTRY SERIES: Episode Summary What does it really look like to help students take next steps in their walk with Christ? In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle sit down with author and Word of Life leader Scott Foreman to unpack how to move students from stuck to growing. Scott explains why next steps are more than slogans, how to equip parents as primary disciplers, and how to assess ministry health with four simple Acts 2 priorities. From “no Scripture, no social media” mornings to setting churchwide benchmarks, this conversation is packed with practical tools to help you personalize discipleship and build steady, Gospel-centered growth. Key Talking Points ✅ Next steps are part of sanctification, not one-size-fits-all slogans ✅ How to personalize growth rhythms that actually stick ✅ Equipping parents as the first disciplers, with youth ministry as reinforcement ✅ Four lenses for ministry health: Word, Community, Evangelism, Stewardship ✅ Balancing team strengths through delegation so no one gift dominates ✅ Building benchmarks for kids and parents at every stage (elementary through graduation) ✅ Sticky habits like “no Scripture, no social media,” analog Bibles, and family devotions ✅ Word of Life’s pathway for next steps: Quiet Time, sharing the Gospel, mission trips, Camp Crew, Bible Institute Great Youth Ministry Resources ✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): ✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: 🔗 Find all things Stacking Chairs: 📱 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 lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. Through practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we challenge 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 strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ. /episode/index/show/b0212cb1-471f-4943-b51d-f6359aa1fa5e/id/37974660

Stacking Chairs #90 – Stop Winging It: Ministry, Marriage & the Call to Be Intentional 07/24/2025

Stacking Chairs #89 – What If Church Looked Like Acts 2? w/ Ander Chen 07/10/2025

Stacking Chairs #88 – Start With One: Discipleship Through Relationship 06/25/2025

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