Freedom Talks

About Freedom Talks

We talk about OUR ministry so you can find Freedom in YOURS. We’ll share praise reports and program updates; dig into scripture; share the good, the bad, and the ugly of youth ministry; and talk about the partners, volunteers, donors and servant leaders who help make Kingdom work possible. Freedom Talks is a podcast of Freedom for Youth Ministries. Learn more at freedomforyouth.org. Our intro music is "Funkorama" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) is licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Publisher

Freedom for Youth Ministries

Category

religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Apr 2024

Latest episode

22 Jul 2024

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Jul 2024

   Episode 18: Time Management in Youth Ministry

   In this episode about time management, Mark says "You can make more friends, you can make more money, but you can't make more time." Jess defines time management as "the means and methods to manage your time," but we know it's never that simple. Jess and Mark discuss tips to manage your time well and warns us what happens when we don't accomplish that goal, and then uses a Priority/Time Management Matrix (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/61815c9d58be9e6fd166a5f5/t/6675df2d9388dd5cb4475f77/1719000877924/Priority+Time+Management+Matrix.pdf) (free sign in required) to help us understand and manage those things that seem to fill our schedule, and clarfies the axiom "Another person's urgency should not become my emergence." Once you go to the Iowa Christian Youth Network (https://icyn.org), let us know you're there and join us for additional resources for YOUR ministry.

2. 

   15 Jul 2024

   Episode 17: Enlightening Students in Youth Ministry

   In this episode, Mark and Jess outline the steps to enlightening students in your ministry, comparing and contrasting training, educating, indoctrinating, and developing. Training is defined as teaching or developing other skills or knowledge. Educating means to give instruction or to teach, train, or inform. Indoctrination is teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs without questioning them. Development is the process in which someone or something grows or changes to become more advanced. Training plus education equals development. Drop your questions or comments in an email to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org) or in the comments section. For additional resources, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ICYN.org (https://icyn.org). To learn more about OUR ministry, Freedom for Youth, visit freedomforyouth.org (https://freedomforyouth.org).

3. 

   8 Jul 2024

   Episode 16: Safety in Youth Ministry

   Hopefully, we all have a place where we feel safe. In this episode, Jess and Mark discuss how to make youth ministry a safe place, discussing physical, emotional, and spiritual safety. Situational awareness, being aware of what's happening around you, is the key to physical safety. If there's a fire, for example, do you know where to go, where the exits are, and if they are kept free of clutter so you can use them? Is your parking lot well lit? Have you done a walkthrough to evaluate and plan for emergencies? The pair talk about emotional safety, focusing on empowering, connecting, and correcting in a way that sets youth up for success through authentic relationships built on common language and correcting out of love. Finally, Jess and Mark discuss spiritual safety, with the emphasis on Biblical accuracy while building trusted relationships. Check out the Iowa Christian Youth Network (icyn.org (https://icyn.org)) for resources to help you ensure YOUR ministry is safe.

4. 

   1 Jul 2024

   Episode 15: Dealing with the Problem Child in Youth Ministry

   In this episode, Jess and Mark debunk the label "problem child" because we don't want to write off or label a child "bad" (or even "good") when dealing with people with a sinful nature. As adults, we must teach young people and give them the tools to address behavioral issues. We discuss how best to serve children who may have more difficult behavior. It begins with understanding the individual and is best navigated from within an authentic relationship. "No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship." - Ruby Payne, as quoted in A Framework for Understanding Poverty (https://a.co/d/hcGgvfW). Please email us your thoughts and questions to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), visit the ⁠Iowa Christian Youth Network ⁠ (https://icyn.org)to learn from others; or see what we're doing at ⁠Freedom for Youth Ministries⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org) in Des Moines.

5. 

   24 Jun 2024

   Episode 14: Making Connections that Count in Youth Ministry

   Mark and Jess spoke with Brian Patterson, executive director of Freedom for Youth Ministries, about the importance of building meaningful connections in the ministry. Since joining Freedom for Youth, Brian has emphasized connections to share the work of God through the ministry. Whether it's soul care or fundraising, Brian has focused on building genuine connections with volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders whose support, prayers, and intentional actions help the Ministry impact the community. Brian highlights eight ways in which strong, trust-based connections benefit non-profit ministries: 1. Building trust by being transparent in connections. 2. Understanding the needs of both the organization and the community. 3. Creating support networks that include volunteers, donors, prayer partners, and other stakeholders. 4. Increasing awareness and visibility to open minds and hearts to the ministry. 5. Collaborating on solutions by working with like-minded entities toward aligned goals. 6. Seeking feedback to ensure the ministry is moving in the right direction. 7. Strengthening relationships to survive challenging times and celebrate achievements. 8. Ensuring sustainability by continuously evaluating services and programs to meet the needs of a changing world.

6. 

   17 Jun 2024

   Episode 13: Growing Youth Spiritually (Part 2 - Programs)

   Mark and Jess continue their conversation about the programs used to grow youth spiritually. Program is defined as structure and framework, and they cover a variety of components that can help grow students spiritually, from small groups, mentoring, and memory verses to intentional curriculum, serving, and (bonus) worship! Jess references this quote from Biblical Worldview (https://a.co/d/ey9iLt0) by Josh Molvihill: A biblical worldview equips children to serve God using the gifts he has given them. God didn't just save us from something, he saved us for something - to resume the task for which we were originally created. We bring him glory when we reflect his character to others. Running a business, teaching students, or managing a home are not secondary activities, but doing God's work in the world. A child's future vocation is not something he or she does for God; it is a way to participate in God's work. Send us an email to podcast@freedomforyouth.org to share what you're doing in your program, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network (https://icyn.org)to learn from others; or see what we're doing at Freedom for Youth Ministries (https://freedomforyouth.org) in Des Moines.

7. 

   10 Jun 2024

   Episode 12: Growing Youth Spiritually (Part 1 - People)

   In this episode, Mark and Jess discuss growing youth spiritually, starting with building relationships and understanding where the young person is spiritually and then building a growth plan. They discuss the value of understanding if you're evangelizing or discipling the student. They remind us that sometimes, we won't see growth during our time with the student and that's okay because it takes time -- God's time! We're her to plant the seed. God does the rest. In this episode, Mark and Jess talk about the importance of nurturing spiritual growth in young people. They emphasize the significance of building a strong relationship with the youth and understanding where they are spiritually before formulating a growth plan. Mark and Jess also highlight the difference between evangelizing and discipling the youth and the importance of identifying which one is needed in each situation. Furthermore, they remind us that growth may not always be visible during our time with the youth, but that's okay because it takes time - God's time. Our role is to plant the seed, and God does the rest.

8. 

   3 Jun 2024

   Episode 11: Growing Youth Numerically in Youth Ministry

   In this episode, Mark and Jess talk about watching the raw numbers in youth ministry. They remind us that it's okay to have objectives, but God does the work, and in His time. When God blesses a ministry numerically, it's good to celebrate and give Him the glory. We can't, however, make achieving the number another idol in our lives. You might want to listen to episode #9 on record keeping again to understand which numbers are important and why, and episode #8 on volunteers so see when numbers can impact your program. Be sure to learn more about the resources available through the Iowa Christian Youth Network at icyn.org (https://icyn.org). You can learn more about Freedom for Youth Ministries at freedomforyouth.org. (https://freedomforyouth.org)

9. 

   27 May 2024

   Episode 10: Managing Conflict in Youth Ministry

   Conflict happens. When handled correctly - Biblically - it can actually be a blessing to a ministry. When it's not handled correctly, it can move the ministry in the wrong direction and even damage the ministry permanently. When in ministry, conflict is not of flesh and blood, and needs to be handled well. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to ⁠podcast@freedomforyouth.org⁠ (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. If you'd like more information about resources mentioned in the podcast, request it in an email and we'll get it to you soon! For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠⁠⁠icyn.org⁠⁠⁠ (https://icyn.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org).

10. 

    20 May 2024

    Episode 9: Record Keeping in Youth Ministry

    Who loves record keeping? If you love them or hate them, keeping records can make or break your ministry. Join Mark and Jess as they discuss that God is a God or order, records are valuable, what records to keep, and how good record keeping is important for your ministry. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to ⁠podcast@freedomforyouth.org⁠ (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠⁠⁠icyn.org⁠⁠⁠ (https://icyn.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org).

11. 

    13 May 2024

    Episode 8: Engaging Volunteers in Youth Ministry

    Most nonprofits are volunteer-driven. In youth ministry, volunteers fill many front-line roles, connecting with students, answering their questions, and serving as role models and examples of the love of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Mark and Jess are joined by Troy Vande Lune, the volunteer and network senior manager at Freedom for Youth. Troy recruits, onboards, engages, and retains volunteers to serve as small group leaders, small group assistants, skills class instructors, mentors, and other roles to engage with our students. In this episode, we'll talk about equipping, encouraging, and empowering volunteers to do the Kingdom work of Youth Ministry. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠⁠icyn.org⁠⁠ (https://icyn.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org).

12. 

    6 May 2024

    Episode 7: Facing Compromise in Youth Ministry

    It can be easy to compromise in youth ministry, but is it advisable? Listen in as Mark and Jess discuss the temptation to compromise on your ministry values, the dangers of compromising in ministry, and how to stand strong in the face of compromise. Compromising sometimes feels like we're taking matters into our own hands. Therein lies the temptation. Instead, when we stand firm, God blesses us! Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (maito:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠icyn.org⁠ (https://icyn.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org).

13. 

    29 Apr 2024

    Episode 6: Measuring Impact in Youth Ministry

    We all want to have an impact in our Kingdom work, but how do we measure that impact? Join Mark and Jess as they discuss having an impact on the young people in our care every day. It's not a line item we can track or a box that we can check off when it's complete. We don't don't measure like the world measures. We are called instead, to be under the leadership of God in what we do and how we measure it, and look at our mission statement to remind ourselves what we're called to do to serve Him. When you're doing God's work, it's easy to be 100 percent effective! Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠icyn.org⁠ (https://icyn.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org).

14. 

    22 Apr 2024

    Episode 5: Leadership as a Foundational Value in Youth Ministry

    Leadership is the fourth of four foundational values derived from the Freedom for Youth Ministries ⁠mission statement⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org/about-us/mission-vision-core-values). In this episode, Mark and Jess talk about how leadership is taught, demonstrated, and celebrated throughout our youth and young adult programming. As part of our desire to develop youth and equip them for a transformed life, we begin by modeling good leadership habits and celebrating leadership behavior by our students. Leadership can be taught very early, such as when students have the opportunity to clean up after themselves, volunteer to participate in an activity, or lead others to good behavior. With leadership as a foundational value, we can even use misbehavior as an opportunity to teach leadership. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠icyn.org⁠ (https://icyn.org).

15. 

    15 Apr 2024

    Episode 4: Employment as a Foundational Value in Youth Ministry

    Employment is the third of four foundational values, along with faith, education, and leadership, which is derived from the Freedom for Youth Ministries ⁠mission statement⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org/about-us/mission-vision-core-values). Join Mark and Jess as they explain how to put the spotlight on employment for youth who have little to no understanding of what it takes to get, keep, and thrive in a sustainable career. Talking about careers, even at an early age, instaills in our youth a positive and hopeful mindset about God's plan for their lives. Special guests, skills classes, and employment training are the key areas that youth ministry can focus on to plant that seed and equip young people for sustainable careers. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports, and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at ⁠icyn.org⁠ (https://icyn.org).

16. 

    9 Apr 2024

    Episode 3: Education as a Foundational Value in Youth Ministry

    Education is one of four foundational values, along with faith, employment, and leadership, which is derived from the Freedom for Youth Ministries mission statement (https://freedomforyouth.org/about-us/mission-vision-core-values). Join Mark and Jess as they explain how to integrate educational support throughout our youth and young adult programming to build upon the confidence gained through faith to perform better in the classroom. Incorporating educational support is critical to our mission focus on development, not rescue. Improved classroom performance also leads to fewer classroom behavior issues and, thus, more partnership with local schools. Education also provide a variety of volunteer opportunities for your ministry. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org), and be part of Freedom Talks. For access to FREE ministry resources and support, visit the Iowa Christian Youth Network at icyn.org (https://icyn.org).

17. 

    9 Apr 2024

    Episode 2: Faith as a Foundational Value in Youth Ministry

    Faith is one of four foundational values, along with education employment and leadership, which is derived from the Freedom for Youth Ministries mission statement. Join Mark and Jess as they explain how faith is integrated throughout our youth and young adult programming to let them know that they were created on purpose and for a purpose by a God who loves them and has a plan for them. We don't have all the answers, but by sharing the Gospel with these young people and relying on God's Word for answers, we can empower and equip our young people to overcome whatever obstacles they may be facing in this life. Send us your comments, questions, praise reports and prayer requests to podcast@freedomforyouth.org, and be part of Freedom Talks. For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit ⁠freedomforyouth.org⁠ (https://freedomforyouth.org). For free resources and information about the Iowa Christian Youth Network, visit ⁠icyn.org⁠ (https://icyn.org).

18. 

    9 Apr 2024

    Episode 1: Mission Statements for Youth Ministry

    Welcome to the first episode of Freedom Talks, a podcast of Freedom for Youth Ministries (https://freedomforyouth.org/) in Des Moines, Iowa. In today's episode, Jess Evans, a 13-year veteran of youth ministry, and Mark Taylor, a former pastor, small business owner, and the developer of Freedom's personal and professional development program, discuss the value of a mission statement for youth ministry. The mission statement is not a bumper sticker or slogan. It's a tool to guide and direct your ministry's efforts. It helps you say YES to some things and NO to others, not because they're bad but because they're just not part of your ministry's focus. If you have questions, comments, praise reports, or prayer concerns, send us an email at podcast@freedomforyouth.org (mailto:podcast@freedomforyouth.org). For more information about Freedom for Youth Ministries, visit freedomforyouth.org (https://freedomforyouth.org). For free resources and information about the Iowa Christian Youth Network, visit icyn.org (https://icyn.org).

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

3.4 / 5

5 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.