Pizza & Side Hugs
A Catholic Youth Ministry Podcast for anyone leading youth ministry. Whether you're a youth minister, parent, volunteer, priest, or student leader, you'll find this to be a great resource full of joy, experience, fun, and faithfulness.
Episodes
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the USCCB document 'Listen, Teach, Send,' which provides a framework for youth ministry. They explore the importance of listening, teaching, and sending young people in the context of Catholic faith, emphasizing the need for youth ministers to engage with young people and families. The conversation highlights the significance of the bishops' recognition of you...
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the impact of phones on youth ministry, exploring various strategies for managing phone use during ministry events. They delve into the challenges of distractions caused by phones, the pros and cons of different approaches, and the importance of setting expectations for phone use. The conversation emphasizes the need for engagement and community input on effective strategies...
We're doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 3 of our Partner with Parents series.
Part 1 delved into the critical importance of partnering with parents in youth ministry and its effectiveness on your ministry. Part 2 pivots toward the Dos and Don'ts of cultivating eff...
We're doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 2 of our Partner with Parents series.
Part 1 delved into the critical importance of partnering with parents in youth ministry and its effectiveness on your ministry. Part 2 pivots toward the Dos and Don'ts of cultivating eff...
We’re doing a three-part series on one of the most important topics in youth ministry. If you want to do ministry that lasts, this is where you need to be heading with your ministry. Listen in for Part 1 of our Partner with Parents series.
Part 1 of this conversation delves into the critical importance of partnering with parents in youth ministry and the impact this has on the effectiveness of your ministry. This is the start of the...
In this episode, Paul, Julia, Jake and Rachel discuss the upcoming Jubilee of Hope declared by Pope Francis for 2025, emphasizing its significance for the Catholic Church and the call for youth engagement. They explore the historical context of Jubilee, the importance of local community involvement, and practical ideas for youth ministry to connect with the larger church during this Jubilee year.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction...
In this episode, Paul, Julia, and Jake talk about building strong, honest communication between youth ministers and pastors. They share why these relationships matter, how to navigate tough conversations with courage and humility, and offer simple tips for staying connected and growing together in ministry. Whether you're just starting out or have been in ministry for years, this conversation offers encouragement and real tool...
In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts dive into a big topic in youth ministry—transitions. They open up with some personal stories and reflections, then get into why smooth transitions really matter—especially when it comes to things like onboarding new students or helping families stay connected. Whether it’s moving from children's ministry to youth ministry or heading off to college, they talk about how collabora...
This Pizza & Side Hugs conversation delves into the intricacies of assigning small groups in youth ministry, exploring the challenges faced, strategies for effective group assignments, and the importance of gender dynamics. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to create a supportive environment for youth, emphasizing the need for flexibility, intentionality, and prayer in the process.
00:00 Introduction to...
In last week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew talked about the importance of having a mentor as a youth minister...but for new youth ministers to have mentors, that may mean it is time for you to step up and be a mentor. In this week's episode, the team jumps into why you should be a mentor and what that means. Listen in for some great thoughts on mentorship in youth ministry.
Intro (0:50)
You Could be a Mentor (1:1...
Christ did not send out his apostles one by one, but two by two. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about what that means when you are working in ministry- it is so important to be doing it with someone else. Having a mentor can mean having a person to help you troubleshoot, brainstorm, and celebrate. Listen in to hear thoughts on why having a mentor is important and just how to go about starting that relationship....
Struggling to figure out the curriculum situation for your youth ministry? It can be an overwhelming topic! With so many different topics and options available, curriculum may be a frustrating part of your ministry. In this week's episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team sits down to talk about the merits of different curriculums, including writing your own!
Intro
Examples of Youth Ministry Curriculum
Curriculum Planning
Links:
The average youth minister only lasts about 18 months...we want to help make sure that you don't fall into that statistic! In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team talks about two main areas where you can take care of yourself: programmatically and personally. Listen in to this episode to learn some ways to care for you!
Intro (2:18)
Programmatic Self-Care (8:50)
Personal Self-Care (26:15)
Discerning Self-Care vs. Leadership ...
Do you ever struggle to ask good processing questions with teens? In this episode Paul, Rachel, and special guest Charlie Hardesty from the Diocese of Owensboro, break down what it looks like to engage with teens and ask better questions.
Intro (0:52)
Charlie Hardesty: Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in Owensboro (1:18)
What Are Better Questions? (2:08)
Creating a Space of Joy (7:44)
Best Practice to Help with Conv...
Intro Slice (0:48)
Hiring a YM is Tough (1:53)
Decide What You NEED and is Possible with Your Resources (4:47)
There are a lot of things you may want in a YM, but you need to decide what you need first.
- Do you need someone who is going to build a program?
- Or do you need someone who can spend time with your 5-10 young people? Do you need someone who is going to fire everyone up and move on?
- Or do you need a stable person to be ther...
Budgets are an important part of ministry and the work we do for the Church. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs team breaks open budgeting and the ways that it can be an asset to you.
Intro Slice (0:50)
A Better Budget Perspective (1:08)
In what ways do budgets help us in youth ministry? (3:51)
pizzasidehugs@gmail.com
So you've asked your people and gotten a team together, but you may be wondering what it looks like to lead them in a positive and formational way. In this episode, the Pizza and Side Hugs crew jumps into what it looks like to lead a team well and the positive impact that has on ministry.
Leading a Team
Big Picture: After Recruiting (8:00)
Show Up (10:21)
Partner with Families (16:51)
Cause Dialogue (23:18)
Be a Follower (32:00)
Pla...
We know it's only February...but it's time to start talking about NCYC! Once again, Indianapolis will be the host city for NCYC 2025, November 20-22nd. Whether you are a new youth minister or have been to NCYC dozens of times, this episode will have something for you. We hope that this episode will help as NCYC approaches!
P.S. Need help with fundraising ideas? Check out our episode on fundraising by clicking here!
What’s ...
Are you filled with gratitude for the people around you but not sure how to let them know that you appreciate all that they do to help? Look no further than this week's podcast episode to learn how to thank the people in your ministry that you appreciate so much!
Culture of Gratitude (2:25)
Around the Horn (5:50)
Conclusion (19:27)
Most of the time, we can think of our own experiences here. When did you receive thanks that really ...
Welcome to Season 5!
There are a lot of different facets when thinking about mental health in youth ministry, and it can be an overwhelming topic to try to cover in ministry. In this episode, the team talks about 3 different areas of mental health in ministry. Listen in to hear some thoughts.
What’s one practice of self-care you’ve employed for your own mental health in the midst of youth ministry?(2:15)
Big Pict...
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