Youth Ministry Sherpas: Coast To Coast

Apr 09 2024 1
Youth Ministry Sherpas: Coast To Coast Podcast artwork

Welcome to the Youth Ministry Sherpas Coast to Coast Podcast, featuring Brock Morgan, Shannon Dunn, and Steve Anderson. We call ourselves "Sherpas" because we have over 80 years combined experience leading ministries. It's "Coast to Coast" because we serve on opposite ends of the country (Steve in Maryland; Shannon and Brock in California). We love students, we love youth ministry, and we love encouraging youth workers! Vulnerable, winsome, insightful -- think of it like another road trip in a 15-passenger van with your best friends. It's "Youth Ministry with the windows down!" Thanks for coming along for the ride!

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Episode 19: Why We (Still) Love Summer Camp

Apr 09 2024 48 mins  
Smelly Cabins, Snack Shack, Silly Skits, Scary Bus Rides, Smooching Kids – nothing says summer like Summer Camp!Even after our many years of experience and all the various programs we’ve led, we still believe in Summer Camp. It’s one of the foundations of our ministries. Summer Camp provides the chance to get away, break rhythm, avoid distractions, build relationships, and ha

Episode 18: The Beauty and Necessity of Contemplative Youth Ministry

Mar 26 2024 44 mins  
Episode 18: The Beauty and Necessity of Contemplative Youth Ministry With anxiety at an all-time high and attention spans at an all-time low, how can youth pastors help our students experience God in deeper and more meaningful ways? Is it more than music, games and messages?On this episode, Shannon, Brock and Steve talk about the value and beauty of contemplative practices in youth

Episode 17: When Youth Pastors Preach

Mar 19 2024 42 mins  
Sadly, we are missing Shannon today, but Brock and Steve got together the day after they both preached in their churches’ main services to talk about our experiences with preaching. It can be a big deal for youth pastors. We both get to do it regularly, and we’ve seen the benefits our time in the “pulpit” has brought to our ministry within the congregation. Whether you prea

Episode 16: The (dismal/hopeful) State of Youth Pastor Compensation

Mar 11 2024 56 mins  
Today, we talk about money. It’s a sore subject in youth pastor circles. Many youth pastors and youth workers feel underpaid, unappreciated, and undervalued. What’s worse; talking about it or asking for more feels unspiritual. Aren’t we just in it for the kids? Well, yes, but what can we do to improve our financial viability so we can take care of our families, build church h

Episode 15: Brockless No More

Feb 27 2024 37 mins  
Brock is back from sabbatical, if you can call it that. A month off–albeit with two interruptions, a speaking engagement, and painful back issues. But there was also a trip to San Diego, another trip to London, and some sweet time with God. So, in hindsight, what did Brock learn about himself, about his identity in Christ, and what it is that keeps us in youth ministry? How do we

Episode 14: Can We Save Gen Z?

Feb 20 2024 52 mins  
Our first-ever interview guest is Brad Griffin, Senior Director of Content and Research for the Fuller Youth Institute, and co-author of their new book, Faith Beyond Youth Group.It has been nearly 20 years since Sticky Faith brought to light the troubling truth about Millennials leaving the church. Those same problems–exacerbated by accelerating technology, anxiety, and a worldwi

Episode 13: When Students Outgrow Their Parents

Feb 13 2024 38 mins  
It's February and we're still Brock-less. However, Shannon and Steve got together to talk about Valentine's Day, the Super Bowl, and more importantly -- Youth Ministry. What happens when our students surpass their parents in spiritual maturity? Sometimes it's students from nonChristian backgrounds, but it can also be students from within the church. How do we challenge them to keep

Episode 12: But We've Always Done It That Way!

Jan 30 2024 35 mins  
Brock is still on sabbatical, but Shannon and Steve connect for a great conversation about tradition, innovation, and who should be playing in the Super Bowl this year.Youth Ministry is usually on the cutting edge of church culture, which means we are always up for trying something new. At the same time, creating stability and traditions for our students can be a valuable gift. How

Episode 11: There's No Crying In Youth Ministry!

Jan 17 2024 37 mins  
Our first episode of 2024, and we're already Brockless! Brock is on sabbatical and will miss a couple episodes, but Shannon and Steve are back to kick things off. Steve went to the Passion Conference in Atlanta the first few days of the year (along with 55,000 college students) and while it was awesome, it also got him thinking about worship, emotions, and their role in youth minis

Episode 10: Live from the West Coast!

Nov 21 2023 37 mins  
The Youth Ministry Sherpas met for the very first time ever at Mariner’s Church in sunny SoCal at the Download Youth Ministry Conference. Not only did we have fun together, we also spent some time with some of the most amazing youth workers on the planet. Five of them – with a combined 140 years experience – are featured in this episode. When did they want to quit, and what g