Myth: A Healthy Youth Ministry is a Growing Youth Ministry

The EpiPen Didn’t Work... Now What?

What happens when a mission trip to Cambodia turns into a race against anaphylactic shock — with a wheelchair heist, rats on the ER floor, and a $400 bill to save a student’s life? Or when a friendly game of broom ball ends with a youth leader’s fingernail on the ice and a 2 AM ER visit fueled by Greek flashcards? In this episode, Nick and Mikiala sit down with youth pastor Dawson Campbell (Diamond Bar, CA) for two of the wildest, most chaotic, and somehow deeply encouraging stories from the front lines of student ministry. From mudfish dinners in Southeast Asia to bloody ice rinks in the South, Dawson proves one thing: youth ministry will absolutely test you — and God will absolutely show up. Whether you’re a seasoned youth worker or just someone who loves a great survival story, this one’s for you. Buckle up. Shop our Ministry to Youth Store [https://ministry-to-youth.com/]. Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.

5 Youth Ministry Myths Busted

In this episode, Nick busts these 5 youth ministry myths: * Spiritual growth just happens over time.  * Every event has the top the last one. * I just need more volunteers. * Wednesday night (or Sunday) is the ministry. * If students drift away after graduation, your youth ministry failed. He doesn’t just challenge these ideas - he unpacks the truth behind each one. Plus, he dives into two bonus myths that 99% of youth ministry leaders widely accept! Want more? Check out Nick’s YouTube Shorts [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNY54YbpGUmPEvR9ITc6Ld1namStUK-Ue&si=dNiXS3xD0R_CFC5T] for more youth ministry myths - busted. Or check them out on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ministry_to_youth/reels/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ministrytoyouth/reels] or TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@ministry_to_youth]. Shop our Ministry to Youth store [https://ministry-to-youth.com/]. Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.

Myth: A Healthy Youth Ministry is a Growing Youth Ministry

We've been told over and over that healthy things grow. If attendance is up, God must be moving and you're doing something right. But here's the problem: You can pack a room and no one knows a single student’s story. You can high-five a hundred kids and not shepherd any of them. Truth: Attendance is not the best scoreboard of a health youth ministry. So, what is? That's the big question we tackle in this episode as we explore: Why are we so obsessed with having a growing youth ministry? How do you define a healthy youth ministry? What are the top indicators of a thriving youth ministry and how can we build one? And more. Shop our Ministry to Youth store [https://ministry-to-youth.com/]. Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.

Why Camps and Retreats Still Matter

Camps and retreats are often where God shows up in powerful ways, and Nick and Mikiala have the stories to prove it. In this episode, they share personal moments that transformed students’ lives and unpack how youth leaders can intentionally create space for God to move. Shop our Ministry to Youth store [https://ministry-to-youth.com/?_ga=2.65389486.1446282706.1772154454-1861544011.1728678889]. Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.

The Quiet Power of Consistency

In this episode, Nick Diliberto, Mikiala, and Lydia Halma talk about why consistency, mentorship, and safe spaces matter in youth ministry.  Lydia shares how one-on-one meetings, intentional engagement, and steady leadership build trust and lasting faith, and how addressing shame helps students feel safe enough to grow.  If you’re a youth ministry wanting deeper relationships and a more impactful ministry, this episode is packed with practical encouragement. Shop our Ministry to Youth store [https://ministry-to-youth.com/]. Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.