Ministry to Youth Stories
Welcome to the Ministry to Youth Stories Podcast, where youth ministry leaders like you call in to share their stories.
Youth ministry is full of unforgettable moments, the kind that make you laugh until your stomach hurts, cry because you deeply care, and shake your head wondering, “Did that really just happen at youth group?”
Each week, youth pastors and leaders just like you call in on the show to share their most outrageous, hilarious, and inspiring youth ministry stories. From youth group game fails and camp chaos to heartwarming tales of life change, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes pass into the unpredictable world of student ministry.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever:
- Cleaned up a youth room after a wild game only to find a mysterious smell that never goes away.
- Tried to explain theology while a middle schooler interrupts with “Would Jesus like Sour Patch Kids?”
- Wondered how other leaders survive camp chaos, volunteer drama, or awkward parent email.
Then this podcast is for you!
We believe youth ministry is one of the hardest, funniest, and most rewarding callings out there. That’s why every story we share is packed with honesty, humor, and encouragement. You’ll laugh at the ridiculous, learn from the messy, and be reminded why investing in teenagers matters more than ever.
What You’ll Get in Each Episode:
- Real Stories: Nothing scripted here. Just authentic stories from youth leaders in the trenches.
- Laughter Guaranteed: Camp bloopers, youth group fails, and more will keep you grinning.
- Encouragement & Inspiration: Even in the chaos, you’ll find powerful reminders of God’s work in students’ lives.
- Connection: Hear from leaders across the world who share the same joys and challenges you face every week.
Who Is This Podcast For?
- Youth pastors who need a laugh after a long Wednesday night.
- Volunteer leaders looking for encouragement and fresh perspective.
- Church staff who want to better understand the highs and lows of student ministry.
- Anyone who loves teenagers and the unpredictable, beautiful world of youth group.
New episodes drop weekly, and you never know what kind of story you’ll hear next.
Subscribe today and join the fun.
Shop our huge collection of youth ministry curriculum, series, Bible studies, games and more: https://ministry-to-youth.com/
Want to be part of the show? Visit https://ministrytoyouth.com/stories to share your own youth ministry story and maybe you’ll be chosen to call in on an upcoming episode.
Because let’s be honest: in youth ministry, it’s not a question of if crazy things will happen, it’s when. And here, every story is worth telling.
Ministry to Youth Stories
Accidentally Inappropriate with Marko
What happens when you’re a youth ministry leader for 44 years?
You get stories. Some hilarious, some heartbreaking, and all packed with wisdom. In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Mark Oestreicher (AKA Marko), a youth ministry legend who’s seen it all.
From an accidentally inappropriate moment on a mission trip to the terrifying experience of losing a student, Marko shares the raw, real side of youth ministry. The laughter, the lessons & more.
👉 To learn more about Marko’s coaching program, go to theyouthcartel.com
👉 Shop our Ministry to Youth store: ministrytoyouth.com Check out our huge collection of youth ministry bundles, teaching series, one year curriculums, Bible studies, games and more.