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Reconnect with The Youth Worker Daily

5/27/2025

* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

I am so excited to share the next chapter of The Youth Worker Daily with you. After a 2 year sabbatical, it's time to get back to sharing student ministry. That means there is new content, both in a written format here on the blog and video content on the TYWD YouTube channel. I am also looking forward to the relaunch of my podcast, Conversations with Every Day Youth Workers, which will begin airing this coming Fall (2025).

So where have we been? That's a great question.

At the end of 2022, I decided to step out of student ministry for personal reasons. 2022 was a year of personal challenges. We found that we were physically, emotionally, and spiritually weary. The thought of caring for others while feeling so depleted was overwhelming. We decided it wouldn't be fair or right to continue serving students and their families while we were working through our own challenges.

So we took a break and committed to taking some time to mourn, heal, get some coaching, and seek God for our what's next. And that's what we did. We were able to get some remote work which allowed us to work from home while healing and reconnecting as a family and with God. After about 9 months we began asking God to show us our 'what's next'. Over the next couple of months we began to see God moving in some new and unexpected ways. We sensed a new chapter was about to be written. We were excited, but cautious. But we stepped out in faith and trusted that God was in control.

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Those last couple of months opened the doors to join two ministries that worker with youth workers; PACT Ministries and the National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM). PACT Ministry provides relationships, training and equipping for evangelical, full-time youth ministers helping them grow in their personal spiritual life, their family relationships and their student ministry through a unique combinations of highly effective, proven educational, relational, and experiential strategies. (from https://pactministry.org/about/about-pact)

National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) seeks to see every youth leader thrive in deeper connection with God and each other so that every young person is changed by the story of Jesus. They create collaborative spaces for youth leaders to be personally encouraged, professionally equipped and spiritually strengthened for faithful and effective ministry with the next generation. (https://www.youthworkers.net/mission-and-values.htm)

These ministries connected with two of my ministry passions; youth worker networking and youth ministry coaching. After a few more months of prayer and conversation with NNYM, I joined their team. And with PACT, I began my training to become a certified ministry coach.

Then something unexpected happened. Just when we thought we had stepped into our 'what's next,' God opened another door. Just as we were getting used to our 'new roles' we were called to serve an incredible church in Cleveland, Ohio. All of a sudden we were thrusted into full-time student ministry, while connecting with youth workers part-time in the Cleveland area. I can't help but look at all of this and chuckle, just when I thought I knew what my next was, God said, 'I'm not done with you yet.'

The plan had always been to bring The Youth Worker Daily back as a resource to youth workers. Through weekly blog posts, I want to encourage youth workers with helpful content that encourages, equips, and connects youth workers to tools and resources for your ministry.

The vlog is home to practical tips , how-to's, and tricks that I hope will help you with the nuts and bolts, game ideas, creative resources, and fun ways to engage with your students. The vlog will be another weekly tool that I hope provides you with fun, interactive tips to help you thrive in your ministry.

The podcast, Conversations with Every Day Youth Workers, is something I love doing. It connects with every day youth workers and gives them the space to share their stories and the amazing things God is doing in their ministries. This summer, I hope to begin having those conversations with the goal of posting weekly episode starting in September of 2025.

Here we go. More tools, tips, and resources to help you thrive in your ministry. The Youth Worker Daily wants to encourage you as you reach students.

Know that you are being prayed for. Know that you matter and that you are making a difference. Know that what you are doing is vital; a calling to be Jesus' witness first in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. And through you, God is changing the lives of students.

Welcome Home.

- the youth worker daily

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The Importance of Networks

5/7/2025

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It was August 1999, my 9-months pregnant wife, my 15-month son, and I moved from north central Pennsylvania to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Yes, you heard correctly, my 9-months pregnant wife and a 15 month old son. We pulled up to our apartment that quickly, and affectionately, became known as the Shack. There was already a gathering of parents, students, and church members standing by to help us move into our new home.

It was chaos, but in a matter of a few hours 90% of our belongs were moved from the truck into the apartment or the lawn beside it. More church members arrived bringing food and essentials that would help us get settled. We were overwhelmed, grateful for this incredible welcome. But while that moment continues to be special, it was another welcome that has been a game changer for me, my family, and my ministry.

In the middle of all the moving, a neighbor from across the street came over to us, and said something to the effect, ‘Hey, you’re the new youth pastor at so-and-so church, my name is Don. I work for (para-church ministry name). Hey, there is a group of youth workers who meet once a month. We knew you were coming and we would love to have you join us.’

At the time, the significance of that invitation was lost on me. I thought it was just another friendly face coming to make me feel welcomed in this new community. But a few days later, there I was, shaking hands and trying to remember the names of this small group of men and women who all shared a passion for seeing students surrender their lives to Jesus and live for his purpose and glory.

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The truth is, that day changed my life and my ministry.

I didn’t know exactly what it was. On the surface, it was a bunch of guys getting together for lunch, talking about our ministries, swapping funny stories, bragging about our mistakes, and praying for each other. Each year we worked together to host at least one large community-wide student event and the annual Baccalaureate service for our high school graduates. It was about ministry, there was fellowship, and I couldn’t wait for our time together each month.

Over the years, I have never, NOT, participated in or organized/led what we now call Youth Ministry Networks. We didn’t coin the phrase, nor the idea. In fact, I would say, it was something we did not really knowing how important that time together was. And we weren’t the only ones. Groups like the ones I was participating in were happen all over the place. It was because of these networks that I grew as a husband, father, pastor, and friend. These small group gatherings of youth workers became a band of brothers and sisters that grew into a vital part of my longevity in student ministry.

Participating in that first network in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, lit a fire that the subsequent years fanned into a passion; a passion to walk along side youth workers as they navigate and obey their calling to serve and love students.

Just recently, I spend three days with a group of like minded men and women near Atlanta. They were part of a ministry that seeks to encourage youth pastors in their personal walk with God, family life, and ministry. It’s life-on-life discipleship, coaching, mentoring, and strategic ministry training. It was amazing! What had become a passion, desire, and dream for me (to work with youth workers) I was now witnessing in realtime. They were doing what my heart was longing to do.

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Needless to say, it was a much needed time away to connect with brothers and sister that get it. They get the calling. They get the passion. They get the desire. Because the feel it too. They see and understand the need, and recognize that if we don’t step in with hope, the outcome will be devastating.

There are thousands of youth workers across the country (and around the world) that need to know that they are not alone. They need to hear that they are loved, that someone cares about them. They need to know that someone is praying for them; that someone is willing to ask hard questions about their life and ministry, someone willing to speak Biblical truth in a loving and God-honoring way. They need someone who has walked the road they’re walking, who understands the highs and low, knows the pain and struggle. Someone who get’s their heart and know’s their passion. They need to know that someone is willing to sit across the table, answer the phone or text, and show up when needed. Someone who can stand in the mire of life and ministry with them, then celebrate the God moments and faith-wins.

I said it before, that invitation in August 1999, changed my life. It set me on a trajectory of healthy, long-term ministry. It gave me a place that welcomed me, cared about me, challenged me, held me accountable, and demonstrated what it looks like to be a Godly husband, father, pastor, and friend.

So here we are. Over 30 years later, almost 25 of those years in full-time ministry. And it’s not over yet. In fact, this might just be the start of a new and exciting season in student ministry.

Here’s what I want to leave you with. If you are in student ministry, whether paid or volunteer, full-time, part-time, whatever-time, and you are not connected to a local student ministry network, can I encourage you to please, prayerfully consider joining one. Don’t know where or how to find a network? No worries, I got you. My friends at the National Network of Youth Ministry (NNYM) can help you. I will provide links below that we help you connect with NNYM and their ever growing database of networks across the country. They can help you find a network near you, and put you in touch with someone who can help you get connected.

Lastly, if you are a youth worker, and you need someone to talk to, I would love to help connect you with my friends at PACT Ministry. PACT Ministry is a team of seasoned youth workers, trained to encourage youth pastors in their personal walk with God, family life, and ministry through life-on-life discipleship, coaching, mentoring, and strategic ministry training. Don’t wait till it’s too late. Click here for coaching.

You have been given a tremendous calling to minister to students, but your weren’t called to do it alone. We are here and we want to walk with you.

- jay

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How Often Do Your Share the Gospel

5/6/2025

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* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

I've been thinking a lot lately about this question, and thought it was time to put it out there and hear what others think.

Of course, this question leads to a list of additional questions. And while I'm not going to get into those questions here and now, I think I will circle back and address some of them in upcoming blog posts. So stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, watch today's vlog!

Click to watch more from The Youth Worker Daily

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Student Meet Ups

5/5/2025

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* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

We spend a lot of time creating programs, planning activities, preparing messages, and leading meetings. We meet with our leaders, we meet with parents, we meet with our students. One of my favorite ideas has been student meet ups. Check out today's vlog post.

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Flipping My Calendar

5/2/2025

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* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

I recently spend a couple hours sitting in the service department of a car dealership as one of our vehicles received some work for our annual state inspection. I took the time as an opportunity to go over my calendar, do a little planning, and to schedule out some appointments. We were already one busy week into the new year, so before the whole month spun out of control with the unexpected, I chose to take control of my weekly schedule.

I started by included time for my goals and plans for self-health. These would be things like personal quiet times, work out times, person study and development, and times for family nights and date nights with my wife. I also blocked out the weekends that my wife and I are setting aside for family adventures. Then I started filling in the regular appointments such as worship, staff meetings, monthly directors meeting with one of our pastors, weekly bible studies, youth group gatherings; the things that happen weekly or monthly. Then I went back and filled in time for planning, message study and prep, brainstorm sessions and trainings with our adult leaders, and meetings with some of my team coordinators. Next I block in time to plan and get ready for events and gatherings that are not regular student gatherings.

In about 45 minutes I had filled about 60% of my calendar. I looked at what I had just completed, noting how much the calendar had been filled. As I looked at my calendar, I thought to myself, 'there's not much time left for being with people.' I said to myself, "this is a problem."

Being organized and planning out your calendar, weekly and monthly, is good. I've been doing it for years. I've blogged and vlogged about it. I'm a huge fan of blocking out your calendar, setting aside time to in office work, study and prep work, and contact work. Like I said, I've been doing it for years. One of the reason I plan out my schedule like this is that it helps me to see how and where I am spending my time. I use different color pens and highlights to help create a visual record of my plans. When I see too much of one color, it causes me to look at that part of my ministry and ask, 'is there normal, is it a unique season requiring more time, or am I really unbalanced?' If there is too little of a color, I need to ask, 'what's happening in this area of my ministry.'

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WATCH MY VLOG ABOUT BLOCK SCHEDULING

But as I looked at my January projections, I didn't like that I had set aside 60% of my time to "work in the office" and only 40% to be with my students or with people. Now, let me also note that part of the 60% does include time I am setting aside for me as I work to keep myself healthy, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And yes, some of the 60% is reserved for family time. But even in that, together those two things might equal about 15%, leaving 45% of my time for work.

Instead of spending the majority of my time sitting at my desk, I want to make sure that I am spending time connecting with my students, leaders, parents, and people from our community. That will require me flipping how I build out my weekly and monthly calendars.

I'll begin the scheduling by blocking out time to be with people; students, leaders, parents, and people from the church and community. I want to re-establish the habit of putting people first. I want to make sure I am taking time to be available to my students and leaders. And I want to make sure relationships are a priority.

This is all the more important as we get back to ministry post-covid. Having spent the last 20-something months, mostly disconnected, working from home or from the office has becoming the norm. It's easy to fill up your schedule with busy work when you can't be with people. No doubt, covid has left us with some bad habits. But after two years of not always being able to meet up with students and leader, I want to make sure this years a year of connected with people.

This little exercise has me thinking about how I want to spend my time. Now that I can see how and where I will be spending my time, I think I want to make some changes. I need to flip my calendar.

What does that mean? Simply that I want to flip how and where I spend my time. Instead of spending the majority of my time sitting at my desk, I want to make sure that I am spending time connecting with my students, leaders, parents, and people from our community. That will require me flipping how I build out my weekly and monthly calendars.

Instead of spending the majority of my time sitting at my desk, I want to make sure that I am spending time connecting with my students, leaders, parents, and people from our community. That will require me flipping how I build out my weekly and monthly calendars.

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How about you? How are you planning to reconnect with your students, leaders, parents, and the people from your church and community? What priority are you placing on the idea of spending time, one-on-one time with the people around you? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below!

- jay

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Welcome...Back

5/1/2025

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* THIS POST CONTAINS BOTH AFFILIATE AND PRODUCT LINKS,
ALONG WITH LINKS TO THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AND VIDEOS MENTIONED IN THE POST.*

Welcome to The Youth Worker Daily!

I started The Youth Worker Daily in 2019. It was my hope to bring youth workers daily tools, tips, resources and helps so that you, as a youth worker, might thrive in your ministry. Through a mix of blog posts and video-based tips, I wanted to encourage youth workers with simple but practical helps that might aid in their work.

So far I've created almost 100 videos and countless blog posts that date back to 2015 when I was writing under my personal domain name of www.JayHigham.com. Along the way I wrote articles for Youth Specialties, Youth Ministry 360 (YM360), Group, and Called to Youth Ministry. For a little while, I oversaw the blog management at Controlled Chaos, a blog and podcast for Middle School Ministry. Then in the middle of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I launched a podcast called, Conversations with Every Day Youth Workers, a podcast that invited youth workers to share their story of youth ministry. During that time, most of the conversations were about how we were surviving ministry while in a historic season of shut downs and stay-at-home orders.

Then 2021 came. Promises of a covid vaccine and hopes of returning to "normal" brought little rays of excitement and anticipation. It was also an opportunity to get back to doing student ministry. It was still touch and go at first, but slowly, we managed to eek out a series of student gatherings; first as small groups, then finally in large group gatherings. During this time, I set aside my extracurricular activities of blogging, vlogging and podcasting to focus on the work at hand; rebuilding our student ministry, our kids ministry, and our college ministry.

And while 2021 came with its fair share of ups and downs, I saw God at work in the lives of my students, my leaders, and the families I serve. Ministry, though it looked a little different, was coming back. Families were coming back. Students were coming back. Life and ministry seemed to be moving in a good direction.

Then the fall came. We were giving the green light to do student ministry, so we jumped into our first semester with both feet. And it was good! Really good! September, October, November, and December brought weekly gatherings, activities, a fall retreat and an amazing Christmas Yule Ball Semi-formal. God showed up and did something amazing. Oh, there were still some difficulties. We had to postpone some things due to Covid, and numbers sometimes fluctuated depending on who was under quarantine. It certainly wasn't perfect, but we trusted God to show up and he did.

In 2022 came and I was ready to launch our second semester of student ministry. God was been super active in our ministry and with our students. While the season of Covid shutdowns and virtual everything was difficult, it brought about the opportunity for us to take a good look at what we were doing in the way of ministry. It was a time to refocus, reinvent, and reenergize. I was reminded of the importance of relationships over programs, personal connections over blast texts and bulk emails, and the power of a conversation versus great social media posts. We learned a lot. I've learned a lot.

2022 was supposed to be an exciting year. Covid aside, I believe we were poised to see God do something amazing. I was getting ready to dive back into The Youth Worker Daily, and with it, more tools, tips, resources and help so you thrive in your ministry! New content, weekly ministry recaps, games and resources, and a look inside what we as a student ministry are doing with our leaders and our students.

I was also looking forward to bringing the podcast back. I love talking with youth workers; listening as they share their stories and what God is doing with their students and within their ministries! Along with these conversations there will also be more interviews and sharing of what's happening within the realm of student ministry. It's was going to be great!

But in shortly after starting the year, my wife and I were rocked by the diagnosis of breast cancer. This news reshaped all of 2022. We also faced the deaths of both of our fathers, only weeks a part. By the end of the year, we found ourselves in desperate need of a break. We decided to step away from ministry for a bit. We needed to put our attention on our own health as we worked through all we had experienced in 2022.

2023 was a year of pursuing new opportunities as we navigated our way through the griefing and healing process. Thanks to the support of family and friends, we made through the year and started 2024 with a renewed hope. We started asking God, "What's Next?" Little did we know that God's 'Next' was still a year away. We committed to prayer, trusting that God had a plan for us. We just needed to wait to see what that plan would be.

God is faithful. At the start of 2025, we moved from our West Virginia home to a lakeside community in Ohio. God had opened the doors to a new ministry role working with students. He also provided an opportunity to work with youth leaders through the National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM). I'll talk more about that later. Now here we are, about 5 month in, and man, it's been amazing.

All this is to say, it's time. We are back in full-time student ministry. I am working more closely with youth worker than I ever have. I feel like I have been renewed. I am thinking student ministry, dreaming student ministry, talking youth ministry, living youth ministry. (All in healthy ways...)

But post covid, the world is changed. Student ministry is changed. Students are changed. As youth workers we are facing new complexities and challenges as we looking to reach a generation with the Gospel of Jesus. It's an isolated, anxious generation. A generation worth reaching. So what better time than now to come back and begin sharing tools, tips, and resources that might help youth workers thrive in their ministry.

Welcome back to, THE YOUTH WORKER DAILY! We're so glad you're here!

- jay

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Reconnect with The Youth Worker Daily

The Importance of Networks

How Often Do Your Share the Gospel

Student Meet Ups

Flipping My Calendar

WATCH MY VLOG ABOUT BLOCK SCHEDULING

Welcome...Back

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