Leading teenagers is simultaneously one of the hardest parts of youth ministry and one of the most rewarding — it’s a time of high stakes, yet great opportunity.
In today’s episode of the Think Orange podcast, we talk to Josh Shipp, award-winning teen expert featured on MTV, CNN, and in The New York TImes, and author of, The Grown-Up’s Guide To Teenage Humans. In this episode, Josh shares his story about growing up as an at-risk youth in and out of foster care homes and how the impact of his final foster parents changed the course of his life. Through humor and candor, Josh discusses how you can lean into the teens you serve during one of the most challenging phases.
Welcome to Episode 19 of the Think Orange Podcast.
Topic Timeline:
Dave introduces today’s episode topic and guest, Josh Shipp, award-winning teen expert and author of, The Grown-Up’s Guide To Teenage Humans (1:12)
Josh shares his story (6:31)
Josh talks about the turning point in his life as a teenager and how it altered the course of his life (9:12)
What does it mean to be “tough and tender” to teenagers? (12:59)
Why the teenage years are so critical (17:43)
The most important thing you can do for a teenager (20:39)
Josh talks about the “Babe Ruth Method” (23:49)
How do you gain the trust of a kid who’s been burned by adults? (28:05)
How to not take a teenager’s actions personally (31:28)
What youth ministry leaders need to understand about at-risk youth (36:58)
Dave and podcast producer, Kevin Jennings, share their thoughts on today’s podcast content (40:32)
