In this powerful episode of The Other Pastors podcast, we sit down with veteran youth pastor Kirby Neely, who has dedicated over 22 years to youth ministry. Currently overseeing student ministries across four campuses with a team of 15 people at Woodman Valley Chapel, Kirby shares invaluable insights about longevity in ministry, building effective teams, and maintaining passion while serving in supporting pastoral roles.
š Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Book: "Fish!" - workplace culture book about Pike Place Fish Market
- Book: "Grit" by Angela Duckworth
- Book: "Controlled Chaos" by Kurt Johnston
- Podcast: "Living Wild" with Remy Warren
- YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Conference Center
- Website: www.otherpastors.com
Key Discussion Points:
- Personal Development & Growth
- Current reading includes "Fish!" for team culture development
- Reading "Grit" with his daughter to develop perseverance
- Importance of maintaining continuous learning in ministry
- Ministry Journey & Calling
- Received call to ministry at winter camp in 9th grade
- Started serving in youth ministry immediately after his calling
- Transitioned from materialistic goals to kingdom-focused purpose
- Keys to Longevity in Youth Ministry
- Making ministry a family affair
- Involving family members in ministry activities
- Looking at ministry success through a long-term lens
- Celebrating the "long-term harvest" of student development
- Team Building & Leadership
- Managing team transitions
- Rebuilding ministry teams while maintaining momentum
- Creating sustainable ministry structures
- Developing future-focused leadership strategies
- Personal Ministry Philosophy
- Emphasis on reaching young people early
- Understanding the value of youth ministry
- Maintaining contentment in current role
- Balancing family life with ministry demands
- Practical Ministry Insights
- Importance of quality resources and materials
- Strategic approach to youth camps and events
- Value of long-term relationship building
- Handling crisis situations in youth ministry
- Ministry Challenges
- Dealing with team restructuring
- Managing growth across multiple campuses
- Balancing family involvement in ministry
- Handling difficult ministry situations
Notable Quotes:
- "God cares more about his church than I do."
- "If a young person can get a hold of Jesus as a young person, think about a lifetime of being obedient to Jesus."
- "Be content in where God has you and sit out with everything you've got until God says so."
Practical Takeaways:
- Invest in your family's involvement in ministry
- Focus on long-term impact over short-term results
- Maintain perspective during difficult seasons
- Build sustainable ministry structures
- Value the importance of reaching young people
- Create strong team culture
- Trust God's timing and direction
The episode concludes with a powerful prayer for ministry leaders serving in supporting roles, encouraging them to stay faithful in their calling and trust God's timing in their ministry journey.
