TLH152: Why Your 20s Aren’t What You Think—and Your 50s Are Better

In this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast , Jody sits down with veteran youth pastor Paul Turner to talk about longevity in ministry—what it takes to stay faithful through the decades, the different challenges of each stage of life, and what youth pastors need most in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Paul brings nearly four decades of ministry experience to the table with vulnerable stories, practical insights, and honest encouragement for youth workers at every level. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How youth ministry changes as you grow through the decades Advice for each decade of ministry (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s) Why 22-year-old you isn’t always your best self in ministry What brokenness teaches you about leadership and calling How to keep showing up, even when the dream falls apart What makes you more effective with age, not less Why surrender, self-denial, and listening matter more than trendiness LINKS MENTIONED Paul Turner’s Website: The Disciple Project RESOURCES MENTIONED Lost in the Middle by Paul David Tripp Crucified by Christians by Gene Edwards Halftime by Bob Buford Staying Power by Jody Livingston JOIN THE YOUTH MINISTRY COLLECTIVE! Click here to join the The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Collective : Join Now GET COACHING Interested in personalized coaching to help you thrive in youth ministry? Click here to learn more about The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Coaching

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TLH152: Why Your 20s Aren’t What You Think—and Your 50s Are Better is an episode from Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul Podcast by Jody Livingston.

This episode is 50:58 long.

This episode was published on Sep 2, 2025.

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