In this episode, Jeremy and Sid dive into a big, practical question for youth workers: What do I do when a student shares something heavy about their family?

Whether you're at camp, in a small group, or hanging out one-on-one, chances are high that a student will eventually open up about something difficult at home. Sid unpacks what your role is (and what it isn’t) when that happens. They talk about mandatory reporting, emotional boundaries, practical tools, and how to love students without taking on more than you’re called to carry.

This conversation is packed with wisdom, stories, and clarity for youth workers who want to care well without burning out or stepping outside their lane.

Looking for a practical next step? Try out one of these things…

• Never promise confidentiality; rather, explain that you will only tell people who can help
• Create a simple incident reporting system (here is a sample of some of the questions you might include)
• Know who to call: have a go-to list of professionals for legal or safety issues
• Be clear about your emotional limits—don’t carry what you’re not meant to
• Spend time with both high-needs and emotionally healthy students
• Consider getting additional training if you’re consistently walking into deep situations
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Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

You can also check out the podcast that Sid mentioned where he was a guest with his son Payton here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5g3Mz9Y62HvR8GzBc8WEjb?si=11c90542bf6a4637

In this episode, Jeremy is joined by veteran youth pastor Jonathan Kornelsen from Central Community Church in Chilliwack, BC, to unpack a question that every youth worker eventually faces: How do I care for a student whose family life is messy, broken, or confusing?

Jonathan brings 20+ years of youth ministry experience into this honest, compassionate conversation about the limits and opportunities of our role as youth workers. From mandatory reporting to faithful presence, from avoiding the savior complex to knowing when to just take a kid out for ice cream—this episode offers a practical guide for navigating the mess with wisdom and love.

Whether you’re a volunteer, point leader, or ministry director, this episode will help you better support students walking through complicated family dynamics.

Looking for a practical next step? Try out one of these things…

• Listen to Episode 104 – What Should You Know About Crisis, Trauma, Abuse & Neglect (interview with a police officer and social worker)
• If you’re unsure about a disclosure, report it or talk to someone who can.
• Be a calm, safe, trustworthy adult in a student’s life without trying to “fix” them.
• Know your community’s referral resources (counselors, food banks, support workers)
• Be quick to pray, often and out loud, for students navigating hard situations
• Commit to the long haul—healing takes time, and your presence matters more than you know

You should also get Jonathan’s new book Youth Ministry Blueprint, available on Amazon.

Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

Jeremy and Sid pick up where we left off last week, adding a few more ideas to help you reset your focus on what matters most. Jeremy and Sid explore:

• Why love for God and others is the true center of youth ministry.
• The vital role of anchoring students in Scripture, not just for knowledge, but to shape their affections and actions.
• Why your modeling of faithfulness in whatever environment you are in matters more than you realize.

Whether you’re just stepping into a new season or coming off a hard stretch in ministry, this episode will encourage you to stay faithful, stay focused, and remember that what you do makes an eternal difference.

Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.