
Episode #106
Mustard Seed Mess, Follow Up, and Samwise Gamgee
Tim pretended to be a hobbit. Tom stressed out over mustard. If you have a question, or suggestion, email us: hello@youthgrouppodcast.com Get more podcast resources at https://tomfrench.com.au/youthgrouppodcast Find more from Tom at https://tomfrench.com.au. Find Tim's other podcast, Family Perspectives here: https://www.trinitycity.church/resources/podcasts/ AI wrote a summary of the episode for us: Mustard seeds, David and Goliath, and a brutally practical question for every youth leader with a family - how do you keep serving well without your home paying the price? Tom French and Tim Blagg swap youth group stories, laugh their way through airport hide-and-seek and catering trucks, and then get into the real stuff: what actually happened when their leaders ran the night, how a Lord of the Rings obstacle course turned into a live picture of Samuel, and why a PhD-led talk on 1 Samuel 17 uncovered fresh insight even seasoned leaders had missed.You’ll discover: how a blindfolded Frodo, a guided Samwise, and a Mount Doom obstacle course helped teach obedience, courage, and trust why the David and Goliath story is bigger than “God helps the underdog” how Jesus as champion changes both salvation and everyday courage to obey what happens when a youth group goes all in on mustard themed games, mustard art, and mustard or custard donuts the simple follow-up systems that help new and missing youth feel seen without leaving leaders guessing Tim also shares a practical approach to following up first-time visitors and absent teens through parent contact, friend check-ins, and attendance review, while Tom reflects honestly on the tension of ministry and family life, especially when a wife has to make the call that he needs to come home early. Perfect for youth leaders, parents, and anyone trying to build a healthy ministry that lasts. If you want laughter, real ministry stories, and a refreshingly honest conversation about courage, care, and calling, this one is worth your time.

