Limitless Leadership Podcast

If Jesus heart was disproportionately oriented towards anyone, it was consistently the most marginalised in society. And in today's world, that can way too often mean those young people with neurodivergence and special educational needs. But if the gospel is for anyone, it's for them!That's why we sat down with psychologist and experienced youth worker, Abz Adekeye, to discuss how to better engage the whole range of young people, and not just the majority.

We've all heard the story: declining church attendance, particularly among younger generations, the rise of the “nones,”  and the seemingly unstoppable emergence of the secular age. We know that stats: 48% of churches in the UK have fewer than five under 16 year olds, 95% of young people in the UK don't go to church etc etc. It all seems like bad news….

How do we share the gospel relevantly with the next generation, without changing the message? This is the great challenge the church must continually wrestle with, learning to communicate timeless truths in captivating ways. But… that's easier said than done, right!?

Get your notepads ready, because this conversation is pure gold!

A new year brings many gifts, but perhaps none great than a new series of the Limitless Youth Ministry Podcast!

We come to the conclusion of our 12-month deep dive into prayer, and believe us when we say, we finish on a high!

The Scripture is explicit in its instruction to ‘eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy' (1 Cor. 14:1). It also tells us that ‘you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged' (1 Corinthians 14:31). But for most of us, that's more of a theological concept than an every day reality! 

We've all been there. That moment when you invite young people to pray and all that follows is an awkward silence and a single tumbleweed!

What does it look like for us to stand in the gap on behalf of others in prayer?

“It's impossible to really grow in vitality in my walk with God, without the element of fasting.” - James Aladiran Fasting is one of the most overlooked, under-practiced, yet spiritually potent and indispensable disciplines of the spiritual life. So what happened?

Prayer is meant to be a monologue rather than a dialogue.

Welcome 100th episode Limitless Youth Ministry Podcast!

What do prayer and evangelism have in common? More than just the fact we know they're important and should probably be doing them more than we are!

If you ever feel like you're going against the grain of your personality, or trying to fit into someone else's skin when you pray, then this is a conversation that could transform your life with God!

Pete Greig is the founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement, and author of God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer. We sat down with Pete to wrestle with the mystery of unanswered prayer.

Becca Dean is the Tutor in Youth Ministry at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, and author of Be Live Pray: Get in Touch with a Great Prayer Life. We sat down with Becca for a compelling conversation about creativity in prayer.

Welcome to the first episode of the newly renamed Limitless Youth Ministry Podcast!

We wrap up the year with a short episode of the pod to wish all you heroic youth workers a very happy Christmas, and to unveil some exciting plans for 2024!

In the final part on our series on leading transformational youth ministries, we unpack the reality that there is no transformation without his presence. So if we want a transformational ministry, we must have a presence-centred ministry.

Is there purpose in our pain? It's an inconvenient truth that pain is perhaps the single greatest catalyst for transformation in our lives. That's why we sat down with the wonderful Sarah Whittleston, who shares candidly about her personal story of walking through cancer.  This is part 5 in our series on transformation, in which we discuss… … how pain can become a catalyst for transformation ✅ … walking with God in the mystery of unanswered questions ✅ … the power of lament as a spiritual discipline  ✅ … how to help young people to leverage the challenges they face for deepening spiritual maturity ✅ and loads more!  Sarah's vulnerability and compassion make for a powerful conversation that's well worth a listen. 

As youth leaders, our role is to join with Jesus in the spiritual formation of our young people; helping them to know him and become more like him. ✝️ But how do we do it?

We're joined by Jarin Oda, Pastor of Youth at Bridgetown Church, Portland, Oregon, to talk about the power of spiritual practices in the life of a leader, and the lives of our young people. 

Get ready for a challenging episode!

Youth leaders are in the transformation business. Our role is to join with Jesus in the spiritual formation of our young people; helping them to know him and become more like him. ✝️ The problem is, that's easier said than done, right!? So how do we create the conditions in which young people can be continually transformed into Christlikeness?

This episode comes with a warning! ⚠️ You will be deeply challenged and inspired to live a life of risk, faith and adventure.

We say it all the time; ‘what are we going to give our lives to that's more important than passing on the gospel to the next generation?'  The only problem is, it's easier said than done, right!? In fact, one report found that just 50% of children growing up in Christian homes keep their faith as adults. That's terrifying! So how can we start curbing this trend?  That's why we sat down from a chat with Gareth Hillier from Care for the Family. We discuss… … the three primary hurdles to overcome ✅ … the four key elements that build faith at home ✅ … equipping parents as intentional disciple makers in the home ✅ … how children's and youth workers can support parents ✅ … how to raise up spiritual parents for those young people who are not from church families ✅ and loads more! This is a critical and stimulating conversation that is not to be missed.  Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen.

How do Gen Z relate to Jesus? How do young people engage with the Bible? How do teens seek to make an impact today?

We sat down for an inspiring conversation with the Chair of Centre for Chaplaincy in Education (CCE), Mike Haslam, and upper-school chaplain, Ruth Motion, to discuss the incredible opportunity of schools chaplaincy.

• HOW TO TAKE YOUR YOUNG PEOPLE AWAY ON RESIDENTIAL • Weekends away. Summer festivals. Mission trips. All these residential experiences can be hugely formative in the lives of young people, and yet hugely challenging for a youth leader to pull off!

• THE SIX PILLARS OF WISDOM • Culture is changing so rapidly that it often feels impossible to keep up. Centuries of biblical orthodoxy is under intense scrutiny to such a degree that it is considered implausible in the minds of this generation. Technologies are rapidly advancing, and yet seemingly failing to provide the answers we hoped they might. And in amongst all this uncertainty the Lord calls us to lead. If there was ever a time we needed wisdom, surely this is it. So what is godly wisdom, how do we get it, and how do we apply it in the world in which we lead? In this episode of the pod, we share @RevTimAlford's keynote talk from Limitless Leaders 2022, in which he unpacks some practical mechanisms by which we can develop wisdom in our life and leadership. … the fear of God ✅ … intimacy with God ✅ … humility ✅ … margin ✅ … community ✅ … knowledge ✅ There is much biblical teaching to reflect on, as well as actionable practices to takeaway from this episode. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen.

• HOW TO UTILISE GAMING IN YOUTH MINISTRY • Gaming is huge in the lives of young people, who often spend countless hours gaming online every week.

More and more often, churches are asking leaders to oversee both the youth AND children's ministry. But that's a big job!

This month, we're joined on the pod by Dan Murphy from Limitless Worship.

Are young people sharing their faith with their friends?

In part 5 of our ‘Your Questions Answered' series, we sit down with Carl Beech to ask ‘how can a leader care for their own soul?' ❤️ We discuss… … why it's important to give attention to our inner-life … how to keep filled up and fired up … identifying ‘red flags' early … the dangers of cynicism … the difference between resting and relaxing … the primacy of sabbath … why looking after our soul requires looking after our body … the impact of alcohol … how to talk to our senior leaders about rhythms of rest … spiritual practices that keep us ‘connected to the vine' … recovering your spiritual vibrancy when you're running on empty And get ready for a homework assignment at the end!

In part 3 of our ‘Your Questions Answered' series, we sit down with Emma Bacon and Joe Morris to ask ‘how do we help young people moving form kids to youth to transition well?'

We sit down with Mark Arnold (aka, The Additional Needs Blogfather) for an inspiring and informative conversation about how to create accessible and welcoming environments for young people with disabilities. We discuss… … the difference between physical disabilities, mental disabilities and hidden disabilities … how Covid has impacted upon young people with disabilities … if, when and how we should pray for healing … things to think about in order to create accessible youth ministry environments … top tips and helpful resources for youth workers This is part 3 of our ‘Your Questions Answered' series. Look out for some helpful tips, practical takeaways, and a brilliant analogy about meerkats and lions!

• HOW TO TURN UP THE SPIRITUAL TEMPERATURE IN YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY • In part 2 of our ‘Your Questions Answered' series, we sit down with Ryan Holmes to ask ‘how do we turn up the spiritual temperature in our youth ministries?'

HOW TO PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR UNIVERSITY It's the first episode of a new series; Your Questions Answered! In this episode we're joined by Aaron Nayagam to talk about how we prepare young people to survive and thrive at university. We discuss… … why it's so important to prepare young people for life at Uni … how to practically equip young people for the challenges ahead … envisioning young people to see themselves as missionaries on their campuses … practical tools to help young people develop their own devotional life … how to help our leavers connect with local churches … continuing the journey with young adults who are not leaving for Uni Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS FESTIVAL EARLY BIRD: http://www.limitlessfestival.co.uk FOR STUDENT LINK UP: https://www.studentlinkup.org/ FOR STUDENT LINK UP BOX RESOURCE: https://www.fusionmovement.org/resources/product/box

It's a VERY special episode of the pod - the first ever with a live audience! Recorded at Limitless Leaders 2022, we talk to an expert panel about what they are seeing in youth culture right now and how they have responded in their own ministries. We also take live questions from the audience, leading to some engaging reflections on… … creating boundaries as leaders … youth ministry in the digital / physical hybrid world … how to help young people look after their mental health … how to bridge generational divides … equipping parents to be disciple-makers … rebuilding volunteer teams and more! This varied and actionable conversation is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy!

In this special BONUS episode of the pod, we share Laura Hancock's youth keynote from Limitless Leaders 2022; everything you need to know about youth culture right now. In this insightful and thought provoking message, Laura discusses… … the key events that have shaped youth culture in the last two years … how the pandemic has impacted young people … digital relationships … anxiety about the future … cancel culture … generational mistrust … the faith and spirituality of young people Take a listen before we post our first ever LIVE episode of the podcast at the end of the month. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS FESTIVAL VERY EARLY BIRD: http://www.limitlessfestival.co.uk

This month we chat with Ben Jones, founder and CEO of Missional Generation, about how Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can play a part in local church youth ministry. We discuss… … the difference between VR and AR … the importance of innovation in the church … to what degree we should engage with new technologies … how to use immersive technologies in mission and discipleship and how to get started. And keep your ears open for a special discount code for podcast listeners, giving you access to some of Missional Generation's VR and AR experiences at a reduced cost! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS ONE: http://www.limitlesselim.co.uk/one FOR MISSIONAL GENERATION: https://www.missionalgen.co.uk

In part 2 of our conversation about sexuality and youth ministry with Andrew Bunt, we talk specifically about gender identity. Once again, Andrew shares about his own journey with his personal gender identity, which leads us into to discussion about… … terms and language associated with gender identity … gender dysphoria … analysis of this cultural moment … hormone treatments … the Bible and gender identity … gender stereotypes … single-sex discussion groups and discipleship with trans* young people Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS ONE: http://www.limitlesselim.co.uk/one

We sit down with Andrew Bunt to discuss sexuality, faith and young people. Andrew talks openly about his own personal story, and reflects what he's learnt about… … following Jesus when you are same-sex attracted … what the Bible has to say about sexuality … why Biblical orthodoxy is good news for everyone … the power of a truly loving community … if the Christian sexual ethic is harmful and oppressive … arguments for embracing a liberal theology of sexuality … the significant impact of conflating sexuality with identity … how to journey pastorally with young people who are same-sex attracted and what The Little Mermaid can teach us about cultural narratives. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS LEADERS: http://www.limitlesselim.co.uk/leaders

As if world wasn't in a weird enough place already, we drop an extra-special bonus episode of the podcast… The Youthscape / Limitless Leadership Podcast Crossover Special! That means Rachel Gardner, Martin Saunders and Tim Alford sit down to reflect on their lessons from the past two years in youth ministry, and for some good old fashioned banter. If you'd like to hear more from Rachel and Martin, go check out the Youthscape Podcast over at https://www.youthscape.co.uk/podcast Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy!

We welcome Mark Oestreicher back to the Limitless Leadership Podcast to continue this fascinating discussion about teenage brain development.

In the critical, but often overlooked conversation, Tim Alford chats to Mark Oestreicher about teenage brain development.

Youth ministry has taken a bit of a battering over the course of the pandemic, and many of us are looking to relaunch in a fresh way. That's why we sat down for a chat with the brilliant Jamie Price who has developed a unique expertise in pioneering youth ministry. Jamie discusses… … the key things to reflect on when considering a relaunch … how to discern the right time to stop something … how to talk to our senior leaders about potential change … how to connect with the young people in our community Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy! FOR LIMITLESS LEADERS: http://www.limitlesselim.co.uk/leaders

In this episode, Tim Alford chats to Dot Tyler about some compelling new research called Burning Down the House. In this fascinating discussion we discuss… … how climate change impacts on a human level … the intersection between climate and poverty … the theology of climate justice … how the church can engage with a generation who are passionate about the environment … and some practical first steps to take FOR BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE RESEARCH: http://www.wearetearfund.org/burningdownthehouse FOR LIMITLESS FESTIVAL 2021 - GATHER // PRAY // GO: http://www.limitlessfestival.co.uk FOR THE LEADERSHIP 101 BOOK: http://www.spck.org.uk/leadership-101 FOR THE LEADERSHIP 101 VIDEO SERIES: http://www.youtube.com/limitlesselim Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy!

In this episode, Tim Alford chats to Vineyard's Zeke Rink about how to develop a supernatural youth ministry. This is the fourth and final part of our Ministry in the New World series, in which we discuss… … how to hear from God … the primacy of Scripture and abiding … the place of signs & wonders in evangelism … the importance of encounter in discipleship … praying for healing … the baptism of the Spirit Listen out for an interrupting puppy, and the spectacular moment when Zeke drops the line, “there's no high like the Most High.” FOR THE LEADERSHIP 101 BOOK: http://www.spck.org.uk/leadership-101 FOR LIMITLESS FESTIVAL 2021 - GATHER // PRAY // GO: http://www.limitlessfestival.co.uk Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy!

In part three of our Ministry in the New World series, Tim Alford chats to Kyle McKinnon, the Director of Reign Ministries UK, about how to disciple young people. In this episode we chat about… … the difference between giving information and seeing transformation … understanding discipleship through the lens of spiritual parenting … overcoming the obstacles to disciple-making … how to discern the young people we should be discipling … the key things to talk about on the discipleship journey And listen up for a 15% discount code on the discipleship pack for all podcast listeners! FOR THE DISCIPLESHIP PACK: http://www.thediscipleshippack.co.uk FOR LIMITLESS FESTIVAL: http://www.limitlessfestival.co.uk   Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you listen. Enjoy!