Redpoint

Ashley is the author of "Communicating to Middle Schoolers" and "The Art of Group Talk." She worked for several years as the Director for Middle School Curriculum at Orange, and is currently the Executive Director of Carry 117, a ministry in Ethiopia which focuses on orphan prevention and family preservation by empowering women. In our talk we discuss the ways in which culture is changing for the teens we are working with, and how to see those changes as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Chris is the author of "Bags: Helping Your Kids Lighten the Load," has been in youth ministry for decades, and also works with Ministry Architects helping churches achieve their ministry goals. Chris has a passion to equip and encourage parents to lead their families in faith. His focus in youth ministry takes a unique view: he focused on helping parents as his target. He still meets with teens every week, but his goal is to equip the parents since they really spend more time with the teens. He shares what he's learned over years of doing this, and you can start to apply it to your ministry!

Listen in to our recent "Townhall" Webinar where three "old heads" of youth ministry talk about some of the roots of Vineyard Youth ministry, and how we can have hope for the future!

Jordan is the National Director for Youth Alpha. Youth Alpha has been completely redone with youth, by youth, and for youth. It has a heavy emphasis on taking into consideration what teens are actually interested in, and it is done in the voices of their peers. It is a truly global team this time and has been shortened to better meet the demands of youth ministry. It also has been created specifically to be easily led by teens in their youth groups and even their high schools. 

In my seond interview with Mike McGarry from YouthPastorTheologian.com we dive deeper into what discipleship means, how we define it, and how that influences what we do with our teens. Specifically we talk about the history and importance of catechism, and how we can learn from that model, and apply it to today. But as we do that, how do we make sure we aren't just reaching teen's minds, but are also deeply reaching their hearts? It's a lot to think about, and Mike does a great job unpacking it.

In our conversation with Mike McGarry we talk about how youth ministry is theological ministry. And how we can work to help our teens not just regurgitate answers, but learn how to think for themselves and discover answers. How do we cultivate that kind of culture in our youth group?  Mike is the Founder/Director of Youth Pastor Theologian. He served as a Youth Pastor for 18 years and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree in “Ministry to Emerging Generations” from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Mike is the author of Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith (New Growth Press, 2023), Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers (New Growth Press, 2021), A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in the Life of the Church (Randall House, 2019), and was a contributor to Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide (Crossway, 2017).

Josh Griffin is one of the leading voices in youth ministry with 25+ years experience in the trenches, currently serving as the junior high pastor at Mariners Church and before that the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church. He's the co-founder of DownloadYouthMinistry.com, YMUniversity.com and heard in 400+ episodes of the DYM Podcast w/Doug Fields. He's created more than 50 youth ministry resources and authored several books including 99 Thoughts for Small Group Leaders. Josh and his wife Angela have 4 kids, which are now all teenagers!  In this episode we talk about the importance of youth ministry especially in today's culture. We talk about discipleship, and how we can disciple teens towards Jesus with all of the competing influences in their lives. And specifically we talk about digital discipleship, and how we can help our teens understand the influence of technology on their faith, and teach them to use it wisely and not be ruled by it. 

In my conversation with pastor and theologian Luke Geraty we talk about what it's like to grow up in the Vineyard! Luke recounts the power of individual adults having a positive impact on his faith, and encourages us to remember that one relationship can forever change the trajectory of someone's life. We also talk about low rider cars.....and pets....it gets pretty intense. You won't want to miss it.

John Elmer is one of our SUPER regional leaders and so we were SUPER excited to have him on the podcast this month! In this episode we have a wonderful discussion about whether there really is a tension between discipleship and evangelism in youth ministry. We also spend a lot of time talking about leadership development and releasing our teens into ministry especially missional ministry.

Joel is on of the Vineyard's Super Regional Leaders. In this episode we discuss leadership and leadership transitions. We also talk about the long game of youth ministry, how to minister to families in travel ball, and what Joel hopes to see in Vineyard youth ministry.

Teens prepare for college in all sorts of ways: academically, socially, practically...but how do we help them prepare their faith for college? Are your teens ready to step away from their support network? Do they know how to find a local church? Are they ready for the cultural shift of going to college, moving away from home, interacting with more people who may disagree with their beliefs? In this episode we talk about the important of preparing teens' faith for college. Claire Hart is the Prep for College Manager at Fusion USA, who comes to us with decades of experience working with college age teens. We are also offering two trainings coming up April 22 and May 8th with Claire. See our website at vineyardyouthusa.com to learn more!

Matt Stoudt volunteers with the youth at the Vineyard Church of Holly Springs in North Carolina, and is also the Regional Mobilizer for the Southeast Region. In our conversation Matt opens up about his story of adoption and how that has shaped much of who he is today. We also discuss changing from full time ministry to volunteer and learning to do ministry in different contexts and roles, while still keeping your identity.  

Samuel Worden is one of the youth pastors at Vineyard Church of Central Illinois as well as one of the Regional Youth Mobilizers for the Midwest Central Region. Samuel opens up about how a miracle in his childhood, and tragedy in his teenage years, led to a life of ministry and a passion for teens. We discuss holding the tension of believing in a miracle making God while also walking the road of suffering, and the need for a robust theology of suffering that holds hands with a robust theology of the Kingdom.  

Jason Patrick pastors The Oasis Vineyard Church in IL with his wife Betsy. He's been doing youth ministry for over 20 years and is currently the Youth Mobilizer for his Midwest North Region. We take an in depth look at the corrupting influence of power in the lives of leaders. How can we avoid being corrupted? Why do leaders fall? What can we do to prevent that in our lives?  

Brad Schnizlein is the youth pastor Vineyard Church of Bloomington Normal IL. Brad was raised in the Vineyard, got saved at a Vineyard youth group, and continues to have a passion for youth ministry decades later. He is passionate about creating environments for teens to feel welcome, to participate, and to be discipled. We discuss the lengths he goes to in order to do this, some cool ideas for reaching new people, and some thoughts he has around the best ways to communicate with teens!  

Jordan Pelphrey is the Student Revival Pastor at Vineyard Northwest in Cincinnati, OH, and is also one of our Regional Youth Mobilizers for Vineyard USA in the Great Lakes Region. In this episode Jordan and I discuss what training teens in their own discipleship looks like. Specifically, how do we model and impart a passion for living out the spiritual disciplines? We specifically talk about Sabbath, how it has changed Jordan's life, and how he thinks it could be powerful for teens. We then spend some time talking about screen time and how it can be an obstacle to discpleship not just for teens, but also for us leaders.

Mike is the youth pastor at Vineyard Gilbert Comunity Church in Gilbert, AZ, and he is also the co-youth mobilizer in the Mountain Region. In this episode we cover two major topics. First, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of having a large representation of middle schoolers in your youth group. Second, we talk about the stigma of staying in youth ministry for a long time. Why does it feel like if you stay too long, you are doing something wrong? Can someone be called to youth ministry over the long haul, and if so, how do we do that without feeling like we've missed something?

In this episode Dave Paolozzi of Tehachapi Vineyard turns the tables on Christian and interviews him about Project Timothy. We discuss the origin story of PT, why we think it is so valuable to teen leaders, and what we are trying to accomplish with each camp. We also talk about the importance of creating spaces for teens to own their faith, to step into leadership, and how to do that even on a very small scale.

Keirstyn is the youth pastor at Vineyard Church of Central Illinois, and is also the regional youth mobilizer for the Midwest Central Region. This episode is a far ranging conversation about leadership. We touch on specifically leading in the Vineyard, as well the importance for being grounded and humble, the power of sin, and the need for boldness as we present the truth to a generation desparately in need.

As we kick off our new season, we welcome back Chantal Perrone. She is the youth pastor at the Vineyard Community Church in Prosper TX, and is also the regional youth mobilizer for the Gulf Coast Region. Chantal and I discuss how we saw God moving in the youth at the national conference this summer, how to avoid burnout when doing ministry and balacing life and work, and how to better build bridges between youth ministry and kids ministry. It's a great conversation, I think you'll find it super helpful. Welcome back to Redpoint!

Adama is the youth pastor at the Evanston Vineyard. In our conversation we talk about the benefits of having a multi-cultural youth group. Specifically, how our differences can serve to enrich each other's faith. Adam also talks about as leaders, how we can learn to check our biases that may influence who we minister to. And lastly, we discuss being willing to have uncomfortable conversations about race and ethnicity.

Becca is the Youth and Children's Pastor at River Heights Vineyard in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Donna is a young adult leader in her youth group. Together we discuss the challenges and realities of leading a multicultural youth group. They share some of the ways they have proactively worked to make the group a welcoming place for anyone regardless of their ethnicity or language. It's been challenging, but it's been so rewarding, and their joy is evident in this wonderful conversation!  

Alex is the Student Union Director at Vineyard Cincinnati Church. In this episode we talk about how to change culture in a youth ministry to see a turnaround, the importance (and difficulty) of delegation, empowering teens, and making decisions people don't like. It's a full episode! We also cover the secret truth of deep dish pizza that no one in Chicago is talking about.

David is the youth pastor at the North Phoenix Vineyard in Phoenix AZ. In our conversation we talk about how to keep connection with teens at the core of our youth culture, regardless of the size of the group. We also talk a lot about creating culture, working together with volunteer leaders, and how preparation can facilitate the work of the Spirit.

Santos is the High School Youth Pastor at Vineyard Columbus. In our conversation we talk about the challenges and benefits of leading a large youth group. We talk about recruiting adult leaders, and empowering teen leaders. We spend time talking about how to make sure you don't get stuck on stage, not knowing any of your teens. We also spend a lot of time discussing how to create a youth ministry that Gen Z wants to attend: how to create space for teens to feel free to share their thoughts and beliefs even if they aren't lining up perfectly with Scripture yet. 

Jordan is the Youth Director for Vineyard Lake Charles in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In this episode we talk about the power of smaller groups to produce a family atmosphere that is so needed in the lives of teens, and the obstacles he faces as he tries to facilitate that. We also talk about discipleship, not giving up, and the internal struggle of watching kids “not get it.”

Join us for a special episode as we interrupt our normal schedule to sit down with Miriam Swanson, the Director of Fusion USA. Fusion and Vineyard Youth are building a patnership to help high school seniors better transition into college AND to help churches embody the discipleship of Jesus to college freshman in their towns. You don't want to miss this!

Danica is the Youth & Young Adult Pastor at Faith Vineyard in Kearney, MO. She has had the unique experience of pastoring both large (over 100) and small (under 20) youth groups. In this episode we talk about why there are advantages to smaller groups. We also spend time talking about how important it is for leaders to be flexible, and why risk taking can lead to some great adventures with God if we can just say yes.

Tyler is the Youth Director at CityLight Vineyard Church in Newark, Delaware. In this episode we talk about how to do Holy Spirit ministry in the context of a smaller group that meets in people's homes, the benefits of personal relationships with your teens, and how to balance being bi-vocational and starting a family! 

Amy is a wife, mom of 2 girls, worshiper, and Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Hood River Oregon's Children Pastor and Youth Director. In this episode we discuss what it looks like to really be present, the sacrifices it takes, and why having a smaller group actually might make deeper discipleship more likely. We also discuss the challenges of being married with little kids AND doing ministry, as well as the miracle that is “take and bake” pizza. You won't want to miss it!

Chris is the youth and college pastor at Evanston Vineyard in Evanston IL. Chris and I spend a little time reminiscing about overhead projectors, but then dive deep into a conversation about how to care for your own heart and your family while also doing ministry. We also talk about dealing with the feelings of “why am I doing this still?” in youth ministry. It's a very deep episode that you'll find both challenging and refreshing!

Clint is a staff pastor a The Vineyard Church in Duluth MN and works with the highschool and middle school students. In our conversation we talk about helping teens navigate identity in a world of social media, training middle schoolers how to see themselves as useful in God's kingdom in the lives of their friends, and the importance of leaders not living inside the four walls. 

Our guests this episode are Vineyard National Director Jay Pathak, and Associate National Director for Pastoral Health and Development Danielle Pathak. We have a wonderful discussion starting with how youth ministry impacted each of them as teenagers. We then talk aout as national leaders for the movement, what are their hopes for what is happening in Vineyard Youth across the country? And how can we, as youth workers, best prepare our teens discipleship-wise for the post highschool world that awaits them? 

Cynda Garris is the Youth Director for both Arvada and Northwest Vineyard church—neighborhood churches of the Mile High Vineyard in CO. In this conversation we discuss the non negotiable for people in youth ministry: finding personal rhythms with God outside of what you are doing for ministry. If we don't, it's not IF but WHEN we'll burn out, leave ministry, or worse. We also talk about goals for raising teens in our OWN homes. And how to disciple teens into a love for the Word of God.

Jeremy Skelton is a staff pastor at Pathway Vineyard Church in Lewiston ME. He has over a decade of experience in youth ministry. In this episode we cover three important topics: First, he shares about what it was like to be the new youth pastor and inherit a good program from someone else, and then what it was like to hand that off to someone. Second, he shares some of his heart for how we can navigate ministering to teens who are dealing with gender and sexuality related issues. And third we discuss how to deal with the pain of watching people we've ministered to grow up to struggle with, or even leave, their faith.

Christina Lowery is the Assistant National Director for Church Health and Development. She's been pastoring for two decades and, like many, got her start working with young people both in and outside of the Vineyard. In this episode we discuss what, as the church health person, she is hoping to see come out of youth ministry in the Vineyard. What outcomes are we looking for? How do we know if we are hitting the mark? We also talk at length about what discipleship is and how we can model it for our teens. We land with a discussion around preparing our teens for young adulthood, and what tools we need to give them.

Susie Aldridge and Zeke Rink are the national youth directors for Vineyard UK and Ireland. In this episode you will be encouraged as they share stories of what God is doing in the lives of teens across the pond. You will learn about a ministry they've started called Dreaming The Impossible, and how it's affecting the lives of thousands of teens. And lastly, the hope with which they speak of youth ministry will strengthen you, challenge you, and encourage you!

Andrew Edwards is the youth pastor at Beaches Vineyard Church in Atlantic Beach, FL. In our conversation we talk about two amazing partnerships he has formed: one with a local college to help teenage moms, and one with a Vineyard in Puerto Rico to run Project Timothy. Near the end we also talk about books that have shaped our vision for ministry, as well as his favorite way to waste time. Listen to the end!

Parker is the youth and kids pastor at Virginia Beach Vineyard. In this episode we talk about pastoring people in the areas of singleness and sexuality, being intentional in our discipleship with teens, and the power of getting teens involved in all facets of church in order to support them as they bridge out of youth group. 

Scott is the youth pastor at the Manchester Vineyard Community Church in Manchester New Hampshire. In this episode we talk at length about the importance of creating and cultivating Kingdom relationships. We also discuss the sacrificial life of following Jesus, the challenges and benefits of doing ministry unpaid, and some cool stories about a Project Timothy you've probably never heard of!

Got 3 minutes? Take a quick listen!

Chantal is the youth pastor at Vineyard Community Church in Prosper Texas. In this conversation we talk about how Chantal found Jesus in youth ministry and then was led back to it by him! Then we go deep on two topics: (1) incorporating young people into the church body life and ministry right now instead of waiting; and (2) how her own story of burnout in ministry has lessons for all of us on how to avoid it, bounce back from it, and stay in ministry.

Mike Gay is the youth pastor at Vineyard Gilbert and has served as the Regional Youth Leader for several years for the Southwest Region. In this episode Mike and Christian discuss how to keep an eye on kids who are drifting, appropriate ways to communicate with teens...and then we take a deep dive into leveraging online vs in person tactics for keeping teens connected. Is one better than the other? Are both needed? Does online count? You won't want to miss it!

Jordan Pelphrey is the Student Pastor at Vineyard Northwest in Cincinatti, OH. He and I discuss the importance of creating a culture for Holy Spirit ministry, and some very detailed ideas around how to do this. We also talk about the difficulty of transitioning from one youth leader to another, and how to establish culture as the “new youth person.” Last, we talk about intergenerational ministry, and getting more adults involved in the lives of the teens in your ministry.

Adam Greenwell is the senior pastor at Billings Vineyard, in Billings MO. He's also the been serving as the regional youth leader of the Big Sky Region. In this episode we talk about the importance of helping teens form an accurate image of God, and how that impacts how they form their own identity. We also discuss the tension of finding our own identity in our work, rather than in God, and how that also influences our teens. And last, we discuss the temptation to water down the Gospel in order to help people agree with us, and that can end up doing just the opposite.

Rachel is the assistant pastor at Greeley Vineyard in Greeley CO and she's the regional youth leader for the Rocky Mountain Region. In this episode we discuss the importance of biblical literacy amongst teens, and how creating space for doubt and honest questions is all part of establishing a faith that can last. We also talk about how hard it can be to watch your teens struggle, and how to find peace in trusting God in the work of youth ministry. 

Jeremy is the Family Life Pastor at Quest Vineyard Church as well as the Regional Youth Leader in the Great Lakes Region. In this episode we talk at length about building a culture for holy spirit ministry and stories. We also talk about how to build biblical literacy in young people, as well as how healthy rhythms are important not only for the youth worker, but for the youth ministry.

Jason is the pastor of the Streamwood Vineyard Church and the regional youth leader for what has been known as the Midwest North. In this episode we go into a deep discussion about our motives for ministry, how what we “get” out of ministry can become unhealthy, and how to have honest conversations about the pitfalls of youth ministry. We also discuss how to define “success” in youth ministry, why counting heads can be dangerous, and what the point of youth ministry really should be.

In my conversation with Keirstyn we talk about what God is doing in this generation of young people, and how we can take what look like negatives and see how God can turn them into opportunities. We talk about the honor of being trusted by God to work with young people, and the role of passion and faith in keeping us inspired and on fire. We also cover what our goals are in youth ministry: what are we hoping each teen “gets” on any given youth night?

Thomas is the youth pastor at the North Jersey Vineyard and served for years as the director of the Heroic Leadership Institute in Maine. In our conversations, we talk about intentionally investing in teens to help them discover their gifts and purpose. We also discuss working with teen leaders and creating space for them to fail and continue with Jesus. We also tackle some hard questions like, “Should we confront teens who are in sin?” and “Does God really have a “call” on people's lives?”

In our first episode ever, Christian interviews Dave Paolozzi. Dave has been in youth ministry for decades, and is currently on staff at the Tehachapi Vineyard. Dave and Christian discuss how we know if youth ministry is working, how we deal with "feeling" qualified or not, how to pursue longevity, and how to raise others up. It's a broad ranging discussion full of wisdom and encouragement.