The Heart of a Youth Leader

What does it look like for young people to live out kingdom values in the middle of school drama, peer pressure, and broken friendships? In this milestone 150th episode, Andy Castle reflects on Jesus' call to love our enemies and challenges youth leaders to help young people live generously and graciously — even when it's tough. There's wisdom here for your youth group... and maybe a challenge for you too!'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

This week, Andy reflects on the pressure young people face during exam season—and how youth leaders can support them with care, prayer, and spiritual encouragement. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 60, he challenges us to shake off discouragement, step into God's presence, and expect His glory to rise upon us.A powerful reminder that even in the busyness and burden of ministry, God is calling us to wake up, look up, and shine.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode of The Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy reflects on the busyness of youthwork and the spiritual cost of always being “on”. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-6, he challenges us to step back, take retreat seriously, and trust God deeply — not just with our plans, but with our whole hearts. If you've been running on empty, this is your invitation to slow down and reconnect with the One who sets your path straight.

After a short break, we are back with a new season of our podcast and video series, The Heart of a Youth Leader.In this week's episode we think about what our hopes for the term ahead are and how we need God to quench our thirst for what we most desire.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this week's episode we explore how to hold on to God's promises and truth even when your feelings are telling you different.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this week's episode Andy Castle thinks about how we can keep holding on to the promises of God even when nothing seems to change.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this week's episode Andy Castle thinks about the long term opportunity of youthwork and how we need to be purposeful in thinking about how and who we are investing in.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

It is one thing to work with the young people who come to our groups but what is our plan to stay connected with those who chose to disconnect? That's this week's theme.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this week's episode Andy Castle explores an important question that rarely gets asked when we build our youth teams.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

How do you go about developing a new scheme or plan and how do you keep  in step with the Lord in developing the plan? This is what Andy talks about in this week's episode.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Many of us are concerned with how few young people attend our churches, but how can we make sure we are sharing our faith effectively with young people?'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

This week, Andy Castle thinks about the importance of giving yourself space and time so you can see what God is doing.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode Andy Castle considers the challenges of those who influence us and how we might influence others.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode Andy Castle asks what the essential elements to a healthy youth ministry are and how we can build our youth groups on firm foundations.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this first episode of a new season of the podcast, Andy Castle thinks about how we can set goals for the year ahead and to keep in step with what God is doing both in us and through us.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy recounts a day where the Lord blesses him by answering his prayer.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy tells you about his favourite resurrection story.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy thinks about what makes a team and how we need to work together well.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy thinks about what we are called to do.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy talks about the essential part of being a youth worker that is being a role model and pointing young people towards Jesus through our lifestyle and actions.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy reflects on on conversations he had had with local youth workers, and uses Matthew 11:28-30 to offer hope and comfort.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed.This week Andy thinks about making sure we get our priorities right and suggests how we might go about doing this in our youth ministry.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode, Andy shares the Bible verse that the Lord used to lead him into youth ministry full time and he talks about how it can shape our youth work into the year ahead.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Youthwork is hard work, and can be draining at times. What can you do to keep your energy levels sustained and not burn out? In this episode, we explore the power of allowing God to refresh you.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Don't let work distract you from focusing on God. This week, Andy looks at this challenge and suggests some easy ways to stay connected to God each day.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

As a youth or children's leader, it can be hard to find time to join in with sung worship at your church, because you are busy doing the youthwork! In this episode, Andy discusses this challenge and what we can do to rectify it.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Does your church have fertile soil when it comes to providing an environment that is conducive to helping young people come and grow in faith?'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Without wanting to encourage us to change, Andy asks the challenging question of what would you be doing if you weren't in youthwork?! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

What does it take to rely on God rather than yourself? This is the challenge for all Christians and in this episode Andy looks at what the Apostle Paul's experience was.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

How can God speak to you? In this episode Andy Castle looks at the many ways God communicates with people, and particularly through dreams.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

What can we do as leaders to stay refreshed? In this episode, Andy Castle explores the importance of our daily, weekly and termly refreshment moments.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Anxiety is increasing amongst our young people. This episode explores how Psalm 37 shows us ways to distract ourselves from our fears and to focus our attention on God.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

If only one person can be in control at any one time, what if the choice was between you being in control and God being so? That's what Andy Castle wrestles with in this week's episode.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Purposefully taking time out to retreat and to focus on our own relationship with God is essential if we want to lead healthy, leadership lives. Yet so many of us find this hard to do. Andy encourages us to set times aside to do this, regardless of whether we think we can find the time!He also mentions TallTrees, a wonderful retreat house in the Midlands. Find out more at: www.talltreesretreat.co.uk'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

How would you answer this question? What do you want God to do most in your ministry? Andy Castle explores this issue in this week's episode and encourages us to reframe the question.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

As someone accused of too many dad jokes, this week Andy considers whether it might be possible that God tells Jeremiah one!'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this week's episode, we explore the importance of teaching our young people how to pray, just as the disciples asked the same of Jesus. Andy Castle explores how this needs to start with us, as leaders, continuing to learn how to pray as well.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode we think about the importance of honouring and loving our own church fellowship, the good bits and the bad! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

This week, Andy Castle, founder & CEO of Thrive Youth Ministries, thinks about role models and how it is essential that we not only teach well but that we practice all that we teach, and the importance of keeping the Law.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

A new season and a new focus! In this week's episode, Andy Castle asks what you would do if your church service was disrupted and what our first priority should be.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

This week, Andy Castle thinks about the partnership Moses had with God and how his prayer life seemed more of a conversation than anything else. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

What if we realised that God's eye is always watching over us? Would it make a difference. In this episode, Andy Castle explores the issue of integrity and living a focused life.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Most Christians would say they are Bible believers but in this episode Andy Castle asks, are you a Bible reader? If the Bible is God's word to us, surely we have to make sure to actually read it!'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode, Andy Castle explores the fifth and final core value of Thrive Youth Ministries: extravagant generosity. He thinks about the importance of being generous in all things as we follow an extravagant God.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In week four of our series exploring Thrive's core values, Andy Castle thinks about how we need to be intentional in encouraging those around us and how we can help them look to Jesus to keep on growing.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Continuing our short series, exploring Thrive's core values, this week Andy Castle looks at the importance of being Dynamic and Life-giving. Are you a radiator or a drain?'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Thrive's second core value is 'making a Kingdom difference' and in this episode, Andy Castle explores what this means and what it might look like for each of us in our day to day ministries.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode, Andy Castle reflects on the first of five core values that Thrive holds. What does courageous dependence on the Spirit look like and why is it important? What impact might it have on your life and ministry?'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

This week we think about the importance of integrity and how we need to protect what influences our heart so that we can confident that we are speaking well and communicating safely.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

It's a new term and a new season! In this episode, Thrive's Andy Castle talks about how little changes can make a big difference and how we need to looking out for ways to encourage and support the young people we work with.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Over the summer, we are listening back to some of our older episodes  and reminding ourselves of God's goodness.This week's episode was originally released in January'22. In it, Andy thinks about the year ahead and explores what your hopes and dreams might be. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk