Youth Ministry Team Podcast

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Will—youth pastor at Ebenezer Church in Saskatoon—for a powerful conversation about how ancient spiritual disciplines are reshaping his youth ministry. This is the kickoff to a special series featuring youth workers and students whose lives have been changed by practicing the way of Jesus.Will shares how challenges early in his ministry led him to rethink how he was engaging with spiritual formation practices. Now, years later, his youth ministry is thriving—not because of hype, but because students are being trained to follow Jesus for life through habits like Sabbath, fasting, prayer, and Scripture engagement.If you've ever wondered how to help your students truly grow, not just attend, this conversation is a must-listen.Learn more about Practicing the Way at their website: practicingtheway.orgHave a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

Jeremy and Sid are back to talk about something every youth worker eventually wrestles with: what happens when you're too busy, tired, or distracted to keep up with your spiritual disciplines? Whether it's summer camp season, the back-to-school ministry crunch, or just the demands of life, it's easy for spiritual practices to get pushed aside.Sid offers helpful language to distinguish between guilt and shame, and reminds us that spiritual disciplines are not about earning God's favor—they're about posturing our hearts to grow in love for Jesus and others. They unpack how to rethink your current rhythms, adapt your practices to your life stage, and reframe everyday moments as opportunities for spiritual connection.This episode is also a launchpad for a series of conversations with youth workers and students about different spiritual practices and how they're impacting lives.Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

Noah Reed and Ryan Murray are two youth workers from Winnipeg, Manitoba who open up about how mentorship has shaped their preparation and fruitfulness in youth ministry. Both trace their ministry health and leadership development to intentional mentors throughout their lives—some formal, some unexpected.Listen in and learn about what mentorship looks like in practice, how to find a mentor (even if no one is offering), and why both practical ministry and spiritual mentorship matter. Whether you're a brand-new volunteer, a seasoned youth pastor, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers practical encouragement and guidance to help you grow in both your leadership and your walk with Jesus.And as Ryan reminds us, the best mentors don't just call out your weaknesses—they call out your strengths when you can't see them.Learn more about MCS-Horizon at mcs.edu/about/mcs-horizonHave a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

This conversation has Jeremy sitting down with theologian, pastor, and author Cody Matchett to tackle a topic that keeps showing up—how to talk about the end times with students. This isn't just about interpreting Revelation or breaking down scary apocalyptic imagery. It's about offering students a vision of hope, justice, and renewal grounded in Jesus.Cody helps reframe the “end times” as not a roadmap for escape, but a call to live as future people in the present. Listen in to hear how you can use Revelation to engage questions about evil, justice, judgment, and God's goodness in a world that often feels uncertain.You should pick up Cody's book, Revelation for the Rest of Us on Amazon.Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

In this episode, recorded live at the 306 Network Gathering, Will Dmytrow sits down with Hakeem Bradley from BibleProject to talk about how youth workers can help students engage Scripture in meaningful and compelling ways. Hakeem breaks down how understanding genre, embracing hard passages, and recognizing design patterns in Scripture can transform how students read the Bible. He also unpacks fresh ways to explain the biblical metanarrative using creation–decreation–recreation, and describes how biblical authors act like filmmakers, producers, and sculptors to help us see the big picture.Whether you're preparing a sermon, leading a Bible study, or sitting one-on-one with a student, this conversation is packed with wisdom and encouragement for helping Gen Z encounter the beauty of the Bible.Follow Hakeem on Instagram @hakeembradley1 or check out his blog at hakeembradley.com.Have a question or want to dig deeper? You can email jeremy@youthworker.community.

Burnout is a common issue for both ministry leaders and volunteers. But there are surprisingly different facets of burnout and diagnosing the core issue takes some discernment and wisdom. Listen in as Steve Zacharias (Director of the Coalition) explains the issues of capacity, craving, or culture that can spark a burnout. He'll also offer practical insights on how to address each one. The hope is that you'll recognize the difference between being busy and feeling overwhelmed and to understand how unmet desires can fuel burnout. Whether you're leading a team or serving as a volunteer, Steve will share strategies to help you refuel and thrive.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this episode, Jeremy chats with Kaitlyn Cey, director of Inspire Our Nation, a youth organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders. Kaitlyn brings her expertise in education, pastoring, and youth leadership to the conversation, discussing how youth workers can navigate the overwhelming cultural issues facing students today. She emphasizes the importance of engaging students in thoughtful conversations while grounding them in the Scriptures. By using the vision, values, and priorities of the Kingdom of God, Kaitlyn shares how youth workers can guide students in processing current cultural issues and help them build a framework for decision-making that lasts a lifetime.Find out more about Inspire Our Nation by heading to inspireournation.com and Kaitlyn directly at kaitlyncey.com.If you have an account, you can also see her work featured on Rightnow Media.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Iris Weibel from GFA World shares about the incredible impact of the Great Commission and how youth workers can engage students in global missions. Iris shares her powerful journey from atheism to becoming a passionate advocate for reaching the unreached. She talks about the life-changing book Revolution in World Missions and how it opened her eyes to the reality that billions of people still haven't heard the gospel. She also highlights the importance of supporting national missionaries who are on the front lines, sharing stories of transformation and the crucial role youth workers can play in mobilizing the next generation to act.Learn more about where Iris serves by heading to gfa.ca.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this conversation, Jeremy sits down with Jon Dixon, Next Generations Pastor at New Minus Baptist Church in Nova Scotia, to discuss how to raise up the future leaders of the Church. With two decades of experience in youth ministry, Jon shares how he's been able to create a thriving environment where teenagers aren't just participants but potential pastors. From encouraging students to explore their gifts to giving them hands-on leadership opportunities, Jon reveals one of his visions for youth ministry: to graduate pastors every year. Listen in and be inspired to invest in your students in a way that prepares them for a lifetime of service in the Church.Learn more about where Jon serves by heading to nmbc.ca.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Sometimes the biggest challenges in ministry are the ones we don't even realize we're carrying. In this episode, Jeremy sits down with longtime youth ministry professor Garth Friesen to talk about blind spots — those hidden habits or perspectives that can quietly hinder our effectiveness. Garth has been equipping youth workers for over two decades and brings both wisdom and practical advice for how to create a culture of feedback. Whether you're a point leader or a volunteer, this conversation will give you a few helpful questions to ask (yourself and others) and some ideas to help you and your team grow stronger together.Learn more about where Garth serves by heading to sbcollege.ca.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Every youth ministry dreams of being a welcoming place where students bring their friends — but what happens when the openness of your group makes it harder for your students to go deep? In this week's conversation, Deniel Sewell from Connexus Church joins us to talk about how to navigate the tension between open groups and deep relationships. He shares practical ways volunteers can stay relationally connected to students, even when new people show up every week — and how small group leaders can step into bold, meaningful conversations that shape students' faith for the long haul.Learn more about where Deniel serves by heading to ConnexusChurch.com or instagram.com/connexusinsideout

The impact of community and friendship makes much more of a difference then we sometimes understand. In this episode, Roger highlights the significance of the Sunday morning service and in particular the opportunity to connect students with each other. Fortunately, the principles he shares will work great anytime you gather students, no matter the time of week. He'll also give you practical ideas to inspire your student leaders to be part of the solution."I think it's community. I think community is really important. We have to raise the culture of friendship because the reality is if a teenager doesn't have their friends and they don't feel welcome or don't feel seen, they're not coming back no matter how good your program is."Find out more about where Roger serves by heading to hillsidemoncton.org/students/ Roger mentioned this video curriculum: darkroomfaith.comWant to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Every ministry team has a point person (or two… or three!) that carries a little extra responsibility. Sometimes that person is paid for their time, but sometimes that person is another volunteer. Either way, the weight of leadership can be challenging and sometimes it can be hard to know how to be helpful for them. In this week's conversation, Jordan from The Pastorate shares some ideas on how to support your point leader – both for their sake and for the students that you minister to.You can follow along with Jordan and The Pastorate on Instagram or through their website.Mentioned in this episode:Emerging Leaders LabThe application deadline for the next Emerging Leaders Lab is April 1! Head to https://www.thepastorate.ca/lab to find out more. The Emerging Leaders Lab is a 12 month pastoral formation community that is designed to help participants grow in 8 essential pastoral competencies, helping participants have a faithful and fruitful ministry.

Whether your team is small or large, it's always helpful to have more people investing into the faith of the next generation. But how do you actually go about doing that? Kara has seen her team grow immensely over the past few years and she'll offer some ideas that you can use whether you are a point leader or a volunteer in your ministry.You can follow along with Kara at thisisvillagechurch.com

In this conversation, Sid interviews Tim Barnett on the topic of the deconstruction of faith. Tim will explore the reasons behind deconstruction, the role of social media in organizing the deconstruction movement, and the difference between doubt and deconstruction. He'll share his personal journey of discovering apologetics and his work in helping young people navigate their faith. They also discuss the importance of Scripture in youth ministry and how the shift away from the authority of Scripture has radical implications. Tim will also explain how Scripture is not only right but also good, and how it is relevant to our lives. You'll discover practical steps for walking with someone going through deconstruction in your ministry.Learn more about Tim by following him on Youtube, Instagram, or through his website. And check out Tim's book, The Deconstruction of Christianity.Mentioned in this episode:You are invited to a YWC Conference near you!Check out youthworker.community/conferences2024-2025 Conference

Lydia Kidd shares her insights on student leaders and how her church has prioritized their development by involving them in ministry and providing them with mentors. Whether you are running a dedicated program for student leaders or just looking for ways to support some of your more committed students, Lydia will give you some great ideas. Not only that, but she's making some of her documentation available to help you as you develop more leaders. You can find those resources at this link: https://bit.ly/3XiRxdZYou can access the Renegotiating Faith research project at renegotiatingfaith.ca.Learn more about the Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership at youthworker.community/coalitionFind out more about where Lydia serves by heading to cschurch.ca. You can also access some of her student leadership resources at this link: https://bit.ly/3XiRxdZWant to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Listen in to this week's conversation as Jeremy and William discuss how small group leaders can see more progress with their students. Will talks through the discipleship quadrant he uses with his team, which consists of four different quadrants: permissive, authoritarian, cozy, and Jesus-centered. He'll emphasize the importance of balancing challenge and support in order to create a culture of growth and transformation. Will also provides practical ideas for small group leaders, such as praying for students, playing with them, posturing as shepherds rather than chaperones, and connecting with them outside of program moments.Find out more about where Will serves by heading to ebenezerbaptist.ca/youth or follow him on Instagram.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Jeremy and Josh discuss the importance of creating a high feedback culture in your youth ministry. When the whole team knows the purpose of the ministry it allows you to consistantly seek feedback from students and other leaders. That value of listening to students' ideas and dreams helps generate more buy-in as they get to have influence in shaping the ministry. Lastly, Josh will encourage you to be more than just a pamphlet of information, but to be a person who practices your faith and shares your lives with the students you lead.Find out more about where Josh serves by heading to https://www.lewisville.church/ or https://www.cbmin.org/Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this conversation, Jeremy and Steve discuss how to handle a situation where your point leader is disorganized. Steve provides a framework for having hard conversations, which includes three phases: curiosity, clarity, and collaboration. In the midst of any difficult conversation, make sure you approach the conversation with curiosity and compassion, seeking to understand the other person's perspective. Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

REPLAY // This episode originally aired on May 24, 2021Summer camp has historically been a pivotal place for the spiritual development of the next generations. If you have students connected to a summer ministry right now, you can help make that experience even better! Listen in as we chat with Deniel Sewell about the connections that should happen between school year ministries and summer ministries.We want to hear from you! Submit your youth ministry question to jeremy@youthworker.community

If your ministry has small group leaders, then your ministry should have some way for those leaders to be coached. Oftentimes the coaching is left to the point leader, but as your ministry grows you should also find ways to empower volunteers to step into the small group leader coach role. In this conversation, Jeremy and Chandra discuss the importance of coaching and Chandra shares her experience implementing a coaching culture in her ministry and provides practical tips around supporting and guiding leaders, setting goals, and providing resources. Listen in for ideas that you can implement in your ministry this week!Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Andrew Goodman, a missionary in southeast Asia, shares about the civil war and hardships faced by the people of Myanmar. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the power of the gospel to bring hope and transformation. He encourages youth workers to have a bold and humble faith, to be part of God's movement, and to be open to God's calling in their lives. Andrew also highlights the work of OMF in ministering to the people of Myanmar and invites others to join in the mission.Take a look at OMF by heading to their website here: https://omf.org/ca/Or Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/omf_ca/Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

REPLAY // This episode originally aired on July 30, 2019Summer brings a great opportunity to build relationships with your students outside of the typical routine, but what are the best ways to make that connection? What if your students are away at summer camp or working a job? Thinking creatively about leveraging the summer can lead to important spiritual conversations, can launch you well into the fall, and can give you a chance to connect with students you may not be able to otherwise.We want to hear from you! Submit your youth ministry question to jeremy@youthworker.community

In this week's conversation, Jeremy and Steve explore the tension between ministry commitments and family time. If you've ever wondered how to find a better balance, you'll be encouraged by the idea of learning the sacred times of your family's day. You should also take Steve's idea of reframing the language around absence and use it to help your whole family understand the ministry you are leading.Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalitionWant to chat more with Steve? You can reach out to him at steve@youthworker.community.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

“I think first of all, as leaders, we have to understand what the gospel is first and foremost so that we can lead, encourage, coach, challenge, and even call [our students] to a decision.”Mark Miller, from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, joins Jeremy on the podcast to discuss leading teenagers to Jesus. Mark emphasizes the importance of a moment of decision in accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and the need for youth leaders to understand and articulate the gospel. Listen in for a clear way that you can lead your students to faith in Jesus. You can join the work of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in spreading the gospel online by heading to SearchforJesus.net or check out www.billygraham.ca Billy Graham would often pray: “Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust you and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name, amen.”1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.Romans 10:9: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

“I think it's always the goal is always to get to somebody's heart. Like what do you believe about yourself and God?”This is the question that Kyla is helping youth workers focus on as we connect with all of our students, including those that identify in the LGBTQ+ community. In light of that, Kyla recommends these three lead in questions that help us understand our students better:Would you share your story with me?Tell me more about your identity… What does that mean for you?We want you here – what could we do to help make you feel that truth?If you haven't met Kyla yet, she introduces herself on her website by saying, “Hi, I'm Kyla. I am a biological female who transitioned and lived as male for 6 years, then detransitioned. I'd love to share my story with you.” In this conversation we get to hear a bit of that story, but you can hear more back on episode 200.You definitely want to learn more about Kyla and her ministry. You can track with her on Instagram or through her website: kylagillespie.com and you should definitely reach out to find ways to connect her with the work you are doing.Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In this episode, Jeremy and Sid discuss the crucial role of prayer in youth ministries. You'll hear their personal insights on making prayer a core part of ministry culture, emphasizing its impact on both your other volunteers and youth. Listen in for practical tips on integrating prayer as a personal practice heading into ministry situations as well as how to pray for your students and pray with your students.Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalitionWant to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.communityMentioned in this episode:Next Steps AwardsCheck out the Next Steps Awards from Power to Change - Students. There's $50,000 available this year! https://p2c.com/students/awards/ If you'd like to find a university campus group, check out this link: https://p2c.com/students/campuses/

In this episode, Jeremy and Sid discuss how to coach other small group leaders in both informal and formal settings. They emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of teachability and asking questions to spark curiosity and learning. They also suggest defining a fixed time for coaching sessions and setting clear expectations for the coaching relationship. The hosts encourage veteran small group leaders to take on the role of coaching and supporting younger leaders, recognizing the impact they can have on the next generation.   Check out the Next Steps Awards from Power to Change - Students. There's $50,000 available this year!   If you'd like to find a university campus group, check out this link: https://p2c.com/students/campuses/   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community   Takeaways Youth workers have the power to shape the future of their students by speaking truth and providing a vision for their lives. Youth workers should see themselves as conduits of truth, communicating the messages of Jesus and helping students discover their unique gifts and potential. There is a hesitation among youth workers to exercise their influence due to fear of getting it wrong or pushing students away, but the void is then filled by other voices. Prayer and seeking God's vision are essential for youth workers to effectively guide and mentor their students. Asking the right questions can help youth workers uncover the potential and purpose in their students' lives. Youth workers have the opportunity to make an eternal difference in the lives of young people and should embrace their role as shepherds and guides.   Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Framing the Question 00:57 The Role of Youth Workers in Shaping the Future 04:04 Being Conduits of Truth 08:38 Speaking Truth and Calling Out Students 11:08 Asking the Right Questions 13:49 Prayer for Volunteer Youth Workers

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   We're coming to Ontario! Join us February 24, 2024 at Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East     Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   We're coming to Ontario! Join us February 24, 2024 at Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Learn more about Meisha at the following links:   Hey Meisha! Her Instagram My Single Story A special thanks to our partners and sponsors that make this podcast possible…   Christar is a global missions organization that cares deeply about your ministry to the next generation here in our country. So whether it's leveraging their wisdom to craft ethical mission trips or connecting with them to catch a vision for what God is doing in hard to reach places, your ministry should connect with our friends at Christar.   Trinity Western University has been a long time supporter of the Youth Worker Community and we love how they merge a commitment to the discipleship of their students with strong leadership development AND world class academics. Take a look at all the program offerings so you know when to recommend TWU to your students!   The Chosen is is the first-ever multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. The series allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew Him. Check out the season 4 trailer here and then see if it's showing in a theatre nearby.   You are invited to the YWC Conference! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

A special thanks to our partners and sponsors that make this podcast possible…   The Chosen is is the first-ever multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. The series allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew Him. Check out the season 4 trailer here and then see if it's showing in a theatre nearby.   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Sid and Jeremy mentioned a few platforms such as… https://groupme.com/ https://www.whatsapp.com/download https://discord.com/ https://www.messenger.com/   A special thanks to our partners and sponsors that make this podcast possible…   Rocky Mountain College is one of partners for the Coalition and we've loved helping dozens of youth workers get their Bachelor's degree through this partnership. Not only that, but Rocky actually offers a free Intro To The Bible course that you can sign up for at this link. Check it out with your other team members or even your students!   The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has been faithfully reaching people for Jesus for years and they are using their platform on Search For Jesus to help connect with folks around the world. Check it out and see if you or even your students might be interested in volunteering to help spread the gospel in these unique ways!   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

A special thanks to our partners and sponsors that make this podcast possible…   Millar College of the Bible are developing passionate, relevant servants of Jesus Christ who are shaped by the entire Scriptures. Whether it's a gap year or a full degree, you should familiarize yourself with Millar. They'll root your students deeply into the Scriptures with a love for Christ.   Teen Street are such helpful partners in this season and you should check out their Out of the Box discipleship event – it's a toolkit designed to help you run a great retreat for your students.   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

A special thanks to our partners and sponsors that make this podcast possible… Do you know someone who is thinking about ministry?   The Way College is a 4-year accredited program for people who want to pursue a future in ministry. The program is designed to go deep theologically and also equip you practically for on-the-ground local church ministry.   Launched by Jason Ballard from the Alpha Youth Series and the team at The Way Church in Vancouver, this is a wonderful option for you or your students. If you want to know more, visit thewaycollege.ca Change Conference (from Youth For Christ Canada) exists to see every youth in Canada hear, respond to, and live out the message of Jesus in their lives. Whether you join in Alberta, Ontario, or Online, make sure to check out ChangeConference.com to learn more about how your group can be part of this exceptional event.   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

No matter where you fall on your church's organizational chart, we believe that this conversation with Ebonie around thoughtful discipleship in the youth space will serve you. In their time together, Ebonie and Jason explore how the church can play a vital role in nurturing a Jesus-centered joy among young people. They also touch on topics like contextual spiritual formation for the next-generation and adopting a “whole church” vision for youth discipleship within a community. Ebonie also courageously shares her deeply moving and inspirational journey of discovering Jesus. We hope you enjoy the conversation with the joy-exuding Ebonie Davis.   Find out more about Ebonie at…   Arbor Research Group LinkedIn Amazon   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in Ontario in the year and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

No matter when and where your youth ministry meets, a core element to what happens is the opening of the Scriptures together. Sometimes a live person leads that experience – usually in the format of preaching or Bible study. Sometimes that experience is led by a resource like video curriculum.   The point isn't as much the method as it is what you do with it. In this conversation, Sid and Jeremy will walk you through the following important next steps for after the teaching, whether it's live or recorded…   You need to guide You need to re-engage the passage You need to ask great questions You need to apply (and invite them to apply too)   Would you like to have affordable and accessible video curriculum for your ministry? Check out our growing library of content at YouthGroupTalks.com   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   November 3-4, 2023 - YWC Conference Winnipeg November 17-18, 2023 - YWC Conference Moncton January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   And we're coming to Ontario!   February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada Ministries. He passionately engages pressing issues related to our humanity from a Christian perspective. He has presented at various venues such as Cambridge University on philosophical issues related to Artificial Intelligence, provided ethical guidelines on robotics for the United Nations, and addressed legal concerns over rights of conscience at the World Congress in Philosophy of Law.   So he seems like a pretty good person to ask our questions about ChatGPT and AI

Whether it's a large scale event like Change Conference or your ministry's own event with just your students – we really believe that the work you do after the fact is critically important. The decisions or spiritual experiences that students have are further solidified when we thoughtfully help them process all that they are going through.   That's what Sid and Jeremy talk through in this week's conversation. If you are a volunteer we hope that you'll get some really practical ideas on what you should do in the week following an event or retreat.   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   November 3-4, 2023 - YWC Conference Winnipeg November 17-18, 2023 - YWC Conference Moncton January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in two locations this next season and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   October 23-25, 2023 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit West March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   And we're coming to Ontario! These two events are perfect for you, your youth ministry team, AND your students…   October 27-28, 2023 - Change Conference Ottawa February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Church tradition or liturgies can be challenging to pass on to students who swim in an ever-evolving culture. After all, aren't teenagers looking for dynamic experiences that are relevant to their daily lives? Aren't sacred rituals dull to a younger generation?   Or maybe that's not the whole story.   Listen in on this interview with Jason Smith, who is a veteran youth worker serving in an Anglican context, as he unpacks the ways that he's seen not just unchurched students engage in ancient faith practices, but their entire families.   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   November 3-4, 2023 - YWC Conference Winnipeg November 17-18, 2023 - YWC Conference Moncton January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in two locations this next season and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   October 23-25, 2023 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit West March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   And we're coming to Ontario! These three events are perfect for you, your youth ministry team, AND your students…   October 13-14, 2023 - Change Conference Toronto October 27-28, 2023 - Change Conference Ottawa February 24, 2024 - Today's Teens Conference   Looking for the Coalition? Details are available at youthworker.community/coalition   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

Jeremy: Hey ChatGPT, why should youth workers listen to this conversation?   ChatGPT: Hey there! Youth workers should tune into this conversation because it delves deep into the challenges and realities teens face in our modern, tech-saturated world. It provides insights into the complexities of identity, the double-edged sword of digital exposure, and the importance of striking a balance with technology. By understanding these nuances, youth workers can be better equipped to guide, mentor, and connect with today's teens, helping them navigate their faith journey in an increasingly connected yet sometimes disjointed digital landscape.   Plus, it's about adapting and staying relevant in a world that's constantly evolving. It's essential knowledge for anyone genuinely invested in the wellbeing and spiritual growth of the younger generation.   Jeremy:

Kyla introduces herself on her website by saying, “Hi, I'm Kyla. I am a biological female who transitioned and lived as male for 6 years, then detransitioned. I'd love to share my story with you.” In this conversation we get to hear a bit of that story, what sparked Kyla's desire to reignite her faith, and how you and I might consider helping our students experience our own faith communities in a similar way to how Kyla experienced hers.   You definitely want to learn more about Kyla and her ministry. You can track with her on Instagram or through her website: kylagillespie.com   You are invited to the YWC Conferences! All the details are available at YouthWorker.Community. Bring your whole team to be encouraged and equipped to better disciple the students in your ministry.   November 3-4, 2023 - YWC Conference Winnipeg November 17-18, 2023 - YWC Conference Moncton January 26-27, 2024 - YWC Conference Saskatoon February 2-3, 2024 - YWC Conference Vancouver February 9-10, 2024 - YWC Conference Calgary   Are you a youth pastor? You should join us for the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit! We'll be in two locations this next season and you can find more information at youthpastorsummit.ca   October 23-25, 2023 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit West March 5-7, 2024 - Canadian Youth Pastor Summit East   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In today's episode Sid will dive deeper into the final four of the seven faith shaping tasks that are necessary for rooting long term faith in adolescents. Deep discipleship is something that we often are chasing as youth workers but it can be difficult to know what that actually looks like in the lives of our students. Join Sid and Jeremy as they talk through these specific tasks that can spark ideas for your own group.   Want to join dozens of other youth workers in the Coalition this year? You'll be able to use the program towards a fully accredited Bachelor's or completing an entire Master's program, all while staying in your local youth ministry context. Check out youthworker.community/coalition to learn more about the Coalition!   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

In today's episode Sid will dive deeper into three of the seven faith shaping tasks that are necessary for rooting long term faith in adolescents. Experiencing God is critical for your students, so helping them understand what that actually looks like and helping them to categorize their emotions and experiences is good work. Join Jeremy and Sid as they walk through ideas that you can take action on in your ministry to your students.   Sid mentioned the research project Hemorrhaging Faith, which you can access at this link.   Want to join dozens of other youth workers in the Coalition this year? You'll be able to use the program towards a fully accredited Bachelor's or completing an entire Master's program, all while staying in your local youth ministry context. Check out youthworker.community/coalition to learn more about the Coalition!   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Today's episode is a bit unique as you get an inside look at one of the Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership's classes from this spring. Sid Koop dives into seven faith shaping tasks based on the work of Stephen Jones. Whatever your context looks like you'll be able to see how each of these can spark ideas for sharpening your ministry to your students...   Experiencing Categorizing Choosing Claiming Deepening Separating Responding   Want to join dozens of other youth workers in the Coalition this year? You'll be able to use the program towards a fully accredited Bachelor's or completing an entire Master's program, all while staying in your local youth ministry context. Check out youthworker.community/coalition to learn more about the Coalition!   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

Today's episode is a bit unique as you get an inside look at one of the Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership's classes from this spring. Sid Koop dives into a deep conversation about self-esteem and self-denial and how our understanding of these things shape our ministry to students.    Want to join dozens of other youth workers in the Coalition this year? You'll be able to use the program towards a fully accredited Bachelor's or completing an entire Master's program, all while staying in your local youth ministry context. Check out youthworker.community/coalition to learn more about the Coalition!   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Today's episode is a bit unique as you get an inside look at one of the Coalition for Youth Ministry Leadership's classes from this spring. Sid Koop dives into why caring for the next generation matters deeply to God directly from Scripture!    Want to join dozens of other youth workers in the Coalition this year? You'll be able to use the program towards a fully accredited Bachelor's or completing an entire Master's program, all while staying in your local youth ministry context. Check out youthworker.community/coalition to learn more about the Coalition!   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community  

As a volunteer youth leader, you may not necessarily know the people that have and continue to shape youth ministry through their books, teachings, and experience but today's episode is an interview with one of the very best! Join Jeanne Mayo as she shares about how you can know if you're really making an impact based on her 50+ years (and counting!) of ministry experience.   One of the ways to know if you're really making an impact is to personally break the cycle of apathy and rejection (ie. students ghosting you, being generally uninterested, etc), by giving the opposite: acceptance and enthusiasm. Once you're into the journey a bit, ask students one thing that really matters to them that you could pray about and follow up. Showing up intentionally has an eternal impact!    You should totally get to know Jeanne more. Head to jeannemayo.com to access the Cadre, Coaching, and so many fantastic resources.   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community

Your students are more tuned in to issues of justice than most generations before them. Oppression, exploitation, equality, and equity are part of many students' vocabularies. But students can find it difficult to move from the talk to the walk. So while the TikTok videos they've seen might have sparked their interest, the truth is that you can help them take a step. And that step will be part of authentic discipleship, helping students understand and respond to the call of God.   But knowing what that step looks like can be overwhelming. That's why today's conversation will be so helpful for you. Listen in as Ty Hanlon, a local youth pastor, describes the journey he's been on with his youth group in taking simple and clear steps towards justice. And then hear from Alicia Chinchilla, from Ally Global Foundation, as she helps us all understand more of the issues that are prevalent in our communities and world today.   Check out the following links mentioned in the episode for more information… - Twelve Thousand Film & Discussion Guide  - Lesson Plan for Human Trafficking in Canada - Move For Freedom Information (happening July 8, 2023, there's still time for you to join!) - Move For Freedom Promo Video  - Tim Keller's Article on Biblical Justice  - Alpha Life on Purpose Series  - Ally information   Want to chat about youth ministry? Give us a shout by emailing jeremy@youthworker.community