Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

Feeling burned out in ministry or your parenting life? This short, but powerful episode dives into Isaiah 40:29–31, reminding us that God gives power to the weak and strength to the exhausted. Host Doug Edwards reflects on the challenges of leadership, answered prayers, and the unseen impact of staying faithful. Plus, hear a behind-the-scenes story about a life-changing event sparked by this very podcast. Whether you're a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, or parent, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a spiritual recharge.

From Student Ministry to Tech Leader & Soccer Devotional Author | Bradley Blake's Inspiring Journey ⚽

What happens when a former youth pastor follows a divine calling to write stories for children? In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with David Forbes, a gifted musician, devoted father of three, and debut Christian fantasy author of "Spring of Deception" — the thrilling first book in The Golden King Chronicles.

I was asked to watch the Memorial Day celebration in Washington, DC on saturday night. It was very moving and the stories of sacrifice and loss of loved ones for the sake of our Nation was sobering at the very least. I proceeded today on Memorial Day to watch another Memorial Day celebration of sacrifice at Arlington National Cemetery where the President and Vice President of the United States gave very moving speeches and recognized many families who had lost loved ones. In student ministry, these soldiers are mostly still in our wheelhouse of ministry between the ages of 18 to 25 years of age, which is still adolescence.   I felt God's move in me saying, "Get in touch with those you know whose life were almost lost serving our nation" and I was able to reach one of them. Clark Blake was a Recon Marine that served in Vietnam. This means he was the toughest of the tough! I asked Clark to tell his story and he graciously did thouroughly in this interview. Clark and his family are true national and heavenly treasures! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

THE SALT NETWORK's mission, goal, and objective is to plant churches in every major university city around the USA. Greg and Amy Larson are about as good a fit as it gets for this calling!   Greg Larson was a Fellowship Of Christian Athletes full time missionary after 2 years in Major League Baseball. Greg met Amy, they married, and then were onto full time missions in Central Mexico. Since coming back to the states, Greg has been an associate pastor for several  years in Florida and now God is leading he and his family to start a church in Colorado near Colorado State University.   Want to support a family who is on the move to fulfill their part in the Great Commission? Enjoy listening to Greg's Interview and share this episode with your friends and family who are wanting to support the good news about Jesus Christ, especially to university students.   LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SALT NETWORK AT www.thesaltnetwork.com   _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

"...As far as East is from West..." (Psalm 103:12) That's how far God separates our sins from us. He gives us MERCY when we deserve punishment. He Gives us GRACE when we deserve to be chewed up and left in our misery... or worse.   Billy's (one of my former youth students) story is a humbling one for a senior in high school. I hope his story helps you to see one of your young teenage students the way God sees them. God has personally shown me plenty of MERCY and GRACE that I do not deserve. I hope as you listen in to this episode that you see how God is speaking through you. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Character changes lives before talent. God will lift up the humble to confound the wise of this world. The old saying is this... "God does not choose the qualified, He qualifies the chosen."   Even the National Football League (NFL) understands that great character trumps great skills. Listen in and find out how they identify this in the recent draft. Also, find out how a young lady whose character was so great that the Oval Office chose this small town girl to serve in the White House for two Terms. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Rainy days can be challenging, but it's all in how we look at them. In this episode, I refer to Elijah praying 3 times, but instead he prayed 7 times in 1 Kings 18:43-46. Often we will pray once or twice for something and decide that God is not going to do what we asking.   Jim Halstead (who has 2 interviews on this podcast), prayed for me and my ministry every week for more than 10 years. It kept our student ministry on task and gaining spiritual ground in our church and community. It was almost 20 years before I knew about that and those prayers, but it made spiritual sense. There was a spiritual rainfall in our student ministry for almost 3 decades and Jim had something to do with that awakening in our community through our student ministry.   Enjoy The Rain! God's Blessing over a dry and burned up land. The rain is on its way! Get out there and plant the seeds of faith before it comes, so you will be ready for the rain. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

You have a life license to Create! God created in advance good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We are limited by our desire and trust that God is for us, not against us. The passion inside you can be nurtured or it can be crushed. You must decide!   I spoke at a funeral for a 75 year old relative a few weeks ago. Then this week I heard a podcast about a famous rock star who at 75 is doing more for music and business than he has ever done. He is so excited that he automatically wakes up at 5:00AM to start his day from pure excitement.   The power to create greater works, be more excited, and passionate about achieving life should be astronomically greater, because you have a heavenly Father that has created you to do so! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Easter is our anchor! Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection is what distinguishes from everyone else. This season can be and should be a fun and exciting time for our students and family. Especially if we lead them and teach them well. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Eat 10,000 Calories... 365 Days A Year! That's Right... You read the title correctly.   But there is always an "IF" thrown somewhere in there... IF you want to work out like the greatest Olympian Of All Time, Michael Phelps. The greatest body builders use to wake up at 2:00AM to drink a protein shake. One of those guys said by the time the competition for Mr. Universe rolled around, we were exhausted from eating.   What IF we devoured the word of God and prayed 365 Days a year like we were preparing for the Olympics? What IF we told people about the good news of Jesus Christ with the enthusiasm of a trained Olympian Athlete?   How would it look if we believed that God had made us, the students, volunteers, staff, our friends and family to do great things, bigger than we ever believed that we were capable of? Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father" - John 14:12   What IF? _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Same Page Ministries is Mark Donohue's ministry. Mark helps to guide CEO's, business owners, coaches, pastors, and more on a journey of becoming as successful in their family life as they are in their business life and/or ministry.  Mark was responsible for leading 50 of his peers in high school to Jesus while being mentored in a student ministry by his youth pastor. When that happens in a small community, even the surrounding communities hear about it... and we heard about his reputation as a life changer through out our county! Now years later, Mark is a husband, a father, a business man, and a ministry leader. There is much to be learned in this episode by a humble man who just wants to be on the right path of life that leads to building the kingdom of God. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Graduation Commencements happen all over the world at several educational levels. Some are even remember as some of the greatest speeches rememered for generations. The speech I am referring to in this episode is one of those memorable commencement speeches by Rick Warren. I felt compelled to tell you about it, so that you can see and hear for yourself as to whether or not it will inspire you in how you treat and inspire the students you are mentoring.   Galatians 5:6 is the key verse expressed, but with a power that demands attention to the details. It affects all areas of life and is expressed by a man who God has used as a pastor, husband, dad, mentor and Global communicator. I hope after this episode you will look up his Commencement Speech and share it with others.   Happy Graduation season to you and your family! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

80 summers is about how many most individuals have to live... Let that sink in!   So, would you rather spend those summers hoarding your stuff and time only for yourself... or would you rather promote kindness and goodwill to your family, neighbors and the world around you in Jesus name?   What matters in eternity is who we've fed, clothed, and shared the salvation message with. What counts is serving our family whether we feel like they deserve it or not. The most important command is to love God. His most important ask of us is to share the good news with those closest to us and to every other part of the world. His Ask is that we love the less fortunate at home and around the world. He says he takes note of our selfless acts.   In Matthew 6, the author quotes Jesus as saying, worrying doesn't add a single minute to our lives... WOW!   Our biggest rewards are after this life in 80 Summers! Our comfort comes from the Lord who is our Shepherd. King David writes in Psalm 23 that in those 80 summers, He will give us comfort and lead us to safety and nourishment. That He will also protect us if we follow Him.   Only 80 Summers... how will you spend yours?   _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

CORE Values is about an article written by Greg Stier of Dare 2 Share Ministries. "How to Implement the 7 Values of a Gospel Advancing Ministry" is the name of the article.   There are many organizations that you can find to help you with CORE Values that I mention in this episode, but this one is very good if you have been looking for direction and needing help in getting started and/or evaluating why things seem off centered or not focused. This might help get you back to center and seeing the Spirit of God move in your ministry.   Be Strong and Courageous and keep moving forward.   _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

The World-O-Meter is pretty impressive. It's calculating the births and deaths in 20 countries by the second (or faster), to let us know approximately how many people are alive on planet Earth each second of every day.    How can we as youth workers, youth pastors, student ministry leaders, and volunteers reach the millions that are being born each year, each second of every day? It's Overwhelming... So how?   Jesus...said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are impossible." - Matthew 19:26 _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

The best time for college retreats seemed to be at the beginning of Christmas break and return from that trip the day before Christmas. Was it successful yes... for several years. Was it worth it? For the students yes.... for my family who was very gracious to me? No. Why? Because all things in Jesus name are not necessarily the best thing to do. That sounds wild right? We did eventually move these trips to fall during spring breaks, but you have to use at least 2 different spring break weeks to cover a lot of the students since they were not always at the same time. The beauty of the Rocky mountains was always amazing! But... I had not yet learned the one rule, in which I will repeat over and over again for your sakes as leaders... and for you and your families health. ”You MUST say NO to something BEFORE you say YES to something else." FYI... That NO should be to some other equal project, ministry, or hobby that takes time from your family and health. All around health is important! Peter Drucker, the Father of  Modern Business and mentor taught Pastor Rick Warren that specific truth. He would always say, “Rick... Tell me what you gave up before you tell me what you are doing next." A few things... It was the best time to get college students enthused and signed up. It was a beautiful time of the year to hit the slopes. Students came from all over the United States and that enthused the local students. The Gospel was shared and souls were saved. What would I do differently now? I would never go at Christmas time. That time should have been reserved for my wife, children, and their memories. I would have moved it to every other year and not every year. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

If you want to know the value of investing in a child and especially in teenagers, Joel Johnson is one of the greatest examples. He grew up with a Father that left him, a step father that hurt him, threatened him, and left him. Yet... God saw him! He asked Jesus into his heart and his youth pastor challenged him. He took those challenges and did what was unheard of as he kept sharing the salvation story of Jesus Christ boldly on campus. One day he spoke to several hundred students at lunch about Jesus, while having two assistant principals telling him to stop... One of them yelling at him "What gives you the right to speak about your faith?" Just wait until you hear how the students responded! Joel has spoken to hundreds of thousands since he was one of the main speakers for the Acquire The Fire student conferences that were hosted in arenas and stadiums accross the United States. He has also written many books and his latest ("The Wholehearted Journey: 7 Skills to Develop a Wholehearted Life in a Heartbreaking World") is being made into a movie! WATCH THE MOVIE TRAILER HERE: www.wholeheartedmovie.com Joel also studied at Texas A&M and Harvard. He is an author, counselor, a national communicator, and podcast host of the "Wholehearted Podcast". This was an outstanding interview that is packed full of information that you can apply to yourself, your family, and your ministry. _______________________________ YOU CAN CONNECT AND SUPPORT JOEL'S MINISTRY AT THE LINKS BELOW! OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.joeljohnson.org JOIN WHOLEHEARTED UNIVERSITY: www.wholehearted.university GIVE TO JOEL'S MINISTRY: www.joeljohnson.org/give LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WHOLEHEARTED MOVIE: www.wholeheartedmovie.com GET YOUR COPY OF "The Wholehearted Journey: 7 Skills to Develop a Wholehearted Life in a Heartbreaking World": https://a.co/d/fFIhvHQ GET YOUR COPY OF "Personality Based Marriage": https://a.co/d/4PvYYGs _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

You can hike the Grand Canyon or you can be a RIM HUGGER. One experiences the canyon first hand. You get thirsty, dirty, and you use energy... but you see what rim huggers never see, the truth about the canyon.  We can do ministry. Spend time with people, lead them to Jesus, and disciple them (make a student out of them)... or you can just look at other people paying the price of ministry and never know the joy of doing the work of Jesus Christ as we are all called to do.  We walk on the water with Jesus or we stay in the boat. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

The Truth is always the right thing to talk about and believe. The Truth is not what society usually wants to hear. Real Truth usually goes against the grain of society. So... it has to be delivered in Love, Compassion, and Power through God's spirit. Not by our own self-righteous power. Students (and humans in general) are drawn to God's conviction and driven away by human condemnation. This episode will provide you guidelines on delivering Truth with God's Power. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

What do you do when students and families need help on a professional level? This interview is going to help you find answers to those questions and situations. This interview is a  straightforward discussion with a man who has given his life to the spiritual and mental growth students and their families. He has trained countless numbers to do the same.   Dr. Larry Shyers has a long standing reputation as a pastor, therapist, owner of his own therapist group, and professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. Shyers helped create laws in the early years to get family and adolescence therapy to a professional and safe level. He and his wife's love for students and families is very evident.   The safety and protection of our, children, parents and families is important to God and our responsibility as youth workers, pastors, educators many more  to students and families.   Learn more about Dr. Larry Shyers here: www.larryeshyers.com _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Making God's Love Clear is important. It sounds like that should be easy and it is, but the power and passion of it needs to be fresh everyday.   At the start of what would become one of the largest churches in the world, the pastor's first intention was that their church was going to intentionally make sure that every person that came to their church would feel loved and that they would know that God loves them. What if that was our intention for every student, volunteer staff, and family connected to our student ministry? What if God's Love was so intentional that your student ministry was known as the place that God's love was located in their community?   The number one thing that every student is looking for is to be loved and to know that God is in love with them.   _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Pick your… WORD FOR THE YEAR! Yes, one word. A friend of mine has asked me and many other friends to pick their “word” for quite a few years now. What is that one word that you want to define the upcoming year? Here are a few changes you can make to go from negative talk to positive and proactive thinking: Impatient…Patient Unprepared…..Always Prepared  Not Confident….Confident Transactional….Relational Doesn't Follow Up…Follows Up Doesn't Advertise…Advertises Doesn't Ask For Referrals…Asks For Referrals Break the Link between… - Thought To Action: Waiting on God is also an action. Keep showing up and move forward as God keeps the doors open. Each time you think about what you are to do or want to do next… take Action again.  - Stop Trying To Solve Problems That Are Made Up In Your Mind And Not Real: Stop being your own worst enemy. Start being your own best cheerleader. People need a leader who knows where he or she is going. Confident, but not arrogant. Strong, but not angry… confident. - It's Ok To Be Upset And/Or Depressed: It's not ok to stop doing what you are suppose to do. If you have those negative and painful emotions, you still need to do anyway. - Your Mind Hears What You Say: It's meant to protect you and serve you. If you say “this hurts too much” or “I hate this”, your mind will try to protect you and help you quit. Its job is to protect you. If you tell your mind, “I can get through this pain. I need to be strong enough to be tougher than the pain, because the pain is there to make me stronger.” Jesus said it,” if we tell a mountain to move it will move if we do not doubt.” God made our minds to work for us. Not against us. Will the cost of reaching the goal or goals be worth the pain and possible destruction on the way? Make sure your goals are in alignment with God and the scripture. Will you be able to keep your character in check? When Jesus commands His disciples to go to the people of Israel announcing that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 10:7), He gives them a warning and some advice: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) There will never be a perfect time to give, serve, lead, guide, or love. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House  

Student Ministry is all about leading students to Jesus and then setting them up for success to live a Jesus centered life. In this episode, we talk about some books and authors that will help you guide students that love God and those who don't, answers to questions that we all ask at some point in our life.   Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, and his son Sean McDowell are people to listen to and utilize their resources (writings, videos and podcasts) to help guide your staff and students in being well equipped to live a life well lived. To serve God through Jesus who loves them so much. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

There are 4 of us. My oldest sister Deborah, then me (Doug), Deanna and Dawn in that order. Deborah and I being the oldest, pioneered the way as the first teenagers and we benefited big time from student ministries, family and music groups we sang and performed with. Our volunteer youth workers Ronnie and Maxine Kennedy were superheroes to us. They sacrificed themselves and countless hours for years. Deborah and I traveled from coast to coast with music groups during our high school years. Larry and Pat Freeman were pastors for our district in our greater church denomination and trained us as volunteer staff. We staffed in Hendersonville, NC at the Civitans Citizenship Center with chosen students from the best of their individual cities in the Southeastern United States during our college years. In this episode, we cover our teenage to adult years and the effects of many people, including our parents, mentors, and many others. We talk about the legacy of student ministry that we passed down to our children and what their future holds because of peoples investments in our lives. Longevity in peoples lives matter. We remind others of the miracles of God, so that we and they don't forget what is held most important. “So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” - Deuteronomy 11:18,19 (NLT) _______________________________ PRODUCER NOTE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR HOST DOUG EDWARDS! (January 1st) _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Friends who are always there and go way beyond the extra mile… You will encounter people who will inspire you. The journey will be fun, because of those people. Keep these people in your life. Their spiritual and emotional DNA will pass onto you. The holiday miracles are Never convenient, they are necessary. There was no room at the Inn for Joseph and Mary to give birth to their first born son, Jesus, but God sightings sometimes come in a package you don't expect. The Eldridge family's gift was unexpected and better than we could have dreamed of. It was just what God had ordered… A God Size Gift… Always Bigger and Always Better. One speaker said, “Don't be so set on what you want that you won't take something better.”  God Always has a better plan. God Loves Holy Surprises! Now pay it forward again and see what God does next. It's all about the giving.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... may this be your best year ever! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

When Jesus showed up the timing seemed off. It was a harsh and cruel time. No one was really looking for him. They were wishing, but not looking. They were hoping for someone to get them out of trouble, but not believing it could happen that day. The process had started, but not the release from another regime take over. Joseph was not expecting it. He just wanted to marry Mary, a normal Jewish girl. Mary was not expecting it, but then this Angel named Gabriel shows up unannounced and nearly scares her to death. Then there was Elisabeth pregnant with John the Baptist. She and her husband are too old for this. This whole story is impossible and it's just going to take too long. The parents are not impressive. They are just plain folks.  What's wrong with this picture? It's the kind of picture that God Loves to paint… Unpredictable, a great surprise. Impossible and yet it's happening right before their eyes. Christmas miracles are happening everyday in someway all over the world, but we don't even notice them until much later because they always come “UnExpectantly”, at the wrong time, in the wrong way and God always uses the "wrong people"…by our standards. Fortunately, God performs miracles by His standards. He loves to Love in Impossible ways. He is the Ultimate Mission Impossible Operative. He is our God and He only “gives good gifts”. He plans All Good things and Gifts in Advance for me as he does for you. In student ministry, God gave us Unexpected Christmas gifts all year long. Each home, each child, each friend and each salvation from our children to family members, friends and students. Never when we expected it. Usually in unforeseen moments, in unforseen circumstances.  God Loves His Son's story. His Unexpected, to humankind, predicted but not possible... Christmas Birthday Story. He is the God of Holy Surprises! Keep looking up! You never know when a host of angels are going to start singing like a choir in the sky. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

The two phrases Brent Crowe says most often are... “Leadership begins at the feet of Jesus.” “Self preservation never changed the world” The reasons behind these phrases are right in line with a God sized World View. Brent Crowe is Vice President of Student Leadership University. He has a lot to do with why Youth Pastor Summit is hosted in major cities all across the United States.  As if that's not enough, he also has a PhD, two masters degrees, and has written a host of books. Brent speaks all over the nation and is a globetrotter throughout the year. How does he do it all? How does Brent find his RHYTHM? You'll find out how in this episode! Learn more about Student Leadership University here: https://slulead.com/ Sign Up for Youth Pastor Summit here: https://slulead.com/yps/ _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

This episode was inspired by Mark Batterson's book "Not Safe: Discovering God's Dangerous Plan for Your Life". It talks about people who believed God was up to something great and then would take huge leaps of faith at a moments notice.   In business, it's called people who are able to be decisive! People have to learn to make quick decisions when life or God calls for it. Who are you? Someone who questions everything so much until then opportunity is gone?    I hope this excites you about being all in when it comes to faith! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

This episode was inspired by a reading from the John Maxwell's "The Maxwell Leadership Bible". If you have this leadership resource, go to 2 Timothy 2:2 and you will see the list of "Leading Followers verses Leading Leaders". I hope that this episode will help you on a path to leading leaders! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

I took what I knew and I maximized it. I was relentless, because I knew it was the right thing to do. I never felt trained enough nor that I had enough knowledge. God calls us to trust Him and to go with what He has shown us until... He shows us more.  It's like driving in the fog at night in the mountains. Traveling through Blowing Rock, North Carolina at 2:00AM, I would have to rely only on the road I could see with my headlights. I would many times stick my head out of the window to see more clearly, so that I would not fall off the mountain. I had to go with what I knew! In student ministry... I knew this. Students and families would not come to me unless I went to them first. I had to go to them and I was relentless.  I went to high school and middle school campuses 3 to 4 times every week. Then I would go to recitals, ball games, birthday parties, and awards banguets. I was invited to supper by students parents sometimes and I would say yes just to be where they were. I would go and meet principals, teachers, superintendents of school districts, school board members, etc. There was no list of places that I could not or would not go. Sometimes they might come to one of our student ministry meetings... but I had to go to see hundreds and sometimes thousands to get 40 and 50 students together on a regular basis so that we could lead and disciple them. There were times when we would attract hundreds for big events. I did what I was taught… I had to GO so that some might hear the good news. ALWAYS GO... but when your family needs you… STAY. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

"The second you have expectations of others, is the second you're vulnerable. Expectations of others often leads to deep unhappiness… This doesn't mean you don't have standards of how people should act, but it does mean that all the social media dm's and thousands of expectations out there are drowning weights that give no clear direction. These expectations, often very selfish... are hurting you, upsetting you, and there is such a clear path to happiness. Focus on what you expect from you… not from others around you. If people fail to deliver, you can move on and adjust. Look yourself in the mirror and understand this truth... These expectations come from insecure and selfish frameworks - you are in control of changing this. Do things for others with no expectations. Live life with understanding and compassion when people don't “deliver”... perspective up!  You'll be a lot happier not worried about what others are doing live and act for you, not for the expectations of others." - Gary Vaynerchuk There is also family, friends, and enemies who give advice that is more to protect them than you. Choose carefully who you listen to and what their motives are. Proverbs 3:5-6 - ”…Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths.” Or rather the changes you should make in words, attitudes, or actual moves. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

When you are feeling stuck and don't have the words to pray know this scripture… 26 Also, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself speaks to God for us, even begs God for us with deep feelings that words cannot explain. 27 God can see what is in people's hearts. And he knows what is in the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit speaks to God for his people in the way God wants.” - Romans 8 NCV _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

We are taught at an early age to be an extrovert... It's the way to be they say (or something like that). Although, introverted people are typically more thoughtful about who they are, what is happening around them, and caring for others. THEY THINK! People want to listen to them, because those who know them or know about them, know that those introverts have thought through what they are going to say. They leave us with usable information. In history, it has many times been the Introvert who became the most sought after public speaker... the one who would change the world around them. We think of extroverts as the public speakers and life changers, because they are loud and love large groups of people. But throughout history it was and is the Introverted thinker who people seem to be sought after in many cases. The Introvert, by personality trait, is often drained by large rooms or groups of people. They prefer a one-on-one time. They often need no one else around and are quite content. They are often deep thinkers and writers of their thoughts. They require long periods of solitude. Then why do they end up attracting crowds in some cases? Also.... WHAT ON EARTH IS AN AMBIVERT? Find out on this episode of the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Ken Davis was one of my mentors in my early years. In Gatlinburg, my 2nd year with Youth For Christ / Campus Life, he came out to speak to over 2,000 students and staff.  Before he spoke the first night, he told how he was going to approach us for those 3 nights. Ken said… "But I believe you are ready now." He gave the invitation and over 500 students came to receive Jesus. He sent them to us counselors to receive Jesus and then he spoke to the rest of the audience. This was a monumental time for me as a spiritual leader. It was obedience to God's Holy Spirit that caused an awakening within those 2,000 students. I was never the same after that night.  My prayer is that God would cause an awakening through you... for the church, christian student organizations, and the community that you serve. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

All public school teachers are not created equal. They have different talents, teaching styles, and skills. They have different backgrounds and purposes that drive them. Jim Curtis is one of those supreme educators with his students and colleagues in mind. He served during the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 with us, because his students were going and he wanted to be apart of what they were doing. That is waaaaay over the required work of a teacher! We slept on the floor of a church and served in harsh conditions during an impossible situation. In this episode, Jim shares he and his wife's experience during our missions trip to South Florida to assist the people of that area that were affected by this natural disaster. He is one of those teachers I loved to be around. I had the privilege of sitting in his classroom on many occasions and was captivated each and every time. Jim is also an avid world traveler... the long time Geography educator and visionary living and experiencing what he teaches on! We also dive into his many world travels and experiences that fueled his passion for the educational teaching path he chose. Enjoy this episode as we navigate through Jim's incredible life experiences, as well as, his personal take on past and present education within the school systems. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

To assist with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, consider donating to local relief organizations that provide emergency supplies and support to affected families. Volunteering your time to help with cleanup efforts or offering temporary housing can also make a significant difference in the recovery process. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) For additional resources on how you can assist, please visit: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#volunteer-now _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

“Wise as serpents…harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) You will make mistakes in your ministry and in life. Had some of my mistakes been avoided, there were certain events and interactions that would have been life changing for many people. But mistakes have happened to me. Some mistakes were my fault and some were out of my control... and yet still, I was responsible. As a leader of anything, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE! This is one of my most epic mistakes. In this episode, I talk about a personal mistake that was so embarrassing that I have not shared it publicly until now. Some will say, “Awe, get over it! It just wasn't meant to be.” But when you are fighting to change the world and especially your world around you, you don't get over that kind of mistake. It follows you wherever you go in your mind and heart. It's not the only epic fail I have had in my life, but it is the one that still bothers me consistently. Maybe this story will help you carry on from one of your failures or maybe it will make you choose your words more carefully wherever you go. Maybe it will make you call on God and ask for “His words in your mouth". _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Dad and mom owned a construction business. Dad started at age 11, buying his first piece of property to build his mom her first home to own. When I grew up, at a very early age, I would go to the worksite with dad on the weekends and work all week during the summers for as long as I could remember. We had an unwritten rule… no matter the weather, we worked. I remember working in the blazing heat, the rain, and one time we had to break the ice off of the lumber in the snow to get a job done. Why? Because there was a timeline and a deadline. If we missed it... our family lost money. As a youth pastor in Florida, we were use to the sun, surf, sand, lakes, and hurricanes. Each year we would take students and staff outside of sunny Florida and chase bad weather. You know, stuff we were not use to. Mountain altitude, snow storms, frigid temperatures, hiking up and sliding down mountains. Things that would change it up and put us into another type of environment to talk about how God loves us in all of our seasons and environments in life... not just where we are comfortable. It was very successful, but very challenging at times. It took lots of preparation and lots of planning. But there was this one time that we had to make a choice because the weather had gotten really bad, but the plan was set… How many times did Jesus save his disciples when they were sailing on open waters in a storm? How many times have you based decisions on feelings rather than faith? If your like most Christians and Jesus followers, the answer is “A LOT!” _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Jesus's student, Peter, got out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. You immediately want to focus on what happened on the way, but I don't think so…. Everybody else stayed on the boat. The only one who experienced that event completely was Peter. He will always be known as the one who walked on water with Jesus. Many times, figuratively speaking, most of us won't even get on the boat, or plane, or even start the journey. Why? Because we are afraid of what might happen badly. When we should be looking at the opportunity that God has set out for us. We were “Designed to Do Good Works…” - Ephesians 2:10. This week my niece takes her 9 year old daughter to Africa on a mission trip, because she sees the opportunity. There are many reasons to say this is too dangerous, too scary, too hard or too costly. We all have excuses to not even get in the boat, but Peter walked on water… Why Not You? _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Russ Ewell's first son was born while he and his wife Gail lived in the Washington, DC area. The doctor said to him “Congratulations! You have a son.” Next the doctor said, “He has down syndrome…”. In time, they moved to Silicon Valley. Russ and his wife, Gail's, journey as parents of two children with special needs led them to start: Spiritual Resource Ministry at Bay Area Christian Church, which offers individuals with special needs and their families the ability to thrive spiritually alongside their neurotypical peers in every area of the church, which they may not otherwise be able to do. E-Sports and E-Life are free, inclusive community programs across the Bay Area enabling kids with special needs to participate in sports and activities alongside their neurotypical peers. Hope Technology School is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian K-12 school, started by Russ and Gail. HTS serves neurotypical kids and kids with special needs from all backgrounds and operates independently of BACC. HTS is regularly recognized as one of the best private schools in the Bay Area. Digital Scribbler, a company Russ founded which develops assistive tech tools for individuals with disabilities. They also have developed a Special Needs Ministry Manual that you can download at the Bay Area Christian Church website for free. (https://bacc.cc/small-groups/srm/manual/) Listen as we unpack Russ's Ministry, family life journey, and the tools to help you develop another great ministry in your area! Contact with Russ at: https://russewell.com/ _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

God would transition me after he stripped everything... I was secure in a way. Each time He would build me to be a NEW person. Humble and totally dependent on Him. I would go from... strength, to broken insecurity, to desperation, to praying in brokenness, to God opening His doors, and me then walking through them in His strength. That's how He likes us... good and humble. A lot of it is like the story of Jonah found in the Old Testament. I like where I am, I am comfortable, and I am secure. I know who I like and who I don't like... it all makes sense. When we are those things for a long period of time, as humans, we stop growing. God is all about growth and preparing us for what He designed us to do.  It's possible that there is more to you than you ever imagined! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House  

What ever you are building, whether for yourself, your family, or ministry... get your priorities straight! God used Haggai to tell the country of Israel to stop building for themselves and build His tabernacle first. Then He would bless them. They had not seemed to learn their lesson yet, so God reminded them through Haggai. Its the  same for you and I. God wants us to do what He has called us to do first and then He will bless us. (Matthew 6:33) Our human nature says, “When I catch up and have enough time and money... I will, of course, give back to God.” God's nature says, ”I am waiting to bless you when you give to Me first. I am your source. Believe and give me the first of your everything and I will give all things to the fullest, and finally running over with Blessings.” When will we ever get it right? _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Most of the country is hot this time of the year. Even so, the school year has started. Everything is gearing up for students and families. Let the Hot, Hot, Hot days remind you to find a quiet and cool place to spend time with God.  The more you spend time with God, the more clear your mission will be each day this year. If you are on the other side of the equator, let the cold days be your reminder. (Romans 8:28) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found out that the furnace of fire was a great place to encounter God. He met them in the fire that was to destroy them and He made it a place of comfort, safety and victory. (Daniel Chapter 3) _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Heather Strong Clendinen grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school. It was at 5 years old, a teacher discovered her gymnastics ability. Her mom enrolled her in gymnastics that year and the rest is history. She was influenced by her parents, her church, a student ministry, FCA at her high school, and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Florida State University. Her story is a story of commitment on many levels, several tragedies and the way God pursued her in all the light and dark places. This is one to take notes on. It is packed with stories and information. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Running your race is different than running in someone elses race. This is the race God has prepared in advance for you to run. (Ephesians 2:10) The more you try to look like, act like and minister like other people, the more you will feel like a fish out of water. God has designed you a certain way to run... Find your groove! Find your rhythm and God will use yiu in amazing ways you did not think possible. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Simone Biles (Team USA Gymnast) was hit by the mental block called "the twisties" (a Gymnastics term) during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Since then, according to a recent interview given by Simone, "Life has not been easy".  The twisties happens when a gymnast is in midair and loses their sense of where they are and how they'll land, making the move risky. Biles described it as being "lost in the air." In our calling to lead students to a spiritual awakening in Jesus Christ, we can do more than God is asking and burn ourselves out. We should see all students as potential Simone Biles types. Far beyond the average, but help them become even more by being full of God's power. (24) Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! (25) All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24,25 _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

This TV series caught my attention... "Bear Grylls Survival School"! Series Description: A group of brave children leave technology at home and embark upon an adventure in the wild. For two weeks, they must work as a team while Bear Grylls teaches them skills they'll need to survive. This podcast episode will help you understand that you can ask more of your students... You SHOULD ask more of your students! Those who are ready will rise to the occasion. Through out history (especially Biblical history), we see young men and women take on huge, painful decisions and tasks as God strengthened and honor them. How much more can you ask of yourself, your staff, and your students? _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

It's difficult discipling teenage guys (young men). Dr. Jonathan Denton, Assistant Professor at Charleston Southern University, who wrote a book on the topic, says "We ask for too small of a commitment. We have to set the bar high for them." Dr. Denton's background is impressive! The courses he teaches, the books he has written, and his seasoned (20+ year) full-time student minstry experience... and that only covers a small portion of his acheviements.  He majored in Civil Engineering at Clemson University, he was a youth pastor for 10 Years at a church in Mississippi and he is currently an Assistant Professor of Christian Studies/Student Ministry at Charleston Southern University. On top of that... Dr. Denton is sought after communicator, all of this while raising 2 boys along with his wife. For the past 3 years, Jonathan also has been a part of Youth Pastor Summit (YPS) where he leads break out sessions at their trainings across the country. YPS is developed by Student Leadership University (SLU) under the leadership of Founder Dr. Jay Strack and Brent Crowe. This interview is packed with uplifting and priceless information that you can use on a daily basis for your personal and student ministry's future! Connect with Dr. Jonathan Denton: https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/directory/denton-jonathan/ Purchase Dr. Jonathan Denton's Books on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4tj9yprv _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Human Being or Human Doing? ... Kelsey O'Connor said it best in her commencement speech at NC State University. She suffered a career ending brain injury while playing softball for the NC State Wolfpack. After she recovered... she understood more about life. Everyone wants to know... What Are You Going To Do In Life? Very few ask ... Who Are You Going To Be? That is where this episode comes in! Hopefully we can take a moment to reflect on who we want to be and see if that changes what we are going to do in life. Kelsey O'Connor - NC State University Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHudhietNso _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Avery Hooper is a brilliant young lady who knows how to face obstacles and overcome them! Her father and mother led the way spiritually and familiarized her with Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. They also led the path of student ministry in her life through church and their own involvement in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and CRU (formally known as Campus Crusade For Christ), which are both national and international evangelism organizations.  Avery has been a leader in FCA since middle school and is now on her way to the University of Colorado at Boulder. There she has determined to be a part of CRU and work on her degree in Biomedical Engineering... in which she has incredible dreams of how she plans to advance and enhance people's lives in a HUGE way with this degree! Listen as Avery tells us about her journey with Christ. Listen as she tells about her obstacles with public speaking and how God strategically kept teaching her go take the platform. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House