Podcasts about student ministry

Send us a textNow is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Are you trying to keep your students engaged during small groups in your youth ministry?  Small groups are one of the best models for discipleship in student ministry, but what do you do when you can't keep them engaged?  In this episode, we give a ton of practical tips on how to keep students listening and sharing during small group time at your youth group.  =========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#066) Writing Effective Talk Sheets for Small Group Time in Youth Ministry(#064) What's the BIG DEAL About SMALL GROUPS in Youth Ministry?(#052) Small Group Leader Training for Youth Ministry=======

Send us a textNow is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Youth group just ended....now what?  Go home?  No!  Here are 5 things you should do immediately after your youth ministry program night is over.  These tips are deceptively simple but are huge in preventing morning fires, strengthening parent trust, and building a resilient team culture. If you lead student ministry, these moves require zero budget and deliver compound results: faster follow-up, fewer surprises, cleaner spaces, and a tighter volunteer community. Try one tonight...Then tell us what you'd add to make the system even better. If this was helpful, follow the show, share it with a fellow leader, and leave a quick review so more youth pastors can find it.=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#204) 4 Things I Started Doing Before Youth Group that Changed Everything!(#213) 3 Things I Stopped Doing Before Youth Group (and Why YOU Should Too!)=======

In a world where anxiety, depression, loneliness and teen suicide are on the rise, there is a distinct struggle taking place as people fight to feel seen, heard and valued. But the truth is, your life has purpose—right now, as you are. Jenny's guest is international Speaker & Author Dean Sikes who shares a message of hope and purpose. He hosts "YOU MATTER" Television, a national broadcast, and engages with tens of millions on social media annually.  In his book, “You Matter” he shares his powerful testimony of how trauma, abuse, bullying and carrying secrets affected him. And now he gives insights to help you break free from hopelessness and find meaning in your everyday life. He shares how God got his attention when his mother attempted suicide.Through it all Dean found God's purpose and how to forgive. Since January 1993, Dean has dedicated himself to spreading messages of hope, traveling extensively to high schools, Teen Challenge Centers, and prisons across the US and internationally. He has stories of how God is changing young lives from hopelessness and near suicides to them finding The Lord, forgiveness and purpose! To date, he has participated in over 4,200 events, delivering the empowering “You Matter” message to millions of teenagers. You can get connected with Dean at his website youmatter.us. Find more about his book, videos, and speaking there.

Do you ever feel alone in youth ministry? In this encouraging episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards shares personal stories—from skiing in the Colorado mountains to facing the pressures of student ministry—that reveal the difference between healthy solitude and the enemy's weapon of isolation. Through the scriptures of Matthew 28:20 and Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that: ✅ God's presence is always with you—even in the loneliest seasons ✅ Ministry was never meant to be done alone ✅ Why youth pastors need a trusted circle of encouragers and prayer partners ✅ The power of weekly connection with other leaders who understand your struggles ✅ How to avoid the trap of running ahead and leaving your family and friends behind

From diapers to dating, parenting never stops presenting hard questions. But today's concern is different: Gen Z teens are experiencing a full-blown collapse in social connection. Dating is down. Friend time is down. Jobs are down. According to Monitoring the Future, the percentage of antisocial high school seniors quintupled from 3.5% in 1995 to nearly 16% in 2022. But here's the twist: the one group that remained more socially engaged? Teens who attend church monthly. In today's episode, Ryan, Thom, and Sam unpack the surprising role of religion in keeping kids socially healthy—and what churches can do to help. The post The Burge Report: The Kids Aren't Alright—And Church Student Ministry Might Actually Help appeared first on Church Answers.

In this episode of Next Gen Now, we're joined by Dr. David Fraze—former student minister at The Hills, now a national leader in youth and family ministry. Dr. Fraze reflects on how his time in local church ministry shaped his passion for intergenerational discipleship and explores how faith, family, practices, community and service intersect to form resilient young believers. We also dive into his role in the Tenx10 initiative, a nationwide effort to help faith matter more to the next generation. From practical wisdom to personal stories, Dr. Fraze offers encouragement for parents, pastors, and leaders as they seek to pass on faith across generations. Whether you're in student ministry or simply care about the future of the Church, this conversation will inspire and equip you. David Fraze (D.Min., Fuler Theological Seminary) is a Professor and Endowed Chair of the Youth and Family Ministry Program at Lubbock Christian University. David has been in student ministry and has worked with students for over 35 years. David is a popular speaker at Youth Events, Public/Private SchoolEvents, Ministry Trainings and Seminars. David is a writer who has contributed articles for youthspecialties.com, ENGAGE, the quarterly journal of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, Youth WorkerJ ournal, Journal of Student Ministries, and the Fuller Youth Institute. He authored Practical Wisdom for Youth Ministry: Not-So-Simple Truths That Matter and contributed a chapter to Owning Faith. David has co-authored a book entitled Practical Wisdom for Youth Group Parents: Partnering With Your Youth Minister. David also wrote Practical Wisdom for Athletic Families: How to Survive and Thrive in Competitive Athletics. David worked withYouth Specialties (www.youthspecialties.com) as the leader of Ministry Coaching and was a seminar speaker at the National Youth Workers Convention and is the Co-Editor of the Youth Specialties Blog. He is a speaker and partner with the Fuller Youth Institute speaking on the topics of Sticky Faith, Growing Young and Right Click (a seminar of technology). He is a coach with the Dallas Cowboys Football Youth Academy and a resource for various Dallas Cowboys youth and coach education programs. He writes and is the on-camera personality for the KCBD 11 “That's Good Stuff” news segment. He also serves as Character Coach for the Friendship High School Football program. He has been married to Lisa for 32 years. They have two children, Braeden and Shelbee. Braeden is married to Jenna and they have their first child, Olivia Rose. https://www.greatopportunity.org - Download Pintetops Study https://www.tenx10.org Practical Wisdom for Youth Ministry: The Not-So-Simple Truths That Matter Practical Wisdom for Youth Group Parents: Partnering with Your Youth Minister  Practical Wisdom for Families with Athletes: Winning Isn't the Ultimate Goal  lcu.edu Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

"Beyond Sunday" are episodes from Adam and Narrate staff that dive deeper into our life with Christ.Narrate now has a student director! Her name is Alissa Heaton and we're very excited to have her on board! Hear about her role and her vision for students at Narrate and how you can get involved if it's something you're interested in. 

Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort  *** Are you afraid your youth ministry might be dying?  Every youth pastor dreads the moment when they realize their student ministry might be on life support. The energy is gone, attendance is dwindling, and that spark of spiritual growth seems to have dimmed to barely a flicker. Whether you've inherited a struggling youth group or watched your once-thriving program slowly fade, that feeling of failure can be paralyzing.  But what if the path to revival is clearer than you think?  Before you can apply the defibrillator paddles to your youth ministry, you need an accurate diagnosis.  Ready to breathe new life into your dying youth ministry? Let's go!!!=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#085) How to Do Youth Ministry at a Dying Church(#259) Top 10 Bible Resources for Youth Ministry(#256) Best Practices for Emailing the Parents of Your Youth Ministry Students=======

Hop into this EMERGENCY POD! Big News on the horizon! I've got a special guest here, my former boss, and more importantly, friend, Darren Sutton, to explain all there is about the future of the Hybrid Ministry Show! And what this Deep-Dive Cohort is all about. Deep-dive cohort link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvUGUy6e3NDPK_DQNsRettn2mhT2Pedyn8ccl8WSlSTGvAwA/viewform

Youth ministry isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks the biblical call to run with endurance in ministry, drawing from Hebrews 12:1–2, Isaiah 40:31, and Matthew 11. Through personal stories from 35+ years in student ministry and the inspiring tale of Cliff Young—the 61-year-old farmer who shocked the world by winning an ultramarathon—Doug reminds youth workers that God has already marked out the race before you. You'll discover: ✅ Why youth ministry is an ultramarathon, not a quick sprint ✅ How to avoid burnout by leaning on God's strength, not your own ✅ The secret to staying refreshed when ministry feels overwhelming ✅ Why God's plan is lighter, easier, and better than the burdens we place on ourselves ✅ How to finish well and see long-term fruit in the lives of students

Drew Fraley joins the Fairview Church Podcast to share the heart behind our student ministry. From gospel fluency and identity in Christ to the challenges of freedom and transition, Drew unpacks how our students are being discipled, equipped, and sent into their mission fields across 16 schools. Learn about small group leadership, student-led worship, current teaching through Daniel and Colossians, and resources for parents walking alongside their teens.

Drew Fraley joins the Fairview Church Podcast to share the heart behind our student ministry. From gospel fluency and identity in Christ to the challenges of freedom and transition, Drew unpacks how our students are being discipled, equipped, and sent into their mission fields across 16 schools. Learn about small group leadership, student-led worship, current teaching through Daniel and Colossians, and resources for parents walking alongside their teens.

Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort  *** Are your youth ministry students getting enough spiritual nourishment? Most youth pastors know the feeling of wondering if their sermon is the only biblical engagement students get all week. The truth is, we need to equip our youth group to become "self-feeding Christians" who can navigate Scripture independently.In this comprehensive guide to Bible study resources, we share our favorite tools for studying the Bible. From discipleship-focused materials to leadership development resources, these recommendations cover both teaching aids and student-directed studies.Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching or put materials directly into students' hands, these carefully selected resources will help bridge the gap between Sunday sermons and daily discipleship.  Check out the links below!Materials Mentioned in this Podcast:LeaderTreks

Do you ever wonder if your work in youth ministry is making a difference? In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that every late-night prayer and every tear shed is planting eternal seeds—even when you don't see the results right away. Drawing from Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Doug shares stories from his Campus Life days with Youth for Christ, where students came to faith years later from seeds planted long before. Just like farmers wait patiently for the harvest, youth workers must trust that God brings the increase in His perfect timing. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why student ministry often bears fruit years later ✅ How to stay encouraged when you feel like quitting ✅ The eternal ripple effect of faithfully sowing into students' lives ✅ Why youth workers are both “planters” and “fishers of men” ✅ How God multiplies what feels small into something eternal

Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort  *** What's the difference between making decisions and making disciples? For many young Christians, the journey of faith begins and ends with "asking Jesus into their heart," but Jesus called us to so much more than a one-time prayer. He invited us to follow Him.In this transformative episode, we will unpack 4 powerful discipleship strategies that move youth ministry students from surface-level faith decisions to becoming genuine Jesus followers. Whether you're a youth pastor or a volunteer, these strategies will equip you to develop disciples who follow Jesus for a lifetime. Every conversation in your youth group can become discipleship—are you ready to make each one count?

Do you ever feel invisible in youth ministry—like your work with students doesn't matter? Heaven sees you. And you are not alone. In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that God's angel armies are surrounding you as you fight for the hearts of the next generation. Drawing inspiration from Bo Jackson's legendary grit, missionary stories of angelic protection, and Scripture's reminders of spiritual warfare, this episode will reignite your courage and hope in ministry. Through Matthew 11:11, Psalm 34:7, 2 Kings 6, Hebrews 12:1, and Exodus 14, Doug unpacks: ✅ Why student ministry is the highest calling in the church ✅ How heaven honors those who disciple teens, preteens, and children ✅ Real stories of angelic protection from missionaries and believers ✅ Why you're not battling people—but principalities and powers ✅ How to lead with boldness, knowing heaven is cheering you on

Send us a textCheck out our new partnership with Onward: Youth & Young Adult Pastor Cohort https://www.onwardleader.com/the-cohort  *** As youth ministry leaders, we're problem solvers by definition... steering the ship through challenges that range from predictable to completely unexpected. This episode dives deep into how effective student ministry leaders navigate change while bringing their team along for the journey.In this episode, we will be taking a look at the Innovation Theory and how it relates to changes you make to your youth ministry.  We will also be showcasing the practical strategies for communicating the "why" behind changes, addressing concerns without giving them undue weight, and maintaining your leadership confidence even when facing criticism.Whether you're considering splitting age groups, starting a student leadership team, discontinuing traditional events, or implementing year-round programming, this episode provides the framework you need to lead change effectively.  Your courage to make necessary changes, even in the face of resistance, is what distinguishes truly effective youth ministry leadership.

What if God is working around you right now—and you're just not seeing it? In this inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards explores the idea of “holy surprises”—unexpected moments that reveal God's presence in our ordinary lives. From student mission trips to sidewalk encounters with friends who've survived the impossible, Doug shows how recognizing God's sightings can strengthen faith, encourage students, and restore hope in the middle of ministry struggles. Drawing from John 5:17, James 1:17, Isaiah 43:19, Matthew 7:7, Ephesians 3:20, and 1 Corinthians 2:9, this episode is packed with stories and Scripture that remind us: ✅ God never stops working—even when we don't see it ✅ Small encounters can be life-changing “holy surprises” ✅ Why teaching students to notice God builds lifelong faith ✅ How prayer opens our eyes to see His gifts in unexpected ways

God provides many blessings for us. As believers, that reminder should inspire gratitude and thankfulness in our hearts. That gratitude, in turn, should inspire us to share God's goodness with people who haven't experienced it yet.  

Send us a textStart the school year strong and grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, be sure to check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** Your youth ministry emails aren't just delivering information—they're building relationships, shaping your reputation, and creating trust. When parents feel valued through thoughtful communication, they're more likely to engage, participate, and recommend your youth group to others.Today's parents are overwhelmed with commitments and communications. They're juggling permission slips, deadlines, and logistics for multiple children across activities, sports, and schooling. Your ministry emails can either add to their stress or become a welcome relief.  Beyond mechanics, remember that communication is also a ministry. Your emails provide opportunities to share what students are learning, demonstrate your values, and even share gospel truths that might reach unchurched parents. Want to transform your parent communication?  Listen now to discover how intentional parent communication can become your student ministry's strongest asset rather than an administrative afterthought. Your emails aren't just words—they're just one more bridge between your youth ministry and the families you serve.=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#047) Youth Pastors and Parents - Best Communication Tips=======

Struggling to keep up with youth ministry social media this fall? In this episode of the Hybrid Ministry Show, Nick Clason unveils the Fall Social Media Pack—a done-for-you, but also fully customizable content calendar built to align with your fall kickoff event, guest strategy, YouTube channel, and in-person ministry, saving you hours every week. Learn how to post your way to better engagement on Instagram, TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts, while bridging the gap between digital discipleship and real-life impact in your church!

In this message, Pastor Justin unpacks the core values of WoodsEdge Students—Worship, Community, Discipleship, and Mission—and shows how these values shape who we are and where we're headed as a church. Using Acts 2:42-47, we see how the early church lived out these values every day and how we can do the same in our lives today. Learn what it means to worship God with your whole life, build authentic community, grow as disciples of Jesus, and live on mission to bring hope to the world around us.

What do you do when ministry collides with real life—tragedy, grief, and the questions no textbook ever prepared you for? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reconnects with Mark Fisher, one of his first Campus Life students, to explore some of the hardest lessons learned in youth ministry and beyond. From serving as a chaplain near the Texas-Mexico border, to walking through cancer, loss, and tragedy, to pastoring and parenting through deep personal heartbreak, Mark's journey is both raw and inspiring. Together, Doug and Mark unpack: ✅ The role of faith in seasons of loss. ✅ Why youth workers must address the spiritual crisis behind today's mental health crisis. ✅ How Campus Life and para-church ministries shaped a generation of students and leaders. ✅ The importance of partnering with parents—not just students—in ministry. ✅ Scriptures that sustain leaders when burnout, grief, or doubt hit hard (Matthew 11, Mark 9, Matthew 8). ✅ Why youth pastors matter so deeply—because for many kids, you are the church they think of first. This heartfelt conversation will remind every youth pastor, volunteer, mentor, or parent that while ministry is never easy, the seeds you plant may grow into eternal impact—even if you don't see the fruit for years.

On today's episode of the podcast, we have a conversation about faith and disability with Sammie's good friend, Gianna Zemet. Gianna is a middle school special education math teacher in the Upper St. Clair School District located in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to teaching, Gianna faithfully serves in her church's Autism Ministry and Student Ministry alongside her husband, Jeremiah. She clearly believes that God has placed a clear calling on her life to teach kids with disabilities and to mentor students/young adults. Our hope is that this conversation would encourage you to think deeply about your theology of disability. How does the Gospel inform the way we think about disability? Though we all have different abilities, our stories are the same. We're more alike than we think. We are all made in the image of God. We all share a story of struggle and find hope in the gospel of Jesus. You'll hear us talk about how to cultivate compassion paired with dignity, how to emphasize "people first language," and practical ways to lean into your community.Here are some things we mentioned in this episode: North Way Christian Community's Autism Ministry"People First Language"Be sure to stay up to date with Abundant Life: You Were Made for More by visiting our blog - and if you're loving the podcast, send guest recommendations to us or leave us a star-rating/review on your favorite listening platform to spread the word about the you were made for more message.You Were Made for More Social Media: FacebookTwitterInstagram

A sermon by Carter Macfarlane from Genesis 4:1-8

A sermon by Carter Macfarlane from Genesis 4:1-8

Send us a textKick off the school year the right way!  Now is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com ***  Are your youth ministry students confident in sharing their testimony to their friends, neighbors, classmates or teammates??  The pressure to "share your faith" looms large for many Christian youth, often creating anxiety instead of confidence. But what if evangelism looked less like memorized scripts and more like authentic relationships?Today we will be discussing three powerful strategies for equipping your youth group students to share their faith naturally and with confidence.  Let's transform how your students approach faith-sharing...=========We love hearing from you all and we do our best to provide powerful and insightful youth ministry content on a weekly basis to be that coach and mentor you may not have, but desperately need.If you have an episode idea, please E-Mail us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com!If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#160) YOUTH PASTORS: Are You Challenging Your Youth Group?(#016) How Do You Help Your Youth Group Fall In LOVE With Jesus?=========

Send us a textJoin Jeremy this episode as he welcomes Hadley and Kashaun to the podcast! Get an inside look at a student ministry summer!

In this episode of the Hybrid Ministry Show, we're unpacking a proven event evaluation strategy for youth ministry that will help you actually improve your events instead of just surviving them. Learn how to run a productive post-event debrief using a 3-question framework that works for digital and in-person debrief meetings alike. Plus, get access to a sample evaluation form, hear a big announcement, and upgrade your fall youth ministry strategy with intentional feedback tools.

Are you running on empty in youth ministry? Stressed, comparing yourself to other churches, and wondering if you're enough? It's time to start stopping. In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards gets real about the pressures youth pastors, volunteers, and parents of students face—and the powerful freedom that comes when you stop trying to do it all, stop overthinking, and stop carrying results that only God can handle. Drawing from Joshua 1:9 and 1 Kings 19, Doug reveals how courage, rest, and obedience—not fear, comparison, or perfection—are what truly transform student ministry. You'll learn: ✅ Why God uses willing hearts, not polished performances. ✅ How to stop overthinking the gospel and simply ask, “Would you like to invite Jesus into your heart?” ✅ What Elijah's cave story teaches us about burnout, rest, and God's gentle whisper. ✅ Why comparing your ministry to others steals your joy and effectiveness. ✅ How to let go of fear and lead with courage.

What happens when you hand the mic to the interns? In this special episode of Next Gen Now, four of our amazing summer interns take over the podcast to reflect on what they've experienced, what they've learned, and what they believe God is doing in the next generation. They've spent their summer serving in Kids and Student Ministry, leading small groups, praying with the next generation, running events, and learning what it really means to disciple the next generation—and now, they're sharing their hearts with you. Whether you're a parent, a pastor, or a peer, this episode will give you a fresh glimpse into the faith, questions, and hope of emerging leaders in the Church. Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.  

Mark Ordus, Director of Student Ministries at Ward Church, continues our Revelation series with a powerful look at chapters 17–20. In a world that often feels like it's spiraling out of control, Mark reminds us that sin has always been present, from the Roman Empire to today, and the temptations we face are nothing new. Through vivid imagery of the beast and the harlot, Revelation reveals the culmination of everything opposed to God—yet it also proclaims that the Lamb will triumph because He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The hope of the believer is clear: Jesus Christ has already claimed the victory. Rather than striving to win by the world's standards, we are invited to live as people of hope, faithfully pointing others to Christ, knowing the battle is already won.

Fall Launch - Joining the Mission with Student Ministries by Kearney eFree Church

Send us a text*** Want a Student Leadership Team Starter Kit? (featuring Application, Job Descriptions, Reference Form, etc.)  Email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com and put "STUDENT LEADERSHIP STARTER KIT" in the subject or description and we will send it over to you!*** What if your students saw themselves as the church rather than consumers of it? This mindset shift is at the heart of creating effective student leadership teams that transform both your youth ministry and the spiritual journeys of your students.  Today, we are giving you 5 secrets on how to build a strong student leadership team in your student ministry!You'll discover why student leadership teams create a special "youth group within the youth group" dynamic that deepens relationships in ways regular attendance never could.  Whether you're just launching your first student leadership team or looking to strengthen an existing one, this episode provides actionable strategies for success.   Ready to empower your students to own their faith? This episode shows you exactly how to start.=========Now is the time to grow a healthy, thriving youth ministry...if you'd like to work with us, check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** =========250th EPISODE GIVEAWAY!!

Looking for fun, easy, and totally free youth ministry ideas that actually engage students? In this episode of The Hybrid Ministry Show, Nick Clason shares 10 high-energy, low-prep free time station ideas—from donut decorating to Mario Kart tournaments, 9 Square, Gaga Ball, social challenges, and more—all designed to boost student engagement and connection. If you're a youth pastor craving creative youth group games, fall event strategy, or hybrid ministry tips that work, this episode is packed with stealable ideas and a bonus resource you don't want to miss!

What if your vision for ministry is way too small? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards challenges you to break free from short-term thinking and start planning—not for the next 5 years, or even 50—but for the next 300 years. With inspiration from global missions, a major automotive company's long-term strategy, and the eternal focus of Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), Doug unpacks how youth pastors, volunteers, and parents can prepare the next generation to carry the gospel far beyond our lifetime. You'll discover: ✅ Why the church must plan like Jesus might not return for centuries—while living like He's coming today. ✅ The shocking truth about unreached people groups (even in the digital age). ✅ How to build a generational legacy of faith that outlives buildings, budgets, and programs. ✅ The eternal difference between building earthly organizations and building heaven's population. ✅ What Proverbs 13:22 teaches about leaving a spiritual and practical inheritance. Whether you're leading a youth group, mentoring students, or raising teens, this episode will expand your vision from the temporary to the eternal—and inspire you to lead with heaven in your sights.

5 Areas in Need of Critical Training   Deacons more than an oversight board Sunday School Teachers lack of care lack of interaction lack of outreach Children's and Student Ministry leaders generational changes new challenges Safety teams not just about getting to "carry" at church Finance committees could pick several specific committees, but this one is greatly needed

Hear a powerful story of transformation as a student shares how he encountered God in a life-changing way during his camp experience.

Send us a text*** Want a Student Leadership Team Starter Kit? (featuring Application, Job Descriptions, Reference Form, etc.)  Email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com and put "STUDENT LEADERSHIP STARTER KIT" in the subject or description and we will send it over to you!*** Is your youth ministry getting ready to launch it's student leadership team and you want to build excitement for it?  Today we will be going over 3 ways to encourage your youth group to join it!250th Episode Giveaway!!

Welcoming new students to your youth ministry shouldn't feel like a firehose of information—this episode unpacks how to create an intentional, low-pressure first-time guest follow-up system. We'll explore the psychology behind making guests feel valued, how to use a youth group welcome box, and why timing your church guest process matters. Plus, get a walkthrough of our youth ministry calendar, a peek at our welcome video strategy, and how to keep student connections alive on social media all fall long!

Join Pastor Matthew and Pastor Jason as they discuss Student Ministry at East River Park. 

What happens when the pressure's on, the critics are loud, and the easy thing to do is stay silent? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards dives deep into the question every youth pastor, ministry volunteer, and student leader must ask: “Who am I—really—when no one's watching but God?” Through Scripture (Romans 12:2), personal leadership battles, and real-life ministry stories—including an encounter with Dr. Charles Stanley and a youth pastor's redemption story—you'll uncover: ✅ Why your core character is the most powerful message you preach ✅ How to handle unfair criticism without losing your soul ✅ What it takes to lead students when church politics and power dynamics collide ✅ Why integrity practiced under pressure creates leaders worth following ✅ What it looks like to be transformed by God, not conformed by culture ✅ The truth about calling—and why sometimes doing the right thing will cost you everything Whether you're burned out, fired up, or somewhere in between—this episode reminds you:

After 17 years of investing in students, Adam Herndon is stepping into a new role as Campus Pastor—and he's bringing every lesson, scar, and story with him. We sit down with Adam who has walked with hundreds of teenagers through every season imaginable. We look back on what God has done, reflect on what the Church needs now, and look ahead to a multi-generational vision for what's next. Whether you're a student leader, parent, minister, or just passionate about the next generation, this conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and of course fun! and a powerful call to keep showing up—one student, one season at a time. Highlights:         • The unexpected lessons 17 years in student ministry taught him         • Why the next generation needs the whole Church (not just youth group)         • What's changing—and what must never change—in discipling young people         • His blessing for leaders and families who are still in the trenches Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.  

Send us a text250th Episode Giveaway!!

The ultimate fall youth ministry outreach event that actually gets students to show up—plus grab a free donut event download to boost your next youth group outreach. Whether you're planning fall events, student ministry games, or looking for fresh youth group outreach ideas, this episode breaks down how to win students with Sonlife's classic CPR strategy: Win, Build, Equip. Don't miss this youth pastor resource that combines social media, donuts, and brackets into one unforgettable church outreach event!

Send us a text250th Episode Giveaway!!

With North American Youth Congress set to begin later in the week, Dr. David K. Bernard shares advice and insights that will help Apostolic students and young adults live out God's purpose and plan for their lives.For further reading on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book The Apostolic Life, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Send us a textAre you ready to grow the size and health of your youth ministry? Check outGrowYourYouthMinistry.com *** To celebrate our 250th episode, we're taking you on a full behind-the-scenes tour of our midweek youth group program.  Our youth ministry has access to our entire church and we will be showing exactly how we transform it and utilize space to enable a thriving student ministry program!From the moment students arrive, every space serves a strategic purpose. We walk through pre-program hangout zones, our leader preparation/meeting spaces, and the main service area where we conduct high-energy games, worship, and teaching. You'll also see how we convert multiple spaces into effective small group environments where deeper connections happen.Whether you lead ministry in a sprawling campus or a modest building, this tour offers practical ideas you can adapt for your context. For churches with limited facilities, we offer scaled-down alternatives that create the same engaging atmosphere without requiring elaborate setups or equipment.If you want to watch the full tour with visuals, check it out on YouTube here:SHOPPING LIST:Mailbox: https://amzn.to/43gjQwFPiggy Bank/Box for Compassion Intl Donations: https://amzn.to/3ZefnZZSmall Group Bins: https://amzn.to/3Iv2ntD (these aren't the same, but similar)Connect 4 Lawn Game: https://amzn.to/3Iv2ntDCastlesports 9 Square: https://amzn.to/4eQLBkFTwo Way Radios: https://amzn.to/4kdMxRENintendo Switch: https://amzn.to/43vS7JyMarket Lights: https://amzn.to/43lCseMBoba Pearls - https://amzn.to/4c695j2Torani Syrup for Italian Sodas: https://amzn.to/4ce85cJ=========If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach=========You may also enjoy these episodes:(#121) FREE TIME YOUTH MINISTRY GAMES - 6 Pre-Service Games Activities(#242) Youth Ministry Room Setup & Decorating Ideas - Youth Ministry Remodel=======