Podcasts about youth ministries

What if the hardest conversations you have with your mentee could actually become some of the most important moments in your relationship? In this episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Derrick unpack the power of building trust, creating a safe environment, and earning the right to speak truth—even when that truth is difficult to hear. Discover how to have hard conversations with love, wisdom, courage, and the fruit of the Spirit while calling the people you mentor toward the person God created them to be. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

This Fall, we are teaming up with Onward Leadership for a Fall Cohort!!!  If you are interested in joining or simply looking for more information, please visit: www.onwardleader.com  In this episode, we break down five “leadership superpowers” that help youth pastors and youth ministry leaders stay in the game for the long haul without losing joy.  Youth ministry leadership is not about finding the perfect church setup. It is about becoming the kind of leader who can thrive in reality with thick skin and a tender heart, focused on the mission even when criticism, low encouragement or even church politics show up. If you are ready for healthier church leadership and a more sustainable student ministry, join us and then share your biggest takeaway.  Subscribe, share this with a youth pastor friend, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review so more leaders can find the help they need.

Send us Fan MailLooking for Student Leadership Curriculum?  We've just launched our own called "Student Leadership Journey!"  Grab yours here: Student Leadership Journey.  *** A youth ministry's student leadership team can become the engine that changes the entire youth group culture...but it can also quietly derail your student ministry if not handled correctly.  In this episode, we're discussing five common mistakes youth pastors make when they launch or rebuild their student leadership team and how to avoid these costly pitfalls.  We explain how to actively coach a culture of hospitality, inclusion, and humility, plus what we actually teach when we blend Scripture with leadership development.This Fall, we are teaming up with Onward Leadership for a Fall Cohort!!!  If you are interested in joining or simply looking for more information, please visit: www.onwardleader.comSubscribe, share this with a youth pastor or youth leader friend, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#040) How to Start a Student Leadership Team in Youth Ministry(#254) 5 Secrets to Creating a Strong Student Leadership Team in Youth Ministry!(#253) 3 Ways to Encourage Your Youth Group to Join Your Student Leadership Team(#203) Create a Student Leadership Team that Your Youth Group WANTS to Be a Part Of!Navigating the Cliques in Youth Ministry Student Leadership Teams=======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=========

Send us Fan Mail“We're good, just busy” might be the most common sentence in American family life, and it's reshaping what people can realistically say yes to. It's become the default answer for families, pastors, and church leaders. And when everyone feels stretched thin, youth ministry can easily respond by either adding more programming or blaming sports, school, and extracurricular activities for stealing students away.But what if that's not the whole story?Maybe youth ministry doesn't need more things on the calendar. Maybe the things already on the calendar need to matter more.In this episode, Zac Workun and Chad Higgins explore the difference between being busy and being intentional.Families demonstrate all the time that they're willing to make significant commitments when they understand the value. Sports have practices, specialized training, games, and clearly defined wins. Meanwhile, churches can accidentally fill calendars with gatherings that all feel vaguely similar—and therefore increasingly missable.That leads to a challenging principle:If everything is for everyone, eventually it feels like it's for no one.What if every gathering in your student ministry had a clearer purpose? An outreach event doesn't have to accomplish the entire discipleship process. A small discipleship gathering doesn't need the attendance of your biggest event. Some environments are designed to invite. Others help students practice. Others should give students opportunities to lead.Or, as Zac and Chad put it: pep rallies, practices, and games.The conversation moves beyond programming into a bigger vision for student discipleship. Instead of measuring success primarily by how many teenagers attended, what would happen if churches became clearer about the kind of disciples they're trying to form?Could students graduate from youth ministry knowing Scripture, understanding core theology, experiencing meaningful Christian community, serving the church, sharing their faith, and increasingly teaching others to do the same?That's a much more compelling goal than simply keeping the calendar full.And it might help us rethink the supposed competition between church and everything else in a teenager's life.The goal isn't simply getting students into more church activities. It's forming students who know how to follow Jesus everywhere else.If your fall youth ministry calendar is already packed, this episode will help you ask a better question than “What should we add?”What is all of this actually for?This Episode Will Help You Think AboutYouth ministry programming and calendar strategyStudent discipleship pathwaysFamily ministry and parent partnershipMeasuring spiritual growth beyond attendanceOutreach versus discipleship environmentsDeveloping student leadersBiblical literacy and theological formationEvangelism training for teenagersEquipping students to live on missionCreating meaningful next steps for studentsYouth Ministry Booster exists to encourage and equip youth pastors and student ministry leaders for healthier, more intentional ministry.Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with another youth ministry leader, and leave a review to help more youth pastors find the conversation.Support the showJoin the community!

An AI that is rooted in scripture? Could it really be real? And is it really free? Yep - that's right! On this episode, the 2nd part of the "AskPhil.ai" mini-series I'm introducing you to the founder of Ask Phil. And be sure to check out the shownotes, because we have a free giveaway for you to check out! FREE FALL KICKOFF EVENT GUIDE & LINKS https://www.patreon.com/hybridministry/posts/5-youth-group-163404919 SHOW NOTES Shownotes & Transcripts https://www.hybridministry.xyz/215 [FREE] HYBRID STRATEGY GUIDE https://www.patreon.com/posts/complete-guide-142500019?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link 50% SUMMER SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.patreon.com/collection/1470781?view=expanded

Episode Summary James warns that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Jim Van Gelderen explains how the soul can be driven by changing circumstances, moving between faith and doubt and often producing anger, discouragement, or sinful coping. This message diagnoses the danger of a divided soul and points toward the engrafted Word as the answer developed in the next episode. Topics Discussed The meaning of saving the soul within Christian sanctification The spirit, soul, and flesh in the Christian life How circumstances and sensory evidence can produce wavering faith The connection between unbelief, anger, discouragement, and sinful coping Lessons from Elijah after Mount Carmel and Israel at Jericho Prayer opportunities for WAR Special Forces and the Thee Generation Youth Summit Key Takeaways Spiritual instability grows when circumstances decide whether God can be trusted. The flesh cannot be reformed; it must be crucified as the believer depends upon Christ. Unchecked doubt often expresses itself through anger, discouragement, or destructive responses. The Word of God remains true even when sensory evidence appears to say otherwise. Recognizing a double-souled condition prepares the heart to receive the engrafted Word with meekness. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Most men have only an idea of Mary, but not a relationship. Today we discuss how Marian devotion is the best way to grow closer to Christ. We explore how Mary is the perfect example of uniformity with God's will, Love of God, and the great power of her intercession.  Gabriel Castillo is a professional videographer whose videos on Mary have over 17 million views. He's a husband and father of four. He is the owner of the YouTube channel Gabi after Hours. He also previously served as the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Texas. 

Meredith Murray is a Christian nonprofit leader and host of the Empowered Life Podcast with Allies in Youth Development, an organization serving vulnerable children through mentoring around the world. With a background in education, ministry, community engagement, and supporting survivors of human trafficking, Meredith has spent her career walking alongside people and helping them recognize their God-given value and purpose.Allies in Youth Development is a Christian nonprofit that equips local mentors around the world to provide vulnerable and orphaned children with consistent relationships, life skills, education, and spiritual support.This episode centers on the idea that you don't need the perfect story, experience, or answers to make a difference—you simply need to show up and be present. Zach and Meredith explore how God uses mentors to bring hope, healing, and transformation not only to vulnerable kids, but to mentors, families, and entire communities around the world. Plus, they go into great detail of the power of prayer in your mentoring org and mentoring relationship. If you've ever wondered whether you're qualified to mentor, this conversation will remind you that what God has placed in you may be exactly what someone else needs. If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.--Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** Costumes, candy, and a packed room of youth ministry students?  Why not?! In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how we run a super fun fall youth group event that students look forward to all year, while still keeping it appropriate, gospel-centered, and realistic for any church budget.  From food to youth group games, we've got you covered for your next student ministry event!FREE EVENT IDEAS: If you'd like a list of 20 fun, small group or Fall kick off ideas, email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com and put "FALL EVENT IDEAS" in the subject or description and we will send over our list!If you want a fall festival, harvest festival, Halloween alternative or whatever you call it that builds community and points students to Jesus, this is your event blueprint. Subscribe for more youth ministry event planning ideas, share this with a youth pastor, and be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!

Brian, a former youth pastor himself, talks with Steve Eatmon, author of 10 Mistakes I Made in Youth Ministry and What You Can Learn from Them, about lessons from over a decade in student ministry. Steve reflects on mistakes like prioritizing entertainment over gospel-centered depth, neglecting to equip parents as the primary disciplers of their kids, and fostering an "us versus them" bubble mentality that separates students from the broader church. They discuss why youth need multiple adult relationships beyond just a youth pastor to help them transition into adulthood, and push back on the idea that students are merely "the church of the future" rather than a vital part of the church right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if a prayer you pray today becomes part of an answer God is still revealing generations from now? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards explores the power of persistent prayer, revival, intercession, and building a legacy of faith that can continue long after our lifetime. Jesus taught His disciples to always pray and never give up. But what might that kind of prayer actually look like in our lives, our churches, our youth ministries, and our families? Drawing from Mark Batterson's Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge, Doug reflects on the extraordinary story of believers who committed themselves to around-the-clock prayer and a prayer movement that continued for generations. He also shares the story of Corrie ten Boom and a long-term prayer effort connected to Jerusalem, along with the powerful promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14. These stories lead to an important question: What is God calling you to keep praying for? In this episode, you'll be encouraged to: • Pray consistently instead of giving up • Believe that your prayers can have an impact beyond your lifetime • Pray intentionally for revival in your home, church, community, and nation • Include students and children in a culture of prayer • Model prayer for your children and grandchildren • Help the next generation experience prayer instead of only hearing about it • Trust God even when you cannot yet see the answer • Build prayer habits that can influence generations Doug also challenges youth pastors, volunteers, parents, and grandparents to think bigger than individual prayer requests. What if the students watching you pray today become the adults who lead prayer movements tomorrow? Children understand trust in a powerful way. When they see adults praying, depending on God, and recognizing His answers, they learn that prayer is not simply something Christians talk about—it is part of how we live. Maybe God is calling you to pray differently. Maybe He is calling you to pray more consistently. Or maybe He is simply telling you: Keep praying. Don't underestimate what God can do with a prayer you refuse to stop praying. Find your prayer rhythm. Pray for revival. Bring the next generation with you. And build a prayer legacy that can continue long after your lifetime. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

Cultural waves are constantly changing — now more rapidly than ever. The messages teenagers hear and absorb from every screen and relationship in their lives shapes them at a fundamental level. They learn what to laugh at, who and how to love, and what's worth weeping over and celebrating from messages both subtle and overt. Ministering in this context requires youth ministers and parents to carefully critique and connect these messages to their fulfillment in Jesus—in other words, we need to do cultural apologetics. In this workshop, we will explore the need for cultural apologetics and how it can be practiced in big and small ways in your ministry today. Skyler Reed Flowers (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is the program director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal and cohort director for all TGC cohorts. He serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church in Oxford, Mississippi and is working toward his Ph.D. in systematic theology at the University of Aberdeen. He served as an editor for The Gospel After Christendom. He is married to Brianna, and they have three kids. Cultural Narratives and Youth Ministry by Kendal Conner Three Truths for Parents and Children in a Changing Cultural Climate by Joey Turner Youth Pastor, Your Students Need Apologetics by Bradley Blaylock Acts 17:22-31 Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

We're joined by Dr. Cindy Ryals, superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Kathleen Higgins, director of youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, talks about how youth ministry and catechesis go hand-in-hand. Shaun McAfee, Catholic author, talks about his book Saints and Sacramentals: Saint Catherine Labourè and the Miraculous Medal.

By Margot Cooney, Caroline Bass, and John Mark Haase

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info *** You can throw a youth ministry event that students talk about for weeks without spending your whole budget. We break down a general blueprint we just used to pull off one of our best summer nights at basically zero cost, and we turn it into a repeatable formula you can use for your church youth group whether you have a small budget, no budget, or you're trying to stretch every dollar.We walk through six practical building blocks of every good event from food to themes to spiritual impact.  We also talk about creating “vibes” with simple sensory cues like music, lighting changes, and game intros that can help students feel the moment shift.  Remember: fun is not a distraction from youth ministry when it helps students drop their guard, bond with friends, and engage worship, small groups, and the message with more openness.  BONUS: We have a super fun, dodgeball variation game that we share inside this episode!!

Send us Fan MailTime is limited. Your calling isn't.Camp season leaves most youth pastors physically exhausted, emotionally stretched, and mentally staring at an already-full fall calendar. In this episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac and Chad  begin with some hilarious camp memories before asking a much more important question:Why do we always feel like we're running out of time?This conversation isn't another productivity episode. We can't help you get more hours in the day. It cannot be done.Instead, it's an honest look beneath the calendar to examine the emotional, mental, and spiritual realities that shape how we lead.We do have practical insights about identifying your biggest time wasters, setting healthy constraints, reusing ministry systems instead of constantly reinventing them, and why technology alone can't solve the deeper issues of procrastination or overwhelm. More importantly, Zac and Chad explore what happens when ministry pressure begins affecting your relationships, your emotions, and your walk with Christ. They discuss fight-flight-freeze responses, protecting your family during busy seasons, inviting trusted friends into your struggles, and recovering the sacred nature of ministry instead of reducing it to a checklist. The challenge at the end is simple:Don't just organize your tasks. Order your day around prayer.Episode HighlightsTransitioning from summer ministry into fallIdentifying obvious and hidden time wastersEscaping perfectionism and unnecessary busyworkSetting constraints that actually create freedomWhy AI doesn't solve internal overwhelmUnderstanding ministry stress through fight, flight, and freezeProtecting your family from ministry spilloverThe importance of trusted friendships in ministryBuilding a prayer-first rhythm for leadershipQuestionsWhat consistently steals the most time in your ministry?Where do you tend to respond with fight, flight, or freeze when ministry pressure increases?What ministry resource could you stop recreating every year?How could prayer become the organizing rhythm of your workday instead of simply opening meetings or events?Subscribe to Youth Ministry Booster for practical conversations that help youth pastors lead healthier ministries and become healthier leaders themselves.Support the showJoin the community!

Fall Kickoffs. Once you've done Paint wars, Nerf Wars, Slip-n-Slide Kickball… You kind of start running low on ideas... Then you run to the DYM Facebook Group which gives you all the same ideas again. In this episode I'm taking 5 of my best selling and favorite resources on the DYM site, and turning them into a full out fall kick off event. And best of all, I'm giving you a completely FREE Fall Kickoff Guide complete with… [FREE] Graphics Theme Ideas Service Order Ideas & Options Links to the Associated Games via DYM Fully fleshed-out framework for Each Event if I were doing it And stick around to the end because Hybrid Hero Members just got all of these links for FREE on last Monday's podcast episode, and I'll tell you how you can get access to them by jumping in now FREE FALL KICKOFF EVENT GUIDE & LINKS https://www.patreon.com/hybridministry/posts/5-youth-group-163404919 HYBRID HERO MEMBERS GET THESE GAMES FREE! https://www.patreon.com/13008414/join SHOW NOTES Shownotes & Transcripts https://www.hybridministry.xyz/213 50% OFF SUMMER SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.patreon.com/collection/1470781?view=expanded [FREE] HYBRID STRATEGY GUIDE https://www.patreon.com/posts/complete-guide-142500019?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

What does it take to remain faithful in youth ministry for more than four decades and still see your influence growing through future generations? In this interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with longtime ministry leader Hugh Kirby for a powerful conversation about youth ministry longevity, relational discipleship, mentorship, prayer, church leadership, and going the distance in ministry. Hugh has served in ministry for more than 42 years, including 17 years directly leading student ministry at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. Today, he can look back and see former students influencing their own children, grandchildren, churches, and communities. But Hugh's ministry story began long before New Hope. He shares how God moved powerfully during his years playing football at Louisiana Tech, where more than 40 players and others connected to the team came to faith in Christ. Hugh reflects on the spiritual influence of his roommate Denny Duron, the leaders who invested in him, and the way God used relationships to shape his calling. Hugh also shares how Dr. Millard Box helped transform his understanding of discipleship as a teenager. Rather than building everything around programs, Dr. Box invited Hugh into a relationship-centered environment built on Scripture, honest conversation, accountability, and prayer. That experience became a model Hugh would carry into decades of youth ministry. In this episode, you'll hear about: • What helped Hugh remain faithful through 42 years of ministry • Why ministry longevity requires dependence on Jesus and support from family • How relational discipleship shaped Hugh as a teenager • Why relationships should come before programs • The importance of Scripture, accountability, and intimate prayer • How Hugh learned to build disciples who would disciple others • What youth pastors can learn from Jesus' progressive disciple-building model • How long-term ministry influences students, families, and generations • Why churches must keep Jesus—not programs—as the main thing • How mentors and mature believers shape a young person's future Hugh explains that effective discipleship is not simply giving students more information. It means entering their lives, building relationships, helping them understand Scripture, creating loving accountability, and teaching them how to walk personally with Jesus. This conversation is especially valuable for youth pastors, student ministry volunteers, Christian educators, parents, grandparents, mentors, and anyone who wants to invest in the next generation for the long term. Programs eventually end. Positions eventually change. But a life poured intentionally into another person can continue bearing fruit for generations. Listen and be encouraged to build relationships, make disciples, remain faithful, and go the distance in the ministry God has given you. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

In this episode of Pizza and Side Hug, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by youth ministers who juggle multiple roles within their ministries. Inspired by a listener's email, they explore how to balance various responsibilities, avoid the comparison trap, and maintain a positive mindset. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of managing multiple roles in ministry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and effective communication with supervisors. They explore the balance between pursuing new ideas and maintaining existing responsibilities, as well as the necessity of letting go of certain projects to allow for growth. Listen now!Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Listener Engagement02:20 Balancing Multiple Ministries06:02 Mindset for Slashers in Ministry08:58 Setting Priorities and Realistic Goals12:00 Techniques for Managing Multiple Roles14:50 The Value of Versatility in Ministry21:56 Focusing on Priorities in Ministry23:21 Navigating Expectations and Boundaries24:30 The Art of Saying Yes and No27:51 Dreams vs. Reality in Ministry30:45 Letting Go for Growth34:40 Identifying Unjust Expectations39:21 Effective Communication with SupervisorsLinksWorking Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/"Working Genius" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19212883"How to Say No" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19296875"Recruiting a Team" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244"Volunteer Onboarding" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15643596pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

Episode Summary In this Bible teaching from 1 Corinthians 10:12–13, Bobby Bosler places two familiar verses back into Paul's warning against idolatry and compromise. The Corinthians could excuse disobedience either by assuming they were already standing or by believing their circumstances left them no way to obey. This episode calls young people to reject both pride and despair, flee compromise, surrender to Jesus Christ, and depend on the faithful God who always provides grace to obey. Topics Discussed The Corinthian context of idol participation and personal rights Israel's wilderness failures as a warning to believers Spiritual pride and the danger of merely thinking you stand Hidden compromise beneath an outwardly godly appearance Why temptation is common rather than uniquely hopeless God's faithfulness, control, and promised way of escape Surrender to Christ and dependence on the Holy Spirit Key Takeaways Outward spirituality does not excuse hidden areas of disobedience. Pride says no correction is needed, while despair says obedience is impossible. No temptation makes you uniquely abandoned or beyond God's care. God remains faithful and provides the strength either to escape temptation or endure it obediently. Victory comes through surrender to Christ and dependence on the Holy Spirit, not self-confidence. Stop justifying compromise and obey the truth God has already made clear. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

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Send us Fan MailWhat if the biggest threat to your youth ministry isn't a lack of volunteers, budget, or attendance... but your own exhaustion?In this episode of the Youth Ministry Booster Podcast, Zac Workun sits down with Dr. Jody Dean (New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) for an honest conversation about burnout, sustainability, and staying faithful for the long haul. Drawing from decades of ministry, mentoring, and leadership development, Dr. Dean shares practical wisdom for youth pastors who love student ministry but feel like they're running on empty. Together they unpack:Why so many youth pastors quietly wonder if they have "one more year" left.The healthy rhythms and time management practices that prevent burnout.A simple four-season reset framework to replenish your soul before you hit the wall.Why friendship and accountability are essential—not optional—for ministry longevity.How to measure ministry success without becoming enslaved to attendance numbers.The four foundational systems every sustainable youth ministry needs.The warning signs that weariness is becoming burnout.Why faithfulness matters more than chasing ministry success.Whether you're fresh off summer camp, gearing up for another ministry season, or simply feeling tired, this conversation is a timely reminder that God has called you to more than surviving ministry—He has called you to endure with joy.Your labor is not in vain.Support the showJoin the community!

Eighty-two-year-old author Sarah Glover stopped by the Ministerial Care booth at the Church of God General Assembly 2026 visit with Dr. Tim Maness and Dr. Jeff Sargent. They talk about Sarah's 42 years of youth ministry leadership and the trials and lessons she encountered along the way. Sarah is the author of Building a Youth Ministry and Well, I Declare, God, both available from Pathway Press.

What can one missionary's faithfulness set in motion across languages, students, families, and generations? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards remembers his friend Dr. Wes Collins and reflects on the extraordinary legacy Wes and his wife, Nancy, built through missions, Bible translation, education, and service among the Mam people of Guatemala. As a missionary connected with Wycliffe, Wes helped restore a written form of the Mam language and worked to translate the New Testament so that indigenous families could read Scripture in their own language. His ministry helped people reclaim a sense of dignity, identity, and the assurance that God loved them and valued the language He had given them. Wes also opened the door for Doug and generations of students to experience cross-cultural ministry firsthand. Over five years and six trips to Guatemala, students participated in construction projects, Vacation Bible School, medical outreach, and ministry among Mam families in the mountains. They also visited the Guatemala City dump, where thousands of people lived in extreme poverty—an experience that profoundly changed how many students understood faith, service, gratitude, and the world around them. In this episode, Doug reflects on: • The missionary legacy of Dr. Wes Collins • Bible translation and the importance of indigenous languages • How student mission trips can permanently change young lives • Serving the Mam people of Guatemala • Construction, children's ministry, and medical missions • What students learned from witnessing extreme poverty • The importance of trusted missionaries and responsible trip leadership • How one faithful life can influence people for generations This episode is for youth pastors, student ministry volunteers, parents, missionaries, teachers, and anyone who believes young people should experience a faith that moves beyond words and into service. Wes Collins' influence did not end with one translation, one class, one mission trip, or even one lifetime. It continues through the people he taught, the communities he served, the students he inspired, and the leaders who are still carrying that mission forward. Thank you, Wes and Nancy, for your faithfulness, sacrifice, hospitality, and commitment to helping others know that their language, culture, lives, and stories matter to God. Share this episode with a youth pastor, missionary, parent, or student who needs to be reminded that one faithful life can change generations. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

This month's podcast is highlighting what it looks like to really do life with students faithfully with Sammie's friend, Janelle DiStefano. Get to know Janelle: "I'm on Young Life Staff in Sewickley, PA and married to my husband, Sam. I have been involved with the ministry of Young Life for 8 years (as a student, leader & now on staff)! Jesus brought me from death to life my sophomore year of high school & now I get to walk alongside students and share this good news with them every day. I'm passionate about being constant in students lives through all seasons. Entering into students brokenness with them changes lives for eternity! God is doing so much through my hesitant “yes” to full time ministry- praise God for redemption through Him!" 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: FacebookInstagram

Have you ever felt too tired, too distracted, or simply too self-conscious to truly engage in worship? In this powerful message from our summer series, "Is This Thing On?", Robbie dives into why praising God isn't just a passive activity or an optional suggestion—it's a direct command and a spiritual weapon. Using relatable stories from his own life, Robbie reveals how praising God shifts our focus away from our giant-sized problems and up toward our faithful Creator. Whether you're standing on the front lines of a personal battle or you're simply "not in the mood," discover how turning your gaze upward and raising a hallelujah changes everything.Key Points & Scripture ReferencesPraise is a Command, Not an Option: The Bible repeatedly commands us to praise God, regardless of our present circumstances, feelings, or musical abilities (Psalm 150, Psalm 100, Psalm 47, Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 2:9).Praise Creates Space for God: When we actively praise, we create an honored space for God. He inhabits the praises of His people, making Himself more real to us than our problems (Psalm 22:3).Praise is a Weapon in Battle: Just like King Jehoshaphat sent worshippers to the front lines, our praise acts as an act of defiance against the enemy, claiming victory and deliverance before the fight is even over (2 Chronicles 20, Exodus 15, 2 Samuel 22).Overcoming Internal Obstacles: We must intentionally break through the internal walls that hold us back from worship: not being in the mood, insecurity about our singing voice, personal preferences about musical style, and the pride of being embarrassed.Giving Yourself a Pep Talk: Sometimes, you have to talk to your own soul and command it to remember God's goodness, just like David did when he needed to realign his heart (Psalm 103).Conclusion & Call to ActionDon't let your current circumstances or internal insecurities dictate your worship today. Choose to raise a hallelujah louder than your unbelief, and watch how God moves when you give Him the praise He deserves! If this message encouraged you and helped you break through a wall in your own life, please like, subscribe, and share this audio with a friend who needs to hear it.Join us Sundays at 8:30am or 10:30am. Find out more at RadiantVisalia.com. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Young people in our Youth Ministry program present a short pageant about the life of St. James the Greater

Episode Summary Judson and Janna Shoultz recount how a group of teenagers faced their fears and shared the gospel in mosques and other places of worship during a missions trip to Muslim communities in Michigan. Connecting their experiences with Israel's crossing of the flooded Jordan River in Joshua 3–4, they show that God often waits for His people to obey before He opens the way. This Faith Talks episode challenges young people to recognize the specific step God has put before them and to trust Him enough to take it. Topics Discussed Israel's crossing of the flooded Jordan River in Joshua 3–4 Teenagers sharing the gospel in mosques in Hamtramck and Dearborn, Michigan Developing a genuine burden for Muslims, Hindus, and others without the gospel Bringing the Bible into difficult gospel conversations The influence of Scripture and the Holy Spirit in a new believer's life Everyday steps of faith in witnessing, giving, prayer, and Christian obedience Key Takeaways Faith acts on God's direction before the circumstances change. God can use teenagers to speak biblical truth with courage, compassion, and clarity. Seeing spiritual darkness firsthand can deepen a believer's burden for lost people. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit equip believers for conversations that feel beyond them. A first step of obedience can become a defining moment that makes future steps easier. Faith does not merely talk about trusting God; faith walks into the water. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

Send us Fan MailPain has a way of making everything feel personal, like the universe is singling you out. Holle Tubbs, diocesan youth missioner for the Diocese of Atlanta, joins us for our Summer Shorts series to talk about a different path: reaching for God without turning faith into a bargain for control.In this episode, Melissa and Holle explore the relationship between faith, humility, and a kind of grit that isn't defined by winning, but by refusing to give up. They also discuss vulnerability as intimacy, the hard work of depersonalizing pain, and the relief that comes when we can finally say, “This hurts,” without assuming it is punishment. Listen in for the full conversation.Holle Tubbs has served in formation ministry leadership since 2003, working in both nondenominational and Episcopal contexts. After spending several years in ministry in the Pacific Northwest, she returned to the South and began serving her hometown parish (St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Columbus, GA) as the Director of Youth Ministry & Media. She joined the Bishop's Staff of the Diocese of Atlanta in 2021.In her diocesan role, Holle develops EYCDIOATL programs, supports and mobilizes youth ministers and young people, and partners with the Mikell Board of Governors to oversee the ministry of Mikell Camp & Conference Center in Toccoa, GA. She also leads The Keep/Watch Project, an Atlanta-based suicide prevention ministry offering curriculum and training for individuals, congregations, and faith-based organizations.Beyond the Diocese, Holle collaborates with ministry leaders across the Church to equip students, strengthen intergenerational ministry, and explore fresh ways to engage Gen Z/Gen Alpha. She is a partner with the Forma Network and serves on the Youth Ministry Council of Advice for The Episcopal Church. A passionate advocate for mental health and leadership development, Holle is committed to helping young people and their leaders thrive. Support the showFollow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright. 

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Send us Fan MailWhat if we've been measuring youth ministry by the wrong scoreboard?Attendance matters. Camp decisions matter. Great programming matters. But Jesus didn't commission us to create busy ministries—He commissioned us to make disciples.Recorded live at SBC 2026, Zac Workun sits down with Dr. Jason Engle to explore one of the most important conversations every youth pastor needs to have: What does spiritual maturity actually look like?Drawing from the Great Commission and Colossians 1:28, Jason argues that the true aim of youth ministry isn't simply activity, engagement, or even decisions—it's helping students become mature in Christ.Together we unpack:Why spiritual maturity should become the primary metric for youth ministryHow Paul's prayers reveal a biblical vision for discipleshipThe difference between alignment and attunement in spiritual formationWhy students often open up more side-by-side than face-to-faceHow teaching extends far beyond a sermonWhy fun and theological depth are never enemiesHow to disciple teenagers in an age dominated by distractionPractical ways to cultivate margin, abiding, and spiritual disciplinesWhy students shouldn't graduate dependent on youth ministry—but equipped to pursue Jesus on their ownOne of the most memorable moments comes when Jason shares the story of a student he believed wasn't listening, only to discover years later that God had been working beneath the surface all along.If you've ever wondered whether your ministry is making a lasting difference, this conversation offers both biblical clarity and tremendous encouragement.Key ScripturesMatthew 28:18–20Colossians 1:28–29Ephesians 1:15–23John 15Hebrews 12:1–2Memorable Quotes"The goal isn't students who depend on the ministry. It's students who know how to pursue Christ when the ministry is gone.""You can't microwave spiritual formation.""Spiritual maturity isn't a destination—it's a trajectory.""Students don't just need to hear about abiding. They need to practice abiding."Support the showJoin the community!

What if we not only encouraged our students to pray, but we got our churches and networks to join in praying for the next generation, especially at the beginning of a new school year? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares about National Network of Youth Ministries' Symphony of Prayer, which involves several prayer movements you can get involved in.      Links referenced in this episode:  Learn more about Symphony of Prayer - https://nnym.org/symphony  Footprints on Campus - https://nnym.org/footprints  Adopt a School - https://everyschool.com  Bless Our Schools Sunday - https://momsinprayer.org  See You at the Pole - https://syatp.com  Steps of Prayer - https://christianeducators.org  Prayer Walk Project - https://claimyourcampus.com  Operation P.R.A.Y. - https://operationpray.com Pray 9:38 - https://everyschool.com/pray/938  Prayer Zone Partners - https://campusmissionary.com/leaders  Top 9 Prayer Challenge - https://9monthmissiontrip.com/prayer  Find your next speaker at The Speaker Hub - https://youthminhub.com/speakerhub  Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM - https://nnym.org/stevecullum  Sign up to get Steve's newsletter - https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  Support the ministry by giving online - https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting - https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram - https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection  Read Steve's blog - https://stevecullum.com  Follow Steve on Twitter - https://twitter.com/stevecullum  Follow Steve on Instagram - https://instagram.com/stevecullum  Follow Steve on Facebook - https://facebook.com/stevecullum    Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET.    Looking for student ministry resources? Check out Steve's curated list of books, games, and more at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevecullum    Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry.    Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection     If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!    

No youth pastor, volunteer, ministry leader, business owner, or parent accomplishes meaningful work alone. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares the three types of people every effective youth ministry leader needs: mentors, investors, and operators. Mentors provide wisdom from experience. Investors believe in the mission and contribute the resources required to move it forward. Operators handle the responsibilities, systems, communication, planning, and administration that allow leaders to focus on the work God has uniquely called them to do. Drawing from decades in student ministry, Doug shares how mentors from Youth for Christ helped prepare him to lead, how supporters including Johnny Cash and local ministry partners invested in reaching students, and how gifted staff members and volunteers made a large, multi-level student ministry possible. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why every youth pastor and ministry leader needs multiple mentors • How financial supporters and ministry investors expand the reach of the gospel • Why volunteers and operators are essential to sustainable student ministry • How delegation allows people to serve in their areas of strength • Why being unqualified on paper does not disqualify you from God's calling • How God brings the right people together to accomplish a greater mission • Why one mentor should not influence every area of your life • How to recognize which role may be missing from your ministry team Doug also explains why leaders should stop trying to perform every task themselves. The strongest ministries are not built around one person doing everything. They are built by people with different gifts working together toward the same mission. You may be the visionary, communicator, pastor, teacher, or relationship builder - but someone else may be better equipped to organize the calendar, manage communication, raise support, plan trips, or operate the systems behind the ministry. Ask yourself: Who is mentoring me? Who is investing in the mission? Who is helping operate the ministry? You do not need one person to fill every role. You need a community of gifted people who believe in what God has called you to build. Share this episode with a youth pastor, volunteer, ministry leader, or parent who needs help building the right team. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

This month, we're talking about how to not feel overwhelmed while leading in your ministries. There is one very under-utilized skill that most of us need to develop way more to elevate our leadership potential the way a special sauce elevates a dish. Tune in to find out what that secret is and how to use it, and then stick around the second half to hear how it's unlocked something great in our Youth Ministry.

The sermon focuses on the transformative necessity of a dedicated, private prayer life. Drawing from a recent youth camp experience characterized by a "spiritual renaissance," the message challenges the congregation to move past cultural distractions and performance-based faith to seek a genuine, unhurried connection with God.Key Camp TeachingsErik begins by summarizing the core messages delivered during the recent youth camp, which laid the foundation for the students' spiritual breakthroughs:The Chalk Circle (Rodney Smith): A challenge to draw a metaphorical circle around oneself and pray fervently for revival to start exclusively within that circle.Discernment (Ralph Garcia): The importance of distinguishing between four distinct voices: God, the enemy, the world, and self. This is achieved through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel.The Power of Imagination (Travis): A call to stop surrendering the mind's eye to the enemy and instead use imagination to visualize God and cleanse the mind.Making Disciples (Robbie): A reminder that believers cannot lead others where they have not spiritually gone themselves.Student TestimoniesTo demonstrate the practical impact of these teachings, six students shared their personal breakthroughs from the camp:Ally: Overcame a strong reluctance to attend camp and experienced a profound sense of God's presence and peace during prayer.Carson: Broke free from a draining, performance-based faith and removed digital distractions (like phones) to find pure spiritual freedom.Evie: Conquered a lifelong fear of embarrassment and the judgment of others in order to fully surrender and worship openly.James: Navigated the fallout of a public mistake, a battle with pneumonia, and profound grief, ultimately finding the overwhelming presence of Jesus.Addie: Battled internal divides, anxiety, and shame by using Scripture (Philippians 4, Psalm 139) to renew her mind and silence lies.Liam: Transitioned from an inconsistent, wavering relationship with God to stepping up in leadership and finding clear spiritual direction.The Core Message: Fueling Ministry Through PrayerFollowing the testimonies, Erik grounds the message in Luke 10:38-42, using the story of Martha and Mary to illustrate the ultimate goal of prayer.The Danger of Distraction: Martha was frantic, working hard to prepare a meal for Jesus, but her busyness left her frustrated, burned out, and resentful. Erik warns against doing things for Jesus while neglecting to spend time with Jesus.The "Good Portion": Mary chose the better path by simply sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening. True spiritual peace and effectiveness come from proximity to God, not from frantic service.Motivations in Prayer: A healthy prayer life must seek the advancement of God's kingdom rather than personal glory. Erik challenges the congregation to examine if their prayers are focused on building up their own names or honoring God."No man is greater than his prayer life." — Leonard Ravenhill (Quoted by Erik Schlick)The sermon concludes with a call to action: to stop living out of anxiety or a desire for human approval, and instead adopt a posture of stillness, knowing that a public life of faith must be directly fueled by a private life of prayer. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

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Send us Fan MailWhat if the greatest measure of success in youth ministry isn't getting students to graduation......it's what happens after they leave?Every youth pastor has watched it happen. A student who was faithful all through high school slowly disappears during their first semester of college. Rarely is it one dramatic decision. More often it's loneliness, distraction, isolation, and never learning how to follow Jesus without someone planning their spiritual life.In this episode, Zac Workun sits down with Paul Worcester (North American Mission Board) to explore what college ministry leaders see every fall—and what youth pastors can do before graduation to help students develop a faith that actually lasts.Together they unpack why the first 90 days of college are one of the most important windows in a student's spiritual life, how discipleship must move beyond teaching into training, and why smaller discipleship groups may be one of the missing pieces in modern youth ministry.

Youth ministry is hard work... but it was never meant to depend on one person doing everything. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a practical and biblical challenge for youth pastors, student ministry volunteers, church leaders, and parents: work smarter, not harder, by following Jesus' model of discipleship, delegation, and multiplication. If you are a volunteer youth leader, part-time youth pastor, or full-time student ministry leader, you already know the weight of ministry. The planning, teaching, trips, retreats, mission work, public school outreach, discipleship, counseling, and constant care for students can quickly become overwhelming. But Jesus did not build His ministry around doing everything Himself. He equipped disciples who would carry the mission forward. Doug unpacks key passages including Ephesians 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:2, Mark 3:13-15, and Matthew 28:19-20 to remind leaders that the goal is not simply to build bigger programs - it is to make disciples who make disciples. In this episode, you'll be encouraged to: • Stop carrying the entire ministry alone • Equip volunteers and students to do the work of ministry • Build a student ministry that can continue without depending only on you • Follow Jesus' model of investing deeply in a few to reach many • Delegate with purpose instead of guilt • Avoid burnout through sustainable leadership • Create disciple makers, not just event attenders Doug also shares how a forced sabbatical helped him realize he had waited too long to delegate and trust others with ministry responsibility. The question every youth pastor and ministry leader should ask is: If you disappeared for six months, would the ministry stop or would it continue because you developed disciple makers? Working harder may increase what you can accomplish. Equipping others increases what God can accomplish through His people. Disciple. Delegate. Multiply. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

In this episode of the GoMission podcast, Mark Gillmore talks with Pastor Ty Thebeau in Edson, Alberta, about God's long work of calling, breaking, and redirecting him for gospel ministry. Ty shares how God first stirred his heart about returning to his hometown while he was serving as a missionary in Cameroon, and how years of difficulty and brokenness eventually brought him back to Canada with a deeper understanding that his identity is found in Jesus Christ alone. Throughout the conversation, Ty speaks honestly about suffering, fear, spiritual warfare, and the danger of finding identity in ministry rather than in Christ. His testimony challenges young people preparing to serve the Lord to expect their faith to be tested, to face their fears with surrender, and to trust that God uses even the darkest trials to make His servants more dependent, more compassionate, and more usable in gospel mission. Topics Discussed Ty's call from Cameroon back to his hometown of Edson, Alberta How God uses suffering to strip away self-dependence The danger of finding identity in ministry, success, or calling Why young people should expect their faith to be tested Fear as a foothold of the enemy and the need to face it honestly Learning to surrender even the worst-case scenario to God The fellowship of Christ's sufferings in the life of a believer How brokenness can prepare a person to minister to other broken people The vision for gospel witness in Western Canada Living moment by moment in availability to Jesus Key Takeaways God's call is not accidental, even when the path seems broken or confusing. The Christian life is not built on ministry identity, personal strength, or visible success, but on Jesus Christ Himself. Faith is not proven in easy circumstances; it is tested and purified in difficulty. Fear must not be ignored. It must be brought into the light, surrendered to God, and answered with faith. Suffering is not wasted in the hands of God. He uses it to bring believers to the end of themselves so that Christ's life can flow through them. The goal is not to become strong in ourselves, but to become more fully dependent on Jesus. When everything else is stripped away, the believer still has Christ, and Christ is enough. A surrendered life does not need to know every step ahead. It simply wakes up each day asking, “Lord, what do you want to do?” If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.

How do you share Jesus with a child you're mentoring without forcing the conversation—or avoiding it altogether? In this honest and thought-provoking episode of You Can Mentor, Zach and Derrick explore the tension between building authentic relationships and boldly living out the Gospel, revealing why trust, consistency, and Christlike love often open doors that words alone never could. If you've ever wondered when faith should enter a mentoring relationship, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and equip you to mentor with wisdom and confidence.If this podcast has encouraged or equipped you, would you take 30 seconds to leave a 5-star rating? On Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom of the You Can Mentor page and click “Write a Review.” On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the settings wheel, and hit “Rate Show.” It helps us reach more mentors like you.Want to go deeper?• Join our Learning Lab for mentoring resources and community• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop• Come to our annual You Can Mentor GatheringYou can find everything at www.youcanmentor.com or follow us on instagram @youcanmentor

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info - or feel free to email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com with any questions *** In this episode, we walk through four things to avoid before preaching in youth ministry.  Youth ministry sermons land best when our hearts are fully engaged, not just our notes. We talk about surrender, staying with the people in the room, and leaning on the Holy Spirit instead of trying to carry the moment ourselves.  If you care about student ministry preaching, sermon preparation, and spiritual leadership that's more than stage presence, this conversation will help you refocus on what matters and lead with humility and power of the Holy Spirit. Subscribe, share this with another youth pastor or youth leader, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review with your best pre-message routine!=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#241) 3 Ways to Immediately Improve Your Youth Ministry Sermons(#107) How to Deliver Better Sermons - 5 Youth Pastor Tips(#089) How to Get Better Engagement During Sermons in Youth Ministry(#218) Steal These 5 Tips to NEVER RUN OUT of Sermon Ideas for Youth Ministry!=======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=========

What if God is working all around you, but you are missing the holy surprises? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message about recognizing God's unexpected invitations, trusting His plan, and learning to say yes when He opens a door. After a conversation at church with Larry Stevens about Israel, adventure, and the unexpected ways God connects people, Doug reflects on the phrase "holy surprises" and how God often works through conversations, interruptions, friendships, closed doors, open doors, and opportunities we never saw coming. This episode explores how one faithful yes can lead to decades of impact. Doug shares stories from his own life, including unexpected connections through Youth for Christ, Johnny Cash, student missions, Mission Discovery, music ministry, Dr. Jay Strack, and the long chain of people God used to shape the Youth Worker on Fire podcast. Through Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 43:19, and the story of Gideon, Doug reminds listeners that God's surprises do not always make sense at first. Trust often comes before understanding. In this episode, you'll be encouraged to: • Recognize the holy surprises God places in your path • Trust God when His plan does not make sense yet • See interruptions as possible invitations • Remember that God prepared good works for you long ago • Say yes to the next faithful step • Look back and notice how God has been working all along • Help students, children, and the next generation recognize God's movement in their lives Whether you are a youth pastor, student ministry volunteer, parent, grandparent, teacher, mentor, or someone trying to follow Jesus more closely, this episode will help you open your eyes to the adventure God is already writing around you. For the next seven days, begin each morning with this prayer: "Help me recognize Your holy surprises today. Give me the courage to say yes." Then watch what God does. Your future may be one faithful yes away from your next holy surprise. Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _________________________________________________________________________________

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh Hussung, Danny Kwon, and Isaiah Marshall discuss how to build a youth ministry year with purpose rather than simply filling a calendar with events. The conversation explores intentional planning, discipleship priorities, common mistakes leaders make during planning season, and practical ways to create a ministry year that helps students grow in their faith and walk with Jesus. Youth Ministry Nuts and Bolts, Revised and Updated: Organizing, Leading, and Managing Your Youth Ministry (Youth Specialties) by Duffy Robbins Planning Your Annual Calendar in Youth and Family Ministry by Renee Imbesi Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It's summertime and here on Youth Culture Matters were devoting our time to shorter episodes where we're talking about purposeful parenting, addressing timely topics to encourage and equip you as parents to help your kids navigate their world in ways that bring honor and glory to God. Take a few minutes to listen in today as I talk about our need to raise "weak" kids.

Monday, July 6, 2026 Welcome to our Monday show. We hope you had an amazing Fourth of July! Today Liberty McArtor hosts a busy show. Her guests in the first hour are Dr. Shelly Melia and Dr. Shane Pruitt. They discuss Youth Ministry, Discipleship, Culture, and their book, Reaching Generation Alpha: A Ministry Guide for Discipling […]

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info - or feel free to email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com with any questions *** In this episode, we discuss two surprisingly powerful ways to earn real parent buy-in in your youth ministry and break down each one into multiple aspects of trust. We get practical about “early and often” communication: weekly parent emails, leader updates, an always-current website and calendar, social media that actually answers questions, and using a church app or targeted messages so the right families get the right info. We also talk about planning ahead like publishing camp dates far in advance, plus a simple test for your system: if parents are constantly texting basic questions, your other communication channels may not be clear or consistent yet.  If you want more volunteers, smoother events, stronger camp sign-ups, and fewer frustrated emails, this is the leadership muscle to build.Then we shift to professionalism in youth ministry, not as a stiff corporate posture, but as maturity. We share how to create “no surprises” when incidents happen, and why owning mistakes quickly builds credibility. We also unpack the owner mindset: being prepared, starting and ending on time, handling conflict directly, and holding students accountable with kindness so parents see real leadership.If you've ever felt the tension between being fun and being trusted, this conversation will help you lead both ways. Subscribe for weekly youth ministry coaching, share this with another youth pastor and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review. What's one change you can make this week to earn more trust with parents?=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#256) Best Practices for Emailing the Parents of your Youth Ministry Students(#047) Youth Pastors and Parents - Best Communication Tips(#057) Getting Parents Involved in Youth Ministry(#025) Best Practices to Handle an Upset Parent=======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=========

Send us Fan MailGen Alpha Is Here. Is Your Ministry Ready?The students walking into your ministry today have never known life without smartphones, algorithms, or instant access to the world.They're also asking bigger questions than many churches are prepared to answer.In this episode Zac Workun sits down with Dr. Shelly Melia at SBC2026 to discuss what makes Generation Alpha unique,and why youth ministry may need to rethink some of its biggest assumptions.From AI and biblical literacy to belonging and family discipleship, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for leaders who want to disciple students instead of simply entertaining them.Why Gen Alpha is fundamentally different from Gen ZThe coming impact of AI on discipleshipWhy biblical literacy is declining faster than many leaders realizeHow COVID shaped students' expectations of faith and sufferingThe importance of teaching lament and resilienceWhy belonging—not attendance—is becoming the key metricHelping parents become disciple-makers at homeMoving from information transfer to transformational dialogueWhy every student needs trusted adults—not just a great youth pastorPractical ways to reduce digital dependence inside your ministry"The whole world is Gen Alpha's neighborhood.""Students are receiving far more discipleship from their phones than from the church.""Stop talking at students. Start dialoguing with them.""Students don't just need to belong. They need to be needed.""The truth is stronger than the questions.""Youth ministry isn't just about entertaining students. It's about empowering disciples."Practical TakeawaysBuild your ministries that prioritize relationships over production.Teach students how to wrestle with suffering before suffering arrives.Assume less biblical knowledge and teach foundational Scripture intentionally.Create environments where questions are welcomed.Equip parents instead of replacing them.Help students practice presence in an age of constant distraction.Shift from event-centered ministry to disciple-making communities.Reaching Generation Alpha — Dr. Shelly Melia & Shane PruittSupport the showJoin the community!

Dave Kiehn talks with John Whiteaker about youth ministry in the local church, including some of the challenges for youth ministry, integrating youth into the life of the church, teaching the Bible to youth, and more.

Send us Fan MailStart the school year with a healthy, thriving youth ministry...let's work together to make it happen! Check out GrowYourYouthMinistry.com for more info - or feel free to email us at MinistryCoachPodcast@gmail.com with any questions ***  A Christian club at school can be one of the most effective ways to connect with students in your youth ministry and to reach students who maybe wouldn't normally come to church.  We talk through how to start a student led Christian club that feels welcoming, simple, and sustainable, especially during a tight lunch period where you have only 20-30 minutes to build community, share a short message, play a quick game and still let kids eat.In this episode, we will be discussing Christian Club resources (links below), benefits to partnering with organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). If FCA is not active in your area, we walk through what it looks like to launch from scratch and build a healthy student leadership team with the right adult mentoring. We also talk about various ways to be able to get on campus to reach students.  Finally, we give a simple “typical club” template / schedule to better utilize your time and give a bridge from school to church.RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:FCA: https://resources.fca.org/P7: https://upciyouth.com/resourcesCRU: https://www.cru.org/sg/en/ready/resources.htmlIntervarsity: https://intervarsity.org/Decision Point: https://decisionpoint.org/If you have it on your heart to support this ministry, please consider going to our Patreon page at: www.patreon.com/ministrycoach======= If you found this helpful, subscribe for more youth ministry strategy, share it with a youth leader who wants to reach their campus, and leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review so more youth pastors can find the show.=======You may also enjoy these episodes:(#265) 3 Unacceptable Mistakes that Youth Ministries Make With Event Planning(#285) 3 Common Mistakes Youth Pastors MUST AVOID in Their Youth Ministry=======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!=========

After The War came to Fellowship Baptist Church, Bobby reflects on the joy of watching God use the next generation, especially as his son David recruited teens, helped in the invitation, and personally led several young men to Christ. But the episode moves beyond one exciting week of outreach to a bigger challenge from the Great Commission: every Christian has a next mission. If you have received the gospel, your next step is to grow; and as you grow, God calls you to go help others grow too. Topics Discussed The return of The War under Austin Brownlee's leadership Watching God use young people in evangelism David Bosler recruiting teens and leading several to Christ The follow-up event after The War: “The Next Mission” Matthew 28 and the Great Commission The receiving side of the Great Commission: grow The sending side of the Great Commission: go Baptism as the first step after salvation Surrendering to God's next step in your life Helping others take their next step without pride or condescension Depending on Christ's presence and power to fulfill His mission Key Takeaways Every saved young person has a next step. The first step after salvation is believer's baptism. Christian growth does not stop with one decision; God wants obedience in all things. The Great Commission is not only something you receive, but something you obey. God calls growing Christians to help others grow. You do not have to feel fully prepared before God can use you. Christ's mission requires surrender, but it also comes with His enabling presence. God wants to use you to make a difference in someone else's life. If you've been encouraged by this podcast, please take the time to give us a five-star rating and write a brief review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and raising the visibility of the Thee Generation for others. For more faith inspiring resources and information about joining Thee Generation, please visit theegeneration.org.