Why is it so important that we raise up the next generation of leaders? And where do we send them to further their training, especially when the process of sorting through schools can be so overwhelming. And how do we even afford Christian higher education anyway? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Denise Cunningham from North American Coalition for Christian Administrations Professionals (NACCAP) about the state of Christian Colleges, where to find good ones, and how to help students and you get access to solid ministry training.
191: The Comparison Game
The comparison game is real, and it's hard to avoid, even popping up in places we don't expect it. On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares some simple yet profound advice another pastor gave him that really impacted his outlook on ministry, especially when he was just starting out at a new church.
190: Developing Leaders with Doug Franklin
How can we get more volunteers, set them up for success, do student leadership well, and keep ourselves from burning out? What should we be focusing on as we develop leaders and build a ministry for longterm impact? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Doug Franklin about all things leadership!
189: Symphony of Prayer
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.
188: The Power of Praying Students with Aubrie Kimbrough
What could happen if we encourage students to pray for their local schools, and they actually do it? Could we see fighting stop, grades go up, and God move among the students, teachers, and faculty? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Aubrie Kimbrough from Claim Your Campus, who shares stories of transformation and some free resources that will change your students and change your local schools.
187: How to Get Connected
Did you know we were never meant to do ministry alone? And yet so many leaders do. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares all about National Network of Youth Ministries and provides a simple way you can partner with others to make a greater united impact on the next generation.
186: Victory Beyond the Cup with Heather Reddy
What could happen if we were really intentional with outreach and evangelism, especially around one of the biggest world events, like the World Cup? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Heather Reddy about her own soccer experience and how that eventually led her to work with Cru and then leading their big World Cup outreach initiative called Victory Beyond the Cup.
185: What to Do When You’re New
What do you do when you’re just starting a new student ministry? What should you focus on? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares 10 tips on how to start well at a new ministry, whether you’re in your very first ministry or you’re about to start at your 10th church. And if you're not in a situation like this right now, these tips can also help you take an inventory of where you are in your current ministry and help to identify some areas you can work on, even if you’ve been there for a while.
184: Student Ministry Staffing with Todd Rhoades
What do we need to know about student ministry staffing in 2026? What do we need to pay attention to? What can we do to improve it? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Todd Rhoades of Chemistry Staffing about his recent research and what we can learn from it.
183: Shepherding the Teenage Mind with Tomy Cummins
What role does mental health play in ministry, and how can we create safe spaces for open conversations? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve dives into this critical topic with Tomy Cummins, student ministry veteran and author of "Shepherds of the Mind."