Student Ministry is tough sometimes, and there are a lot of reason why you’ve probably thought about leaving, but there are also many more reasons why you should stay. So how do we stay? What are the things we need to focus on in order to stick around for the long haul? Well, get ready, … Continue reading 176: Staying Power with Jody Livingston
175: The Future of Student Ministry
Where is student ministry going in the future? What are the trends we need to be paying attention to in our churches, and what should we be doing with the research we’re seeing? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re kicking off 2026 focusing on the future of student ministry and how God might … Continue reading 175: The Future of Student Ministry
166: See You at the Pole with Rick Eubanks
How can the simple act of students praying for their school ignite not only changes within their school but also a global movement of prayer for over 35 years? On this episode, Steve is joined by Rick Eubanks to talk about the history of See You at the Pole, hear some amazing stories about what … Continue reading 166: See You at the Pole with Rick Eubanks
160: Supporting Teachers as Youth Leaders with Mike Hicks
What if we began seeing school teachers as youth leaders on the mission field of the public school? How could we support them, equip them, and empower them as the church? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Mike Hicks of Christian Educators and Lift America about all that and more. … Continue reading 160: Supporting Teachers as Youth Leaders with Mike Hicks
158: Bible Engagement with Dr. Ken Castor
What if your students actually wanted to read the Bible—and understood it when they did? On this episode, Steve talks with student ministry veteran Dr. Ken Castor about how we can help teenagers engage Scripture in ways that are meaningful, lasting, and life-changing. From writing a year-long devotional to helping create an entire youth Bible, … Continue reading 158: Bible Engagement with Dr. Ken Castor
151: Unlocking Ministry Potential with Derry Prenkert
What if you could unlock a deeper understanding of how you work best in ministry? What if a simple tool could help you and your team thrive instead of just survive? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with veteran youth pastor and ministry coach Derry Prenkert about the power of ministry coaching, … Continue reading 151: Unlocking Ministry Potential with Derry Prenkert
140: Single, Dating, Friendships, and Romance with Heather Flies and Tony Myles
How can we go beyond just teaching about singleness, dating, friendships, and romance at youth group? What if there was a resource that walked students through all of those topics in just 4 weeks, addressing many of the answers they already have, and offering solid interactive questions that were rooted in Scripture? Thankfully, our guests … Continue reading 140: Single, Dating, Friendships, and Romance with Heather Flies and Tony Myles
134: GLS NextGen with Jenna Istvanik and Mariana Rubinec
How can we train up the next generation of leaders? The Global Leadership Summit has been thinking about that very question and they're ready to answer. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we talk with Jenna Istvanik and Mariana Rubinec, two young leaders from GLS NextGen about what we can expect from this year's … Continue reading 134: GLS NextGen with Jenna Istvanik and Mariana Rubinec
129: Recovering After Being Fired with Kyle Isabelli
Have you ever been fired or maybe in a ministry that just wasn’t working? And then wondered how you can bounce back from that? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Kyle Isabelli, pastor and author of Refined by the Fire(d), shares about his experience with getting fired and how God refined him through it … Continue reading 129: Recovering After Being Fired with Kyle Isabelli
120: Equipping Parents to be Spiritual Leaders with Sam McDowell
What does it look like to not only share Jesus with the next generation but to also equip parents as the spiritual leaders in their homes? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’ll talk with Sam McDowell, author of Parent Equip, about what all of that means and share some practical steps on how … Continue reading 120: Equipping Parents to be Spiritual Leaders with Sam McDowell