How can we leverage all the amazing things that our students experience at summer camps and mission trips for the entire school year, helping students continue to grow in their faith and share it with their friends? Travis Deans returns to talk with Steve about moving from summer camp to the school campuses. Links referenced … Continue reading 164: From Summer Camp to School Campuses with Travis Deans
BONUS: Youth Leaders, I need your help!
Hey, youth leaders! I’m working on a nation-wide research project, and I’d love your help! We’re trying to answer this big question: What helps youth pastors thrive and stick around longer in ministry? We deeply believe that when a youth leader thrives—in their relationship with God, in healthy partnerships with others, and in making disciples—students … Continue reading BONUS: Youth Leaders, I need your help!
163: Discipleship Beyond the Program
What if discipleship isn’t just about your weekly youth night? What if the real growth actually happens outside of your program? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks about what it means to disciple students beyond the structure—and how summer and back-to-school season give us a great opportunity to do exactly that. Links … Continue reading 163: Discipleship Beyond the Program
162: Discipling Teen Girls with Krista McBroom
What does it look like to disciple teen girls well—and how can youth leaders do that in a healthy, intentional way? On this episode, Steve talks with Krista McBroom, who is passionate about making girls’ ministry a vital part of every student ministry, and she’s ready to help your church create space for teen girls … Continue reading 162: Discipling Teen Girls with Krista McBroom
161: Discipleship with 3 Questions
We all know that discipleship is important, but what does it look like with a teenager? And how can we also make sure our teams and even ourselves are growing as disciples? Maybe it's as simple as 3 questions.
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
159: Experimenting On the Margins
Want to try new ideas in your ministry without blowing up your program? In this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re talking about a simple way to test fresh ideas while keeping your core ministry strong.
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
157: What’s in a Ministry Name?
Does every ministry need a catchy name? Should it match your church’s branding—or stand out on its own? And what if your youth group’s name already sounds like a dozen others? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’ll break down six essential questions to ask before naming—or renaming—your ministry or program, so you can … Continue reading 157: What’s in a Ministry Name?
156: Collaborating for Bigger Impact with Dan Lynch
Ever wondered how collaboration among churches can create a powerful outreach opportunity? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Dan Lynch about his faith journey and his experience guiding about 50 churches that collaborate every year for camp. They talk about what it takes to create an impactful, large-scale youth retreat with … Continue reading 156: Collaborating for Bigger Impact with Dan Lynch