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
155: Planning Ahead for Mission Trips
Mission trips can be life changing for students, but if they're not planned well, they can be disastrous. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve breaks down 3 crucial areas to focus on to set up our trips for the biggest impact. Links referenced in this episode: Save $25 off your Orange Conference 2025 … Continue reading 155: Planning Ahead for Mission Trips
154: Why Attend Conferences?
On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, we're talking about one thing you can do to both connect with others and grow in your ministry: conferences. Steve shares 3 reasons why they're important where you can find them. Links discussed in this episode: Steve's list of youth leader conferences is at https://stevecullum.com/2024/11/04/youth-pastor-conferences-2025/ Save $25 … Continue reading 154: Why Attend Conferences?
153: Theology of Fun and Games with Mike McGarry
Games in student ministry—some love them, some avoid them, but could they actually be a key tool for deeper discipleship? On this episode, Steve talks with Mike McGarry about the theology of fun and games—why they matter, how they can open the door to meaningful conversations, and how to use them effectively in your ministry. … Continue reading 153: Theology of Fun and Games with Mike McGarry