Ending Hopelessness Podcast

 Jimmy and Tim come back together to interview Dr. Andy Root about the current state of youth ministry and discipleship. Dr. Root is the professor of theology of ministry, youth ministry, and culture at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN . Dr. Root is the Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry and have lately been thinking and writing on issues surrounding the intersection of faith and...

Dr. Griffith is an Associate Professor at Toccoa Falls College Ministry Leadership Department, a Youth Ministry Consultant, and a board member for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators. He has an undergraduate in Special Education, two masters in Theology and Organizational Leadership and a PhD in Youth, Family, and Culture. As a single pastor he adopted three sons “out of the system.” Out o...

In this episode Tim and Jimmy interview Amanda Svensk, Pastor of Next Generation at Church of the Open Door (https://www.thedoor.org/). We talk about the women that inspire us and Amanda shares how she got to where she is, what drives her, and what God is doing in her life. We also discuss the reality that 80+% of youth pastors are male and how that impacts her and her calling. Amanda is fun, insp...

Shawn and Isaiah are talented Youth Workers for TreeHouse. Isaiah is Korean American and Shawn is Japanese American. In this episode we get the privilege of hearing their stories, how they were called to ministry, and how their cultural identity impacts their relationships and faith.  Become a TreeHouse Site : Treehouse Goals : Volunteer : Events : Donate

Tim and Jimmy interview DJ Chaung.  DJ shares his mental health story and the amazing work he's doing partnering with Asian American churches to address mental health. He also provides guidance for youth workers working cross-culturally today. Tim and Jimmy share embarrassing middle school stories. DJ Chaung is the director and co-founder of Christian Asian Mental Health , a new initiative of...

If you stay in youth ministry long enough you will experience grief. Last week Dr. Mork gave priceless guidance when experiencing grief and this week we get to hear from three longtime youth ministers: Sam Randall, Mike Ashley, and Hector Calvo. They share difficult stories of grief, how it impacted their faith and ministry, and how God has been with them through it all.   Become a TreeHouse Site...

Join us as we talk to Dr. Melissa Mork about grief and how we can approach grief in a healthy way for ourselves and for the teens we serve.  Dr. Melissa Mork, Professor of Clinical is Professor of Clinical Psychology for the Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. She is a Certified Humor Professional, Grief Coach, author of the b...

 In this round table discussion we talk about statistics, scenarios and the potential consequences of how abuse can affect a teens life short and long term. We also dive into how to approach it programmatically as well as through mentoring along with the sensitive space in having to engage family, guardians or other outside parties. Become a TreeHouse Site : Treehouse Goals : Volunteer : Events :...

In this episode, you’ll hear Phil's story of addiction, struggle, and triumph through his adolescents and into adulthood. You'll hear about the power of a safe place that reminded him of God's love and calling on his life. You'll hear about the impact a mentor can have if they don't give up.  Phil's story reminds us that what youth workers do matters and when we keep...

In this episode, our roundtable hosts return. They discuss teen trends and discover that Mike is the master of what is cool. They also explore what it takes to create a safe program that can work for teens who are experiencing challenges. Their experience and expertise provides numerous nuggets that can help your program deepen its impact.  Learn more or get involved at treehousehope.org Become a...

In this episode, we reconnect with Treehouse alum Destiny as she shares how life's unexpected turns can be exciting, challenging, fulfilling, and even scary. Destiny has an amazing family but mental health and gang involvement caused significant challenges. Through it all, Destiny found a safe place in TreeHouse, a faith-filled, loving, and safe space; where she could be herself. TreeHouse ga...

This episode introduces our round table hosts, Tim Cryer, Michelle Livingston, and Mike Ashley.  We focus on the ‘why’ behind those called into youth work, how they got started, and why they stay in it. Additionally, this episode looks closely at the statistics, trends, and surprising facts about the current state of teen mental health and the limited resources available. Finally, we dive into how...

TreeHouse trains and equips nonprofits and churches to create grace-based programs and environments for teens experiencing hopelessness. Scott Volltrauer has been doing youth work at TreeHouse for over 30 years. Youth workers don’t typically last very long, especially if they work with teens experiencing hopelessness. Scott shares what has sustained him over the last three decades, what TreeHouse...