ETCH with Chuck Peters

Small churches may not have the biggest budgets, largest staffs, or endless resources, but they have something incredibly valuable: people who know one another deeply . Chuck Peters interviews Pastor Steve Acklin about the unique opportunities and challenges of bi-vocational ministry and serving kids and students in a small church. Together, they explore how leaders can embrace the strengths of sm...

What does courageous leadership look like when the future feels uncertain? In today's episode, Chuck Peters sits down with Lifeway's Director of Women's Ministry, Andrea Lennon, to talk about leading faithfully and courageously when circumstances are unpredictable and the path ahead isn’t clear. Andrea offers wisdom and encouragement for ministry leaders who are facing challenges, c...

What happens when the ministry role you thought you’d have for years suddenly changes? Chuck Peters sits down with David Reed and Jay Barbier for an honest and encouraging conversation about ministry transitions, unexpected change, and discovering that a new season doesn’t mean your calling is over. David and Jay share their personal experiences of navigating significant transitions in ministry, i...

Ministry leadership can feel like there is always one more meeting, one more email, one more need, and one more thing demanding your attention. But how do you manage the demands of ministry without allowing your schedule to manage you? Chuck Peters sits down with Matt Flanagan to talk about the realities of an overwhelming ministry schedule and how leaders can develop healthier, more sustainable r...

What does it look like to keep the gospel at the center of everything we do in kids and student ministry? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters sits down with Aaron Wilson to talk about the importance of building ministry around the gospel rather than simply teaching good lessons or helping kids and students become better people. Aaron shares why every Bible story points us t...

What do Americans really believe about God, truth, and Jesus, and how are those beliefs shaping the next generation? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research to unpack the latest findings from the State of Theology. Together, they explore how cultural shifts, biblical literacy, and personal views of truth influence discipleship a...

What if cultivating joy isn't just about changing your circumstances, but changing the way you lead, think, and respond? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters talks with Nicole Zasowski about the connection between Scripture, neuroscience, and emotional health.  Discover how understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions can help you navigate cha...

What does it take to help the next generation develop a faith that endures long after they leave home? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters is joined by Paul Worcester for a practical and encouraging conversation about preparing students for lifelong discipleship. Together, they explore what it means to build a faith that remains rooted in Christ through the transitions of h...

Generation Alpha is growing up in a world unlike any generation before them. From artificial intelligence to constant digital connection, today's kids are being shaped by technology in ways that present both incredible opportunities and significant discipleship challenges. In this special crossover episode, Chuck Peters from the ETCH Next Gen Podcast joins Jana Magruder from Kids Ministry Cal...

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters sits down with Zac Workun to talk about the value of pursuing formal education in ministry and why lifelong learning matters for leaders who want to serve the next generation well. Zac shares practical wisdom on balancing school, ministry, work, and family while pursuing continued education. Together, Chuck and Zac explore how formal educ...

How can the church faithfully respond to questions of gender and sexual identity with both biblical truth and Christlike compassion? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters sits down with Kyla Gillespie to hear her powerful story of discovering her true identity in Christ. Through her personal journey, Kyla offers hope for anyone wrestling with questions of identity while equip...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, communicate, and relate to one another. But what does it mean for discipleship? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Josh Straub to explore how AI is shaping the next generation and what ministry leaders and parents need to understand as technology continues to transform everyday life. Together, they di...

Healthy ministry begins with a healthy heart. In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters welcomes Tasha Calvert for a thoughtful conversation about the importance of personal holiness in the life of every ministry leader. Together, they explore why spiritual formation isn't just preparation for ministry—it is the foundation of faithful leadership. Tasha shares practical encou...

Why are so many young people walking away from their faith, and what can churches and families do to change that? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Chuck Peters sits down with Pastor Doug Hankins to discuss the realities facing today's students and the opportunities the church has to equip them for lifelong faith. Together, they explore the cultural shifts shaping the next genera...

Somebody will hurt you in ministry. Sometimes it’s loud criticism, sometimes it’s quiet silence, and sometimes it’s the kind of misunderstanding that makes you wonder if leading is worth it. We sit down with Bible teacher, ministry leader, and author Yana Jenay Conner to talk about what to do when offense shows up inside the church and how to keep your heart soft when you’ve been wounded. Yana fra...

One background check can make us feel responsible, but it cannot make our church safe. We sit down with Kris Buckman to talk plainly about sexual abuse prevention and what Next Gen leaders can actually implement in kids ministry and student ministry without getting overwhelmed. We unpack why training has to come first, how awareness changes culture, and what grooming patterns and offender behavior...

You can run every event on the calendar and still feel like discipleship is slipping through your fingers. That tension is at the heart of this conversation with Vic Green, co-author of Movement Ready Church.  Chuck and Vick dig into a hard but freeing idea: disciple making is not a button you press, and it is not a program you tack on. A disciple-making movement starts with spiritual renewal. Vic...

What if one of the most powerful leadership tools you have isn't a strategy, curriculum, or program, but simply your presence? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast , Dr. Kimberly and Dr. Joe Beam share practical wisdom from years of ministry and leadership, exploring how intentionally showing up for others can transform your relationships, your team, and your ministry. Together, they...

How can we help the next generation stand firm in a culture constantly shaping their beliefs, values, and identity? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with author and Bible teacher Elizabeth Woodson to discuss her book, The Seven Habits of Resistance . Together, they explore the cultural pressures facing young people today—from social media-driven identity formati...

Want to grow as a leader? Pick up a book! In a world filled with quick clips and shallow content, the leaders who rise are the ones who learn deeply — page by page. In this rich and energizing episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the transformative power of reading for leadership development. They explore the timeless wisdom found in classic leadership books, share their personal reading...

Screens are everywhere, but sacred spaces are disappearing. In a world where digital noise dominates our attention, how do we help the next generation hear the voice of God? In this powerful episode Jesse and Sarah Siegand dive deep into the challenges and strategies of discipling students in a digital world. The speakers unpack what it looks like to guide kids and teens toward meaningful faith fo...

What happens when ministry leaders see their schools, neighborhoods, and everyday rhythms not as obstacles — but as mission fields? In this live episode recorded at the ETCH Next Gen Ministry Conference , Justin Holcomb shares powerful, practical wisdom on what it really means to love your community and connect with students in meaningful ways. From engaging with schools to supporting families, th...

What separates leaders who maintain ministries from those who multiply them?  In this episode, Jeff Wallace joins Chuck Peters for an honest and insightful conversation on the habits that define effective leadership. From leading with vision to choosing growth over comfort, Jeff unpacks the disciplines that develop both your character and your capacity. Whether you’re leading a team, a ministry, o...

What if the most spiritually transformative thing happening in your church isn’t on stage, but in a classroom, holding a goldfish cracker? In this episode, Chuck Peters and Steve Hample unpack the real impact of volunteering in children’s and family ministry — not just for kids, but for the adults who serve them. From personal growth and discipleship to leadership development and prayerful investm...

Stepping into ministry can feel like being handed a map… with no directions. Whether you’re a brand-new leader or guiding others who are, the early stages of ministry are filled with both calling and chaos. In this episode, Chuck Peters is joined with Amanda Mejias and Delanee Williams, and together they unpack what it really takes to equip, support, and sustain new ministry leaders so they can th...