First a Follower Podcast

Cory is joined by Glenn Packiam and Chip Pierce for a conversation centered around resiliency. Glenn Packiam ( glennpackiam.com ) is the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, CA, and a Senior Fellow at Barna Group. He is the author of,  “What’s a Christian, Anyway? Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption”  (March, 2025), along with eight other books, including two bestselle...

In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson to discuss mental health awareness and resources related to suicide prevention in young people today. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ( https://988lifeline.org/ ). Please note: This episode shares a variety of helpful intervention resources. As you consider how to u...

Join us as we discuss the power of listening to the next generation with Dr. Josh Packard and Siouxland YFC staff member Drew Curiel. Josh Packard, Ph. D., is one of the foremost experts in the spiritual lives of modern American youth and an accomplished researcher in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. He has authored numerous books and articles in both popular and ac...

Join us as we sit down with co-author of the book, Slow Theology , Nijay Gupta, and friend of YFC USA's Leader Formation team, Myron Bernard, to chat about building resilient faith. Myron Bernard currently serves as Deputy Director at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, where he oversees operations and works to advance holistic support for individuals experiencing homelessness. He previously served wit...

We're joined by Dr. Todd Korpi and YFC USA's HyunJin Fisher to chat about how A.I. is already affecting our ministry to the next generation and how it will continue to do so in the future. Dr. Korpi ( https://www.toddkorpi.com/ ) has served with his wife Tara in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years. Together they lead a ministry that resources and provides strategic consultation to churches and C...

Cory is joined by Fuller Youth Institute's Brad Griffin and YFC USA's Dr. Jessi Sigander to discuss what's important to Generation Alpha and how we can engage with them on the topic of faith. Brad Griffin is the Senior Director of Content & Research for the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based resources for youth ministry leaders & families. A speaker, write...

Cory chats with author and pastor Dr. Derwin Gray and YFC USA's COO Ali King about unity in the body of Christ live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026. Dr. Gray (https://www.derwinlgray.com/) is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community, just outside of Charlotte, NC. He is also the...

Cory chats with author and pastor Drew Hyun, and Miami/Broward Youth For Christ staff member Angel Terrero about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026. Drew Hyun is the founder and lead pastor of Hope Church NYC (https://www.hopechurchnyc.org/), a diverse church with three locations in New York City. He is also the Executive...

Cory chats with author and apologist Lisa Fields and Central Minnesota YFC Ministry Director Matt Hebert on the nuances of apologetics live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026. Lisa Fields (https://lisavfields.com/) is the founder and CEO of Jude 3 Project (https://jude3project.org/), producer of two documentaries: "Unspoken," and "Juneteenth: Fa...

What does it mean to be "First a Follower" and why did we pick that name for this podcast? Nina Edwards came up with it, so let's ask her! We also have youth ministry legend, Lynn Ziegenfuss, joining us to unpack why abiding is not only incredibly important, but crucial to thriving in ministry. Nina Edwards has served in Youth for Christ For almost 38 years, both as part of a local c...

Cory Huffman, Megan Packard and Chip Pierce discuss what they are noticing about the mental health of youth ministry leaders and the young people they encounter. They share challenges faced by different generations in working with today's youth and how people of any age can best come alongside young people by slowing down and paying attention to their own mental health as a leader. Megan Packa...

Cory Huffman chats with Author, Professor, and Pastor, Dr. A.J. Swoboda, and Youth For Christ USA President, Jake Bland, about what it looks like to be teachable as followers of Christ, touching on topics raised in Dr. Swoboda's new book: "A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone." Visit https://ajswoboda.com/ to subscribe to A.J.'...

Check out this teaser to learn more about our new podcast and get excited for our first episode dropping on January 30th, 2026.  Hear from the show's host Cory Huffman as he connects with YFC USA President, Jake Bland to hear why he is excited about the new show! Youth For Christ USA's First a Follower Podcast aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities youth ministry leaders f...