Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast

On this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric Miller sits down with longtime youth ministry leader Walt Mueller—founder of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU)—for a laid-back conversation packed with perspective for anyone serving students today. Listen as the two talk about Walt's decades in student ministry, how CPYU started (and why helping parents understand thei...

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric Miller sits down with retired pastor and missionary Norman Schrock. Norman has worn a lot of hats (pastor, missionary, teacher, interim leader… even a few you wouldn't expect), and he shares the kind of perspective you only get through years of faithful ministry, hard seasons, and God's steady refinement. Together they talk about how...

It's the holiday season 🎄—and we're doing things a little differently. Eric is joined by Donny Varney for a relaxed, joy-filled conversation. Together, they reflect on the past year, talk about what it's been like stepping into new seasons of ministry, and share why this time of year invites both gratitude and hope. It's honest, lighthearted, and deeply encouraging—without trying to rush past the...

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with David Wood — pastor, magician, and founder of Generation Echo — for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, honest, and challenging. Recorded in sunny Southern California, this episode dives into David's unique journey into ministry, how magic unexpectedly became part of his calling, and how God has been weaving to...

In this episode, Eric sits down with Anita for an honest, moving conversation that weaves together faith, family, loss, and the relentless grace of God. What begins as a story about growing up in a Christian home quickly unfolds into something much deeper—moments of youthful confidence, quiet compromise, and a life-altering turning point that forced Anita to wrestle with shame, fear, and trust in...

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down at Momentum Youth Conference with speaker, author, and professor Christopher Yuan—someone whose story, teaching, and clarity on biblical identity have had a deep impact on students year after year. Christopher had just finished speaking in the main session and leading a packed Power Track when he joined us for this conversat...

On this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with longtime friend and teammate Timothy Lansing for a heartfelt conversation about growing up in ministry, discovering calling, and the surprising ways God uses ordinary moments to shape extraordinary stories. Both Eric and Tim share pieces of their journey—from their earliest encounters with Momentum to the life-changing...

What happens when a simple step of obedience from a high school student sparks a movement of prayer, evangelism, and spiritual leadership? In this special episode recorded live at Momentum Youth Conference, Eric sits down with three students who are living proof that God uses willing hearts at any age. You'll meet Nick, Ariana, and Nathan—each with a story that makes you ask, What could God do thr...

What happens when you take more than 30 years of student-ministry experience, a nationwide research project, and a passion for seeing teenagers boldly share the gospel—and put it all into one conversation? In today's episode, Eric sits down with  Greg Stier , founder of Dare 2 Share, to talk about why students are uniquely positioned to reach their peers and how youth pastors can build ministries...

What if students realized their school was a mission field? 💭 In this episode, Eric sits down with Travis Deans, the visionary behind Nine Month Mission Trip , for a conversation full of passion, purpose, and practical steps any student can take to live on mission. From the simple "pray, care, share" framework to the reminder that there's no junior Holy Spirit , Travis shares how God is moving th...

When God changes your life, everything changes. 🙌 In this episode, Doug Elks joins Eric for a powerful conversation about surrender, calling, and bold faith. From his days as a D1 basketball player to the moment he fully gave his life to Jesus, Doug shares how God turned his passion into purpose through AIM Missions. They talk about what it means to live on mission, how to boldly share your faith...

What happens when viral generosity meets gospel purpose? In this episode, Jimmy Darts joins Eric for a powerful conversation about faith, obedience, and using every opportunity to point people to Jesus. From a Billy Graham video that changed his life to his viral Kindness Challenge videos, Jimmy shares how God turned his online platform into a tool for hope and generosity. They talk about the hear...

Ministry isn't "his lane" or "her lane"—it's our lane. Here's how churches can equip both genders to lead well. In this episode, Kadi Cole joins Eric for a powerful conversation on how ministry leaders—regardless of gender—can effectively disciple both male and female students. What does it look like to build trust across gender lines, avoid awkwardness, and lead with gospel-centered confidence? L...

What keeps a pastor going when ministry feels heavy? In this episode, Eric sits down with Pastor Tony Livigni from Grace Church Medina East Campus to unpack the power of deep friendships, healthy rhythms, and how God uses relationships to sustain us in ministry. Tony shares personal stories....From sleeping on folding tables on his Momentum Travel Team days, to seeing his own son pray for him befo...

In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, Eric sits down with longtime pastor and Love Pastors founder Gary Underwood for a candid, hope-filled conversation about what truly encourages church leaders—far beyond a once-a-year card. From the "Monday email" reality to the hidden burdens that can leave pastors feeling unseen, listen as we unpack why personalized care matters more than generic gifts, how...

What happens when childhood trauma shows up years later in your ministry? How do you keep leading when grief and brokenness feel overwhelming? And what if the very pain you've been trying to avoid is the place God wants to bring healing? In this episode, Dr. Brad Johnson joins Eric Miller for a powerful conversation on unhealed wounds, grief, and the cycles that repeat "over and over" until we let...

Kicking off Season 5, we go behind the scenes to talk vision, legacy, and where we're headed next...👀 Host Eric Miller sits down with President Jeff Bogue and new Vice President Donny Varney to remember our roots, honor those who laid our foundations & discipleship DNA, and unpack why our heartbeat is to serve—not compete with—the local church. But how do you carry forward a leader's legacy witho...

In this episode, we're joined by Kyle Hoffsmith—youth pastor at Old North Church and host of The Word in Youth Ministry podcast—for a powerful conversation about rethinking the typical youth group model. Instead of relying on games, pizza, and surface-level engagement, Kyle has built a student ministry rooted in God's Word and rich theology—even for middle and high schoolers. He shares practical s...

In this episode, Eric sits down with Maggie Olmedo, longtime partner of Momentum, to talk about how ministry leaders can better serve students who think, learn, and experience the world differently. They explore common misunderstandings and practical ways churches can create environments where every student can thrive. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we...

On this week's episode, Eric is joined by Todd Pearage as the two have an insightful conversation on youth ministry, and specifically what Youth Pastors need most in today's world.  Youth Leader Oasis Website  Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportuni...

Join Eric Miller and Vice President Donny Varney this week as they discuss the different levels of vision in ministry and the work of building God's Kingdom. Visit www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we partner with local churches to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryP...

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is joined by Jared Stewart of Video Game Ministries. Listen as the two discuss how to leverage the world of online gaming for the gospel. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow M...

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, join Eric Miller and Donny Varney as the two discuss how to embrace obstacles in ministry as they share their personal experiences on the topic. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow...

This week on the podcast, Eric is joined by Bryce Johnson as the two discuss how to leverage the community of fantasy sports for the Gospel and advancement of the Kingdom.  Learn more about Bryce's ministry through these websites! 💻 www.unpackinit.com https://www.fantasyfootballfellowship.com Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with loca...

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is joined by Ian Shire of Authentic Intimacy. Ian is the Leader Program Manager and is on the front lines of serving our leader community. He has a passion for encouraging men and women toward Christlike sexual integrity. Ian joined the ministry of Authentic Intimacy in 2023 with the role of training and supporting pastors and leaders to en...