Switch Leader Podcast

We want to help students take a next step, and oftentimes, the first step can be the hardest one to take. However, it's certainly not the last one we want students to take. After taking a faith step, leadership step, or maturity step, we want to stop for a moment celebrate that win with our students. Afterwards though, it's time for them to take another step. So, what could that next step be?

So the title to this episode is obviously strange, and may leave you with some questions. The best question you could be asking, though, is "What matters most?" This week, James and Josh talk about what truly matters most, and how to protect it. 

There is no doubt we live in a culture that worships sexuality. Unfortunately, our students are right in the cross hares of this attack. This episode is focused solely on equipping you, so that you can be most prepared to help your students navigate these conversations, and even help them walk through challenges they may be facing themselves.  The Idol Of Sexuality notes  

We're nearing the end of the school near, so be careful not to coast. This week Josh talks with Nick Domesic about shifting gears during the summer months. Also, do you still have passion for Youth Ministry? 

Sometimes we're guilty of thinking that the way we see our situation is the only way to see it. This week, we talk about how to Change the Narrative, and how to train your students to do the same. 

You are a Switch Leader. That's obvious, why would I even make that statement? Well, because sometimes we hear that second part of our title so much that it just blends in and we forget how important it is. Being a leader isn't for everyone, but those who carry the title have a responsibility to carry out the meaning of the word. We are not here to take care of students for a few hours each week s...

Week 3 Questions From Leaders 1. How as a leader do you deal with burnout? - Josh 2. What do I do when my students don’t pay attention to the message? - James  3. Sometimes the teaching in the messages is hard for me to wrap my head around, let alone my students. What am I supposed to do on nights like that? - Kaitlyn 4. I started the semester with 10 students, and now I’m down to 2, if they even...

This week, Switch Content Writer and High School Girls Small Group Leader, Kaitlyn Caffrey, shares some of her thoughts on how to lead a great small group. In this episode, Kaitlyn takes notes straight out of Jesus' playbook, and theirs no doubt that it will be beneficial to you, just as it was to her. 

This week, James Meehan shares some of his experiences as a small group leader, and some tricks he's learned along the way. 

Do you love theme nights or do you hate theme nights? Either way, this episode is for you! Whether dressing like a hi-lighter for a glow night is your favorite vibe, or it makes you want to cry, our hope is that this conversation helps you approach those fun party nights with the best possible perspective and plan. 

Youth ministry is hard, and sometimes we just need reminded why we started doing this in the first place. This week, James and Josh try to help us remember why, and remind us what our role really is. 

In the final week of our Lead Small series, Youth Pastor, Jennifer Gordon, shares with us how to help students move to their next step. 

Do you know how to make your small group feel less like a small group, and more like a family? This week, Ellie Berry gives us some ideas about how to truly Make It Personal in your small group. 

This week we hear from Allyson Evans, the leader of NextGen at Life. Church. Ally offers great perspective in youth ministry, and in this episode she's talking about the "why" and "how" of Partnering With Parents!

This week we discuss the 2nd principle of Lead Small, which is to Create A Safe Place. Hear some great perspective from Youth Pastor, Matt Lamberth, as he shares his experiences as both a youth pastor and small group leader.    Key ideas: Following the Safety Non-Negotiables. Helping them feel accepted, just as they are. Creating an atmosphere where they feel comfortable sharing the real stuff.

This episode covers the first of the 5 keys to Leading Small. Being present seems obvious, but there are actually different way to be present in someone's life. Check out this weeks episode, and answer the question James asked. In which of the mentioned areas could you improve? 

Lead Small is not a new topic to this podcast, but we've never covered it in as much detail or with as much intentionality as we will during this new installment of "The Essentials". This week is an overview and sets the stage for the following 5 episodes. 

In this episode you'll hear the vision and strategy behind our new Switch series titled "Learning the Jesus Way of Life".  Series Guide: Learning the Jesus Way of Life 

Most Switch Leaders would acknowledge that the world teenagers are growing up in is very different than the world we grew up in. Disrespect seems to be at an all time high, but that doesn't mean the mission to reach students can slow down. If you serve in Switch, you NEED to hear this episode, because dealing with disrespectful students is inevitable, and when it happens you need to be ready. Show...

We all know those people who are so passionate that they make everyone around them passionate too! I have some good news to share. That could and maybe even should, be you! Check out this weeks episode with Josh Baldwin and Youth Pastor from Life. Church Mustang Campus, Tyler Crabtree.

How about those nights when Switch isn't meeting? Is that a bummer, or is it an opportunity? There's a good chance it's a little of both. Check out this weeks podcast with Josh Baldwin and Tyler Crabtree. 

Listen this week as our Lenexa Campus Youth Pastor, Alejandro Wirth, shares some of his story, and how it's impacted the way he lives his life. 

This week James Meehan shares details about what to expect during our first Switch series of 2023 titled "Christianity Deconstructed". As you may have guessed from the title, this is a series you will want to be extra prepared for, and you've come to just the right place for that! 

As we start a new year in Switch our leader, Vince Parker, takes some time to remind us what matters most. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! This is the final episode of the year. We talk about some dates to keep on your calendar, some simple ways to continue showing love to your students, and what we really do want for you most during Christmas Break.