Switch Leader Podcast

In Switch we often talk about how we are a family. For some that makes sense because they're living it, but other's may not have found that yet. Regardless of the group you fall in, you won't want to miss getting to hear the testimony from our guest this week! 

In addition to Switch on Wednesday nights, students have the opportunity to be a Student Leader in the church by serving in a ministry on the weekends. We have found that this is one of the best ways for students to gain community, and take ownership in their faith development. Since we know it's a valuable step for them to take, let's talk about how you as a Switch Leader can play a valuable role...

This is the final episode of our "Leader Essentials" series, and we're talking about how you can continue to grow as a leader is each aspect of your life. Thank you for committing to this 10 part series. Now, it's time to finish strong! 

This episode will give you some useful ideas to help connect with students and even to help you as a leader set healthy expectations for group.

It's important that you understand the students you're trying so hard to reach. Remember, the norms that you grew up with are not the norms they are growing up with. In this episode you'll learn some important things to know about this generation of teenagers. The more you can understand them, the better you'll be able to reach them. 

You don't have to be in student ministry long to realize that partnering with parents is essential, but it can also be challenging. This episode aims to give some practical ways to do it well, and provide the vision to help remind you why it matters so much.

Josh & James talk with Youth Pastor Matt Lamberth about the what it means to "Lead Small". Want to be the best you can be for the students in Switch? Take notes of this weeks episode and work to apply the concepts to your life and leadership.  1: Be Present 2: Create a Safe Place 3: Partner With Parents 4: Make It Personal 5: Move Them Out

It's time for a new Switch series and in this one we'll be teaching from 1 John. This week James breaks down the series so we can be prepared before we show up to Switch each week. Remember, the more prepared and excited you are, the more prepared and excited your students will be! 

A few times throughout the year at Switch we throw a big party, but SwitchFest is the biggest of them all! This week on the podcast, Josh Baldwin and Tyler Crabtree talk about the vision behind why we do these parties in the first place, and how you can walk away felling success! 

This week is a special treat as we get to hear from the leader of all NextGen Ministry at Life. Church, Allyson Evans. To know her is to love her, and you’ll soon understand why. She is our guest for this weeks topic for a reason. Ally truly understands the value of “Making It Personal”, and lives it out in her life. Make sure to listen and share, you don’t want to miss this episode!

For the 4th week of our "The Essentials" training series we're talking about one of the most key elements to you being a great leader in every aspect of life. In this episode James Meehan, Alison McCraw, and Josh Baldwin talk about the value of integrity. 

Want to be a better leader, but find yourself wondering if you have what it takes, or if you even have the margin? Check out episode 3 of Leader Essentials to hear Gavin Espinoza, Kaitlyn Caffrey, and Josh Baldwin talk about a better way to lead. 

During this episode Kaitlyn and Josh discuss the next Switch series and how leaders can be most prepared for whats coming!

In the second episode of our The Essentials training series we are talking about 3 key aspects of pursuing Jesus passionately.    Recommended Bible Plan: Becoming Like Jesus: Silence & Solitude  

This is episode 1 of a Switch Leader Training series called "The Essentials". If you've been around Switch for a long time this is definitely for you! Also, if you're brand new to Switch, this training series is definitely for you too! You won't want to miss a week, so make sure you subscribe, and commit to listening and growing each week. In episode 1 we'll soak up some wisdom from James and Kait...

Being present and living in the moment is absolutely important and something we often miss the mark on. However, planning ahead is a valuable skill to master as well. During this episode, James and Josh talk about the importance of these two things in youth ministry.

We're so excited for Switch to be back! Kaitlyn and James take a deep dive into explaining the vision of the content for the month of August. Make sure you don't miss this one, it will set you up for the next month of Switch experiences! 

We're excited to kick off a new year of Switch IRL! Whether you're new to Switch or you've been around for a while, this episode is to help you start the school year off with a clear understanding of what it means to win in your role. This week we get to hear from the leader of the entire youth ministry at Life. Church, Vince Parker. 

We're heading into summer break and want to make the most of it. Listen as we talk through ideas on how to build relationships in the summer and how to set goals to make sure it happens! 

We know that consistency as leaders is vital, but what does it look like to challenge our students to do the same? This week we talk with Kaitlyn and Gabi about some practical ways for you to influence your students during the summer months to be fully devoted followers of Christ! 

We know connecting with parents is important, but it's also very difficult. Adding summer time to an already challenging aspect of youth ministry can feel like one more ride on the struggle bus. This week we talk about some practical ways for you to partner with parents and how to get some significant wins in this area over the summer! 

Switch is continuing on into the summer this year and we're excited about what that could mean for our students who want to stay connected! However, we also want Switch leaders to have healthy rhythms of rest as they set the example for students. In this episode James Meehan shares some healthy expectations for us as leaders, and how those expectations translate to our students. 

Do you know a student who seems to never pay attention to the message or share anything of significance in small group? Some of you may have an entire small group that way! The good news is that just because a student isn't engaging the way we'd prefer, that doesn't mean they aren't growing. In this episode, James Meehan shares some of his experiences around this topic, and how to win in this seas...

Accountability matters more than we like to think. It's not just about having someone tell you when you're messing up, it about having someone you trust enough to help you live your life closer to God's plan. Our students need that from us! Listen as Tommy Stegmaier shares some wisdom on how we can do this well. 

Whether you're a rookie or a veteran in Switch, the basics are always going to be important. Tavares Johnson talks through 5 key things to do if you want to have meaningful relationships with Switch students that will lead to a lasting impact.    These key ideas come from a great book that we recommend called Lead Small: Five Big Ideas Every Small Group Leader Needs To Know .