The Effective Ministry Podcast

Welcome back to the Effective Ministry Podcast! In this episode of the Effective Ministry podcast, hosts Al James and co-host Harriet Connor from the Timeless Parenting podcast conclude a three-part series on identity, healthy sexuality, and gender identity. They speak with Patricia and Kamal Weerakoon co-authors of 'The Gender Revolution' with Rob Smith. The discussion delves into the biblical an...

Welcome back to the Effective Ministry Podcast! Join hosts Al James and Anne Cunningham (Timeless Parenting Podcast) for part two of a three-part series on identity, healthy sexuality, and gender identity. In this episode, Al and Anne speak with Patricia and Kamal Weerakoon about the healthy sexuality from Biblical Christian perspective. Patricia, a Christian sexologist and author, and her son Kam...

Welcome back to the Effective Ministry Podcast! The first in a three part series on Identity, Sexuality and Gender, in this episode, Al James sits down with Simon Swadling to explore the phrase 'finding your identity in Christ.' They discuss the pressures young people face around identity, why the phrase might be more harmful than helpful, and its lack of biblical backing. Simon shares his thought...

Tim Beilharz has left the building! :-( And an announcement about a 3 part special on "Identity" starting next Wednesday: 1) What's wrong with finding your identity in Christ - Simon Swadling - Wednesday 18th September 2) Sexuality - Patricia and Kamal Weerakoon - in Partnership with Growing Faith Timeless Parenting Podcast - Wed 2nd October 3) Gender - Patricia and Kamal Weerakoon - in Partnershi...

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James sits down with Tim Beilharz, a much loved and appreciated children's ministry advisor who is finishing up in his role at Youthworks after 12 years. Tim shares his experiences, his thoughts on the future of youth and children's ministry, and talks with Al about topics like the importance of intergenerational relationships, the necessity of...

How to Start an Effective Youth Ministry from Scratch | Effective Ministry Podcast In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, we discuss how to start an effective youth ministry in your church. Join us as we talk with Danny Mitchell, the youth and young adults pastor at Ann Street Presbyterian in Brisbane, and a former youth ministry network consultant with the Presbyterian church in Queen...

It is almost time for House Conference and Tim Beilharz is joined by Myles Elton ( St James, Croydon ) and Naomi de Vries ( The Bridge Church ) to talk about the problem of sin. Together, they delve into the academic papers to be presented at House, seeking to help theology shape practice in our ministry to children and youth. They focus on the ways to understand and communicate the concept of sin...

This week, Tim Beilharz brings in two more ‘Postcards From Chicago’—short interviews with fellow presenters at this year’s Children's Spirituality Summit . Traci Smith ( Faithful Families ) shares about integrating faith practices into daily family life and her research with Dave Csinos on family faith practices and their real-life impacts. Then Stacy Davis ( Dallas Theological Seminary ) shares h...

House Conference Special: Exploring the Doctrine of Sin with Michael Jensen and Tom Habib In this special double episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James introduces audio readings of Papers for House Conference on the doctrine of sin by theologians Rev Dr Michael Jensen and Rev Dr Tom Habib. Episode 59 features Michael Jensen's paper, 'It's a Sin: Recovering the Language of Sin,' w...

House Conference Special: Exploring the Doctrine of Sin with Michael Jensen and Tom Habib In this special double episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James introduces two Papers for House Conference on the doctrine of sin by theologians Rev Dr Michael Jensen and Rev Dr Tom Habib. This episode (ep 069) features Michael Jensen's paper, 'It's a Sin: Recovering the Language of Sin,' whic...

This episode, Tim Beilharz catches up with Dave Whittingham, host of 'Stories of a Faithful God' and 'Stories of a Faithful God for Kids'. Dave shares his journey into ministry and offers insights into the power of narrative in teaching the Bible to both kids and adults. Discover how these podcasts can support family engagement with the Bible, creating an effective youth and children's ministry in...

This week, Tim Beilharz is joined by Jesse Joyner, a Christian variety performer known as Jesse, The Juggler. They discuss the concept of the 'holy fool,' exploring how clowns, jugglers, magicians, and other variety performers use their seemingly foolish acts to convey profound messages and serve in their vocational calling. Jesse shares his insights on the theological foundations of this idea, th...

This week, Steve Carlisle, Director of the Youthworks Year 13 program shares insights on understanding Revelation as a source of comfort and confidence for Christians. By focusing on God's sovereignty we can be encouraged to persevere in our ministry to young people, even when things get tough. Show Notes Year 13  - a Christian gap year like no other Book  Youthworks training  to equip and encoura...

In this week’s episode, Tim Beilharz shares two more "Postcards from Chicago” , short conversations with some of the presenters at the 2024 Children’s Spirituality Summit . Tim speaks with David Scott, Associate Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, about children's 'Contributionality' and their inherent spiritual value in church communities. Valerie Grissom, worship leader and pastor, discuss...

This week on the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James shares his research on Youth Retention at Youthworks College's latest Theology Think Tank held on June 6, 2024. To see the full Theology Think Tank video click here . Hear Al James talk more about his research on The Pastor's Heart  podcast here . Download the handout of Al's presentation here . Al James, a Youth Ministry Advisor for Youthworks...

In this episode Tim Beilharz speaks with Jazz Hawkins and Ruby Brideson from Take Love, an initiative by Anglicare Sydney focusing on helping youth and young adults bring the love of Jesus into their communities. Take Love programs, sessions and interactive experiences address issues like mental health, poverty, and domestic abuse. They explore programs like Beyond These Walls and Before It Starts...

In this episode, Tim Beilharz shares the first of a number of short conversations he had while attending the Children's Spirituality Summit in Chicago. First, Tim speaks to Henry Zonio from Asbury University about the “null curriculum” and what children learn when churches don’t address cultural issues like race and gender diversity. Next, Chris Barnett from InterGen Australia shares the importanc...

Welcome back to the Effective Ministry Podcast! This week, we're joined by Harriet Connor, the content editor of Growing Faith, to discuss the challenges and solutions in modern Christian parenting. Harriet introduces her new podcast, Timeless Parenting, created in partnership with Mothers Union Sydney, to provide biblical guidance and support for Christian parents. We delve into the importance of...

This week Tim Beilharz and fellow Youthworks Advisor, Adam Jolliffe, jump into the critical topic of recruitment for youth and children's ministry in local churches. They discuss the importance of having a sufficient number of leaders for effective ministry and discipline and share insights on the 'why' behind recruitment, emphasising the need to effectively communicate the purpose and benefits to...

This week Tim Beilharz discusses how to run children’s and youth small groups with an intergenerational lens. Drawing from the recent SMBC Children's Ministry Conference, Tim explores how small groups in children's, youth, and adult ministries can benefit from an intergenerational approach. He outlines the foundational elements of intergenerational ministry, differentiating between multigeneration...

This week we delve into the complex and essential topic of the doctrine of sin, as a taster for the upcoming House Conference organized by Youthworks, August 27th-29th. Hosted by Al James, the discussion features insights from  committee members and youth and children's minister who explore the nature of sin, its impact on relationships with God and others, and its significance in youth and childr...

Exploring Story and Faith in Children's Ministry: The Forgetful Prince In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Tim Beilharz, talks with Matt and Lauren Redmond, authors of the children's book 'The Forgetful Prince'. They discuss the role of storytelling, art, and literature in the spiritual formation of children and the partnership between church and home in nurturing faith. The co...

In this episode of the Effective Ministry podcast, hosts Tim Beilharz and Annemarie Rivers, both children's ministry advisors for YouthWorks in Sydney, delve into the topic of group management and discipline within children's ministry settings. They explore the challenges of maintaining discipline in a way that aligns with Gospel values, emphasising the importance of relational, respectful, and re...

In this episode of the Effective Ministry podcast Tim Beilharz ( Youthworks MST ) hosts a discussion with Mike Dicker, principal of YouthWorks College, Emma Collette, executive minister at Church Hill Anglican, and Mark Schroeder, school chaplain at Broughton Anglican College into the integration of Christian beliefs in the education sector. The episode covers the importance of thinking Christianl...

In this episode of the Effective Ministry podcast, host Al James from YouthWorks in Sydney, is joined by Sam Davidson, the Director of Family Ministry at Norwest Anglican Church. They discuss strategies for building a culture of serving within kids' ministries, highlighting the importance of integrating children into various church activities, such as tech support, greeting, and teaching roles. Th...