The FYI on Youth Ministry

When it comes to mission trips, lasting discipleship happens when leaders intentionally teach students to reflect and prayerfully integrate what they're learning. But we know that's not always easy. Tune in as Rachel Dodd talks with experts Andrea Kroeze, Dario Lariosa, and Keegan Lenker, who share insights and tips on planning faith formation practices that disciple teens as they serve.  About th...

Want to help teens develop cultural competence as they serve at home and abroad? This conversation is for you! Brad Griffin talks with three experts on reimagining older missions and service paradigms to approach this work with cultural humility.  Guests: Dr. Jennifer Guerra Aldana: Professor of Christian Ministry and Practice at PLNU Corey Greaves: President and founder of Mending Wings and SLAM...

Local service can help teens become aware of needs in their own community and ways they can help. FYI's managing editor, Rachel Dodd, sits down with youth ministry pros Erik Cave, William Leung, and Abigail Olds to discuss tips and ideas for youth groups serving their community close to home.  About this Season: This season explores mission trips, serving local communities, and why these remain a...

Mission trips and service projects can be meaningful for students—but planning them well takes more than good intentions. Brad M. Griffin chats with Carlos Piñero of YouthWorks and youth leaders Dick Lee and Jen Bradbury about why mission trips still have value in youth ministry today, and what the caveats are to that statement! They share real-world examples of some of their best practices from o...

Quick fixes sound appealing, but ultimately, the pace of meaningful growth in leaders or ministries is slow and deliberate. In this conversation, Kara Powell and Rich Villodas discuss Rich's latest book, " The Narrow Path ," and the impact that our spiritual formation has on our leadership.   1:00 - Are we scuba diving or snorkeling in our spiritual formation? 6:40 - The importance of our hidden l...

Kara Powell and Lisa Fields ( Jude 3 Project ) share about how listening is an important precursor to being heard. Lisa shares the story of why she founded an apologetics organization and about Jude 3 Project 's latest initiative, the " Ask Initiative. " Kara and Lisa get practical about potential barriers to listening and how we can listen for a young person's real concerns, which may be hiding u...

Kara Powell invites Skye Jethani from the Holy Post Podcast to share how he approaches challenging conversations. Listen in as Kara and Skye discuss how to approach difficult topics and why it is worth finding ways to bring those discussions into our local, embodied expressions of the church and youth ministry.  About this Season: The Future-Focused Leadership season is hosted by Dr. Kara Powell,...

Kara Powell and Christine Caine explore leadership and spiritual practices for flourishing in life and ministry. They discuss Christine's new book, " The Faith to Flourish, " and the metaphor of the olive tree as a symbol of deep roots and fruitfulness. Christine shares insights on the role of young people in shaping the future of faith communities and highlights global movements of teens seeking...

Cultivate leadership wellbeing! Let's explore personal practices that can sustain youth leaders for the long haul. In this episode, we break down the habits that build resilience in ministry. Whether it's seeking mentorship, engaging in creative outlets, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, this conversation reminds us that small, intentional steps can lead to lasting impact. 🎧 Tune in for p...

Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer and spending time outdoors are some of the top go-to spiritual practices to help prevent burnout. This guided prayer walk encourages us to connect with God by observing our surroundings and reflecting on the beauty and wonder of creation. Learn more from our report on Youth Leader Burnout and Wellbeing.  

Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer is the top go-to spiritual practice to help prevent burnout. This 5-minute guided prayer meditation is designed to help youth leaders process stress, reflect on their calling, and connect with God. So, close your eyes in a quiet place or go on a short uninterrupted walk, take 5 minutes toward ministry health! Learn more from...

How can social support help you avoid youth ministry burnout? Let's dive into the power of relationships, community, mentorship, and boundaries in sustaining wellbeing for youth ministry leaders. Roslyn Hernández and LaTasha Nesbitt highlight how social practices can create a foundation for holistic wellbeing in youth ministry. Whether you're navigating the challenges of youth ministry or looking...

Youth ministry burnout is real! In this episode, LaTasha Nesbitt and Roslyn Hernandez unpack FYI's latest research on why so many youth leaders feel stretched thin—and what can help them thrive. Tune in to hear about the role of recognition in resilience, the unique challenges of women in ministry, the seasonal nature of burnout, and the factors that influence ministry burnout. Let's talk about wh...

How do young adults make sense of their world? In this episode, we explore the meaning-making transition, diving into the personal faith journeys of young adults. From creating space for questions to walking alongside them in their struggles, we discuss how leaders can empower young adults to navigate their spirituality with intention and authenticity. Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue Sign up...

In the acclimating transition, young adults learn to navigate the new environments, jobs, and communities that come with growing independence. Our young adult guests share how they balance the need for stability with the reality of constant change, and how moving can feel both exciting and unsettling.  We also discuss the importance of building support systems and finding community during these tr...

During the self-caring transition, young adults learn to take charge of their mental and physical well-being. Our guests share stories about the ups and downs of setting boundaries, finding supportive communities, and figuring out what rhythms of self-care really look like. We also explore tips for how leaders can create spaces where young adults feel heard and supported on their self-care journey...

Let's explore how young adults navigate their contributions to society, relationships, and faith. Listen in to hear about changing plans, the pressure of expectations, balancing aspirations with reality, finding meaning in work, and the importance of support systems during the contributing transition. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful...

This episode highlights the responsibility transition! Young adults shift from shared responsibility with adults to having more agency in their lives and relationships. We discuss personal maturity, marriage, social responsibility, and the importance of helping young adults in this transition as they contribute to their communities. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things...

This episode unpacks young adults' work of navigating the complexities of trust, connection, and boundaries in their relationships. We'll also explore how youth leaders and mentors can provide guidance during this transition, helping young adults build meaningful, healthy relationships. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: How to be heard: A young adult's guide to church leadership  

In this episode, you'll hear about how young adults balance different parts of who they are, from internal identities like their faith, personal passions, and values to external identities like culture, socio-economic status, and even parenting. We'll also discuss how youth leaders, mentors, and faith communities can support young adults during this critical time.  Sign up for our email list Relat...

The tenth season of The FYI on Youth Ministry is all about young adults! In this episode, we introduce you to the 7 transitions young adults experience in their twenties. Whether you're a youth leader in your twenties, or you have students about to become young adults, this season is for you!    Sign up for our email list Free Resource: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry...

In this conversation with Jonathan Banks, Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation in Chicago, we explore the vital role of practicing faith with young people through service and leadership. Jonathan shares how to cultivate agency and ownership in young people's faith journey. Guest(s): Jonathan Banks Hosts: Giovanni Panginda, Jen Bradbury Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth...

Join us as Eric Vasquez, the visionary founder of Just Us 4 Youth, delves into how to build trust with teenagers. Eric underscores the role of consistency and closeness, and imparts practical strategies for nurturing connection—from active listening, to the power of meaningful one-on-one interactions, to engaging parents. Eric shares actionable advice for cultivating genuine relationships with you...

Join our conversation with Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz as we explore the vital topic of guiding teenagers through doubts and tough questions, what we call the meaning-making process. Fredy and Vanessa share tips on how youth leaders can create an environment where teenagers feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their beliefs. Guest(s): Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz Hosts: Roslyn Hernán...

Are you questioning your teaching and discipleship strategies? Let's explore ways to infuse Christian youth ministry teaching with transformative power that inspires teens to genuinely trust in God (not just follow rules). This rich conversation with, pastor and author Meredith Miller is full of wisdom, experience, laughter, and actionable insights to inspire your youth group lessons—and your stud...