Third Thursday Podcast

What anchors everything we do as youth workers and ministers? In this episode, Ben kicks off a new series by returning us to the foundation of all healthy ministry: Jesus at the center. Through personal testimony, honest questions, and practical reflection, we explore what it looks like to lead students from a place of spiritual depth—not just activity. You’ll be invited to reflect on: When you la...

A new year has begun—so what if prayer set the tone for everything that follows? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we focus on praying for students as we step into a new year of ministry. We’ll talk about why prayer matters so deeply at the start of the year, who we’re praying for (every kind of student God has entrusted to us), and how to build sustainable prayer rhythms that last be...

As the year winds down, what’s actually shaping you as a leader? In this Year-End Wrap Up episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, our team shares something we read, something we listened to, and something we learned over the past year—and how each has influenced our leadership, faith, and ministry. From books and podcasts that stretched our thinking, to lessons God has been teaching us about prayer...

The holidays are coming—so how do you make the most of Thanksgiving and Christmas in your student ministry? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we share practical, meaningful, and fun ways to leverage the holiday season for discipleship, connection, service, and spiritual formation. From Advent teaching ideas to family-friendly events, from creative service projects to shepherding stude...

So we get “God’s part” and “our part” in discipleship—but what does that actually look like in real life? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we explore how to lead with both intentionality and dependence—doing our part to disciple students while leaving space for the Holy Spirit to do His. You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own walk with Christ, evaluate what you’re modeling for y...

What drives discipleship—our plans or God’s Spirit? The answer: both. God moves supernaturally in salvation, yet Scripture is filled with calls for our active participation in discipleship. In this episode, we talk about prayer as the bridge between God’s work and our part. We’ll also share practical ways to begin interceding for your students and encouraging your team to do the same. 🎧 Listen in...

What happens when thousands of students gather to worship, learn, and respond to God? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we recap the 2025 LIFE Conference—a week full of joy, challenge, and transformation. From the contagious energy that filled the arena, to the breakout sessions that stretched students’ thinking, to the powerful moments of prayer and surrender, this event reminded us...

We’re hitting pause this month—for a purpose. With many of our leaders at the LIFE Conference, we’re taking space to listen, reflect, and process what God is doing. There’s no new episode this month—but that doesn’t mean the work is on hold. As you return from LIFE (or any big event), take a moment to revisit last month’s episode: “Getting the Most Out of an Event.” It’s full of practical reminder...

Heading to a conference or event with your students? Don’t just survive it—lead through it.   In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we talk about how to get the most out of any ministry event by showing up with intentionality, spiritual awareness, and a leader’s heart.   You’ll learn how to prepare before you ever arrive, how to stay fully present during the experience, and how to debrief...

We all want community—but are we building the kind God designed?   In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we break down the key differences between worldly and biblicalcommunity—and why it matters more than you think. You’ll learn how true community is formed, what makes it last, and how to build it with your students and leaders.   Stop aiming for connection. Start aiming for Christ—and w...

Ever feel stuck when it’s time to prepare a talk for students? You’ve got a message in your heart—but how do you make sure it actually connects?   In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben Mcentee and Chris Tweedy break down a clear and practical framework for crafting talks that stick. Whether you’re sharing a devotional, leading a message, or stepping into a classroom or small group, th...

Youth group night is awesome—but is that the only way to connect with students? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we dive into why reaching students beyond the walls of the church is more important than ever. We’ll talk about the theological and practical reasons for stepping outside our comfort zones, the power of parachurch partnerships, and simple ways to start building relationshi...

Discouragement—it’s real, it’s heavy, and at some point, we all face it. But how do we respond when it creeps in? In this episode of The Third Thursday Podcast, Chris Tweedy and Ben McEntee dig into the brutal roots of discouragement—why it happens and how we can navigate it with faith and resilience. Whether you’re in a season of discouragement or preparing for the inevitable challenges ahead, th...

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy dive into strategies for managing challenging classroom dynamics while fostering a culture of love, respect, and accountability with special guest, Scott Palin. Learn how to lay the foundation by ensuring students feel genuinely cared for, walk through practical steps to set expectations, and handle disruptions effectively...

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy share their favorite 2024 resources—Christian books, podcasts, and even secular tools—that have enriched their ministry this year.  Join them as they reflect on the power of intentional learning and being mindful of the content we consume. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional recommendations that couldn’...

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben is joined by Cassandra who serves with Envision (a missions structure of the Alliance ) in Indonesia to discuss how youth leaders can integrate missions into student ministry. Cassandra shares advice on helping students discern God’s call to missions, emphasizing the need to ask thoughtful questions and recognize those with a passion for sharing t...

In this episode of the Third Thursday podcast, Ben is joined by special guests Alex Hickinbotham from Yellowstone Alliance Adventures and Zach Zirbel from Dickey Lake Bible Camp. Together, they explore the unique strengths of camp ministry, including its ability to engage students and provide focused discipleship, while also discussing the limitations. Discover how camp ministry and church ministr...

Let's face it, you probably didn't imagine hours of administration, policies, and procedures when you signed up to do youth ministry. I mean, we have verbally communicated expectations and our practices, that's enough... right? Join Ben and Harry as they share the 90/10 principle and how important it is that when we communicate and create clear policies and procedures, we will build trust with lea...

Yep, summer is going by already, but we have more fun ahead! How do we find the right balance between fun and serious? When does summer youth ministry begin? What might it look like? How do we look beyond summer and develop yearly rhythms and activities throughout the year? Join Ben and Harry as they share some of their ministry experience and top activities for youth ministry.   Show notes   If y...

Ben and Harry have two special guests this month! RMD Assistant Superintendent Chris Tweedy and C&MA National Co-Youth Director Charles Amoh join in to talk about next summer's LIFE Conference. Everything from what is the LIFE Conference to big details, initial pro tips, and how the RMD is helping individuals go is discussed.    Show notes   If you've got questions or want access to more resou...

Ben and Harry start the episode with guest speaker, Julie Hunter, chat through what family ministries look like in her context in Helena, MT, and then work their way through the "What Now?" of youth graduation season.    Show notes   If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com .

Ben and Harry recap the Youth Leader Weekend at YAA. They share laughs, Uno stories, and how important it is to help your church live on Deuteronomy 6.    Show notes   If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com .

Ben and Harry chat through some of the numerous types of curricula to choose from. There are subscription-based curriculums, shorter series that run 4-8 weeks or longer, video series, and more! They share some pros & cons of each, how to discern and choose with wisdom, and then give some points for how to develop one yourself for your youth ministry!   Show notes   If you've got questions or w...

Special guest, Ken Castor, joins Harry and Ben in a round of get-to-know-you and talking about the upcoming Youth Leader Weekend. Plus a bonus quick round of 3 areas to help youth grow to hold us over until then!   Show notes   If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com .

Harry and Ben chat about the Third Thursday vision for 22024 with special guest, Chris Tweedy.   Show notes   If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com .