3rd Tuesday Conversation: Recent Episodes
ELCA Youth Ministry Network
3TC provides opportunities to: take a break from the daily routine of ministry and grow in our vocation learn from colleagues and experts in the field participate in conversation with peers who can reflect on ministry, based on the content discussed 3rd Tuesday Conversations are open to all.
Pastor John Stevens comes to the podcast to discuss Children's Sermons. Some dos, some don'ts, and reminds us about the grace we get and the grace we get to give in that little space of time. John even shares his spiritual practice of daily Haikus at the end!
Learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network today by visiting our website.
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Alex wants to know what he should be doing to make sure the parents/guardians know they are still the most influential person to the growth of their child/youth. What can we do as ministers and volunteers to engage, listen, and support the real teachers in our kids' lives. Do Jess and Veronica have the answers? Learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network by visiting our website today. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
What is it like being a faith leader in 2026? With so much that divides us, political issues, and more, how do we maintain our role as a leader of faith for young people? How do we listen to and be present with children and youth as they navigate a time of great division? All this and more in episode 90!
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today. Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast so you don't miss an episode. And be sure to SHARE 3TC with your friends and colleagues.
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ELCA #ELCAYMNET #YOUTHMINISTRY #FAITH #CHURCH #MINISTRY
In this month's episode, Alex and Veronica talk about war and how war can weigh on those around us, especially young people. What does it mean to be aware and to be able to talk to them about their feelings and uncertainty?
To learn more about The ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today.
Music for the Podcast is provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com.
In this month's episode recorded live at the 2026 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, Jess, Alex, and Veronica chat with one of the speakers and intensive care course facilitators, Dr. Dee Stokes. We think you will enjoy this lively conversation that may just change how you think about culture!
Cultural Intelligence (CQ) is the ability to interact and work effectively in intercultural settings or contexts. These may include family structures, organizations, congregations, regions of the country, ethnicities, etc. Many times, church leaders do not understand the culture(s) within their own church, much less the surrounding community.
To learn more about Dr. Stokes, you can visit her website here. You can find her on Facebook here.
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The 3TC team took to the main stage at the E in St Louis and had a conversation with The Reverend Joseph Yoo and Anna Skates. What will you bring home from the E? And if you were not at the E, what does ministry look like today?
Rev. Joseph Yoo
Episcopal PriestJoseph Yoo is an Episcopal priest and reluctant adult. He serves as the vicar of Mosaic Episcopal Church in a suburb of Houston, TX, where he’s trying to help build a community of authentic faith, humble questions, and good neighbors. He blogs at josephyoo.com, and is the author of When the Saints Go Flying In.
Joseph believes people come before institutions and that grace trumps theology—every time. He’s passionate about creating space for those who’ve felt on the outside of faith, especially those hurt or burned out by the church. His approach to ministry leans on vulnerability, humor, and not pretending to have it all figured out.
He lives with his wife Rahel, their son Nathanael, and a sense of disbelief that anyone trusts him with a microphone. He tries to stay out of trouble, but trouble keeps finding him—usually right after he’s said something into that microphone.You can follow his work at JosephYoo.com or at @JOSEPH.YOO.
Anna Skates
AdvocateAnna Skates is a children and family advocate working to help the world see children as full people. A former children’s librarian, children's pastor, and entrepreneur, Anna blends heartfelt advocacy with playful creativity—whether she’s leading kid book clubs, hosting events and workshops, or filming content that helps kids feel seen, heard, and valued. Her mission in life is to shift the social narrative, encouraging adults to listen more deeply, see more clearly, and reimagine what it means to care for children well. Her work champions storytelling, emotional growth, and creating spaces where kids can truly be themselves. She currently lives in Franklin, TN with her husband, two stepkids, and cat, Pixel. You can follow her work on Instagram @anna_skates or at annaskates.co.
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Our panel welcomes Dawn Trautman of Big Picture Big Purpose to this month's recording. Dawn wrote and article for the Connect Journal about loneliness and the epidemic facing our young people. In this fast moving and fun interview, Dawn and the team share ideas and ways to respond to the loneliness epidemic as church people. We think you'll learn a lot in this month's episode!
3TC Team:
Veronica Britto is a volunteer lay ministry worker at her urban congregation in Philadelphia, where she has been a member since the late 1980s.
Pastor Alex LaChapelle serves at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as the Sacred Space Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University.
Deacon Jessica Noonan serves as the Associate Director at LEADconnects in Houston, Texas.
Pastor Paul Amlin serves as pastor at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today.
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As the Christmas lights go up, it is easy to be caught up in the season. This is an overstimulating time. How do you set boundaries for yourself and your ministries to not burnout and collapse in the new year?
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To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network and to access resources for ministry, please visit our website today.
The gang discusses Advent giving it the space it deserves to be perfect for family formation and fun. Also Jess has a collection of Advent Wreaths?! Happy Advent!
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website.
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Guest - Dr. Neil Christians, Middle School Ministry Director at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, MN shares his experience and wisdom of preparing adult leaders and students for service trips with intentionality. He talks about the pitfalls when you don't prepare them in posture of accompaniment and the small wins of when they live into accompaniment more fully.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today.
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3TC talked with Meggie Cross of Idaho Servant Adventures about the ins and outs of planning and leading a Servant Event Trip and what she hoped for from leaders and youth, before, during and after a trip.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network or to become a Network+ member, visit our website today!
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Alex is freshly back from churchwide assembly and the panel is ready to talk about it AND what his experiences will mean for youth and young adults moving forward.
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To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, visit our website today!
Our 3TC hosts discuss what does it mean in our ministry to be fan or follower of Jesus. Our theology informs the ministry we lead and help to create. Join the conversation!
Learn more about the Network by visiting our website today.
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This month, a conversation with Pastor Janelle Rozek Hooper, recorded at the Extravaganza earlier this year. She serves as the program manager for Ministry with Children for the ELCA AND directs the new grant and research initiative discussed in this episode. She shares with us some helpful insight about parents and faith in new research that was recently released.
The Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship initiative will provide space for the best learning and integration of resources and research to help children and young people feel nurtured and supported within a worship community.
The program is funded through Lilly Endowment's Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative, a national initiative designed to help Christian congregations more fully and intentionally engage children in intergenerational corporate worship and prayer practices.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, visit our website today!
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In this month's conversation, the team talks about confirmation ministry. We've all thought about it, and maybe we've even said, 'It needs to be confirmation not graduation from church!' We think this could be a great starting point for a conversation by all of our listeners and the Network. So let's have a discussion in the Network Facebook Group after you listen. What do YOU think confirmation could or should look like today?
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To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today at https://www.elcaymnet.org/
In this month's episode, we are releasing a recording that was created in Louisville, KY during the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza. Pastor Michael Jannette is one of our Lutheran experts on AI and the use of technology and his response to how to use AI in ministry may surprise you. Join the panel for a FUN and laughter filled episode to find out if AI is okay for ministry!
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today. Be sure to like, subscribe and share with your friends!
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Have you taken a group on a mission trip? Are you thinking about it? In this month's episode, the panel discusses their experiences and offers some ideas for how to make these trips "stick" for participants and for your congregation at home.
To learn more about 3TC and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today.
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Welcome to the first in our series of live recordings from Extravaganza 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky! This month, a special extended conversation with musical guest Jennifer Knapp. An in depth conversation about where she's been and what she is doing now, including creativity and how to foster the creative in your youth. We think you will love this conversation, so please like, share, subscribe and help us reach more people with a great message.
You can find Jennifer on YouTube and Instagram or via her website.
As always, to learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today.
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Our panel discusses the new year and resolutions, then dive into a conversation about the kinds of things we need to consider when beginning a new ministry. We think everyone will benefit from hearing these ideas, even if you've been in your ministry for years.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website at www.elcaymnet.org today!
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What's your favorite Christmas gift? We sit down with Joe Davis and talk about the gifts we get, but more importantly, the ones we are born with and cultivate. Accomplished poet, speaker and educator, Joe Davis, joins the panel in an electric discussion on supporting artistic youth. Joe recalls how adult mentors made a difference in his life as a young artist, and how that support continues to impact his life and art today. Joe encourages all of us to boldly share our gifts and talents with the world. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com. To learn more about the Network, please visit our website at https://www.elcaymnet.org/ today!
A major national election is a good time to remember who is at the center of our faith and how that shapes the conversations we have with others. In this episode, the panel writes letters to themselves as preparation for having hard conversations in charged political environment.
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Episode 71 Reforming Worship: Worship for all ages
Deacon Jessica Noonan shares her experience of creating worship for all ages in an experiment one summer testing out the idea of interactive worship - worship designed for all ages. The panel share their experiences and hopeful suggestions for creating new worship styles that include all ages.
Music provide by and licensed via www.pond5.com.
To learn more about the Network, to catch up on back episodes, or to register for the Extravaganza, please visit our website at www.elcaymnet.org.
Welcome back! 3TC has a new team of hosts and we are kicking off the new season with a special guest. Deacon Jessica Liles is the new director for the ELCA Youth Gathering and she has some ideas about how to keep the excitement going and a few tips one preparing for the next event to be held in Minneapolis, MN in 2027.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, or to listen to previous episodes, please visit https://www.elcaymnet.org/ today!
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The 3TC team has an announcement. Also, special guest appearance by the one and only, Todd Buegler. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.comTo learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, please visit our website today!
The 3TC team talks about what it takes to lead a successful, meaningful trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering, including a few tips about getting the most out of the amazing city of New Orleans.To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network or to join the Network, please visit us online at https://www.elcaymnet.org/ today!
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The 3TC team sits down with their friend Kevin from Colorado for a conversation about what would happen if we stopped trying to be all things to all people and instead leaned into collaboration with other churches to meet the needs of the people in our congregations.Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
Inspired by a quote from Simon Sinek's podcast episode, "How To Be a Friend," the 3TC team talks about the value and importance of authentic connection and how we, as leaders, can allow the need for connection to shape our ministries.
To learn more about the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, visit our website today!
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The 3TC team talks with Rev. Kim Adams who serves as co-chaplain at Concordia Moorhead and North Dakota State University to learn about the current state of campus ministry, the hope in the current population of students and how it all relates to CYF ministry in congregations.
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The 3TC team sits down with Lyle Griner, National Director of Peer Ministry Leadership to talk about the current and future landscape of youth ministry and how it relates to his new book.
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The 3TC team reflects on how their perspectives on leadership, ministry and the church have changed (and not) over the years.Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
The 3TC team is joined by Catherine Anderson, the Director of the Formation Co-op (a new initiative of the ELCA Youth Ministry Network) to talk about the process of figuring out what's next for youth ministry. Spoiler alert: it all starts with listening.Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
Episode 61: ChatGPT Who?
The 3TC team has a conversation about the emergence of AI, our reactions to it, and its potentially unethical and possibly helpful uses in ministry - featuring a live demonstration!
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The 3TC team sits down with three graduated seniors to talk about what's next, what it's like being a teenager, and how they experience God.
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The 3TC team sits down with two 7th graders to have a conversation about life, God and relationships.
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The 3TC team sits down with their oldest daughters (ages 5-7) to have a conversation about life as a church kid, God, and what they think about the world.
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The 3TC team talks about an article Adam read about urgency and how it tends to rule our lives. If urgency is a social construct, why do we spend so much time and energy on the things we deem "urgent?" How might we be called to live and work differently?
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The 3TC team sits down with Dr. Matt Bloom for a live conversation about his research on wellbeing in ministry, including how we're doing, how to flourish as leaders and how to help young people live their best life. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
The 3TC team talks about the beauty, importance and challenge it is to walk alongside people in the journey of facing their brokenness and receiving the truth of their belovedness. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
After being inspired by their experience (and Bishop Leila Ortiz) at the E, the 3TC team has an honest conversation about the challenge of evangelism in a world where louder voices preaching a different message can make you wonder if it’s even worth it.
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A pre-Extravaganza episode where the 3TC team talks with Todd about what to expect at the E and how much fun we're all going to have this year. PLUS, can you spot the past Extravaganza theme drops? Try to count how many there are!
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Episode 52: What is "Enough?" with Anthony EderThe 3TC Team sits down with Extravaganza 2023 Emcee Anthony Eder to get to know him a bit, learn more about this year's theme "Enough" and to share in our obsession with the Enneagram and how it relates to enough-ness.
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Episode 51: Ministry in Borderlands with Manuel Retamoza and Sarah Sumner-EisenbraunThe 3TC Team sits down with Rev. Manuel Retamoza and Rev. Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun who serve at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in San Diego, CA (and who both serve on the E-Team) to hear their experiences in ministry with refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers crossing the border into their community and how their church has responded. It's a long one, but it's worth it!
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The 3TC Team takes another step on the journey toward the future of youth ministry with a conversation about generosity and how we help (or fail to help) young people listen to their hearts and participate in God's mission in our congregations.
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Episode 49: How Youth Culture Has Changed and Why it Matters with Mark Oestreicher The 3TC Team is joined by MarkO, the Founder of The Youth Cartel for a conversation about the history and current state of youth culture and what good youth ministry looks like today.
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The 3TC Team welcomes Kara Powell, Executive Director of Fuller Youth Institute, for a conversation around their most recent research and book titled, "3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager." It's a podcast you'll want to share with all the leaders in your youth ministry.
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The 3TC Team welcomes Kara Powell, Executive Director of Fuller Youth Institute, for a conversation around their most recent research and book titled, "3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager." It's a podcast you'll want to share with all the leaders in your youth ministry.
Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
Episode 47: God, The Universe & a Crisis of Faith The 3TC Team wrestles with the images from the new James Webb Space Telescope and the implications they have on our understanding of God and the Bible. How do we engage in big conversations when we don't have all the answers? What is our call as leaders in navigating uncertainty? And what if there really is other life "out there?"
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Episode 46: The Rhythms of Ministry
The 3TC Team has a conversation about what the seasonal changes in rhythms both allow and keep us from in our lives and ministry. What is our role as church in providing a break in the schedule for our families - and, more importantly, how are we modeling healthy rhythms as leaders?
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Episode 45: Build it and They Will Come? Using Space & Engaging Our Neighbors
The 3TC Team is joined by special guest John Pedersen for a conversation about how we faithfully use our buildings to meet the needs of our communities. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
The 3TC Team sits down with Aqueelah Ligonde to talk about the power of story, listening and intergenerational ministry.
3rd Tuesday Conversations are monthly podcasts, produced by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network.
3TC provides opportunities to:
- take a break from the daily routine of ministry and grow in our vocation
- learn from colleagues and experts in the field
- participate in conversation with peers who can reflect on ministry, based on the content discussed
3rd Tuesday Conversations are open to all.
https://www.elcaymnet.org/3tc Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
The 3TC Team sits down with Rev. Jason Brian Santos to talk about a helpful framework for developing (or redeveloping) what our ministry gatherings should be, who should be there and what the feel of them should be for people who come. Plus, a life update about life in rural Colorado (check out 3TC from July 2020 for the back story).
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The 3TC Team sits down with Sophia Kristina Agtarap for a conversation about cultivating space for curiosity in the work of equity, diversity and inclusion.
The 3TC Team sits down with Deacon Tammy Jones West, the newly named Interim Director of the ELCA Youth Gathering to process the cancellation of the 2022 Gathering and look ahead to what's next for this ministry that so many of us love.
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Looking ahead to Extravaganza 2022, the 3TC Team sits down with Rev. Jenny Sung who will grace us with goodness from the mainstage for some heart and soul tending. Trust us, you want to listen to this one. Your heart, soul, mind and body need it.
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What does success in ministry look like these days? While it feels like we haven't yet arrived "home" from pandemic exile, how do we know if what we're doing is right? How much weight should we be giving to numbers? What else should we be measuring? Who is God calling us to be? The 3TC ponders these questions and more.
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Episode 38: Becoming a Public Church with guests Kristina Fruge and Jeremy Myers.
If there is no going back to the way things were in youth ministry, what is the way forward? Kristina Fruge and Jeremy Myers offer inspiration with a glimpse of what it looks like to get out and listen to our neighbors as a means of offering good news in peoples' lives.
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The 3TC Team sits down with Youth Ministry Network Executive Director Todd Buegler to talk about life these days in ministry and the need for honesty, courage, and enough-ness to navigate the “What’s now?” before we get to “What’s next?” in this stage of ministry.
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Given current cultural and pandemic realities, what role does youth ministry play in the lives of families? The 3TC Team sits down with Dr. Andy Root to get his take on the extinction of youth group and the importance of storytelling. Music provided by and licensed via www.pond5.com
As the transition into post-pandemic life begins, the 3TC Team talks about the role of the church in inviting our people into conversation about what they're grieving, what they've learned and what they hope to carry into who they are becoming.
TW: white ignorance, racism, white privilege In the wake of the death of Daunte Wright in Minnesota, the 3TC Team reflects on racial justice work and the responsibility of leaders in our predominately white church to start (or continue) taking steps toward dismantling systemic racism.
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The 3TC Team offers up a few things we've been thinking about lately, including approaches on how to return to in-person ministry, a shift in thinking about mission trips and living a provisional life vs. embracing suffering.
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Episode 32: 3TC After the E with Rev. Angela Khabeb
The 3TC Team sits down for a beautiful, engaging and real post-Extravaganza conversation with Angela Khabeb around topics of grief, fear and doing ministry within the heart of the uprising in Minneapolis in summer 2020.
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Episode 31: Post-Pandemic Vision The 3TC team takes a deep theological dive around the mission of the church and post-pandemic life. How does who we are now and where we've been impact where we are going and who we will become? If we're not willing to deal with some of the demons (like white supremacy) in our midst now, what kind of future can we honestly expect?
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