Next Gen on Mission: Recent Episodes
North American Mission Board
The next generation is the now generation. They're not just the future of the church, but they're the church today. So what will it take to reach them with the gospel? Next Gen on Mission is a podcast designed to equip you to reach, disciple and mobilize the next generation.
In episode 8 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome special guest, Dr. Shelly Melia, coauthor with Pruitt of Reaching Generation Alpha. In this episode, discover how to effectively reach and disciple Gen Alpha, those born between 2010–2025, the first fully digital generation. Next-gen leaders, ministry partners, and parents will be equipped to understand what shapes Gen Alpha, how to engage them both online and relationally, and meet their deep spiritual hunger with biblical clarity. Learn practical steps to faithfully make disciples in this cultural moment by understanding the world that’s forming them and how the gospel speaks directly into it.
What You'll Learn:
- Why Gen Alpha’s upbringing is fundamentally different from previous generations
- How technology and algorithms are forming identity and worldview
- The connection between anxiety, loneliness, and adolescent development
- Practical ways to engage Gen Alpha with truth
- How to faithfully make disciples in this cultural moment
Helpful Resources:
- Reaching Generation Alpha by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia
- “Don’t Forget the Holy Spirit” Substack Series
- Free eBook: Three Habits for Everyday Evangelism
- Free Download: The Big 5: Foundational Habits for Discipleship
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“The question is not, ‘Are they being discipled?’ The question is, ‘Who or what is discipling them?’” —Shane Pruitt
“Gen Z expanded their network through technology. Gen Alpha has a global perspective as a starting point.” —Dr. Shelly Melia
“Disciples are hand-crafted, not mass produced.” —Paul Worcester
“Technology is not just changing Gen Alpha; it is forming them.” —Dr. Shelly Melia
“Our calling as leaders, parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches is to help the next generation to know the truth and to disciple them to live in that truth.” —Shane Pruitt
“Social media didn’t make kids more social. Artificial intelligence is not going to make our kids more intelligent.” —Dr. Shelly Melia
“You don’t get what you expect; you get what you inspect. Gospel-centered accountability is life-changing.” —Paul Worcester
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In episode 7 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor unpack the growing gap between Bible access and Bible understanding and why it may be one of the most urgent discipleship challenges facing pastors and ministry leaders right now. From the truth about “deconstruction” to the surprising hunger Gen Z has for deep theology, this conversation will challenge how you think about teaching Scripture and give you practical ways to build ministries that produce students who don’t just hear the Word but live it and share it.
What You'll Learn:
- Why the goal isn’t to “dumb it down” but to disciple them up
- What Gen Z is actually craving: depth, not entertainment
- How to identify three types of deconstruction in your ministry
- Practical ways to teach students to read and interpret Scripture themselves
- How to balance fun, belonging, and theological depth in your ministry
Helpful Resources:
- The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible
- GenSend Leader Resources
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“One of the greatest issues we have in the church today is Bible illiteracy. If we don’t know truth, we can’t live it out.” —Shane Pruitt
“Students are clearly hungry, but are we equipping them to feed themselves?” —Lacey Villasenor
“Some people aren’t deconstructing—they’re just living in sin and looking for a new word to justify it.” —Shane Pruitt
“It’s not just knowing the Word—it’s obeying what you know that builds a life on the rock.” —Paul Worcester
“Some of the most effective teaching is just opening the Bible and walking through it.” —Paul Worcester
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In episode 6 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor help next-gen leaders discern what truly matters in a digital world where influence is measured in likes and views. They unpack the tension between platform and anointing, and why viral doesn’t always mean faithful. Discover the dangers of equating online popularity with spiritual authority as well as practical guidance for leading students with discernment. Be challenged to rethink success, guard your heart from comparison, and anchor your ministry in Scripture instead of algorithms. Listen in to be equipped to shepherd students through digital noise while staying grounded in real, relational discipleship.
What You'll Learn:
- Why confidence does not equal competence in online teaching
- How to help students test everything against Scripture
- Why faithfulness is the biblical measure of success, not visibility
- How to shepherd students influenced by online voices
- The difference between discernment and cynicism when evaluating teachers
Helpful Resources:
- GenSend Webinar: Reaching Gen Alpha (May 7, 2026)
- Three Habits for Everyday Evangelism, eBook by Paul Worcester
- Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges
- FM72
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“Gifts and talents can build a crowd, but only the Holy Spirit can build the Church.” —Shane Pruitt
“Students often assume that if it has a lot of views, it must be true.” —Lacey Villasenor
“It’s a snare to compare. Just put out truth and trust the Lord with it.” —Shane Pruitt
“Social media is a mission field, but it should never replace real discipleship.” —Paul Worcester
“The metric of success you choose will shape the ministry you build.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In episode 5 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor offer a clear vision for how bivocational and covocational ministry is a strategic advantage for reaching your campus and community, especially if you’re a leader who’s navigating ministry alongside school, work, or life. Discover practical rhythms for managing your time, avoiding burnout, and leading from a place of spiritual health. Be challenged to rethink calling, not as a single lane, but as a life lived on mission wherever God has placed you. This conversation will equip you to lead faithfully right where you are, with what you have.
What You'll Learn:
- How to define and distinguish bivocational and covocational ministry
- Why bivocational ministry is becoming a key strategy for the future of the church
- The difference between striving for “balance” and living in “harmony”
- The evangelistic advantage of being in the marketplace and everyday environments
- How your current job or major can become a mission field, not a distraction
Helpful Resources:
- “The 5 Hour Sermon: A Covo Preacher’s Guide” article at NewChurches.com
- Discovering Covocational Church Planting, by Send Network
- Not My Jesus (Bible Study Book with Video Access)
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“See it all as a marathon. If you sprint in every area, you’ll burn out and not be great for anyone.” —Shane Pruitt
“Your goal isn’t how much ministry you can do; it’s how much you can empower others to do.” —Paul Worcester
“When students see someone with a marketplace job teaching the Bible, it expands their vision of calling.” —Lacey Villasenor
“If you're covocational, you're in good company—Jesus was a carpenter, and Paul was a tentmaker.” —Shane Pruitt
“As a covocational leader, you get to model the lifestyle you’re trying to reproduce.” —Paul Worcester
“When you meet real needs, people start asking, ‘Why are you here?’—and that opens the door for the gospel.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In episode 4 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Catherine Renfro as they discuss the data behind the growing church engagement gap and offer practical insight into why college-aged women are disengaging from weekly church attendance and spiritual habits. You’ll be equipped to disciple young women in a culture shaped by social media, political polarization, and mistrust of institutions. Discover proactive strategies to empower women as laborers in the harvest, strengthen relational discipleship, and address difficult topics like leadership, purpose, and church hurt with both truth and compassion. Listen in to gather help in building ministries that mobilize both young men and young women for the mission of God.
What You'll Learn:
- The recent data that shows a growing engagement gap between genders—and what that means for your ministry.
- Why safety, belonging, and authenticity are critical for engaging Gen Z women in the local church.
- How to evaluate whether your ministry culture unintentionally sidelines or overlooks young women.
- Why disciple-making—not programming—is the long-term solution to engagement gaps.
- How to create pathways for both young men and young women to live on mission together.
Helpful Resources:
- Dream Big: The Henrietta Mears Story
- The Other Half of Church
- Women in the Mission of God
- Gospel Conversation Starters for Women
- Living Sent
- Barna Research
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“If we say we want our ministries to be a hospital for souls, then we shouldn’t push people away who are hurting.” —Shane Pruitt
“Relational connection is one of the highest values for Gen Z, especially women.” —Paul Worcester
“If we’re going to reach this world, it’s going to take every single one of us.” —Catherine Renfro
“It’s really easy to train your mind to have a bad view of the church if you’re constantly fed negative stories.” —Lacey Villasenor
“We define God by our circumstances instead of letting God define our circumstances.” —Catherine Renfro
“We’re in a God moment where young men are being reached with the gospel.” —Shane Pruitt
“If they don’t see the church as a safe place, they’re just not going to show up.” —Paul Worcester
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In episode 3 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor unpack the difference between justification and sanctification and why understanding both matters for next-gen leaders. Discover why sanctification is not instant perfection but a lifelong, grace-filled process of becoming who you already are in Christ. Gain clarity on distorted theology, shame-driven discipleship, and “quick fix” spirituality, as well as biblical and practical encouragement for leaders and the students in their ministries. Ultimately, be reminded that the process itself is the reward. Walking with Jesus on the journey is the victory.
What You'll Learn:
- Teach students the clear distinction between justification and sanctification
- How to normalize struggle in the Christian life without normalizing sin
- The importance of building discipleship environments that include accountability, Scripture memory, and honest confession
- Specific biblical passages to teach students a framework for understanding freedom, struggle, and victory
- Reasons to guard against “higher life” or perfectionist models that create shame or false expectations
Helpful Resources:
- The Pursuit of Holiness
- The Pilgrim’s Progress
- The Hole in Our Holiness
- GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“The process is the reward. The reward is walking with Jesus.” —Shane Pruitt
“Work out your salvation—not work for it.” —Paul Worcester
“Sanctification is empowered by the Spirit, shaped by the Word, supported by community, and lived out in obedience.” —Lacey Villasenor
“If you feel like you’re in the middle of a war, that’s not a bad thing.” —Shane Pruitt
“It’s not let go and let God. It’s trust God and get going.” —Paul Worcester
“Sanctification is this lifelong journey of becoming like Christ.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In episode 2 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor discuss how complicated dating can be to single leaders called to ministry, especially when it feels like their life, leadership, and future are already under a microscope. Listen in as the hosts offer practical biblical wisdom to help you navigate dating with clarity, integrity, and mission-first conviction. You’ll learn how calling, chemistry, and commitment work together, and what happens when one is out of alignment. From avoiding casual dating to setting wise boundaries, this conversation equips you to pursue relationships that strengthen your walk with Christ rather than distract from it. Whether you’re single, dating, or discerning next steps, this episode will help you honor Jesus, the church, and your future.
Also in This Episode, Learn:
- Why commitment to Christ and the mission must come before chemistry
- How to discern calling without becoming overly rigid or overly casual
- Why casual dating is especially dangerous for ministry leaders
- Red flags to watch for when dating with a call to ministry
- How to pace relationships wisely while trusting God’s timing
Helpful Resources:
You Can’t Talk About That
Youth Leader Coaching Network
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“A healthy Christian relationship is two complete people in Christ already that Christ brings together and He's the center of.” —Shane Pruitt
“Singleness is not an obstacle to overcome—it’s an opportunity to embrace.” —Paul Worcester
“Who you marry will either be your greatest help or your greatest hindrance in ministry.” —Lacey Villasenor
“What example would you want set before your kids one day? That’s what you are right now for someone else’s kids.” —Shane Pruitt
“If you idolize a dating relationship, you’ll make the same mistake in marriage.” —Paul Worcester
“Specific boundaries help everyone know what questions to ask.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In the season 7 premiere of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor address how growing polarization has fueled cynicism, legalism, and unnecessary division within the church, and especially among young leaders. As a next-gen or collegiate leader, listen in to help students hold biblical convictions with humility and grace. Learn practical frameworks to keep unity in your ministry without compromising truth, and discover the antidote to criticism and spiritual arrogance. This episode will remind you of the mission and give you the fuel to carry it out with convictional kindness and collaborative kingdom work.
Also in This Episode, Learn:
- The importance of modeling humility, especially when addressing disagreements on social media or cultural issues
- How to train students to differentiate conviction from preference
- To anchor students in Scripture, not just podcasts, influencers, or theological personalities
- Why evangelism must remain front and center, remembering that winning souls reorients ministries toward what matters most
- To address cynicism early, especially when students fixate on niche theological debates instead of prayer, Scripture, and mission
Helpful Resources:
- Messiology, George Verwer
- GenSend Youth Leader Coaching Network
- GenSend Summer
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“I don’t want to be a jerk for Jesus, but I can’t be a coward for Christ either.” —Shane Pruitt
“Pride, jealousy, and competition may be one of the greatest hindrances to revival.” —Paul Worcester
“Young people are tired of seeing church leaders act just like the culture.” —Lacey Villasenor
“If learning theology makes you more arrogant, then you don’t understand good theology.” —Shane Pruitt
“What we do in moderation, our students will do in excess.” —Paul Worcester
“Convictional kindness is what this generation is longing to see.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In Episode 7 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Lacey Villasenor, and Paul Worcester unpack why getting Jesus right is essential for every ministry leader and every student we shepherd. Hear the most common cultural distortions of Jesus and how to help students rediscover the biblical Jesus revealed in Scripture. Be equipped with tools for teaching repentance, lordship, the exclusivity of Christ, and the urgency of evangelism with clarity and compassion. Take away practical strategies such as gospel appointments, three evangelism habits, and how to correct false views of Jesus without shame or fear. Be encouraged to preach the real Jesus boldly and train your students to do the same.
Also in This Episode, Learn:
- To identify and dismantle cultural “false Jesus” narratives using Scripture, not opinion.
- The importance of teaching a full biblical gospel every time you present Jesus.
- To equip students to normalize hard conversations about hell, eternity, and exclusivity, topics Jesus spoke about often.
- How essential it is to model tears and compassion for the lost, showing students that passion flows from understanding the gospel.
- To prioritize gospel appointments with new students and train them to do the same with others.
Helpful Resources:
Not My Jesus - Teen Bible Study Book: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols
Not My Jesus - Bible Study Book with Video Access: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols
Life on Mission App
Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Youth Leaders
Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Collegiate Leaders
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right—evangelism, discipleship, missions.” —Shane Pruitt
“What this generation wants more than anything else is for you to open the Bible and explain it clearly and boldly.” —Paul Worcester
“Those with the greatest grasp of the gospel have the greatest compassion for the lost.” —Paul Worcester
“The longer someone talks about their Jesus, the less he sounds like the Jesus of the Bible.” —Shane Pruitt
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In Episode 6 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with speaker, comedian, and K-LOVE radio host Lacy Abercrombie to talk about a topic every student leader needs to think through: how Christian-influencer culture shapes your faith. Be equipped to help your students discern truth online, stay rooted in the local church, and use their influence for the glory of God—not personal brand-building. Walk away ready to lead students to engage the digital world with wisdom, guard their hearts from comparison, and lead others toward authentic discipleship that happens face-to-face, not just through screens.
Also in This Episode, Learn:
- How to use social media as a tool for evangelism and encouragement without losing your focus on the gospel
- The difference between being discipled and simply consuming Christian content
- Why online influence should supplement, not replace, local church community
- How to stay rooted in biblical truth when loud voices online sound convincing but lack depth
- Practical guardrails for pastors, ministry leaders, and students using digital platforms
Helpful Resources:
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“We can replace time with God by consuming content about God. And that’s dangerous.” —Lacy Abercrombie
“An influencer can’t replace your church. We were made to be known and known in community.”
—Lacy Abercrombie
“Look down at your two feet. Right there is your mission field. Even your digital footprint is ground God can use.”
—Shane Pruitt
“There’s an idolatry of cool in our culture. We’ve started equating influence with wisdom.”
—Paul Worcester
“There’s a difference between being inspired by someone online and being discipled by someone who knows you.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“There’s so much beauty in being shepherded, known, and held accountable.”
—Lacy Abercrombie
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In Episode 5 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with worship pastor Ben Halsey to talk about the heart of worship in a culture shaped by influencers. What happens when the platforms and performance are stripped away and students encounter the presence of God through worship? Hear practical guidance for training young worship leaders to stay grounded in Scripture, walk closely with Jesus, and lead with humility. Discover the balance between excellence and authenticity in ministry, whether you’re developing a student worship team or discipling young believers. Lead your ministry to focus on what truly matters: worshiping Christ above all else.
Also in This Episode:
- Be reminded to teach young worship leaders to walk with Jesus daily before releasing them to step on stage.
- Learn strategies to train students to evaluate songs and lyrics through the filter of God’s Word.
- Consider how modeling humility teaches student worship leaders to value servanthood over stardom.
- Discover how to equip students to plan well but ultimately let God lead the moment, holding everything with open hands to give space for the Holy Spirit to move.
- Explore conversations with young leaders to keep motives pure, asking the “why” behind every element of setlists, technology, and production choices.
Helpful Resources:
The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion by Jeremy Riddle
The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen
Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer
Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“It all comes down to the leader. Are they putting truth in a song that helps mature this generation, or are they offering a shallow faith because they themselves have a shallow faith?” —Ben Halsey
“Some of the most powerful worship moments happen when the technology fails.” —Shane Pruitt
“We value training people up more than we value perfection in every environment.” —Paul Worcester
“How can we help students focus more on God’s glory than on style?” —Lacey Villasenor
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In Episode 4 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane and Kasi Pruitt join cohosts Paul Worcester and Lacey Villasenor to talk about leading “the unique kids,” the ones who don’t always fit the mold. Gain biblical wisdom and practical insight to shepherd every student with patience and purpose. Hear stories of transformation and learn how to see disruptive or quirky students the way God does: as image bearers with potential for kingdom impact. Be encouraged to fight against the instinct to pull away from chaotic situations and instead see them redeemed into powerful ministry moments.
Also in This Episode:
- Learn to redefine success by laying down the idol of a perfectly polished ministry and embracing a messy but meaningful ministry.
- Discover how to create space for every personality where quirky, loud, or “extra” kids can belong and contribute.
- Explore how to set the tone for your leaders, building a culture where gossip or sarcasm about students cannot exist.
- Consider how to channel disruptive energy into leadership, giving high-energy students ownership and responsibility.
- Find strategies to diversify your leadership team by recruiting volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to connect with every kind of student.
Helpful Resources:
Youth Leader Coaching Network
GenSend Resources for Leaders
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“Some of the hardest kids in ministry end up being the ones who make such a difference for the kingdom.”
—Kasi Pruitt
“Jesus was constantly interrupted, and He welcomed it.”
—Shane Pruitt
“Put the unique kids on your prayer list and give them a place to serve.”
—Paul Worcester
“The most important thing is that they matter to God. So, how do we shepherd them really well?—Lacey Villasenor
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In Episode 3 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the increase of spirituality among Gen Z and how leaders can respond. They explore how today’s students are open to spiritual conversations but are also deeply influenced by new age practices, DIY spirituality, and false gospels. Gain practical tools to help students discern truth from error, anchor their faith in Scripture, and avoid the temptation to “add to Jesus.” Be better equipped to shepherd students toward the real Jesus in a culture full of counterfeits.
Also in this episode:
- Recognize the rise of DIY spirituality and new age practices influencing Gen Z.
- Teach students that Jesus is enough and that faith is not “Jesus plus” anything.
- Discover how to leverage students’ hunger for spiritual experience by pointing them to the Bread of Life.
- Be encouraged to boldly call out false spirituality while modeling true prayer, worship, and Scripture engagement.
- Learn how to equip students to identify false gospels and cultural lies by comparing them with Scripture.
Helpful Resources:
GenSend Webinar, “Who is the Real Jesus?”
Not My Jesus Bible Study
Discovery Bible Study
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right.”
—Shane Pruitt
“Two-thirds of Gen Z is moderately spiritually open … whoever gets to them first matters.”
—Paul Worcester
“So much of this DIY spirituality requires extra things to connect to God to get a spiritual high, but it doesn’t last. With the Holy Spirit, you’re connected to God 24/7.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“The test of true spirituality is: what does it say about Jesus?”
—Paul Worcester
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In Episode 2 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor explore the hot topic of artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping the way the world thinks, plans, and communicates, but is it a tool pastors should leverage or a danger to be avoided? Next-gen leaders will gain insight into how to approach AI with wisdom, use it with integrity, and disciple students already engaging with it daily. Hear stories, practical examples, and biblical reminders to keep Christ at the center of the cultural AI conversation.
Also in this episode:
Discern how AI can assist in streamlining administrative tasks, planning trips, or creating resources—ultimately freeing leaders to focus more on the students they serve.
Warn students about the dangers of relying on AI for truth, identity, or belonging, reminding them that only Christ can provide real hope.
Address tough questions directly, like whether AI-generated pornography or avatars still fall under lust and sin, so students don’t look elsewhere for answers.
Guard your own integrity as a leader by avoiding shortcuts in sermon prep and letting your teaching overflow from personal time with God’s Word.
Discover how to use AI as a practice tool for evangelism by simulating gospel conversations that can help prepare students for real-life encounters.
Helpful Resources:
ChapGPT
Who’s Your One in a Million
Youth Leader Coaching Network
Collegiate Coaching Network
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“We never want to call ChatGPT ‘Pastor Chat’ or ‘Counselor Chat.’ We have to encourage students and help them understand where they can go for real, actual help.”
—Shane Pruitt
“People are already using AI as a pastor, a friend, even a significant other. That’s not real relationship.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“Let’s be wise and tread carefully into the waters of AI. But if we can use it with integrity for the glory of God, let's use it.”
—Paul Worcester
“The best sermons are those that you've bled over the Scriptures yourself, when the Holy Spirit's worked out things in you rather than receiving a response back from ChatGPT in 10 seconds.”
—Shane Pruitt
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Welcome to Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast! Join hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor as they launch the new season with shortened episodes to serve you as you lead the next generation. Listen in to episode 1 as they discuss how to reach and disciple Gen Alpha, students born 2010–2025. Discover what makes Gen Alpha unique, how the church can minister to them in the areas of their greatest needs, and how you can help them leverage their strengths for the gospel.
Also in this episode:
- Be equipped to disciple the digital generation by leaning into their online presence while helping them build stronger in-person relational skills.
- Recognize and respond to Gen Alpha’s awareness of brokenness with the hope of the gospel, pointing them to Jesus as the true Savior.
- Develop clarity in preaching and teaching, offering biblical depth that students are hungry for rather than relying on shallow entertainment.
- Model healthy family life within your church community to fill in the gaps many students experience in fractured or nontraditional homes.
- Adopt a missionary mindset by going to where students are, engaging their friend groups, and contextualizing ministry for their world.
Helpful Resources:
Theology Masterclass by New Churches
GenSend on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at
https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“Students can get entertainment elsewhere. They just want the Word of God. They have a hunger for that.”
—Paul Worcester
“As an evangelist, it excites me that Gen Alpha knows they’re messed up and that they’re already at a young age looking for more.”
—Shane Pruitt
“This generation is all in on the few things they care about, especially their close friends. They’ll protect and advocate for them fiercely.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“Like missionaries, we need to contextualize ministry for this generation. Let’s stay focused on the basics and let God’s Word do the work.”
—Paul Worcester
“If we’re spending more time on developing bumper videos and planning games than we are in the Word and preparing to teach the Word, we’re missing it. And this generation will reject that.”
—Shane Pruitt
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Episode 8 of Season 5 is a recording of the recent GenSend Webinar, The Handoff. Hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by respected ministry leaders, Josh Stephenson and Trace Hamiter as they discuss how essential it is to connect with college freshmen during their first months of college to ensure they remain solid in the faith. Josh shares his top 10 ways to close the gap between youth and college ministry, while Trace emphasizes the critical role of relationships and community even before day 1 of college for freshmen. Gain additional insights as the hosts answer questions from webinar participants.
Also in this episode:
- Discover how youth and collegiate leaders can connect with one another to help their students quickly build relationships in college
- Gain knowledge on how best to structure college/young adult ministry based on your local context
- Learn new ways youth ministry can prepare graduating seniors for a successful launch into college life
- Develop strategies to keep high school seniors from prematurely checking out of youth ministry before graduation
- Learn how church-based college ministries can partner well parachurch organizations that also serve college students
Helpful Resources:
- The Oaks Collaborative
- Campus Community Connect App
- collegeministry.com
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“One of the most strategic moments in a person’s life is that first month of transitioning from high school to the college years.” — Paul Worcester
“Ministry happens at the speed of relationships. We have to create deepening relationships quickly among college freshmen.” — Josh Stephenson
“College fraternities spend their summers connecting with potential freshmen who could rush their fraternities. Why do secular organizations outpace churches and ministries when it comes to intentionality and recruiting?” — Paul Worcester
“The main reason students fall away from their faith in college is actually social, it’s community. And so, how do we connect them to Christ-centered community quickly?” — Trace Hamiter, The Oaks Collaborative
“The largest missing segment in any church is the 22–35 age range, but ironically, that’s the largest population segment. We need the Lord to raise up missionaries to be sent out among this people group.” — Shane Pruitt
“People become who they will be for the rest of their lives in college. That’s why I’ve served college students my entire adult life.” — Trace Hamiter, The Oaks Collaborative
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In Episode 7 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by guest Preston Perry, an apologist, evangelist, and poet. Tune in as they discuss the importance of evangelism for the growth of the Church and how to make it a natural part of daily life. Learn practical strategies and the spiritual disciplines needed to engage in more meaningful, Spirit-led gospel conversations. Find the courage to step out in evangelism with boldness and love even when you don’t have all the answers.
Also in this episode:
- Discover the significance mentors play in training and modeling evangelism for the next generation
- Gain insights on why evangelism hasn’t been prioritized among believers in the Western Church and how to remedy these issues
- Learn how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers to boldly speak the name of Jesus
- Be reminded of how essential kindness is in evangelism since the gospel message is already offensive enough to the lost
- Find resources on how churches can create a culture of evangelism within the church and equip members to share the gospel
Helpful Resources:
- How to Tell the Truth
- Everyday Evangelism
- NAMB Evangelism Kit
- Connect with Preston Perry:
Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook,preston-perry.com
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at
https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“Why am I doing evangelism? Am I doing this to look intelligent, like I’m better than the next man? Am I doing this to feel good about myself or because I have a savior complex? Or am I doing this to lead somebody to the Lord? Am I doing this to win a heart?”
—Preston Perry
“Let’s redefine the win. The win is not getting the person to pray to receive Christ on the spot. The win is just starting a spiritual conversation.”
—Paul Worcester
“Every heart has a cry. We must ask the right questions to hear it. A lot of times, we don't hear the cry because we’re so busy arguing. I try to ask the right questions so I can hear the cry. And then, once I hear the cry, I can serve.”
—Preston Perry
“Evangelism is not just going and telling people about your church. Telling people about your church is good marketing, but good evangelism is telling people about Jesus.”
—Shane Pruitt
“Trusting in the Holy Spirit and being led by the Lord will help us avoid arguments during spiritual conversations. I think we often get into arguments because we are trusting in our own knowledge.”
—Preston Perry
“We’re not talking about Jesus because we’re not excited about Him ourselves. The first step to evangelism is sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
—Shane Pruitt
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In Episode 6 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome very special guests: Paul’s son, Owen, and Shane’s daughter, Harper. Instead of discussing strategies about the next-gen, we hear from Gen Alpha themselves. Discover what today’s middle schoolers wish youth leaders and pastors knew from their perspective and hear what’s impacted them most in their walk with the Lord. Learn fresh ways to reach students who need the gospel and how to equip believing students with gospel-sharing tools.
Also in this episode:
- How to encourage students as they stand out from the culture because of their faith
- How to strategically leverage students’ hobbies and interests for greater gospel impact
- The significant and influential role volunteer small group leaders play in students’ lives
- Ideas for equipping your students to reach their public-school peers with the gospel
- Pastor and youth leader sermon-prep tips from the next-gen
Helpful Resources:
- S.O.A.P Bible Study Method
- G.O.S.P.E.L. Tool for Sharing the Gospel
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“I didn’t expect anyone to show up at our first FCA meeting, but 150 students came, and we had to move out of the classroom to a hallway.”
—Harper Pruitt
“Using the S.O.A.P. method helped me read the Bible more consistently.”
—Owen Worcester
“Personal is most powerful when it comes to discipling the next generation.”
—Paul Worcester
“There are so many ways to live on mission; a lot of that is just taking the interests and passion God’s given you and using it for His glory. It’s cool to see young people doing that.”
—Shane Pruitt
“It’s hard to be a Christian on my school team. Some girls will make bad decisions, so it’s tempting to follow them, but I keep my faith in the Lord. It’s made me a better leader.”
—Harper Pruitt
“Living on mission is intentionally engaging people with the gospel where you live, work, and play. And so, pastors and leaders, encourage your students to leverage what they’re already doing to be a light and point people to Jesus.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“There is a hunger for truth with young people. They want to know the Bible. They want to know doctrine and theology. They want to understand truth. This is not us just saying this for a generation; it’s them saying it themselves: ‘Hey, teach us the text. Teach us the word. Teach us how to live this out.’”
—Shane Pruitt
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In Episode 5 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome guest Ellington Crabtree to the show. Ellington is a junior at the University of Kentucky and discusses how she is leveraging her life as a college student for the glory of God. Be encouraged as she shares how God is actively moving to ignite students with a passion for sharing the gospel and following Him fully in every aspect of their lives, on and off campus.
Also in this episode:
- How to strategically reach college freshmen during their first weeks on campus
- The impact of intentionally training and equipping the next generation
- Why mentorship and church community are vital for college students to live on mission and thrive
- How youth and college pastors can collaborate to bridge the gap for incoming freshmen
- The role of the Holy Spirit to work in both large-scale revival as well as in the mundane moments of obedience
Helpful Resources:
- GenSend Webinar: The Handoff
- Personal Ministry Impact Worksheet
- Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders
- Replicate, Robby Gallaty
- Sacred Fire, Ronald Rolheiser
- Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“The most important thing that the Lord has been teaching me is to include Him in everything that I do and getting to see college students join in on that. It expands, and you see the brokenness on the campus and want to see Jesus make change in that.”
—Ellington Crabtree
“Shout out to our college ministries that are focused on reaching freshmen. I want to double down on the reminder that this is such a pivotal moment, maybe one of the most pivotal moments in someone’s entire life.” —Paul Worcester
“Life change is walking day by day, moment by moment, discipleship, walking in holiness, in righteousness, in the right direction. Ministry is not a sprint; it's a marathon.” —Shane Pruitt
“This is a revival generation where we're seeing the resurgence of a new passion for evangelism and for discipleship.” —Lacey Villasenor
“College pastors have the opportunity to strategically help students think through their personal ministry, their spheres of influence. They can consider that their mission field.”
—Paul Worcester
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In Episode 4 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome guests Everett and Olivia Sinclair, who discuss leveraging their post-grad years for the gospel. Hear insights from their journey as they participated in GenSend Summer during college and intentionally chose to live on mission in Boston after graduation. Discover the essential role of the local church in equipping and preparing college students to fulfill the Great Commission after college ministry and graduation.
Also in this episode:
- The role of prayer in living on mission
- How to leverage your non-ministry vocation for the gospel
- How church leaders can best prepare students for post-grad missional living
- The impact of faith-filled, multigenerational church life
- How to intentionally establish newlywed life for the gospel
Helpful Resources:
- Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller
- Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World by Bob McNabb
- Meet Generation Z by James Emery White
- Loveology by John Mark Comer
- Church Membership by Jonathan Leeman
- GenSend Summer
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
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Shareable Quotes:
“Through college I saw the value of the local church, so I knew that I wanted to be invested in that post-grad as well. Our ministry gave us a solid foundation in the Word and taught us through example of how families and young adults live on mission.” —Olivia Sinclair
“They're actually helping students think through what they're going to do post-grad, not just occupation-wise, but thinking through where they're going to go live and to let it be a place of impact, and then find a job in that city, find a place to live on mission in that city.”
—Shane Pruitt
“Through college I was wrestling with whether to go into ministry or the workplace. During my last summer of GenSend, I was a part of a Faith and Work cohort and caught a vision for God's view of work and different ways to leverage a secular job for the kingdom.” —Everett Sinclair
“Pray for B.O.B. Pray for a Burden for the lost, an Opportunity to witness, and Boldness to proclaim Christ every morning.” —Paul Worcester
“Especially today, as we become more and more digital, people crave that in-person connection, and it's so rare. We have an opportunity as believers to show some gospel hospitality and open up our tables, open up our homes to lost people.” —Lacey Villasenor
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In Episode 3 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor meet with pastor and licensed professional counselor, Dr. Shannon Thomas, to discuss the mental health crisis of the next generation and to answer the question, “Have we started to lean on therapy too much?” Join the GenSend team as they unpack the role of mental health resources in light of the victory found in the gospel. Discover the truths found in Scripture and what it looks like to live resiliently with the hope of Christ.
Also in this episode:
- The impact of social media on our anxiety and lack of connection
- How to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis
- The role of biblical community in times of struggle
- How a right view of God’s sovereignty helps us in our suffering
- The ways we’ve allowed culture to sway our values as the church
Helpful Resources:
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier
- The Calvary Road by Roy Hession
- Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
- Going Higher with God in Prayer by A.W. Tozer
- A Creative Minority by Jon Tyson and Heather Grizzle
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Shareable Quotes:
“Students are living in a fear of missing out in real time. They’re aware of everything going on around them and what they’re being left out of. It drives up that fear and anxiety.” —Shane Pruitt
“If my entire world is really in the palm of my hand, and if you take that away, what else do I have? There’s not much social connection or community when all community happens electronically.” —Dr. Shannon Thomas
“When life gets hard, boredom hits, or you are getting anxious, you just turn to your phone to numb it out instead of learning to cope with your feelings or the situation you got yourself in.” —Lacey Villasenor
“We’re almost building a community around how we label ourselves. There’s been a high focus on transparency and authenticity as core values for young people, and then we turned this cliche into a core value of the church when it really started in culture.” —Shane Pruitt
“Part of what we have to do is teach ourselves and each other is, ‘Okay, when I’m experiencing anxiety, what is really going on? What am I anxious about? Or what is causing this anxiety?’” —Dr. Shannon Thomas
“In terms of our relationship with Jesus Christ, we have victory, hope, and a deep sense of wellbeing—to know that no matter what my circumstances are, victory is on the other side of this.” —Dr. Shannon Thomas
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In Episode 2 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor meet with Brandon Gilbert and Cody Carroll, the residency director and college director of Redeemer Church in Lubbock, Texas. Tune in as the GenSend team unpacks the impact and inner workings of the residency program at Redeemer from those who have led, built out, and participated in the early days of the program. Be inspired to raise up the next generation of ministry leaders through a meaningful residency that can change lives—and leadership trajectories—for the gospel.
Also in this episode:
- The benefits of support raising and how you can get started with confidence
- Why grittiness, creativity, hunger, accountability, and teachability are essentials for prospective residents
- Why seminary and residency training do not have to be at odds within your ministry
- How you can effectively develop your program’s interview and pipeline processes
- Why the freedom to fail is so vital for the next generation of ministry leaders
Helpful Resources:
- Calling Out the Called by Scott Pace and Shane Pruitt
- Reliant Mission
- The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
- “Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline” by Paul Worcester and Wes Smith
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
- Center Church by Tim Keller
- Gaining by Losing by J.D. Greear
- The Making of a Leader by J. Robert Clinton
- The Critical Journey by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Shareable Quotes:
“The biggest thing I gained was the freedom to fail, to learn what does or doesn’t work, and to be really, really safe in the midst of figuring out if ministry was what God was calling me to.” —Cody Carroll
“The skills you develop in raising support are the same kind of ministry skills that you develop when starting a new church or ministry.” —Paul Worcester
“The people we want are hungry, faithful, available, and teachable. We’re not looking for perfect, polished people. We’re not looking for who has it all together.” —Brandon Gilbert
“In college ministry, if you can create an almost staff-level, intern-level role, you can do a lot of good training and utilize their gifts through your college ministry.” —Paul Worcester
“Is there a passion for the Lord and for spiritual disciplines? If we’re having to convince people to surrender to a calling to ministry leadership, then that hunger for the work is probably not there.” —Shane Pruitt
“Both seminary and residency training can be super helpful in sharpening you for the kingdom and for the local church.” —Shane Pruitt
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Welcome to Season 5 of The GenSend Podcast! Join hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor as they launch the new season and are joined by special guest and friend of the podcast Mauricio Villasenor. Tune in as this campus-pastor-turned-church-planter shares his experiences in navigating his calling into vocational ministry. Discover your next steps in discerning where God is leading you to live on mission in leadership, as well as how you can move with confidence as you follow God’s calling upon your life.
Also in this episode:
- The impact of mentorship and a deep prayer life as you navigate your calling
- Knowing when to transition from one role to the next
- Key characteristics to develop within yourself as a prospective ministry leader
- What you should ask from others as you discern your calling into ministry
Helpful Resources:
- Calling Out the Called
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
- Disappearing Church and Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers
- The Pastor’s Justification by Jared Wilson
- Tactics by Greg Koukl
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.
Shareable Quotes:
“I’m so thankful for the leaders who discipled me and then even let me start serving, knowing that I was going to make a mess of things, but who also knew that serving would be a part of that journey.” – Shane Pruitt
“It’s a combination of the Lord putting burdens and passions on your heart and then people speaking into your life, and doors of opportunity opening up.” - Lacey Villasenor
“Your primary job is to focus on the depth of your ministry, sit at Jesus’ feet, and grow in godly maturity, character, wisdom, and integrity. Then, the Lord will take care of what the platforms look like.” – Shane Pruitt
“God is a lot more likely to direct us if we’re moving full-speed towards His mission.” – Paul Worcester
“God is not the changing God who changes His mind on things. He’s consistent. So, if He called you to something, He’s not going to call you out of that thing unless He releases you.” - Mauricio Villasenor
“It's good to be patient. When you have a call to ministry, it doesn’t mean you’re going to be on stage rocking the mic right away. Sometimes, you grow into ministry; you don’t go into ministry.” – Paul Worcester
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In Episode 7 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor meet up with author, apologist, pastor, and professor Lee Strobel to discuss his insights on training the next generation of Christ followers to engage those outside the Christian faith with the hope of the gospel. Discover new, practical ways that you and your leaders can engage the lost with the love of Christ and go deeper in relationship with those who are searching for answers. Learn why the Lord is calling us away from earthly comforts so that we can see lives changed through the power of His Word.
Also in This Episode:
- The biggest hurdle young people have when engaging others in gospel conversations
- The #1 tool for Next Gen evangelism (and why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach!)
- Why relational connection is essential for training students to share the gospel
- Effective questions you can ask to gauge a person’s spiritual openness
- How your awkward conversations could change the trajectory of a person’s life forever!
Helpful Resources:
- The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith: Check out Lee’s series that takes a deeper look into many of the hard questions of Christianity, as well as the most common “heart barriers” to accepting the Christian faith
- Is God Real?: Check out Lee’s new book that considers the bigger questions surrounding God’s existence amidst the reality of human suffering. Explore these questions as you engage more deeply in the world of apologetics.
- Contagious Faith: Discover your own natural style for sharing the love of Jesus with others and unpack Mark Mittelberg’s five approaches to evangelism.
- How to Share Jesus Using Gospel Appointments: Nervous about sharing the good news with others? Read through our step-by-step guide to having intentional gospel conversations with strangers.
- Life Essentials: These 6 short videos by Shane and Paul discuss what to do now that new believers have received eternal life. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus?
- NAMB Apologetics: As you share the gospel with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more, you may encounter questions about your faith and other religions. Find answers to the most common questions here.
- The One-Verse Bridge Diagram: Incorporate this tool into your next gospel conversation to help you demonstrate the truth of Romans 6:23 using a visual diagram to assist you as you engage the lost with the gospel.
- Q Place: Receive coaching to grow in confidence as you help others discover Jesus in our culture today. Learn how to start and lead a group for the purpose of building relationships and inviting friends into safe spiritual conversations.
Shareable Quotes:
- “Being Jesus to people is much more effective than trying to be ‘Mr. Apologetics’ and giving intellectual reasons for something.” – Lee Strobel
- “Sharing the hope of Christ with people turns us into listeners. A lot of times in evangelism, it can very quickly turn into us doing all the talking, but asking questions turns us into listeners, which was the model that Jesus often led with.” – Shane Pruitt
- “A lot of theological and apologetics questions start at the head, but what you’re doing is bringing it down to the heart level and connecting with the person in love. People need to know that we genuinely love them, and love covers a multitude of sins.” – Paul Worcester
- “When I say the word ‘evangelist,’ I would like your name to come to mind, that you’re an evangelist. Even though you don’t see yourself that way, you can be yourself and share Christ in a way that syncs up with who God made you to be, and God will use you.” – Lee Strobel
- “The more we hear ourselves articulate the gospel, the more confident we’ll get. And the more confident we are in what we’re saying, the more we will be able to share it.” – Shane Pruitt
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In Episode 6 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor team up with pastor Dean Inserra for this virtual webinar to discuss practical insights for navigating election season while still fostering a biblical worldview. Join the over 300 Next Gen leaders who attended this virtual webinar and discover ways to equip your students and leaders to see everything through the lens of the gospel, as well as the church’s role in a polarizing world. Tune in to hear more tangible ways to cultivate an atmosphere of thinking biblically and living missionally from the walls of your ministry to the world beyond.
Also in This Episode:
- How Jeremiah 29 gives us insight as political exiles in a polarizing world
- The three institutions God calls His people to faithfully invest in
- The impact of leading with both courage and compassion in the modern political landscape
- Why it’s essential for Christians to speak into the cultural conversations of today
- What it means to “be loving anyway” in an affirming culture
Helpful Resources:
- The Unsaved Christian: Check out Dean’s book on reaching cultural Christianity with the truth of Christ’s gospel
- How Should Leaders Address the Topics of Gender, Sexuality, and LGBTQ+ Issues?: Tune into our episode with Sean McDowell that connects modern-day issues with Scripture’s eternal truth
- Trevin Wax: Content Creation for the Next Generation: Join the GenSend team as they discuss the importance of holding fast to a Christian worldview in the digital age
- Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at gensend.org.
- Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.
Shareable Quotes:
- “Gen Z enjoys talking about politics more than millennials do. They don’t shy away from it and have been voting at a higher rate than millennials. Not only do they want to talk about it more, but they’re also more engaged in the entire process.” – Paul Worcester
- “It’s not that the church has gotten more political; politics have gotten more theological and spiritual. We could almost get away with saying the wrong thing theologically or biblically before we could get away with what someone else deems wrong politically.” – Dean Inserra
- “We make a big mistake when we try to get our churches to think about politics less. I think we just need to think about being salt and light more.” – Dean Inserra
- “Truly, you’re never going to be loving enough if you go and speak out against the sacred creeds of our culture today. Be loving anyways.” – Dean Inserra
- “What are we going to do on November 6? I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing for over 20 years as a believer: pray for the president and preach about the King.” – Shane Pruitt
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In Episode 5 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Keith Wieser to discuss the latest challenges and strategies for reaching the next generation of college students. Keith shares insights from his 17 years of ministry, including the key cultural shifts affecting students today, such as the roles of anxiety, identity, and technology in their lives. The conversation dives into practical approaches for discipling students in a rapidly changing culture and highlights the importance of relational evangelism, multiplication, and being led by the Spirit.
Also in This Episode:
- How emotional intelligence plays a greater role in ministering to students
- Practical strategies for identifying and discipling spiritually open students
- The critical role of multiplication in maturing student disciples
- Navigating the impacts of anxiety, social media, and identity in student ministry today
- How to equip student leaders for mission and evangelism
Helpful Resources:
- The Resonate Collective: Learn more about Keith Wieser’s church planting and leadership resources.
- Evangelism for Collegiate Leaders: Discover how to equip and empower those in your student ministry to share the gospel with others.
- eBook Series on Collegiate Church Ministry and Planting: Check out this four-ebook series that explores how to help college students live on mission.
Shareable Quotes:
- “I think almost every college minister I’ve talked to is like, “Man, the challenge is getting people to be in a committed thing. ‘Are you coming to this event?’ So, there’s a sense of needing to recognize and recalibrate to that lower level of commitment.” — Keith Wieser
- “It’s okay to not be okay, but it ain’t okay to stay that way when there’s another way. And Jesus is the way.” — Shane Pruitt
- “I haven’t found anything better to help someone overcome that inward focus, that anxiety, than being a part of the movement of God on mission via evangelism, disciple-making, and living on mission.” — Paul Worcester
- “Non-believers have more clarity related to their spiritual interests. Either I’m interested in spiritual things, or I’m not.” — Keith Wieser
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In Episode 4 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by special guest Trevin Wax to explore the topic of cultural apologetics. They dive deep into ways that the next generation can engage with and navigate the prevailing ideologies of our time without being swayed by them. The discussion covers the most influential ideologies shaping the minds of young people today, including radical individualism, the quest for identity within groups, and the rise of pseudo-religions.
Also in This Episode:
- How to communicate the truth and beauty of Christianity in a way that resonates with today’s culture
- The importance of listening to and understanding the deep longings of those we engage with in evangelism
- Practical advice on creating environments where students can ask tough questions and explore their faith deeply
Helpful Resources:
- Reconstructing Faith Podcast: Trevin Wax offers perspective from church history and the church around the world to help listeners recommit to both removing the rot from the church and fortifying the foundations of unchanging truth.
- NAMB Apologetics: As you share the gospel with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more, you may encounter questions about your faith and other religions. Find answers to the most common questions here.
Shareable Quotes:
- “Whether it’s social media, sermons, podcasts, or conversations at a coffee shop, church service, or large-group gathering on campus, whatever way we can get the story out there is what we want to take advantage of. We have the greatest story of all time.” – Shane Pruitt
- “At some point when you cross the threshold of true conversion, you’re not simply saying, ‘This is true for me.’ You’re also saying, ‘I believe this is the truth about the world.’” – Trevin Wax
- “The best stories win the day, and there’s nothing more compelling than the story of Jesus.” – Paul Worcester
In Episode 3 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor dive into a rich discussion on spiritual disciplines, focusing on well-known and often forgotten practices. They share personal experiences and practical insights on cultivating a disciplined spiritual life in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world. This episode addresses the rise of new-age spirituality and the importance of clearly defining and teaching biblical meditation and spiritual practices in contrast to secular trends.
Also in This Episode:
- The role of spiritual disciplines in leadership development and personal growth
- Encouragement for ministry leaders to lead by example in practicing spiritual disciplines
- How to create a rhythm of Sabbath and rest in a busy ministry context
- Insights on mentoring students in spiritual disciplines
Helpful Resources:
- The Big 5 – Foundational Habits for Discipleship: A resource that addresses what truths and habits to instill in your disciples and the five main spiritual disciplines that encourage growth and commitment
- Operation World App: A tool to help you pray for different countries daily
- A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God: A classic book recommended by the hosts for deepening your spiritual walk
Shareable Quotes:
- “Whether it’s food, social media, or something else that’s taken a stronghold in our lives, fasting is about removing and replacing. So, we are removing what we’re fasting from, but hopefully, we’re fasting towards the Lord.” – Shane Pruitt
- “True prayer and true intimacy with God can’t be rushed.” – Paul Worcester
- “Sabbath is a practice of faith. It’s saying, ‘You know what? I’m resting, and this is a good reminder that the Lord doesn’t need me.’” – Shane Pruitt
- “I like to say that silence and solitude—time alone in God’s presence—is an acquired taste. Once you experience and build that habit, it refuels you. It’s something you long for and look forward to throughout your day.” – Paul Worcester
In Episode 2 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by Evan Vela, a GenSend Journeyman, to delve into the critical topic of mentorship. Sharing personal stories of how mentors have shaped their lives and ministries, the team highlights practical advice on developing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, focusing on authenticity, vulnerability, and life-on-life discipleship.
Also in This Episode:
- Insights on how to invite people into your schedule for effective mentorship
- The significance of sharing life stories to build faith and trust
- Encouragement for ministry leaders to pursue mentorship for their personal growth
- Practical steps for parents to encourage mentorship for their children
Helpful Resources:
- Essentials for Collegiate Ministry eBooks: Discover the new series of eBooks on leadership principles for collegiate ministry (available for free!)
- Life on Mission App: A practical tool for sharing the gospel using the “3 Circles” method
- Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline: A guide to developing a structured leadership development process
- The GenSend Podcast Episode – Closing the Gaps: According to Lifeway Research, many young adults drop out of church attendance between 18 and 22. Listen to this discussion on critical gaps in student ministry and get insights on how church leaders and parents can actively participate in helping students navigate these transitions successfully.
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- Collegiate Coaching Network
Shareable Quotes:
- “At the end of the day, when our kids stand before Jesus, He probably won’t care much about GPAs, batting averages, yards per carry, popularity, or how much they can bench press. I’m not saying any of that’s bad, but what He cares about is their soul.” – Shane Pruitt
- “If you want to be mentored by the best, you’ve got to be the most teachable person in the room.” – Paul Worcester
- “The last thing we want to do is not let our yes be yes. Sometimes, we can over-commit, and I get that. But if you say yes to meeting with a student, or if you say yes to discipling a student, try your absolute hardest to keep that yes.” – Evan Vela
- “Your mentee doesn’t have to imitate your preferences and opinions. You want him or her to be more like Jesus. That’s the goal.” – Paul Worcester
In the Season 4 premiere of The GenSend Podcast, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor dive into the five key principles of leadership and discipleship that are vital for collegiate ministry. This episode highlights the importance of creating a prayerful, evangelistic, and leadership-focused environment that encourages students to live missionally.
Also in This Episode:
- Insights on how to identify, train, and empower student leaders
- The significance of embedding a multiplication mindset from the onset of students’ ministry involvement
- A structured leadership development pipeline is needed to equip students for ministry roles within and beyond their campus context
- Tips for ministries desiring to initiate or enhance a culture of student leadership and multiplication
Helpful Resources:
- Essentials for Collegiate Ministry eBooks: Discover the new series of eBooks on leadership principles for collegiate ministry (available for free!)
- Life on Mission App: A practical tool for sharing the gospel using the “3 Circles” method
- Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline: A guide for developing a structured leadership development process
- NAMB Evangelism Kit for Youth Leaders: Create a culture of evangelism in your youth ministry.
- NAMB Evangelism Kit for Collegiate Leaders: Create a culture of evangelism in your collegiate ministry.
- Personal Ministry Impact Worksheet: A practical tool to help you evaluate how effectively you are creating disciples and building the kingdom.
- Creating your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline: Design a structured plan to create Christian leaders at your ministry or church.
Shareable Quotes:
- “If we’re just befriending people and not pointing them to Jesus, then we’re friending people all the way to hell. We have to reach a point of pointing people to Him. The most loving thing we can do is say that Jesus is the only way. Silence is more unloving.” – Shane Pruitt
- “If people aren’t being obedient where they are now, what makes them think they’re going to be obedient in another country?” – Paul Worcester
- “It’s not our job to save people; it’s our job to point them to the One who can save them.” – Shane Pruitt
- “More time spent with fewer people can create greater results for the kingdom of God.” – Paul Worcester
In this bonus episode of The GenSend Podcast, Zach Meerkreebs, who was deeply involved in the Asbury revival, joins hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester and Lacey Villasenor for the GenSend Spring 2024 Webinar. They explore the theme of “Revival Generation,” focusing on the awakening and mobilization of young adults toward spiritual revival. The discussion delves into the importance of personal repentance and communal awakening as catalysts for lasting change in both church and society. Zach shares his firsthand experiences from the Asbury revival, emphasizing the impact of authentic, humble leadership and the power of grassroots spiritual movements.
Also, in this episode:
- Detailed insights into the dynamics of the Asbury revival and its lessons for leaders today
- The role of prayer, humility and community in fostering a revival atmosphere
- Challenges and practical advice for sustaining revival momentum in various ministry contexts
- Strategies for engaging young adults in meaningful spiritual practices that lead to revival
Helpful Resources:
- Revival Generation – Student Bible Study Book: Awakening to a Movement of God by Shane Pruitt
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- Collegiate Coaching Network
Shareable Quotes:
“We can’t force revival to happen, but we can sure posture ourselves in case the Lord chooses us to do it. And when we say revival, this is what we mean. We don’t mean necessarily crying or emotionalism or Holy Spirit goosebumps.” – Shane Pruitt
“My heart is just to encourage and tell stories and see how low we can go with Jesus. He’s inviting us to descend into humility, and the lower we’ll go, the more He’ll fill up, the higher He will go.” – Zach Meerkreebs
“If your ambition is to advance the gospel among the lost, it’s almost impossible to have too much ambition there because our heart is for the mission field that God has called us to. It’s not about us, it’s about these people” – Paul Worcester
In this bonus episode of The GenSend Podcast, Zach Meerkreebs, who was deeply involved in the Asbury revival, joins hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester and Lacey Villasenor for the GenSend Spring 2024 Webinar. They explore the theme of “Revival Generation,” focusing on the awakening and mobilization of young adults toward spiritual revival. The discussion delves into the importance of personal repentance and communal awakening as catalysts for lasting change in both church and society. Zach shares his firsthand experiences from the Asbury revival, emphasizing the impact of authentic, humble leadership and the power of grassroots spiritual movements.
Also, in this episode:
- Detailed insights into the dynamics of the Asbury revival and its lessons for leaders today
- The role of prayer, humility and community in fostering a revival atmosphere
- Challenges and practical advice for sustaining revival momentum in various ministry contexts
- Strategies for engaging young adults in meaningful spiritual practices that lead to revival
Helpful Resources:
- Revival Generation – Student Bible Study Book: Awakening to a Movement of God by Shane Pruitt
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- Collegiate Coaching Network
Shareable Quotes:
“We can’t force revival to happen, but we can sure posture ourselves in case the Lord chooses us to do it. And when we say revival, this is what we mean. We don’t mean necessarily crying or emotionalism or Holy Spirit goosebumps.” – Shane Pruitt
“My heart is just to encourage and tell stories and see how low we can go with Jesus. He’s inviting us to descend into humility, and the lower we’ll go, the more He’ll fill up, the higher He will go.” – Zach Meerkreebs
“If your ambition is to advance the gospel among the lost, it’s almost impossible to have too much ambition there because our heart is for the mission field that God has called us to. It’s not about us, it’s about these people” – Paul Worcester
In Episode 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Kourtney Vier, Director of Salt Company National, joins Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor to discuss the vital role of student discipleship and leadership in the context of college ministry. They delve into the strategies and heart behind mobilizing students to not only serve within their campuses but also to be prepared for lifelong ministry. The conversation highlights the Salt Network’s commitment to reaching university centers through church planting, focusing on the transformative power of student leadership and the importance of creating a sending culture within the ministry.
Also, in this episode:
- Practical insights on how to identify, train, and empower student leaders.
- The significance of embedding a multiplication mindset from the onset of students’ ministry involvement.
- The challenges and rewards of cultivating a culture that celebrates “gospel goodbyes.”
- Tips for ministries desiring to initiate or enhance a culture of student leadership and multiplication.
Helpful Resources:
- Salt Network
- Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline
Shareable Quotes:
“We really believe that the best person to reach a college student is a college student.” – Kourtney Vier
“We also really want to train and equip the next generation to reach their peers, not just in college but for a lifetime. And so, we have this four-year time zone where we’ve got them in an incubator, for lack of a better term, where they are there, they’re doing life, they live in the same places, they’re doing the same things. They’re considering who am I going to be after?” – Kourtney Vier
“Celebrate what you want to replicate. Whatever you’re celebrating the most is typically what you’re going to replicate the most.” – Shane Pruitt
“Training your student leaders in evangelism and creating expectations and goals together will be a great kickstart to creating some high buy-in with your student leaders.” – Paul Worcester
In Episode 5 of The GenSend Podcast, Jon Chasteen joins Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor in an enriching discussion on how to spark a deep-rooted love for the local church among the next generation. They explore the critical role of the local church in believers’ lives, emphasizing its significance not just as a community but as a family bonded through Christ. The conversation covers the impactful experiences of GenSend students in Boston, shedding light on how such mission opportunities cultivate a lasting dedication to church planting and evangelism. They also address the challenge of navigating church hurt and the importance of integrating young believers into the fabric of church ministry, ensuring they see themselves as active members of the church today, not just in the future.
Also, in this episode:
- Insights into the low church attendance in Boston and the transformative power of GenSend missions.
- Strategies for churches to attract, include, and disciple the next generation, even with limited resources.
- The importance of empowering young believers to serve and lead within the local church to foster a sense of ownership and belonging.
- Encouragement for listeners dealing with church hurt, offering a biblical perspective on reconciliation and community.
Helpful Resources:
- Connect with Jon: jon@nextgenboston.com
- GenSend Summer Program
- Don’t Forget, There’s a Lot Right With the Church, Too article by Shane Pruitt
Shareable Quotes:
“I’m adopted; God’s my father, but also, I’ve got brothers and sisters in Christ. So, we like to talk about this in Boston. The church isn’t just like a family; the church is a family. So, when I think about the local church and its importance, I would encourage it to not first think building—think family. This is something that is a part of the gospel.” – Jon Chasteen
“You can’t be a solid Christian and not be a part of a local church. That’s not a thing.” – Paul Worcester
“The way you break down barriers of distrust is you out-love and you out-serve their distrust of you with no strings attached.” – Jon Chasteen
“15-year-olds are creating their own brands on social media. 16-year-olds are operating motor vehicles. 17-year-olds are in the workforce. 18-year-olds are serving in the military, holding weapons, protecting our freedoms. College students are starting businesses and nonprofits and living on mission and serving in church plants and all those kinds of things. Meaning this: if they can do those things, they can be the church right now. They can serve now. Will they mess up? Yes. Will they make a mess of things? Probably. Are they going to run late? Most definitely. You know what I mean? All those things, but that’s part of the discipleship process.” – Shane Pruitt
Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, Lacey Villasenor and Evan Vela tackle the sensitive and crucial topic of navigating purity culture in modern Christian ministry. They delve into the complexities surrounding purity culture’s impact on millennials, Gen X and older generations, questioning its benefits and pitfalls. The team offers biblical insights and personal experiences to redefine purity in a gospel-centered manner, emphasizing the importance of understanding and teaching Scripture’s stance on purity and love.
Also in this episode:
- Debunking common misconceptions about purity culture
- Strategies for addressing sexual purity from a gospel perspective
- The impact of pornography on relationships and individual spiritual growth
- Encouraging honest, open discussions about sexual sin and redemption
Helpful Resources:
- TheFreedomFight.org
- Loveology by John Mark Comer
- Covenant Eyes
Shareable Quotes:
“The biggest lie that I hear, by far, is this sin is affecting me and me alone; it’s something I do by myself. It doesn’t affect anyone.” – Evan Vela
“The only thing that will bring life change of a deep addiction, a breaking of a stronghold, will be running to the foot of the cross. And that sounds super spiritual, but I truly mean that because of what happened in my life.” – Shane Pruitt
“I’ve found Scripture memory as a habit and a tool can really help a new believer or someone that’s stuck in these things renew their mind over time.” – Paul Worcester
In Episode 3 of The GenSend Podcast, Evan Vela joins Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor to dive into the challenges and strategies for maximizing time effectively as a Next Gen Leader. They discuss the importance of prioritizing ministry and personal life, ensuring that both are aligned with God’s calling. They dive into practical tips for managing responsibilities, the significance of delegation, and the necessity of setting healthy boundaries for both personal and ministry life.
Also, in this episode:
- Practical strategies for time management in ministry
- The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal relationships
- Tips for delegating tasks and empowering others within ministry
- Encouragement for single and married ministry leaders to maintain healthy rhythms
Helpful Resources:
- Do More With Less Time Article by Paul Worcester
- Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline by Paul Worcester and Wes Smith
Shareable Quotes:
“Every time you say yes to an event, every time you say yes to a speaking engagement, every time you say yes to doing something in ministry, you’re always saying no to your family. You’re always saying no to relationships you’re trying to build.” – Shane Pruitt
“If my intimacy with the Lord gets out, so does my intimacy with others.” – Evan Vela
“Suffering and hardship in ministry can pull you apart, but actually if you’re doing it right, it can pull you together where you can be more united. And that’s what we see in the Bible. And then as you read missionary biographies, you see that these families, they have this deep love and respect for one another.” – Paul Worcester
In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, Lacey Villasenor and special guest Evan Vela delve into the essentials of attracting, developing and retaining next-generation staff for Christian ministry. They explore the significance of being genuinely called to ministry, the impact of personal testimony and living out one’s faith and practical strategies for fostering a healthy, disciple-making ministry environment. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those passionate about investing in future leaders and creating a culture that celebrates and sustains long-term commitment to ministry.
Also, in this episode:
- Understanding God’s calling for individuals in ministry
- Strategies for engaging and retaining next-gen ministry leaders
- The importance of authenticity, trust and vulnerability in leadership
- Practical advice for pastors on prioritizing disciple-making and mentoring within their teams
Helpful Resources:
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- Collegiate Coaching Network
- Article: Why there is a shortage of student ministers and what can be done about it
Shareable Quotes:
“What you celebrate is what you’re going to cultivate.” – Evan Vela
“If you have a staff member that you’re overseeing, the most important person you can be discipling is that person.” – Paul Worcester
“Healthy leaders are more apt to lead healthy ministries.” – Shane Pruitt
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform!
In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt and Paul Worcester, along with Lacey Villasenor, discuss effective ways to engage with and mobilize the next generation in Christian ministry. They cover various topics, including the importance of giving a gospel invitation with integrity, the role of follow-up in ministry and how to create a compelling and clear message. The episode is filled with practical advice to empower leaders to reach out and disciple young people in their faith journeys.
Also, in this episode:
- How to prepare your invitation
- Giving other invitations (call to ministry, etc.)
- How to follow up well
- How often to give invitations
Helpful Resources:
- Youth Leader Coaching Network
- Life Essentials: New Believers Guide for Students
- How to share Jesus using gospel appointments
Shareable Quotes:
“I think what we’ve defaulted to in the past is preparing our messages really well and just winging the invitation. And we don’t want to wing the invitation.” – Shane Pruitt
“There’s an urgency to what we’re doing. There’s no such thing as just another sermon. If you’re talking to souls, eternal souls, there’s no such thing as just another message that I’m giving to the youth. Like this is life or death. And so, the gospel is the power of God for salvation.” – Paul Worcester
“I think our goal is always the glory of the Lord and clarity because God is not a God of confusion. And yes, God can work in spite of us. Listen, God can speak through a donkey, so we all have hope.” – Shane Pruitt
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform!
Dive into GenSend’s energetic Fall 2023 webinar, Every Student Sent! It’s all about igniting youth leadership in evangelism and discipleship. Prepare for dynamic prayer sessions, hands-on evangelism training and powerful discipleship strategies. Join the movement to shape students for Christ in an effective ministry.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Emphasizing Discipleship: Disciple-making precedes evangelistic momentum, with a focus on daily walks with Jesus, Scripture memorization and life-on-life discipleship
- Prayer as a Foundation: A student-driven prayer movement, including dedicated prayer rooms and scheduled prayer times, underscores the importance of praying for the lost
- Vision for the Great Commission: Regular reinforcement of the vision to reach and disciple students for Christ, reminding them of their role as ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation
- Practical Evangelism Training: Training sessions paired with actual evangelism outings, focusing on sharing the gospel effectively and overcoming fear
- Ongoing Training and Encouragement: Continuous training on gospel presentation, strategies for sharing faith and follow-up plans
- Celebrating Stories of Obedience: Building a culture of evangelism through sharing stories of obedience, even if they don’t result in immediate conversions
Subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Sharable Quotes:
“The best kind of evangelism is the kind you do” – Paul Worcester
“We should never talk to people about God until we talk to God about people.” – Shane Pruitt
“Evangelism is the lifeblood of the church. We can either evangelize or fossilize.” – Gary Stidham
“There is such an urgency to reach this generation for Christ.” – Paul Worcester
Additional Resources:
Liberty Article: Life as a Pastor’s Kid
When a student tells you they’ve lost a parent, or they’re being bullied at school or abused at home, what do you say? When a young person experiences trauma, what does effective ministry look like? Shane Pruitt’s wife, Kasi, joins hosts Paul, Shane and Lacey to talk about the Pruitt family’s recent traumatic experience and what pastors, ministry leaders and parents can do to show young people how God is good even when times are bad.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why now, more than ever, it’s important for Next Gen ministry leaders to be trauma-informed.
- Insights on how to talk to young people who are experiencing trauma.
- Strategies for partnering with trained, local Christian therapists.
- How to balance fun activities with a ministry that points young people to the hope that can only be found in God’s Word.
- Steps to take so you can be ready when trauma-induced ministry needs arise.
Helpful Resources:
- Next Gen leader: It’s time for mental health to be a part of student ministry article by Shane Pruitt
- America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse? TIME article
- Ministry Safe Online Training Library
- Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at Gensend.org.
- Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Sharable Quotes:
Sometimes we can have certain demographics in our youth group that we think, “Oh, we’re good. Our kids are on the cheerleading squad and head football dude and doing these things or doing that.” But it’s just not the case. So many of them are experiencing things at home that they’re hiding. – Kasi Pruitt
It’s not a silver bullet that fixes everything. But the ministries that have a really good equipping ministry of helping students get their eyes off of themselves and onto the cause of advancing the gospel, they tend to end up with healthier students. – @PaulWorcester
The ministry of presence can be so powerful because every person is going to go through something traumatic, whether that’s with a Big “T” or a little “T”. That’s why I love what Jesus says in John 16. He says, “In this world you’ll have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” – @laceyeloisa
Sometimes we wait until something happens and someone needs help and then we’re scrambling trying to figure out what we’re going to do when that person really needs our immediate response. So I would say having a plan ahead of time is always going to be better. Don’t just go, “Hey, I’m here if you need me.” Be proactive. – @shane_pruitt78
Some of us, we want to just fix everything, when really the best approach in a lot of these situations is to slow down. If you don’t know the next step, take the humble approach and don’t seek to fix people. Love people. – @PaulWorcester
Whether you’re a pastor or other ministry leader, how do you equip your family to thrive in ministry long-term? How do you balance family life and ministry? Anna Gage joins hosts Paul, Shane and Lacey to discuss what ministry leaders and parents can do to balance their commitment to God’s work and their family’s well-being.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The importance of integrity and authenticity in ministry and at home.
- Strategies for maintaining harmony between ministry commitments and family life.
- How to foster a nurturing environment for children within the context of ministry, emphasizing the importance of love, encouragement and trust in their growth and spiritual journeys.
- Insights on how to raise godly children without the pressure of perfection.
- Leading by example and entrusting God’s plan for your children’s lives is significant.
*Helpful Resources:*
- Next Gen leader: It’s time for mental health to be a part of student ministry article by Shane Pruitt
- America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse? TIME article
- Ministry Safe Online Training Library
- One Big Happy Home
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Sharable Quotes:
“Sometimes you have to protect your kids that are considered PK or ministry kids from unrealistic expectations that even people in the church have of them. I think sometimes they think because we’re in ministry that our kids are going to be perfect and not do four-year-old things that four-year-old kids do.” – @shane_pruitt78
“There’s almost like this identity attached with being a preacher’s kid—and they think you’re on one end of the spectrum or the other end of the spectrum, so they’re perfect and tidy and wonderful, or they’re super rebellious and crazy and you can’t tame them. – Anna Gage
“I just want to encourage those that are listening that are parents, to have the freedom of trusting the Lord’s sovereignty … yes, point to the gospel, pray for their little hearts, get them in Christian community. Let them be around the teaching of the Word and you living out the Word but trusting the Lord’s work there. I think sometimes, as Christian leader parents, we feel the pressure on our kids to make a decision at an early age. – @shane_pruitt78
“At the end of the day and I think so much, especially as Christian leaders, as pastors, ministers of the gospel, we put so much pressure on ourselves when it comes to raising up godly kids. And so, I would just say, hey, at the end of the day, your kids don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to follow a perfect Savior and to trust him.” – @shane_pruitt78
“I think there’s beauty in that release, and there’s freedom in that, of knowing that God has a plan for my life, for my sister’s life, for my brother-in-law’s life. Just knowing that He has ordained that before the beginning of time and just trusting and believing that His plan and His will for our lives is good. And so, enjoy the freedom in that. Continue to be faithful in prayer and trust that the perfect Savior that we believe in knows your kids better than you do. And so, I think there’s beauty in that.” – Anna Gage
“We want to live on the edge of faith. And so, God may call us to make sacrifices and to serve as ministry leaders and families, but that is something that God is going to honor, and our kids are a part of that blessing that God will give. So, I’m not saying… This is not a prosperity gospel thing I’m saying, but it is, the Lord will honor our sacrifice and our commitment to Him.” – @PaulWorcester
According to Lifeway Research, many young adults drop out of church attendance between 18 and 22. Paul, Shane and Lacey discuss the critical gaps in student ministry and share insights on how church leaders and parents can actively participate in helping students navigate these transitions successfully.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- The four gaps for students between middle and high school.
- How to encourage students during life’s toughest challenges.
- Addressing the gaps proactively.
- Extending care for students beyond graduation Sunday.
- Balancing seeker-sensitive approaches with deep discipleship.
Helpful Resources:
- Addressing the four major gaps in student ministry by Shane Pruitt Article
- Next Gen leader: It’s time for mental health to be a part of student ministry by Shane Pruitt Article
- America Has Reached Peak Therapy. Why Is Our Mental Health Getting Worse? TIME Article
- MinistrySafe
- One Big Happy Home
- Falls Creek Next Chapter
- The Oaks Retreat
We want to hear how you’re addressing the GAPs in your ministry. Email us at evangelism@namb.net. Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Shareable Quotes:
“I don’t know if I love the term seeker sensitive because of how it’s been used in the past. But I do think it’s good to have a fun, welcoming, excellent environment or environments that new non-Christian students can come and attend. The gospel makes sense to them. They’re welcome. It’s fun, exciting. I’m a big fan of all that stuff.” @PaulWorcester
“If you remove one of them [seeker-sensitive and deep discipleship], in a sense, the train falls off the track. So, there’s got to be a come and see, go and tell.” @shane_pruitt78
“We need to be as teachers and communicators and worship leaders filled with the spirit ourselves and able to respond to that—but also fostering an environment where, hey, if you’re coming, if you’re checking out this event, get ready to encounter God. And that comes with teaching God’s Word in a clear, authoritative and even bold way.” @PaulWorcester
“If you’re in a crowd, and it doesn’t matter if the crowd is 12 or 1200, you’re typically going to have four types of people in that crowd. And I think as communicators, as leaders, we always have to be aware of all four. And maybe even ask ourselves, how am I addressing all four of these people?” @shane_pruitt78
Is it possible for collegiate and youth leaders to create a thriving culture of committed volunteers? Hosts Paul, Shane and Lacey discuss the significance of building and maintaining strong volunteer leadership teams, emphasizing the importance of casting a compelling vision, training leaders for a lifetime of ministry and creating a culture of commitment and care.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- How casting a vision of evangelism, discipleship and meaningful service can inspire students and volunteers.
- Viewing training opportunities differently to help raise a generation of influential disciple makers and missionaries.
- Strategic accountability and how it fosters a sense of purpose among volunteers.
- How prayer encourages leaders in raising laborers that yield impactful results.
- Ways in which gratitude can lead to organic growth as existing leaders become advocates for ministry.
Helpful Resources:
- “CP Stage: Shepherding the Revival Generation”
- “Practical Ideas for Leading Your Core Team”
- “Qualities for Ministry Leadership”
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Sharable Quotes:
“One thing we’ve got to realize as leaders is Generation Z—young adults, college students, teenagers—they want more out of church than just going to potluck dinners. You know what I mean? They want more out of church than even just listening to us preach.” @shane_pruitt78
“When you want to build a student leadership team, lead with vision, not just with expectations…” @PaulWorcester
“Don’t make people feel guilty if they don’t want to step into leadership, but make it available to the ones with potential.” – @PaulWorcester
“Ask the Lord of the harvest to call out and raise up laborers for the harvest because it’s His harvest; it’s His laborers; it’s His message; it’s His mission field; it’s His bride. So, we need to go to Him first.” – @shane_pruitt78
“Take really good care of the ones you have, and then they’ll spread the word as well.” – @shane_pruitt78
“You can’t use people. You have to love people, invest in people.” – @PaulWorcester
“It’s about people that are going to be impacted. It starts with the leaders. It starts with us investing in leaders.” – @PaulWorcester
How do you lead women called to serve in ministry? Hosts Paul, Shane and Lacey talk to Catherine Renfro about the challenges and opportunities faced by women responding to the call of ministry and how they can be effectively led and nurtured in their journey.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- How to recognize and affirm a calling.
- The significance of investing time and effort into personal discipleship for aspiring female ministry leaders.
- The internal struggles often faced by women called to ministry and how to encourage them.
- How to empower women in ministry and how to foster growth and confidence.
- What steps to take and how to navigate the journey toward working in ministry.
Helpful Resources:
- Shane Pruitt and Scott Pace’s book: Calling Out the Called
- Interested in learning more? Check out our GenSend Webinar: Calling Out the Called.
- Are you ready to discover more about Understanding a Calling to Ministry?
- SBCCalled has information, resources and training for high school and college students called to ministry.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Please subscribe to the podcast and leave a rating and review on iTunes.
Sharable Quotes:
“God put so many leaders in my life that just believed in me and saw something in me before I even saw it in myself. And I think some of the most helpful things those leaders did was invest time in me.” – @CatherineRenfro
“There’s a whole bunch of young women in the ministry that want to be discipled, need help and need a solid leader. And the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. And there’s a lot of ministries I could place if I had 100 women that wanted to join college ministry staffs, I could go place them all right now.” @PaulWorcester
“We truly believe God never stopped calling people to ministry leadership. For the most part, us as leaders stopped asking a whole generation to consider if God’s calling them the ministry leadership. So, I think now that we’re asking again, people are saying, ‘Yes, I believe that’s what God’s calling me to do.’” @shane_pruitt78
“I think I know the way the Lord is calling me. I think I know what he wants me to do, but I trust that no matter what, He’s just going to direct my steps, and He is going to open the doors along the way. And all I knew is serve where I could in the church.” @CatherineRenfro
“There’re opportunities out there that you can just take and explore those options. So, I encourage people to take a more of a broader faith-based risk—take a risk for the kingdom and step out in faith and see what opportunities the Lord provides.” @PaulWorcester
“What we need to do is to help them have very real, very deep spiritual disciplines because we’re going to be at our best when we serve and lead and teach out of the overflow of our own with Jesus.” @shane_pruitt78
In this bonus episode, Paul, Shane and Lacey join Scott Pace, dean of The College at Southeastern and associate professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Catherine Renfro, director of Evangelism at NAMB, to discuss what it means to call out the called and disciple those God has called to lead in ministry.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Paul, Shane and Lacey welcome A.J. Griffin, NBA basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, to discuss what it means to love Jesus, boldly live one’s faith and make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Hosts Paul, Shane and Lacey welcome Sean McDowell, associate professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, popular conference speaker and co-author and editor of over 18 books, including So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World and Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage. Listen as they dive deep into the topics of gender, sexuality and LGBTQ+ issues.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
In this episode, Paul, Shane and Lacey welcome A.J. Swoboda. A.J. is assistant professor of Bible, Theology and World Christianity at Bushnell University, lead mentor for the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of many books, including After Doubt (Brazos). Listen as they discuss the marks of deconstruction and what Christians and ministry leaders can do when someone wants to walk away from their faith.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
In this episode, Paul, Shane and Lacey discuss what the Bible has to say about how the church should respond when a Christian leader has a moral failing, what we can do to love those affected by it and how ministry leaders can avoid moral failure.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Paul, Shane and Lacey welcome Gayla White and Ginger Adams from the Hope Pregnancy Center in Oklahoma to discuss how the church can seek to provide a safe place and meet the needs of women facing unplanned pregnancies with compassion and grace.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Paul, Shane and Lacey discuss the basics of sermon planning and what steps leaders can explore to prepare and write a teaching message that nourishes, speaks truth and focuses on the gospel.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Paul, Shane and Lacey welcome Robby Gallaty, senior pastor of Long Hollow Church (Hendersonville, Tennessee), founder of Replicate Ministries and the author of several books. Listen as they discuss what makes this generation ripe for revival and how pastors and ministry leaders should pursue and respond to revivals in their churches, schools and community.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at Gensend.org.
Shane and Paul welcome Lacey Villasenor as a new co-host and discuss helping Gen Z overcome the top three obstacles to evangelism: feeling inadequate in social interactions, lack of knowledge of faith issues and fear of what others will think.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, and the author of Welcome to Adulting and Welcome the Future Church. In this episode, JP talks to Shane and Paul about the importance of engaging students to talk through relevant and challenging topics and encourages leaders to keep teaching the Word of God to address controversial subject matters.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, and the author of Welcome to Adulting and Welcome the Future Church. In this episode, JP talks to Shane and Paul about the importance of engaging students to talk through relevant and challenging topics and encourages leaders to keep teaching the Word of God to address controversial subject matters.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Ben Bennett is a podcast host, speaker and serves as director of Resolution Movement at Josh McDowell Ministry. He’s also the co-author of Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles, and Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling Life. In this episode, Ben shares his story with Shane and Paul and talks about how students and ministry leaders can find healing from hurt and freedom from sin to experience a flourishing life in Christ.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Jay Sanders is the BCM campus minister at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. His goal is to inspire the next generation to live full and die empty. In this episode, Jay shares his story, his passion for the next generation and the incredible opportunity collegiate ministers have in influencing students toward Christ.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Youth minister veteran, Christ Trent, serves as Next Gen catalyst for Georgia Baptist Missions Board and is the author of Consider This: A Youth Minister’s Guide to Longevity. In this episode, Chris shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul and imparts valuable wisdom and insight on how to navigate a pathway to longevity in ministering to Gen Z.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Youth ministry veteran, college professor and author, Tim McKnight, understands Gen Z’s unique characteristics. In this episode, Tim shares his faith journey with Shane and Paul and discusses how parents and youth ministry leaders can influence and disciple today’s generation of young people to follow Christ and lead a kingdom movement.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Youth ministry veteran, college professor and author, Tim McKnight, understands Gen Z’s unique characteristics. In this episode, Tim shares his faith journey with Shane and Paul and discusses how parents and youth ministry leaders can influence and disciple today’s generation of young people to follow Christ and lead a kingdom movement.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Christian content creator and influencer Collin LaBrosse treats social media like a mission field. In this episode, Collin shares his faith journey with Shane and Paul and discusses how God continues to work in his heart as he uses his social media platform to point people to Jesus.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Christian content creator and influencer Collin LaBrosse treats social media like a mission field. In this episode, Collin shares his faith journey with Shane and Paul and discusses how God continues to work in his heart as he uses his social media platform to point people to Jesus.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Jack Eason has worked with nonprofits for more than 30 years, helping ministries with branding, fundraising and leadership development. In this episode, Jack shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul and discusses his new book, The Loneliness Solution: Finding Meaningful Connection in a Disconnected World, that tackles the issues of loneliness and the benefits of doing life together with others.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Bestselling author and international speaker, Mark Mittelberg, serves as executive director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics at Colorado Christian University. In this podcast episode, Mark shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul and talks about vital evangelistic principles and strategies ministries can incorporate to reach and disciple the next generation with the gospel.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Ryan Scantling, Baptist Collegiate Ministry minister at the University of Arkansas, shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul. In this podcast episode, Ryan talks about discipleship and mentoring the next generation and how valuable it is for leaders to call out the called as they equip future leaders.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Bill Noe, associate director for the Center for Collegiate Ministry at Texas Baptists, shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul. In this podcast episode, Bill talks about the importance of investing in collegiate leaders and how the results of affirming and encouraging each other can lead to growth.
Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org.
Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board (NAMB), shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul and talks about his book Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In. Trevin also discusses his new role at NAMB and gives insight into developing content in a new and compelling way that applies truth for the next generation.
Find more resources for your next-gen ministry at GenSend.org.
Ryan Fontenot, founder and director of Rage Ministries, shares his testimony and ministry journey with Shane and Paul. Ryan also discusses why it’s essential for ministry leaders to have a strategic plan of action in evangelism.
Find more resources for your next-gen ministry at gensend.org.
Ethan Jago, pastor of young adults at Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, and his wife, Dianne, author and co-owner of Deeply Rooted Magazine, seek to have a godly family as they minister to young adult student leaders. In this episode, Ethan and Dianne share their ministry journey with Shane and Paul and talk about what it takes to do ministry together and the benefits of serving the next generation.
Find more resources for your next-gen ministry at GenSend.org.
Baptist campus minister, Arliss Dickerson, has poured himself into developing collegiate student leaders for over 30 years. In this episode, Arliss shares his ministry journey with Shane and Paul and talks about what ministry leaders need to do to reach college students with the gospel.
Find more resources for your next-gen ministry at GenSend.org.
Jay Barbier, speaker and youth specialist with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, shares his testimony and ministry journey with Shane and Paul. Jay also discusses the shift in his life that added perspective and has ignited his sense of urgency to create a culture for evangelism and discipleship.
Find more tools to reach the next generation with the gospel at GenSend.org.
Steve Turner, senior director of next gen mobilization, shares his testimony and ministry journey with Shane and Paul. Steve also discusses collegiate ministries and the benefits of a GenSend Break or a Summer Experience and how it helps students learn how to be a disciple of Jesus in their day-to-day lives.
Find more resources for next gen ministry at gensend.org.
Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, shares his testimony and ministry journey with Shane and Paul. Then, the three discuss opportunities for missional work and how GenZ stewards the vision to ensure that every nation is represented around the throne.
Find more tools for your next gen ministry at GenSend.org.
Mitch Tidwell, collegiate ministry associate for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, shares his testimony with Shane and Paul and discusses the importance of ministering to Gen Z in college. Mitch encourages leaders to see college campuses as a strategic opportunity because it is in this phase of life where leaders can mold and shape a student, setting the trajectory for the rest of their life.
Find more Next Gen resources at GenSend.org.
To learn more about Youth Leader Coaching Network, visit youthleadercoachingnetwork.com.
After a car crash left Caleb Freeman with a brain injury, the doctors told his family he would never know them and would never walk again. But God said otherwise. Caleb and his father Jeremy share their story on today’s podcast and explain how even in the darkest, most tragic moments in our stories, God still shines his goodness and light to teach and shape us.
Find more Next Gen resources at GenSend.org.
Gen Z has taken the charge to rise and evangelize. Eden Benton is a 17-year old Gen Z’er who loves Jesus and boldly shares the gospel with her friends one-on-one and on social media. In this episode, Eden joins Shane and Paul to discuss the changing point in her relationship with God and what parents and church leaders need to do to reach, disciple and encourage today’s youth to remain obedient to God’s calling.
Find more Next Gen resources at GenSend.org.
Pastor Johnny Hunt, leader, mentor, and Senior Vice President of Evangelism for NAMB shares what relational currency can do and discusses the upcoming National Student Baptism Day. Pastor Johnny joins Shane and Paul to discuss what it means to live on mission today, the importance of baptism and how it adds momentum and growth to any Next Gen ministry by mobilizing the next generation to be the church of today.
Find more Next Gen resources at GenSend.org.
Gabrielle Odom is a 19-year old member of Gen Z, but she’s also an evangelist and a social media influencer who has a heart to use every resource at her disposal to reach her own generation with the gospel. Beyond talking about her love for Diet Coke and avocado, Gabrielle joins Shane and Paul to share her thoughts on how to unchain this emerging generation from thoughts, ideas and false truths that have nothing to do with the gospel.
Todd Sanders, Falls Creek Program Director and Youth Ministry Specialist for Oklahoma Baptist Convention, is well known for his work with youth camps. In this episode, Todd joins Shane and Paul to discuss how strong discipleship systems and the importance on well-done student camp ministries can produce the fruit of more students making confessions of faith and being baptized.
If you’ve ever had someone run up to you and ask, “Jesus is King, yes or no?” you’ve probably met Rashawn Copeland. He’s joining the show with hosts Shane and Paul to talk about how social media doesn’t have to be avoided, but it can be leveraged as a tool for students to reach the world with the gospel. Furthermore, you’ll be inspired by his testimony of how God met him at death’s doorstep.
Brent Crowe is the Vice President of Student Leadership University, and he is wholeheartedly sold out to reaching and empowering student pastors. He joins the podcast to provide key insight on what student pastors and people interested in reaching the next generation should be preparing for in order to move their ministries forward.
The day of entertainment-and-pizza based student ministries is gone. Shane and Paul welcome Wil Moore, student pastor at Long Hollow Baptist Church, to the podcast to discuss what it means and how it looks to create a student ministry culture that exhibits the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
In this episode, Todd Unzicker, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and joins Shane and Paul to provide insight on what it takes to get Next Gen students moving in ministry. Todd’s also played key roles in mobilizing churches for The Who’s Your One? evangelism initiative, the Go2 collegiate missions initiative and the Caring Well initiative that helps churches prevent sex abuse and care for victims.
Tara-Leigh Cobble is the creator and host of the Bible Recap Podcast. She’s also the founder of an international organization of weekly discipleship groups and hosts a radio show called the God Shot. The Dallas, Texas resident comes to the show to discuss how to help people get past the fear of approaching Gen Z with the importance of God’s Word.
In this episode, hosts Shane and Paul welcome Solomon Rexius to the podcast. Solomon is national director of the Salt Company, one of the largest collegiate ministries in the U.S. He’s also the college pastor at Cornerstone Church of Ames, Iowa. Solomon chats with Shane and Paul about how to make movements out of college campus ministries.
Don’t be mistaken—preaching matters to the Next Generation. Matt Carter, lead pastor at Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas, and preaching professor, shares his perspectives on what effective preaching looks like to Generation Z and why it can’t be overlooked. He also talks about how he put “cause-oriented” young people to work on mission in a major way.
In this episode, Jared Gregory, the college pastor at First Baptist Denton, Texas, joins Shane and Paul to discuss what works in his collegiate ministry. Use his ideas and experience to help mobilize your collegiate students to not just do ministry but lead ministry.
Grant Skeldon is the Next Gen director for Q and the founder of the Initiative Network that helps train students to reach their city with the gospel. Grant has dedicated his life to discipling Next Gen leaders to not just hoard their faith but share it wherever God opens a door. Grant joins hosts Shane and Paul to talk about discipleship processes that help get students ready to reach their cities with the gospel.
In this special episode, host Shane Pruitt welcomes Paul Worcester, national collegiate evangelism director for NAMB, and together they share some strategies on reaching the next generation of students with the gospel. They also drop a huge special announcement that you’ll want to stay tuned for.
Shane and Paul gather with over 500 collegiate leaders in this virtual webinar to hear from J.D. Greear, Wes Smith and Todd Unzicker. They discuss collegiate evangelism, raising laborers and what it means to create a sending culture in churches to impact God’s kingdom.
Find more resources for your next gen ministry at GenSend.org.
In this episode, Shane Pruitt brings on his own pastor, Josh Howerton of LakePointe Church in the Dallas, Texas area to chat about the nuances of leading Next Generation students into deciphering and living out their ministry callings.
Chip Dean is a global students pastor and campus pastor at Liberty Live Church in Newport News, Virginia. He’s also a husband and adoptive father. He joins Shane Pruitt to discuss how his church is using acts of service right on school campuses where students are to aggressively reach the Next Gen population. Chip and Shane also talk about what it means to mold students into leaders who reach other students.
Where does the Next Generation of women fit into the current and future state of the Church? How do we work to concentrate on shaping next gen women for viable ministry? Jennie Allen, the founder of the If Gathering, has dedicated her life to helping women find and live out their callings in the kingdom of God.
Jen Wilkin says the next generation is ready to be taken seriously and that it’s time to defeat the misconception that they don’t want to be serious about God or God’s Word. Jen is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas, and a member of The Village Church. In this episode, she chats with Shane Pruitt about the importance of teaching the Word of God to them in such a way that helps them have an accurate understanding of God’s identity.
Ronnie Floyd, long-time pastor, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee and noted author and speaker, joins Shane Pruitt to talk about the vast mission field of college students and teenagers, the importance of following through conversions with Believer’s Baptism and the reasons why this generation can and should reverse the 20-year decline of baptisms in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Pastor Johnny Hunt, Vice President of Evangelism at NAMB, former SBC president and former pastor of First Baptist Woodstock is a fitting voice to speak about how lead pastors can empower and equip their churches to effectively minister to and reach the next gen crowd with the gospel.
Super Bowl champion and 16-year NFL veteran Benjamin Watson joins Shane Pruitt to discuss what being pro-life means to the emerging generation in a time when being pro-life seems to be increasingly unpopular.
Questions about reaching the next generation? Email us at evangelism@namb.net
The need for churches and Christians to be on the front lines of pursuing racial reconciliation has gripped us in powerful ways this year. Listen as Shane Pruitt and Dhati Lewis, Vice President of Send Network and lead pastor of Blueprint Church in Atlanta, talk about how the next generation can become true catalysts in promoting a gospel-centric racial reconciliation.
Evangelism is not just for the adults with spouses and young children. Students can and must share the gospel and make evangelism a second-nature part of their lives. Pastor Jordan Easley joins Shane Pruitt to share his insight on how Pastor Jordan’s congregation, First Baptist Church of Cleveland, Tennessee, is effectively equipping their students to fearlessly share the gospel and how that can happen for next gen students everywhere.
It’s common to think about students being prepared to enter into the secular workforce upon college graduation. But Scott Pace, Vice President of Undergrad Studies and Dean of Southeastern Seminary, discusses the difference between our universal call to the ministry of the gospel and a unique, specific and vocational one. He also shares what it takes to get next gen students thinking about entering into careers in ministry after college.
Often, the topic of discipleship gets lost in the conversations about evangelism—that initial sharing of the gospel with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Robby Gallaty, Senior Pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, joins Shane to make sure churches and next gen pastors and leaders aren’t missing out on the importance of discipling students, too.
Shane Pruitt calls Richard Ross a “next gen ministry legend.” As professor of student ministers at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and author of many books about reaching students effectively with the gospel, he has been around next gen ministry for a while. But he still has his finger on the pulse of the future. In this episode, he shares with Shane why he believes this generation is poised to lead the church into its next great awakening.
Peter Yanes is the executive director of Asian Relations and Mobilization with the Southern Baptist Conventions’ executive committee. In this episode, he joins Shane Pruitt to talk about how great a need there is for the gospel to be shared among more than 22 million Asian Americans living in the United States.
Perhaps one of the greatest disciplines the next generation can learn is the discipline of how to defend the Christian faith. The big, fancy word for this is “apologetics.” And Lee Strobel, an atheist-turned-Christian and now one of the most well-known Christian apologists around, is well equipped to share tips on how to help students learn to defend their faith in a cultural climate where attacks on Christianity seem to not just be tolerated—they’re encouraged.
Perhaps one of the most hot-button conversations across the landscape of next gen ministry is reaching Gen Z specifically with the gospel. Scott Dawson is the founder of the Strength to Stand Student Conference, and in this episode, he chats with Shane Pruitt about the necessity of building relationships with this generation in order to earn the right to be heard as you share the gospel.
More than any generation, Gen Z is hungry for purpose. They want to be part of a movement, and they want to see change in the world. What greater movement is there than the mission of sharing Jesus and advancing the kingdom, one person at a time. On this episode, Shane Pruitt interviews Kevin Flattmann, student pastor of Cyprus Baptist Church in the Shreveport-Bossier area of Louisiana, about how they’ve used the Who’s Your One initiative in their student ministry.
For more resources about sharing the gospel visit whosyourone.com, and don’t forget to put your one on the prayer map.
Mentions
- Download the 3 Circles app
- Follow Kevin on Instagram at @kevinflattmann
- Follow Kevin on Twitter at @kflatjr
Gen Z is the first generation in history to live a large portion of their lives online. There’s a mission field online now like there has never been before. In this episode, Shane Pruitt interviews Matt Brown—evangelist, author and founder of “Think Eternally”—about the opportunities, dangers and benefits of social media and digital missions.
Mentions
- Think Eternally
- “Truth Plus Love” by Matt Brown
- Follow Matt at @EvangelistMatt
Have you seen a lack of baptisms among the next generation in your church? Sometimes, it can feel like there are hundreds of good distractions fighting for their time. As the next generation is looking for a leader and a cause to follow, we have an opportunity to give them the greatest King and mission. In this episode, Shane Pruitt interviews Greg Stier about how to understand, inspire and equip the next generation to live on mission.
Questions about reaching the next generation? Email us at evangelism@namb.net.
Mentions:
- Follow Greg Stier on social media at @GregStier
- Gospel Advancing
- Gospelize Your Youth Ministry by Greg Stier
Gen Z is the most ethnically diverse generation in North America, and there’s a lot we can learn from them. In this episode of Next Gen on Mission, Shane Pruitt interviews Jeff Wallace, executive director of the LIFT Tour and Youth Pastor Summit, to talk about practical ways to engage this next generation of diverse, digital natives.
Mentions:
- Follow Jeff on Twitter and Instagram: @IamJeffWallace
- slulead.com
Should we still extend invitations as we share the gospel with the next generation or is it an outdated concept? On this episode, Shane Pruitt interviews Clayton King, teaching pastor at NewSpring Church and founder of Crossroads Summer Camps and Crossroads Missions, about having a healthy way to invite the next generation to begin a relationship with Jesus.
Inspire your congregation and students to live on mission by attending a Who’s Your One tour near you. Click here for upcoming tour dates.
Mentions:
- Claytonking.com
- Overcoming Monday Podcast
On this episode of Next Gen on Mission, Shane sits down with D.A. and Elicia Horton, a church planting couple in Long Beach, California, to talk about the next generation and relationships, pursing purity in all aspects of life and why their lives are dedicated to pouring into the next generation.
Learn more about Go2 at go2years.net or text STUDENTS to 888-123 (Msg&Data rates may apply).
Have you ever wondered what Millennials and Gen Z care about and how to connect their concerns to the hope of the gospel? On this episode, Shane Pruitt interviews Jonathan Pokluda, lead pastor of Harris Creek Church in Waco, Texas, about three practical tips to keep in mind in reaching the next generation with the gospel. Pokluda is the former leader of The Porch, one of the largest young adult ministries in the world.
Questions about reaching the next generation? Email us at evangelism@namb.net.
Mentions:
- Connect with Jonathan: @Jpokluda (Instrgram); Leadership@HarrisCreek.org (email)
- Welcome to Adulting: Navigating Faith, Friendship, Finances and the Future by Jonathan Pokluda
- Welcoming the Future Church: How to Reach, Teach, Engage Young Adults by Jonathan Pokluda with Luke Friesen
Today’s guest can’t remember a time when the arts were not a significant part of her life, and the Lord has used it to draw her closer to Himself. You may recognize her if you’ve seen the movie, I Can Only Imagine. On this episode of Next Gen on Mission, Shane Pruitt interviews actress and social media influencer Madeline Carroll to talk about how movies and the arts are a great way to engage and reach the next generation.
Mentions
- Follow Madeline on Twitter at @IMMaddieCarroll.
- Follow Madeline on Instagram at @madscarroll2.
What does God want me to do with my life?” It’s a common question every college student and college age person asks themselves. In this episode of Next Gen on Mission, Shane Pruitt sits down with J.D. Greear, lead pastor of Summit Church and the current president of the Southern Baptist Convention, to talk about Go2—an opportunity for college graduates to start their career in a city where they’ll live on mission, in community and be a part of a church plant.
Learn more about Go2 at go2years.net
Mentions:
- Follow J.D. on Twitter at @jdgreear
- Ask Me Anything podcast
It’s hard to reach a generation with the gospel when we understand them. What makes Generation Z tick, and how are they different than their predecessors? In this episode, Shane Pruitt sits down with Ben Trueblood, the Director of Student Ministry for LifeWay Christian Resources, to talk about the top three things we need to know to understand to reach Generation Z.
Inspire your congregation and students to live on mission by attending a Who’s Your One tour near you. Click here for upcoming tour dates.
Mentions:
- Follow Ben: @BenTrueblood
- Student Ministry That Matters by Ben Trueblood
- A Different College Experience by Ben Trueblood and Brian Mills
- Ben’s YouTube Channel: Student Ministry That Matters
- Lifeway Student Ministry podcast
Shane Pruitt introduces Next Gen on Mission, a podcast designed to equip you to reach, disciple and mobilize the next generation. The first 10 episodes will be released March 23.
Check back for more episodes here, and visit namb.net/evangelism/ for more resources that help mobilize your church into evangelism.