Lead NexGen: Recent Episodes
Matt Willingham
Okay, I’m Stuck… Now What?” Let’s be real—last episode we named the feeling. This week, we’re digging deeper. If you’ve ever asked, “What do I do when I feel stuck?” …this episode is for you. Going Mark and the team as they talk more practical steps. Mindset shifts. What Scripture says about waiting seasons. And how sometimes, feeling stuck is actually a setup for growth.
It’s not about pretending everything’s fine—it’s about finding purpose in the pause. Let’s move forward, one step at a time.
Ever feel like you’re stuck in life? Like you’re moving but not really going anywhere? Maybe it’s your job, your spiritual life, your relationships—or maybe it’s just everything all at once. In this episode, we’re naming that stuck feeling and talking about how to actually start moving forward. No hype, no quick fixes—just real talk, a few practical steps, and some encouragement for the road ahead. Because feeling stuck doesn’t mean you're done—it might mean you’re on the edge of a breakthrough.
In this episode, Mark and the team sit down with NextGen Pastor Cody Tedford to talk about life, ministry strategies, and the ever-evolving NextGen culture. Cody shares insights from his own faith and ministry journey, offering wisdom on how to effectively reach and disciple the next generation. Whether you're in ministry or just passionate about investing in the future, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical takeaways!
This week, Join Mark and the team as they sit down with Pastor Justin Flanagan, a leader with experience and a Heart for NextGen Ministry. We’ll be talking about different philosophies of ministry, what it really takes to disciple the next generation, and hearing some of Justin’s personal journey—the highs, the challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
If you’re a pastor, volunteer, parent, or just someone who cares about seeing young people grow in their faith, this episode is for you!
In today’s fast-paced world, the lines between leadership and management can blur, but understanding the difference is key to success. Join Mark and the team as they explore the unique roles of leaders and managers, diving into how vision, inspiration, and relational influence intersect with strategy, organization, and execution. Whether you’re inspiring the NextGen, managing a team, or striving to do both, this podcast will equip you with practical tools and insights to lead with purpose and precision. Perfect for pastors, community leaders, and anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact!
We'd love to hear from you and have you join the conversation. Reach out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team as they continue to explore the unique roles of leaders and managers, diving into how vision, inspiration, and relational influence intersect with strategy, organization, and execution. In this episode they continue their discussion on decision making and tackle the difference of being Future-oriented and Present-oriented. Whether you’re inspiring the NextGen, managing a team, or striving to do both, this podcast will equip you with practical tools and insights to lead with purpose and precision. Perfect for pastors, community leaders, and anyone seeking to make a meaningful impact!
We'd love to hear from you and have you join the conversation. Reach out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this episode, Mark continues to chat with John and Matt about their ministry paths, the pivotal moments that shaped their calling, and how their began on their journey of being an impactful mentor to empower young leaders. The stories from all 3 are packed with wisdom and practical tips for navigating ministry with purpose and resilience.
Whether you're in ministry, dreaming of starting something meaningful, or simply love hearing about God’s work in people’s lives, this episode is for you!
Join Mark as he sits down with Matt and John to explore their incredible journey in ministry. Hear about the challenges they have faced, the joys they've discovered, and the heart behind how they both started their journey. All 3 will share insights that will inspire and encourage anyone serving in ministry or considering taking that first step.
In this follow-up episode, Mark and the team dive even deeper into the principles of elite leadership. Building on insights from Dr. Jack Llewellyn’s "What Separates Elite Athletes," they unpack how consistency, resilience, and a winning mindset can transform your approach to leadership. With real-world applications and personal stories, this episode will equip you to lead with excellence and purpose. If you’re ready to push past limits and step into elite leadership, this is the episode for you!
What separates the good from the great? In this episode, Mark and the team come together to explore how the principles of elite performance can shape leadership. Drawing inspiration from famed sports psychologist Dr. Jack Llewellyn and his article "What Separates Elite Athletes," they discuss practical insights to elevate your leadership game. Whether you're leading a team, a ministry, or just starting out, this episode will challenge and inspire you to develop the mindset and habits of an elite leader. Tune in and take your leadership to the next level!
In this episode, Pastor Adam Conley, with extensive experience in both kids and youth ministry, joins Mark and the team for an insightful conversation on the challenges and opportunities within NextGen Ministry. Tune in as Pastor Adam shares his unique perspective on nurturing faith in the next generation, fostering spiritual growth, and building a strong foundation for future leaders. Whether you're involved in ministry or just passionate about youth and kids, this episode offers valuable wisdom and inspiration for anyone invested in raising up the next generation of believers.
If you have a story or a question to discuss, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org
Join Mark and the team as they continue in this engaging two-part series...'The 5 Essential Abilities Every Leader Must Possess.' In this second episode, they explore the foundational qualities of Availability and Durability in leadership. With personal stories and practical insights, they offer valuable guidance on how to embody these traits in your own leadership journey.
We would also like to hear from you and have you join in on the conversation. Please connect and reach out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team in this engaging three-part series as they dive into the '5 Essential Abilities Every Leader Must Possess.' In this first episode, they explore the foundational qualities of Availability and Durability in leadership. With personal stories and practical insights, they offer valuable guidance on how to embody these traits in your own leadership journey.
We would also like to hear from you and have you join in on the conversation. Please connect and reach out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this episode Mark and the team continue their discussion on navigating decisions in ministry. When is the time to change? When should we press the gas and when should we pump the brakes? How do we lead through times of change? Mark and the team will tackle these questions in this discussion.
We would love to hear from you! Join in on the conversation or submit your own question for the team to discuss by reaching out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this episode Mark and the team talk about the ability to navigate decisions in ministry. When is the time to change? When should we press the gas and when should we pump the brakes? How do we lead through times of change? Mark and the team will tackle these questions in this discussion.
We would love to hear from you! Join in on the conversation or submit your own question for the team to discuss by reaching out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team as they continue their conversation with Dr. Linda Seiler who is the author of the book "Transformation". As a former member of the LGBTQ community Dr. Linda provides insight on dealing with the cultural views on sexuality and how the church should and can respond appropriately. Hear her own personal story as well as her insight from her Doctoral studies on this hot button topic.
SHOW NOTES:
Dr Linda Seiler's website: https://lindaseiler.com
Order Her Book: Transformation
For resources and information on her conference: https://restoryministries.org/restoried24/
Join Mark and the team as they have a conversation with Dr. Linda Seiler who is the author of the book "Transformation". As a former member of the LGBTQ community Dr. Linda provides insight on dealing with the cultural views on sexuality and how the church should and can respond appropriately. Hear her own personal story as well as her insight from her Doctoral studies on this hot button topic.
SHOW NOTES:
Dr Linda Seiler's website: https://lindaseiler.com
Order Her Book: Transformation
For resources and information on her conference: https://restoryministries.org/restoried24/
In this episode Mark and the team sit down in a room full of NextGen leaders for the first ever live podcast. Listen as those in the room text in questions on Building and Establishing Culture in NextGen Ministry. Join the conversation and share your own stories with us be reaching out to us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org
We all know that our world is noisy. So how do we as leaders, bust through all of the noise to reach NextGen? Join Mark and the team as they dive into the intricacies of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of communication. In this episode they will start to tackle the crucial topic: effective communication in reaching the students our communities.
Join the conversation and share your stories with us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team in this episode as they talk about leadership development. Once we have leaders and others helping us now what? In this episode they will kickoff off the conversation on leadership development and discuss ways to grow and empower those around us.
We would love to hear your stories and have you join in on the conversation. Email us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this second part of our conversation, Mark and the team continue their talk about NextGen and the changing culture that we all face. The culture is shifting quickly and the question is, "are we keeping up"? Mark and the team welcome special guest, Emily Hubbell, who serves as the KidMIn Pastor at Heartland Christian Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. If you would like to connect with our guest today email her @Emily.hubbell@hcc.ag or connect with her on Facebook. Join the conversation or share your story with us by emailing us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team in this 2-Part series as they talk NextGen ministry. The culture is shifting quickly and the question is, "are we keeping up"? Mark and the team welcome special guest, Emily Hubbell, who serves as the KidMIn Pastor at Heartland Christian Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. On this live conversation they tackle questions on the shifting culture that we all face in NextGen ministry. If you would like to connect with our guest today email her @Emily.hubbell@hcc.ag or connect with her on Facebook. Join the conversation or share your story with us by emailing us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
Join Mark and the team in this 2-Part series as they talk leadership. You're not Super-Man or Super-Woman, nor do you have to be. In these episodes the team explores the essence of leadership, emphasizing its pivotal role in guiding teams towards shared goals and fostering growth. In Part 2, we go deeper into the how-to of team-building. Together, these episodes illuminate how effective leadership and strong team dynamics are foundational to organizational success and sustainable growth. Join the conversation by emailing us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org
Join Mark and the team in this 2-Part series as they talk leadership. You're not Super-Man or Super-Woman, nor do you have to be. In these episodes the team explores the essence of leadership, emphasizing its pivotal role in guiding teams towards shared goals and fostering growth. In Part 2, we go deeper into the how-to of team-building. Together, these episodes illuminate how effective leadership and strong team dynamics are foundational to organizational success and sustainable growth. Join the conversation by emailing us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org
In this Episode Mark and the team talk through the importance of networking with the parents of students. Parents are a very influential and valuable voice in their students' life. If we want to be effective in ministry, partnering with parents is a must. Join them on this live podcast as they continue to discuss strategies and elements that help make partnering with parents effective and a win. Join the discussion or share your own stories with us by reaching out to us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this Episode Mark and the team talk through the importance of networking with the parents of students. Parents are a very influential and valuable voice in their students' life. If we want to be effective in ministry, partnering with parents is a must. On this live podcast they discuss strategies and elements that help make partnering with parents effective and a win. Join the discussion or share your own stories with us by reaching out to us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this Episode Mark and the team are joined by special guest, Tristan Heyde, who serves as Student Pastor at Realife Church in Greenfield, Indiana. In this episode they continue their discussion on the strategies and elements that help make an effective NextGen ministry. Join the discussion or share your own stories with us by reaching out to us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org. You can also reach out to Tristan @tristan.heyde@realifechurch.org
In this Episode Mark and the team are joined by special guest, Tristan Heyde, who serves as Student Pastor at Realife Church in Greenfield, Indiana. In this episode they discuss the strategies and elements that help make an effective NextGen ministry. Join the discussion or share your own stories with us by reaching out to us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org. You can also reach out to Tristan @tristan.heyde@realifechurch.org
In this Episode Mark is joined by John and Matt as they discuss the current struggles we may sometimes face when it comes to NextGen ministry. Is it methods, mindsets, or just motivation that we often lack? Join the discussion or share your own stories with us by reaching out to us @mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this episode Mark and the team will discuss, "What's even the big deal of NextGen". We will look at things such as, how do I start thinking in that capacity, and how do we get others around me to do the same along the way?
We would love to hear from you if you have a question to ask or a story to share. Please email us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org.
In this Episode we join Mark and the team on a live podcast for part 2, as we discuss balancing life and ministry. Hear the stories and input from other kids leaders and youth leaders that are currently involved in ministry. If you have have a story to share or a question to ask, we would love to hear from you. Email us atmwhitehead@indianaag.org
In this Episode we join Mark and the team on a live podcast as we discuss balancing life and ministry. Hear the stories and input from other kids leaders and youth leaders that are currently involved in ministry. If you have have a story to share or a question to ask, we would love to hear from you. Email us atmwhitehead@indianaag.org
In this episode we pick back up on our conversation from Episode 2 in talking about planning and vision. If you have a story to share or a question to ask, we would love to hear from you at mwhitehead@indianaag.org
In this episode Mark and the team discuss ways to begin to lay out your future plans, goals and vision for ministry and life.
If you have a story to celebrate or a question to ask, we would love to hear from you. Email us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org
In this episode we will meet the team, as well as hear the heart and desire of Lead NextGen and what the future holds. Also we will introduce the "Never Have I Ever" segment to Lead.
If you have a story to share or would like to connect with us please email us at mwhitehead@indianaag.org