The FYI on Youth Ministry: Recent Episodes
Fuller Youth Institute
The FYI on Youth Ministry brings together the Fuller Youth Institute’s groundbreaking research, practical advice from ministry experts, and heartfelt stories from diverse church leaders and young people to give you ideas and inspiration for your youth ministry. Join Kara Powell and the FYI Team as we equip faithful young people to change our world together. Find out more at https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
When it comes to mission trips, lasting discipleship happens when leaders intentionally teach students to reflect and prayerfully integrate what they're learning. But we know that's not always easy. Tune in as Rachel Dodd talks with experts Andrea Kroeze, Dario Lariosa, and Keegan Lenker, who share insights and tips on planning faith formation practices that disciple teens as they serve.
About this Season: This season explores mission trips, serving local communities, and why these remain a valuable part of youth ministry. But planning them well takes more than good intentions. This season is brought to you by FYI's On-The-Go youth leader resources Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides), and created through support from Tenx10.
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Youth Leader Guide on Intergenerational Mission Projects
- Faith & Mission curriculum: Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, & Youth Leader Guides)
- Touch The World mission trip resources: Devotionals and Re-Entry Journal
- The Missions Academy: Online and downloadable pre-trip training curriculum and training
Want to help teens develop cultural competence as they serve at home and abroad? This conversation is for you! Brad Griffin talks with three experts on reimagining older missions and service paradigms to approach this work with cultural humility.
Guests:
- Dr. Jennifer Guerra Aldana: Professor of Christian Ministry and Practice at PLNU
- Corey Greaves: President and founder of Mending Wings and SLAM trips
- Dr. David Wang: Psychologist and the Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Seminary
About this Season: This season explores mission trips, serving local communities, and why these remain a valuable part of youth ministry. But planning them well takes more than good intentions. This season is brought to you by FYI's On-The-Go youth leader resources Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides), and created through support from Tenx10.
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Free Youth Leader Guide on Intergenerational Mission Projects
- Faith & Mission curriculum: Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, & Youth Leader Guides
- SLAM trips: Students Learning about Missions (The invitational trip Corey Greaves mentions)
Local service can help teens become aware of needs in their own community and ways they can help. FYI's managing editor, Rachel Dodd, sits down with youth ministry pros Erik Cave, William Leung, and Abigail Olds to discuss tips and ideas for youth groups serving their community close to home.
About this Season: This season explores mission trips, serving local communities, and why these remain a valuable part of youth ministry. But planning them well takes more than good intentions. This season is brought to you by FYI's On-The-Go youth leader resources Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides), and created through support from Tenx10.
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Get the free Youth Leader Guide on Intergenerational Mission Projects
- Faith & Mission curriculum: Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, & Youth Leader Guides
- Tenx10: "Make Faith Matter More to 10 million young people over the next 10 years in the spirit of John 10:10."
- Bible Project video on Justice
00:00 - Introductions
03:45 - Why serve locally?
10:44 - Journey to Mosaic - learning about justice locally
15:23 - A free youth leader guide on intergenerational mission projects
15:48 - What is the long-term impact?
21:03 - Starting local service with your youth ministry
Mission trips and service projects can be meaningful for students—but planning them well takes more than good intentions. Brad M. Griffin chats with Carlos Piñero of YouthWorks and youth leaders Dick Lee and Jen Bradbury about why mission trips still have value in youth ministry today, and what the caveats are to that statement! They share real-world examples of some of their best practices from over the years, and what they are continuing to learn.
This season explores mission trips, or service trips, and why they can still be a really valuable part of youth ministry. But the key, as we hear from youth pastors and ministry leaders, is that planning them well takes more than good intentions. Episodes in this season will explore cultural humility, alternative ideas to a trip, and how to process a trip with your students. This season is brought to you by the On-The-Go Youth Leader resources Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides), and created through support from Tenx10.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Get the free Youth Leader Guide on Intergenerational Mission Projects
- Youth ministry resources: Faith & Mission Collection (Discussion Guides, Prayer Activities, Youth Leader Guides).
- YouthWorks: Immersive service experiences across North America
00:00 - Introductions
05:33 - Why still do trips?
15:00 - How to prepare students to enter communities with humility
22:05 - Free Youth Leader Guide for Intergenerational Service Projects
22:32 - Practices for long-term discipleship vs. quick emotional highs
31:50 - Preparation, processing, and follow-up
40:33 - Final word: Why are mission trips still valuable?
Quick fixes sound appealing, but ultimately, the pace of meaningful growth in leaders or ministries is slow and deliberate. In this conversation, Kara Powell and Rich Villodas discuss Rich's latest book, "The Narrow Path," and the impact that our spiritual formation has on our leadership.
1:00 - Are we scuba diving or snorkeling in our spiritual formation?
6:40 - The importance of our hidden life and spiritual practices
15:40 - How do we keep the long-view in mind in the midst of the urgent, everyday challenges?
20:00 - A healthy church culture
25:16 - A need for integration for the next generation & encouragement for youth leaders
About this Season: The Future-Focused Leadership podcast season is hosted by Dr. Kara Powell, author and executive director of FYI. Kara invites pastors and leading voices to share leadership principles, lessons, and skills that will keep us future-focused and rooted in Christ. Every episode brings practical ideas and encouragement.
Sign up for our email list: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/subscribe
Related FYI resources:
BOOK: Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, & Building a More Diverse Tomorrow.
BLOG: "What you need to know about Gen Alpha in 2026"
Kara Powell and Lisa Fields (Jude 3 Project) share about how listening is an important precursor to being heard. Lisa shares the story of why she founded an apologetics organization and about Jude 3 Project's latest initiative, the "Ask Initiative." Kara and Lisa get practical about potential barriers to listening and how we can listen for a young person's real concerns, which may be hiding under their surface questions.
About this Season: The future-focused leadership podcast season is hosted by Dr. Kara Powell, author and executive director of FYI. Kara invites pastors and leading voices to share leadership principles, lessons, and skills that will keep us future-focused and rooted in Christ. Every episode brings practical ideas and encouragement.
Sign up for our email list: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/subscribe
Related FYI resources:
BOOK: Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, & Building a More Diverse Tomorrow.
BLOG: "What you need to know about Gen Alpha in 2026"
Kara Powell invites Skye Jethani from the Holy Post Podcast to share how he approaches challenging conversations. Listen in as Kara and Skye discuss how to approach difficult topics and why it is worth finding ways to bring those discussions into our local, embodied expressions of the church and youth ministry.
About this Season: The Future-Focused Leadership season is hosted by Dr. Kara Powell, author and executive director of FYI. Kara invites pastors and leading voices to share leadership principles, lessons, and skills that will keep us future-focused and rooted in Christ.
BOOK: What if Jesus was serious about Justice? by Skye Jethani
Sign up for our email list: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/subscribe
Related FYI resources:
BOOK: Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, & Building a More Diverse Tomorrow.
BLOG: "What you need to know about Gen Alpha in 2026"
Kara Powell and Christine Caine explore leadership and spiritual practices for flourishing in life and ministry. They discuss Christine's new book, "The Faith to Flourish," and the metaphor of the olive tree as a symbol of deep roots and fruitfulness. Christine shares insights on the role of young people in shaping the future of faith communities and highlights global movements of teens seeking authentic faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for divine interruptions, the importance of learning from younger generations, and the balance of structure and openness in ministry.
About this Season: The Future-Focused Leadership podcast season is hosted by Dr. Kara Powell, author and executive director of FYI. Kara invites pastors and leading voices to share leadership principles, lessons, and skills that will keep us future-focused and rooted in Christ. Every episode brings practical ideas and encouragement.
Sign up for our email list: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/subscribe
Related FYI resources:
BOOK: Future-Focused Church: Leading Through Change, Engaging the Next Generation, & Building a More Diverse Tomorrow.
BLOG: "What you need to know about Gen Alpha in 2026"
Cultivate leadership wellbeing! Let’s explore personal practices that can sustain youth leaders for the long haul. In this episode, we break down the habits that build resilience in ministry. Whether it's seeking mentorship, engaging in creative outlets, or simply stepping outside for fresh air, this conversation reminds us that small, intentional steps can lead to lasting impact. 🎧 Tune in for practical wisdom, encouragement, and a renewed vision for sustainable youth ministry. Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, LaTasha Nesbitt
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
The FYI Report on Youth Leader Burnout & Wellbeing
Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer and spending time outdoors are some of the top go-to spiritual practices to help prevent burnout.
This guided prayer walk encourages us to connect with God by observing our surroundings and reflecting on the beauty and wonder of creation.
Learn more from our report on Youth Leader Burnout and Wellbeing.
Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer is the top go-to spiritual practice to help prevent burnout. This 5-minute guided prayer meditation is designed to help youth leaders process stress, reflect on their calling, and connect with God. So, close your eyes in a quiet place or go on a short uninterrupted walk, take 5 minutes toward ministry health! Learn more from our report on Youth Leader Burnout and Wellbeing.
How can social support help you avoid youth ministry burnout? Let’s dive into the power of relationships, community, mentorship, and boundaries in sustaining wellbeing for youth ministry leaders. Roslyn Hernández and LaTasha Nesbitt highlight how social practices can create a foundation for holistic wellbeing in youth ministry. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of youth ministry or looking to support a youth leader, this conversation offers encouragement and tools to foster a healthy, thriving ministry life. Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, MDiv Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt
Mentioned in this episode: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: The FYI Report on Youth Ministry Burnout and Wellbeing
Youth ministry burnout is real! In this episode, LaTasha Nesbitt and Roslyn Hernandez unpack FYI’s latest research on why so many youth leaders feel stretched thin—and what can help them thrive.
Tune in to hear about the role of recognition in resilience, the unique challenges of women in ministry, the seasonal nature of burnout, and the factors that influence ministry burnout. Let’s talk about what it takes to sustain the people shaping the next generation! Hosts: Roslyn Hernández M.Div Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: The FYI Report on Youth Leader Burnout & Wellbeing
How do young adults make sense of their world? In this episode, we explore the meaning-making transition, diving into the personal faith journeys of young adults. From creating space for questions to walking alongside them in their struggles, we discuss how leaders can empower young adults to navigate their spirituality with intention and authenticity.
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
In the acclimating transition, young adults learn to navigate the new environments, jobs, and communities that come with growing independence. Our young adult guests share how they balance the need for stability with the reality of constant change, and how moving can feel both exciting and unsettling.
We also discuss the importance of building support systems and finding community during these transitions, offering practical advice for young adults and those who support them on their journey.
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
During the self-caring transition, young adults learn to take charge of their mental and physical well-being. Our guests share stories about the ups and downs of setting boundaries, finding supportive communities, and figuring out what rhythms of self-care really look like. We also explore tips for how leaders can create spaces where young adults feel heard and supported on their self-care journey.
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
Let’s explore how young adults navigate their contributions to society, relationships, and faith. Listen in to hear about changing plans, the pressure of expectations, balancing aspirations with reality, finding meaning in work, and the importance of support systems during the contributing transition.
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
This episode highlights the responsibility transition! Young adults shift from shared responsibility with adults to having more agency in their lives and relationships. We discuss personal maturity, marriage, social responsibility, and the importance of helping young adults in this transition as they contribute to their communities.
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
This episode unpacks young adults’ work of navigating the complexities of trust, connection, and boundaries in their relationships. We’ll also explore how youth leaders and mentors can provide guidance during this transition, helping young adults build meaningful, healthy relationships.
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: How to be heard: A young adult’s guide to church leadership
In this episode, you’ll hear about how young adults balance different parts of who they are, from internal identities like their faith, personal passions, and values to external identities like culture, socio-economic status, and even parenting. We’ll also discuss how youth leaders, mentors, and faith communities can support young adults during this critical time.
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry
The tenth season of The FYI on Youth Ministry is all about young adults! In this episode, we introduce you to the 7 transitions young adults experience in their twenties. Whether you’re a youth leader in your twenties, or you have students about to become young adults, this season is for you! Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Blog: Two mantras for young adult ministry now
In this conversation with Jonathan Banks, Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation in Chicago, we explore the vital role of practicing faith with young people through service and leadership. Jonathan shares how to cultivate agency and ownership in young people’s faith journey.
Guest(s): Jonathan Banks Hosts: Giovanni Panginda, Jen Bradbury
Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group UOF Financial Empowerment Course
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Blog: Character: It’s not just about teaching teens to be “good”
Join us as Eric Vasquez, the visionary founder of Just Us 4 Youth, delves into how to build trust with teenagers. Eric underscores the role of consistency and closeness, and imparts practical strategies for nurturing connection—from active listening, to the power of meaningful one-on-one interactions, to engaging parents. Eric shares actionable advice for cultivating genuine relationships with young people. Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Just us 4 Youth T.R.E.E. program for parents
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Blog: Cultivating teenagers’ trust one small act at a time Blog: 5 ways to cultivate trust with teens in your youth ministry
Join our conversation with Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz as we explore the vital topic of guiding teenagers through doubts and tough questions, what we call the meaning-making process. Fredy and Vanessa share tips on how youth leaders can create an environment where teenagers feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their beliefs.
Guest(s): Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Brad Griffin
Mentioned in this episode:Faith Beyond Youth Group Growing Young Workshops uywi.org lifeatrevive.com
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:Blog: Why doubt needs to have a place in your youth ministry this year Blog: Youth ministry's pivot in the faith and science conversation
Are you questioning your teaching and discipleship strategies? Let’s explore ways to infuse Christian youth ministry teaching with transformative power that inspires teens to genuinely trust in God (not just follow rules). This rich conversation with, pastor and author Meredith Miller is full of wisdom, experience, laughter, and actionable insights to inspire your youth group lessons—and your students.
Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Meredith’s Book: Woven Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Blog: How to adapt youth ministry curriculum for your youth group Blog: The volunteer's guide to cultivating faith beyond youth group
As youth leaders, the example we set extends beyond the youth group. In this episode, Matt Manno (Nextgen Pastor at New Life Fellowship in Queens) shares how his team models growth for students. Listen for practical insights on how to be emotionally healthy youth leaders can help volunteers face the pressure to be perfect, and help students reflect on what they model for each other.
Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Blog: Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagers
Welcome back to a new season! In Season 9 we’re talking about discipleship to cultivate a faith in our students that goes beyond the youth group. In this episode the coauthors of FYI’s latest book Faith Beyond Youth Group, Jen Bradbury, Brad Griffin and Kara Powell, introduce us to the 5 points of the Faith Beyond Youth Group Compass.
Mentioned in this episode:
Faith Beyond Youth Group
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Faith beyond youth group: A new framework for discipling teenagers Blog: The volunteer's guide to cultivating faith beyond youth group
When students trust you, opportunities for discipleship will abound. Building trust requires relational consistency and proximity. So, tune in to hear about the practical steps you can take to cultivate the relational proximity needed to form trust with your students!
Mentioned in this episode: Blog: Learning to listen to teenagers Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources:Blog: 5 ways you can nurture faith that goes beyond youth group Blog: Telling stories for identity-forming discipleship Blog: Your new mantra for game-changing youth group games Book: Faith Beyond Youth Group
Why are models important in character-forming discipleship? “The way we live our lives is the greatest sermon we will ever preach because our students are paying close attention to how we talk, what we share, how we react, and especially how we treat others.” In this episode, Giovanny Panginda shares how we can be models for our students and how we can help them find other healthy models.
Mentioned in this episode:
Luke Burgis: What is Mimetic Desire?
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources: Blog: Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagersBlog: We need to talk about compassion
How can youth ministry leaders cultivate compassion and kinship in their youth ministry? “What always works is not the hard message, but the care [people] feel immediately and the fact that they felt seen. You learn that lesson over and over again. Cherishing people is not hard.” Tune in to hear more of Father Greg Boyle’s story and practical wisdom!
Mentioned in this episode:
Homeboy Industries
A Good Man is Hard to Find Flannery O’Connor
Father Greg’s books
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Curriculum: Compassion from the Inside Out
Blog: Innovating your way forward with compassion, creativity, and courage
Blog: We need to talk about compassion
What is the role of a youth leader? What are the qualities of a good youth leader? Andy Jung shares 4 ways youth leaders can change the way we understand our calling from youth ministry “superstar” on the verge of burnout, to the ones charged to lead all adults in the church as they invest relationally in our teenagers.
Mentioned in this episode:
Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
Adopted Church by Chap Clark
SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL LIST
Related FYI resources:
Book: Sticky Faith
Book: 3 Big Questions
Blog: 4 ways to partner with parents (even when you aren’t one)
Blog: What you need to know about today's teenagers
“Google the words “Anxiety is like,” and you’ll be shocked by the number of comparisons and descriptions you’ll find … As the Body of Christ, we can help change the script for young people grappling with anxiety.” In this episode, Rachel Dodd shares 4 hope-filled messages the church needs to tell today’s anxious young people.
Mentioned in this episode:Lifeway Research: Suicide Remains a Taboo Topic at Churches
Faith in an Anxious World Curriculum
Youth Ministry and Mental Health Half-Day Online Training
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:Blog: Why young people need mental health-friendly youth ministry
Podcast: Faith in an Anxious World Parenting Podcast
Blog: Supporting young people when they are suffering
Teaching compassion to teens starts with being compassionate leaders. Tune in to hear Cameron Lee share practical strategies from biblically-informed psychology that will help you cultivate trust-filled discipleship and make a lasting impact in the lives of young people.
Guest: Cameron Lee
Hosts: Rachel Dodd, Roslyn Hernández
Mentioned in this episode:
Compassion Curriculum
The Fog Blog
Dr. Kristin Neff on Self Compassion
Book: Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Innovating your way forward with compassion, creativity, and courage
What's love and humility got to do with lament? More than we might initially imagine! In this covnersations you’ll hear insight, stories and practical ideas from Soong-Chan Rah about how we can cultivate love and humility with teens in our youth ministry through the spiritual practice of lament.
Guest(s): Soong-Chan Rah
Hosts: Chuck Hunt, Roslyn Hernández
Mentioned in this episode:
Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Teaching young people about lament: Practical ideas from 8 innovative ministries
Blog: Communal ashes: finding God in our lament this Lenten season
Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Marcos Canales, and Elizabeth Tamez Méndez share stories, and practical wisdom on teaching teenagers about hope and perseverance. Your students face lots of challenges, and we know you and other caring adults in your ministry want to be there for them. Join this empowering conversation on cultivating hope and perseverance with your students.
Guest(s): Marcos Canales, Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Elizabeth Tamez Méndez
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández
Mentioned in this episode:
New Generation 3
Curriculum: JUNTOS (Together) in English
Estudio Biblico: JUNTOS en español
Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH)
La Fuente Ministries
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: The character of discipleship
Blog: Testimonios: The power of stories shared in community
Rev. Dr. Dwight Radcliff talks with us about the prophetic truth-telling power of hip hop and its importance to the process of forgiveness and racial justice. Join the conversation to get ideas about spiritual formation practices you can use to teach students in your youth ministry about forgiveness.
Guest(s): Dwight Radcliff
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, LaTasha Nesbitt
Mentioned in this episode:
Article: Hip Hop Hermeneutic by Dr. Dwight Radcliff
Video: Birmingham and the Children’s March (10 mins.)
Masters of Arts in Justice and Advocacy
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
Michael Eric Dyson
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Helping young people grieve and take action
Blog: A letter to White leaders about White supremacy and Christian nationalism
Blog: Processing racialized violence with students
Listen as Rich Villodas shares thoughts and ideas on faith practices that can help support teens’ spiritual formation by cultivating humility in ourselves and our Gen Z students.
Guest: Rich Villodas Hosts: Roslyn Hernández and Giovanni Panginda
Mentioned in this episode:
New Life Fellowship Humilitas by John Dickson
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Walk and pray in awe and wonder Blog: How can your church listen across generations
Robert Chao Romero talks with us about the historical oppression BIPOC have experienced in the U.S. in the name of character and virtue education. Hear how ministry leaders can safeguard discipleship and spiritual formation models from unintentionally causing harm, along with ways youth ministry can benefit from honoring and including families and cultures in our communities.
Guest: Robert Chao Romero Hosts: Brad Griffin and Roslyn Hernández
Mentioned in this episode:
Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero
Christianity and Critical Race Theory by Robert Chao Romero
Mathew 25 SoCal
South Western U.S. States and Mexico
Americanization programs
Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants In Our Response to Immigration by Karen Gonzales
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Processing racialized violence with students Section 5: Expand your own reading and viewing
Blog: Black joy as resistance
Blog: Three lessons learned while pursuing multidiversity in an Asian American context
Blog: Unity does not equal uniformity
As youth leaders, we all want to disciple our students to be more Christ-like but resources on discipling for character development are scarce. This season, we explore Christ-like characteristics and youth ministry activities that can help you support your students’ spiritual formation as they become more like Christ. Jen Bradbury shares highlights from FYI’s Character and Virtue Development project and what we’ve learned about how we can help our students develop Christ-like characteristics like humility, hope, love, perseverance, forgiveness, and compassion.
Hosts: Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda Guest: Jen Bradbury
SHOW NOTES
Mentioned in this episode:
Book: The Jesus Gap: What Teens Actually Believe About Jesus
Book: Called: A Novel About Youth Ministry Transition
Blog: 5 ways you can nurture faith that goes beyond youth group
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagers
Blog: Testimonios: The power of faith stories shared in community
In this episode, Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández talk with Kevin Wilson about the intersections between immigration experiences and faith. Join us to hear insights and practical ideas to help you connect with immigrant students and families in your ministry.
Mentioned in this episode:
Cross Culture Christian
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Reading Scripture with immigrant youth: Let the children come to me
Blog: Finding abundance through reclaiming our immigrant stories
Blog: We're not all just alike: Challenges and opportunities in multiethnic youth ministries
In this episode, Osheta Moore and hosts Roslyn Hernández and Gio Panginda talk about the importance of youth ministry curriculum that represents our students’ diversity and is relevant to their context. Tune in to hear practical ideas that can help you choose and adapt curriculum and youth ministry teaching to be inclusive.
Mentioned in this episode:
Made for Pax
Wade in the water
Dear White Peace Makers by Osheta Moore
A Prayer for Wholeness
Julian of Norwich Body Prayer
The Beloved Community
Ignatian imaginative Prayer
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Walk and pray in awe and wonder
Blog: Teaching young people a daily way to pray
Video: The Daily Replay
Students today are thinking about and have been affected by recent and historical racial violence. In this roundtable discussion we discuss recent incidences of racialized violence, ways we can support students when they need to process, and resilience practices that have helped affected communities of color. Guests in this episode are Ray Chang, Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt, and Brad Griffin, and hosted by Roslyn Hernández.
Mentioned in this episode:
Asian American Christian Collaborative
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blogs:
Helping young people grieve and take action
Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change
How can you support your students’ antiracism participation? Guests Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty and Propaganda share insights from their own antiracism work and give practical tips about how leaders of all ethnic backgrounds can get involved in this work with their students. Alma also talks about her upcoming book, Chingona, in which she writes about her journey of healing from patriarchy, white supremacy, and colonization as she works for social justice.
Host: Kara Powell
Guests: Propaganda and Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty
SHOW NOTES
https://www.prophiphop.com/
https://thedoczp.com/
Mentioned in this episode:
Chingona by Alma Zaragoza-Petty
Book Launch Community Celebration 11/05/22 @ Plaza de la Raza
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blogs:
Latina social justice exemplars to talk about in your next Bible study
Reading Scripture with immigrant youth: Let the children come to me
Helping young people grieve and take action
Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change
This season we are talking about how to have conversations about race and ethnicity with your students and other adults. In this episode, authors Kat Armas, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, and Ahren Martinez give us a brief overview of the guide, Talking About Race with Teenagers. They also share helpful practices to support your antiracist work and to honor your students' ethnic backgrounds. If you are a BIPOC or white leader, this is a great antiracism resource.
Host: Giovanny Panginda
Timestamps:1:08 Teen voices
3:11 What is Talking About Race with Teenagers?4:48 “Moving toward Jesus-centered Multicultural community,” and “Talking about Migration”
8:08 “Words to know and why they matter,” and “Navigating Power”
12:25 “Talking about Race,” and “Preparing to teach about racism and oppression in a multicultural context.”
17:44 Practices with lasting impact
23:28 "Words to Swap"
Mentioned in this episode:
Resource: Talking About Race with Teenagers
Download a sample of Talking about Race with Teenagers here!
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blogs:
Processing racialized violence with students
Helping young people grieve and take action
Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change
A letter to white leaders about white supremacy and Christian nationalism
Have you wondered about how to talk about race with middle school and high school students? Maybe you have questions about how to have conversations about race and ethnicity with other leaders. If you want to know more about why race matters to your students, God, and the church, this season is for you! In this episode, the authors of the guide Talking About Race with Teenagers, Kat Armas, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, and Ahren Martinez join us to talk about the importance of having these conversations with our students and each other. They also give us helpful tips for youth ministry conversations about race, ethnicity, and culture.
Host: Giovanny Panginda
Timestamps:
00:32 - Teen voices
02:54 - Guest introductions
07:55 - Why is it important for the church to talk about race and ethnicity?
09:35 - Why is it important to be aware of diverse representation in youth ministry resources?
13:17 - What is the role of story? And practical ideas for how to create a safe space for students to share their stories.
17:40 - The making of Talking About Race with Teenagers.
20:30 - 4 ideas for language to swap.
Mentioned in this episode:
Talking About Race with Teenagers
Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a changing church by Soong Chang Rah
Dr. Chanequa Walker Barnes
Download a sample of Talking about Race with Teenagers here!
Sign up for our email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Testimonios: The power of faith stories shared in community
Blog: 2 leadership lessons on diversity and unity from K-pop
Blog: Engaging teenagers in faithful discussion about race
Blog: Herencia: Engaging students’ ethnic and cultural background in your ministry
In this season finale, our guest Dr. David Wang shares important and practical insight on trauma-informed ministry. Tune in to learn how youth leaders can care for themselves and walk alongside students who have experienced trauma. This episode is hosted by Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández and was inspired by SCARS - Trauma Informed Discipleship, a free video-based resource developed by our friends at UYWI.
Sign up for the Fuller Youth Institute email list
Related FYI resources:
Blog: Processing the Tragedy of School Shootings
Blog: Supporting Young People When They’re Suffering
In this episode co-hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Brad Griffin have an honest and helpful conversation with Dr. Joyce del Rosario about the particular challenges for leaders of color leading in predominantly white spaces. Listen in to hear practical ideas so that we can all cultivate awareness and spaces that are inclusive.
Does it feel like you’re on the edge of burnout? The ongoing crises of the pandemic have made it harder to recover from difficulties in life and ministry. Join our conversation with Dr. Christin Fort as she shares biblical insight on resilience, and gives us practical strategies to restore health in ministry.
Spending time in God’s presence and experiencing awe can be a life-giving spiritual practice to cultivate. In this episode Giovanny Panginda and Lisa Nopachai introduce an 8-minute guided walking prayer resource originally developed to train students to integrate mind, body, and spirit as they find grounding in God and experience awe and wonder in their everyday surroundings—but youth leaders can try it too!
It’s been a really tough couple of years in ministry. Are you feeling overwhelmed—and maybe even a little guilty about broken relationships with your students? Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda revisit a conversation between Brad Griffin and Josh Packard of Springtide Research packed with insights that will help you reframe student decline in ministry participation. Tune in for practical ideas on rebuilding trust and connection with your students.
Sustainability in youth ministry requires us to adapt our self-care in response to change. So many things can change in life, and so much has changed in the past two pandemic years. In this episode, Kara Powell revisits her own time-tested practices for self-care and challenges us to ask, “What needs to change?”
Youth leaders, this season we are making it all about you! We know you pour out your energy and care for your students so much, and we want to help you care for yourself. Are you feeling physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally tired in ministry? Today, Kristel Acevedo gives us tips to find healthy ministry rhythms that fit your specific personality, preferences, and life stage.
We asked the FYI team to reflect on the challenges and hopes they heard from youth leaders all over the nation and experienced themselves. Join us as team members share advice, hope, and encouragement based on what we learned from leaders like you. This is the 2021 wrap-up you don’t want to miss!
Timestamps:
2:27 - “What was difficult or challenging for you personally about 2021?”
17:35 - “What have you noticed that was good about the things youth leaders did this year?”
27:28 - “What is a short piece of encouragement you’d like to give youth ministers?”
34:19 - A blessing for youth leaders for the end of 2021 from Steve Argue
Sign up for the Fuller Youth Institute email list to receive weekly free articles related to youth ministry and parenting, including a special youth ministry leader care email that is going out at the end of 2021.
Middle school and high school students experience and process identity, belonging, and purpose in distinct ways. Kristen Ivy shares insights from Orange’s Phase Project research and her personal experience. The hosts for this episode are Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Pangingda.
Mentioned in this episode:
3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager
The Phase Project
The Big Questions High School Curriculum
The Big Questions Middle School Curriculum
Related FYI resources:
Blog Post: Learning to Listen to Teenages
Blog Post:Tell Me More: 8 Conversations to Have with Your New Middle School Student
Blog Post: Tell Me more: 8 conversations to have with your High School Freshman
Three researchers from our Living a Better Story project, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, Jane Hong-Guzman De Leon, and Andy Jung share what they learned about listening and ministering to a young, diverse generation. This episode is hosted by 3 Big Questions coauthor Kara Powell.
Thinking about purpose may bring anxiety for some of your students—maybe because culture often focuses on purpose as a destination or vocation. But students can find purpose in many aspects of their lives, both now and in the future. Rev. Dr. Almeda M. Wright offers examples and practical ideas from her research and personal experience. This episode is hosted by Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda.
Showing your students that they belong may bring some awkward moments, but it can become something deeply meaningful and fun! This practical conversation with Montague Williams will give you ideas on nurturing belonging in your ministry. The hosts for this episode are Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda.
Your students’ realities and histories influence their identity. In this conversation Kat Armas talks with our hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda, about how you can encourage students as they begin to understand the different parts that shape who they are in order to find the Christ-centered truths of their identity.
This season we’re talking about teens’ questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell and Brad Griffin about the research and insights of FYI’s latest book 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager.
Disruption in youth ministry may take the form of job changes, tragedies in a congregation or community, or as we’ve all learned, even a pandemic. Although it can be difficult to imagine innovating in the midst of a season of change, sometimes that’s the best time to try something new. In the last episode of Season 2, Marko talks candidly about the personal challenges a season of disruption can bring, as well as the surprising gifts such seasons can hold. This episode is hosted by Roslyn Hernández and Dr. Steven Argue, coauthor of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.
When youth leaders courageously share a new idea, it can be disheartening to be met with resistance or indifference. Jake Mulder shares perspective on what might be behind those reactions, as well as practical ideas about how you can all get on the same page in a way that honors everyone. Join FYI hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this story-filled conversation with Jake. For more practical steps about innovating with your whole church in mind, check out FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.
Church traditions can be a foundation for great innovation. Rev. Teesha Hadra shares stories about how she learned to see tradition as an opportunity for, rather than an obstacle to, discipleship. Join FYI hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this honest and fun conversation with Teesha about innovating in youth ministry while staying connected to the broader vision and mission of your church. For more ideas about innovating within time-honored Christian practices, check out FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.
Abigail Visco Rusert shares the surprising connection between joy and innovation, and explores the ways failure can help move us forward. Hosted by Giovanny Panginda and Dr. Steve Argue, coauthor of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation, this episode explores faith formation, dusty file cabinets, and even Katy Perry’s “Left Shark.”
Collaboration can bring creativity and diverse perspectives, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Dr. Yulee Lee explains why and shares 4 ground rules for guiding communication. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Caleb Roose are coauthors of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation and they share some surprising insights from the research about the connection between teamwork and innovation.
This season explores innovation: what it is, how to do it, and why it’s vital for your youth ministry. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell about how listening to teenagers is the best starting point for creativity in youth ministry. Kara, coauthor of Sticky Faith, shares how research uncovered best practices in youth ministry as well as opened doors for the next innovative steps.
Learn more about Sticky Faith Innovation.
Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney continue the conversation with Jennifer Guerra Aldana about multicultural youth ministry. Jenn reflects on the importance of establishing shared values for your ministry, as well as insight into how you can equip parents as you talk about diversity with young people.
In this episode hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney talk with Jennifer Guerra-Aldana, Manager of Multicultural Initiatives at the Fuller Youth Institute, about navigating multicultural contexts with students. Jenn shares her experience of growing up as a pastor’s kid, as well as insights into the needs and gifts of the increasingly diverse generation in youth ministry today.
Hosts Ahren Samuel and Kat Armas talk with Chuck Hunt, Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck shares practical ideas for connecting with adults within your church community, collaborating with your volunteers during the pandemic, and reflecting diversity that can help students understand God's kingdom.
Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Steve Argueabout investing in young adults for the kingdom. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical ideas, and empathy for young adult leaders, as well as for anyone who manages, mentors, or ministers to those in their twenties. Steve encourages leaders in their twenties that their voices matter in the youth ministry conversation, and offers four ideas you can share with young adults that will encourage them to invest in their personal growth. fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about how to listen well and be the bridge to help church leaders understand young people. Scott shares some tips for leading up, inviting your senior pastor to reimagine how youth ministry could be done. Scott’s new book The Innovative Church is available now.
Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández talk with Adult Ministries + Teaching Pastor Matthew Deprez about intergenerational ministry. Through personal stories and lots of practical ideas, Matthew shares a helpful framework that encourages young people to connect with older generations in your church. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Kara Powell about partnering with parents in your youth ministry. Kara shares lots of practical ideas and personal inspiration to remind us why this effort is so important. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about Christian leadership, the power of listening, and how we can innovate in the church while staying grounded in Christian practices. Scott shares insights and examples from his new book The Innovative Church. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Kat Armas and Ahren Samuel from FYI talk with Chuck Hunt, Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck talks about caring for volunteers, empowering them to disciple students, and how important it is to celebrate together. Chuck brings stories and wisdom from 25 years of experience in youth ministry and he’s collaborated on many FYI projects as a speaker and advisor.
Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
In the second part of our interview with Aaron Rosales, hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda continue the conversation on the impact of social distancing on teenagers’ mental health. In this episode, Aaron shares insight into how we can support parents during this season, as well as tips for how we can all have empathetic conversations with the young people in our lives. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda talk with Aaron Rosales about why social distancing presents special challenges for teenagers. Human connection is important for everyone, but Aaron shares how it plays a specific role in the normal development of adolescents. Show notes at Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast
Hosts Ahren Samuel and Giovanny Panginda talk with Brad Griffin about engaging students in meaningful ways through keychain leadership. Brad talks about the art of mentoring, the way Jesus modeled discipleship, and an inspiring story about if we're asking the right questions when we think about teens being involved in decisions at our churches.
In this episode, hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell about self-care practices for youth leaders. Kara opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a youth leader, and shares some of her own life-giving practices that make youth ministry sustainable.