In this episode of Crosstalk at the Kroc, JonathanRaymer sits down with Melissa Powell and Emma Edelman from the Salvation Army Territorial Youth Department to unpack why youth ministry isn’t optional—it’s essential. From planting seeds of faith before age 18 to equipping leaders with practical, accessible tools, this conversation highlights the heart, strategy, and innovation behind youth ministry in the South. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at major initiatives like the Equip Conference, Equip Online, Biblical literacy efforts, VBS resources, character-building programs, leadership development through Forged, and creative tools that help leaders meet today’s kids where they are. Equal parts informative and energizing, this episode is a reminder that when the church invests intentionally in young people and their leaders, God does powerful, lasting work.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc