Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

How do we maintain spiritual, emotional, and relational health during our most demanding seasons? 

Lane Moss, Director of MOVE at Christ in Youth, opens up about the real challenges of summer ministry life when routines are regularly disrupted by constant travel. Lane draws an important distinction between routines (which often crumble under pressure) and rhythms (which can sustain us regardless of circumstances). 

"Bible before phone" becomes more than just a catchy phrase—it represents a portable spiritual anchor that works whether you're at home in your favorite chair or rushing between event venues. Lane shares practical wisdom about how to maintain connection with God when ideal circumstances aren't possible, including setting daily alarms as spiritual check-in points.

The conversation takes a particularly meaningful turn when discussing family relationships during travel-intensive seasons. Lane reveals that maintaining connection with his wife and children requires intentional strategies like brief phone calls during campus walks and personalized touchpoints with each child. Most refreshingly, he admits these approaches didn't emerge naturally but through difficult conversations—sometimes arguments—that ultimately strengthened his family's resilience.

Perhaps most valuable is Lane's perspective on authenticity in ministry leadership. "Nobody is served when we pretend to have it all together," he observes, noting how such pretense creates impossible standards for others while diminishing the visible work of Christ in our lives. This summer, as you navigate your own ministry challenges, may these insights help you maintain rhythms that sustain rather than deplete you.

What rhythms have helped you stay grounded during intense ministry seasons? Share your experiences in the CIY Community Facebook group, and join us when we return with new episodes in August.

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

How do we move students from sporadic volunteer projects to living lives of Kingdom Work? In this conversation, Christ’s Church of Oronogo’s Local Impact Minister Maggie Schade reveals the transformative approach that's reshaping how youth engage with community needs.

Maggie shares a compelling vision where service isn't just something students do, but fundamentally shapes who they're becoming. Drawing from years of experience connecting students with community partners, she unpacks the critical distinction between channeling energy versus creating it, and how letting students take ownership of ministry opportunities produces lasting fruit.

The discussion takes a powerful turn when examining prayer as the true engine of mission work. Through vivid examples from international partners, we discover how perspectives on prayer within youth ministry often need radical realignment. Rather than seeing prayer as supplementary, we are challenged to place it at the center of our community engagement strategy.

You'll gain practical wisdom on developing focused community partnerships, creating meaningful pathways for student service, and helping passionate teens identify their "next right step" after transformative experiences like CIY MOVE. We also tackle the sometimes-controversial topic of international missions, exploring ways to develop global frameworks for ministry that connect students to God's worldwide mission, whether overseas or in their own backyard.

Whether you're a seasoned youth minister or just beginning to explore community engagement with students, this episode provides both inspiration and actionable steps to help your ministry move beyond one-time events toward cultivating lifelong kingdom workers. Start your journey today by taking one small step that could transform your approach to student ministry and community impact.

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

What if the key to extraordinary youth ministry growth isn't flashy programming but something far more fundamental? In this conversation, Mike Branton shares how Sun Valley Community Church transformed their student ministry by focusing on relationships, staff retention, and intentional leadership development – resulting in over 300% growth in just four years.

Mike reveals the counterintuitive approach that set them apart: rather than pushing for immediate numerical results, they first established a healthy foundation before "pouring gas on the fire." He breaks down their ministry philosophy using a compelling fire metaphor where events are sparks, programs are logs, but relationships are the embers that provide lasting warmth and draw people in. "Those flashes in the pan are actually more detrimental than helpful in the long run," Mike explains, advocating instead for ministry that raises the water level permanently rather than creating temporary waves.

The conversation explores Sun Valley's commitment to authenticity, from their leadership distinctive of "love first, lead second, but always do both" to their transparent expectations with volunteers. Mike shares how they reorganized their ministry priorities (small groups first, student serving second, large group gatherings third) and reimagined church-wide partnerships where everyone serves as a "student volunteer." Perhaps most striking is their successful appeal to leadership for resources, including a Christmas offering that raised one million dollars to make summer camp financially accessible to all.

Whether you're struggling with leadership pressure for quick results or simply wanting to build sustainable growth, Mike's insights provide a refreshing alternative to the "bigger, better, faster" mentality that often pervades ministry conversations. This episode offers practical wisdom for creating a youth ministry that doesn't just attract numbers but transforms lives for the long haul.

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

When conflict arises in your ministry, how do you respond? Tim Hester, Executive Pastor at Southeast Christian Church, offers a biblical framework for restoration that focuses on healing rather than punishment.

Drawing from decades of experience shepherding both church staff and congregation members, Tim walks us through the delicate process of addressing sin and repairing broken relationships. The conversation provides practical wisdom on preparing your heart before difficult conversations, creating balanced environments where truth can emerge, and recognizing genuine transformation in those seeking restoration.

Tim explains how youth ministers can discern when to handle situations themselves versus when to involve church leadership, always maintaining the goal of bringing people back into right relationship with God and others.

Unlike harsh discipline approaches that often leave people damaged, true restoration recognizes the image of God in each person while still holding appropriate boundaries. Tim shares personal experiences that illustrate both the challenges and beauty of this process, including how one youth pastor's commitment to biblical discipleship transformed all twelve of his children's lives.

For youth ministers navigating the inevitable conflicts that arise in ministry, this conversation offers hope that with prayer, biblical wisdom, and gentle persistence, restoration is possible. What's at stake isn't just resolving immediate problems, but teaching the next generation how to handle conflict in ways that honor God and preserve relationships.

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

When a student confides they've been self-harming, what's your role as a youth pastor? Where does spiritual care end and professional intervention begin? Licensed counselor and youth pastor Jordan Francis unveils the complex reality of youth mental health today, offering wisdom that both relieves and challenges ministry leaders.

Jordan discusses how today's students are learning the world is evil at much younger ages through constant digital exposure. This early disillusionment drives them into technological escapism, creating a dangerous cycle of disconnection from their bodies, emotions, and the natural world God created. The conversation explores how youth readily adopt mental health labels found online, using them as identity markers without understanding their true meaning.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical guidance for youth workers. Jordan outlines exactly how to respond when serious mental health issues arise—involving parents while giving students agency in the process. He challenges conventional youth ministry approaches, suggesting we've replicated the world's frenetic pace when students actually need spaces of slowness and authentic connection.

Most powerfully, Jordan reframes spiritual disciplines as mental health support. Prayer, scripture study, and contemplation expand what he calls the "window of tolerance"—our capacity to cope with life's challenges. This episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for youth ministers seeking to support students' mental wellbeing while maintaining appropriate boundaries and pointing them toward the healing power of Christ.

Here are some of the resources Jordan recommends:

• The Rise and Triumph  of the Modern Self: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman
• Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It by David Zahl
• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt

There are also several resources available through Jordan's company, Reframe Youth, that touch on issues of mental health:

• The Gospel According to Mental Health
• Resilience
• Flourish
• Good Grief

Last, but certainly not least, check out RLTK wherever you listen to podcasts!

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of youth ministry with a special lens on Gen Alpha. Join us as we welcome the Emmy Award-winning preteen pastor Josh Celestin and CIY Director of SuperStart Korey Klein to unpack some extraordinary moments from this SuperStart tour. Listen as we detail the dedication of our ministry teams who balance the demands of full-time work while passionately energizing preteens for their spiritual journeys.

Our conversation uncovers the unique characteristics of Gen Alpha, a generation raised in the digital age, with insights from Josh's diverse journey from videography to ministry. We tackle the challenges and opportunities of growing up with instant digital access, and consider how AI and technology shape Gen Alpha's understanding of truth. 

Finally, we discuss how the church community can empower preteens, giving them leadership roles and responsibilities that foster confidence and spiritual growth. Through personal anecdotes and the introduction of resources like the "Start Strong" devotional, our episode underscores the importance of meeting Gen Alpha where they are, while encouraging them to develop lasting commitments to faith and service. Don't miss our exploration of these critical topics, and a look ahead to our next episode where we address mental health with guest Jordan Francis.

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Dr. James and Ginger Dellaripa take us on their journey of creating The Family Core, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by blended families and the critical role youth pastors play in their lives. Alongside some lighthearted banter with my boss's boss, Eric Epperson—from reminiscing about past improvisation antics to chatting about the NBA All-Star game—this episode is a fun one.

From the Dellaripas: When we chose to build our family foundation on the Lord, everything changed. What started as a commitment to trust Him with our home became the cornerstone of a Kingdom-centered family. Through faith, prayer, and His guidance, we’ve seen growth, healing, and purpose beyond what we could have imagined.

This foundation isn’t just for our blended family—it’s a launching pad to impact others, showing His love and grace in action. 

Be sure to check out The Family Core and share it with the blended families in your ministry!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Through her inspiring personal story, CIY Director of Digital Resources Katelyn Adams shares how a high school camp experience ignited her calling to serve, and how the mentorship from her youth minister shaped her spiritual path. This episode promises insights on how to create supportive environments where students can confidently discuss their ministry aspirations with parents and mentors, and highlights the growing importance of digital literacy in church roles today.

We'll also explore how identifying and encouraging potential leaders early can make all the difference, featuring real-life stories of students at Calvary Christian Church in Omaha, NE. Their experiences shed light on the power of mentorship and practical ministry opportunities in guiding students towards their callings. This conversation underscores the crucial role of local churches in preparing students for their ministry journeys.

Calvary Christian Church sets a remarkable example of investing in future church leaders through intentional prayer, educational resources, and the removal of barriers to ministry training. We discuss the complexities and victories in building new ministry programs, celebrating student achievements, and adapting to real-world feedback. Offering encouragement to those embarking on similar initiatives, we stress the importance of starting, learning, and maintaining motivation. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiring narratives, practical advice, and a heartfelt commitment to equipping young leaders for their spiritual vocations.

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

Join us as we celebrate a major milestone in our journey—our 50th episode of Beyond the Event!

With CIY President Jayson French, we reflect on the last 50 episodes of helping you maintain momentum between the mountaintops. We're also diving into the core of what makes CIY (and youth ministry) thrive: a vibrant organizational culture. Continuous learning and self-education take center stage as we discuss the fine art of choosing resources that truly resonate with your leadership style.

Beyond just knowledge, we talk about creating environments where everyone can flourish, driven by the belief that leadership is about enabling others to reach their full potential. From managing large youth groups to empowering adult leaders, we share strategies that ensure everyone is engaged and thriving.

In a lighter moment, we unwrap a mailbag filled with entertaining tales, including a humorous hunting story with Jayson's daughter. But the cornerstone of our conversation is a discussion around the aging pastoral workforce and the pressing need for strategic mentorship. CIY is launching the Follow Through initiative to help students take the right next steps if they feel God is calling them into vocational ministry.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]

Mailbag questions or topic suggestions? Text us!

What if your church could create a stronger bond with families and youth through a unified ministry approach? Learn how two experts in next-gen ministry, John Luzader and Anne Wilson, are paving the way for spiritual growth and support. John, CIY’s Vice President of Experiences, shares his invaluable insights drawn from years as a youth pastor and parent. He emphasizes the necessity of a cohesive church team dedicated to providing continuous spiritual guidance. John reveals how churches can become allies to parents by offering resources and facilitating vital spiritual conversations at home.

Anne Wilson, NextGen Pastor at Trader’s Point Christian Church, adds her experiences in unifying children's and student ministries. Her journey from youth pastor to leading a comprehensive NextGen ministry gives her a unique perspective on the common communication challenges youth pastors face. Anne discusses the power of integration in ministries to foster collaboration and shared vision, making it easier to support families effectively. She highlights how a unified strategy not only bridges gaps but also empowers ministries to resource parents more thoroughly.

We explore the transformative power of collaboration, sharing strategies that ease transitions from children's to youth ministry and build trust among church teams. Discover how joint programs and shared responsibilities between kids and youth pastors enhance engagement and address broader community concerns, like technology use among youth. By focusing on what benefits families most, our guests demonstrate how a ministry built on collaboration and trust can offer a cohesive and welcoming environment.

Be sure to check out the new video version of this podcast on YouTube!

Want to connect with us? Here's how!

• www.ciy.com
• youtube.com/christinyouth
• @christinyouth on Instagram
• CIY Community Facebook Group
• Email us at [email protected]