celebratekids.com

slulead.com

Leadership is more than a title—it’s a calling to influence, inspire, and impact those around us. As ministry leaders, our responsibility isn’t just to know what Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16 about being salt and light—it’s to live it out in every aspect of our leadership and ministry. 

Today, we’re diving into the question: Why and how do we influence? This is a crucial topic that will be explored at YPS by leaders like Pastor Eugene Cho and Dr. Kathy Koch, who bring deep wisdom and insight into what it means to lead with purpose. Why do you believe this topic is so important for leaders today? When we look at Matthew 5:13-16, how should we apply Jesus’ words to our own leadership and influence? What are some key leadership insights you would share with leaders on how to maximize their personal leadership and influence? 

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion: 

• Salt speaks to how we shouldn’t compromise. Light speaks to the action of pointing others to Jesus—the decision is up to us. 
• Leadership is not just positional—it’s influential. We must lead with integrity, purpose, and a heart for serving others. 
• The greatest leaders don’t just develop strategies—they develop people. 

Join Us at YPS! Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s an opportunity to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with others in ministry. Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. 

That wraps up this special YPS series on Chasing Elephants! We’ll see you next time!

This conversation will be a major focus at YPS, where we’ll hear from powerful voices like Pastor Derwin Gray and Shane Pruitt, who are passionate about seeing this generation step into the greater narrative of God’s redemptive work.

Why do you believe this topic is so important for leaders today?

Do you sense a movement of revival in this generation? What are some of the indicators you’ve seen?

How can ministry leaders actively foster and align with God’s mission in their own contexts?

Conclusion & Call to Action

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion:

Revival isn’t just something that happens around us—it must first begin within us.

God’s mission is already unfolding; our role is to join Him in what He’s doing.

Ministry leaders play a key part in guiding students toward a greater understanding of God’s redemptive story.

Looking Ahead:

Next up, we’ll be diving into Leadership—how and why we influence the next generation. Stay tuned!

Join Us at YPS!

Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s an opportunity to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with other ministry leaders.

Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. We’ll see you next time on Chasing Elephants!

slulead.com

youthpastorsummit.com

The Question of Spiritual Formation: Who Are We Becoming?

To help us explore this crucial topic, we’re honored to have voices like Dr. Robert Smith and Megan Fate Marshman joining us at YPS. Their wisdom and insight will challenge us to deepen our walk with Christ and lead from a place of spiritual health.

Questions asked on today's episode:

Why do you believe spiritual formation is such an important conversation for leaders today?

 How have you personally practiced spiritual disciplines in your life and leadership?

What are some practical ways leaders can assess their spiritual growth and identify opportunities for development?

Conclusion & Call to Action

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion:

Spiritual formation is about who we are becoming, not just what we do.

As leaders, we can’t give what we don’t have—our personal walk with Jesus matters.

Spiritual formation isn’t about behavior modification; it’s a lifelong commitment to following Jesus in a healthy, holistic way.

Join Us at YPS!

Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s a place to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with others in student ministry.

Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. We’ll see you next time on Chasing Elephants

Looking Ahead:

In the next episodes, we’ll dive into topics like God’s Mission and Leadership—you won’t want to miss it!

youthpastorsummit.com

slulead.com

At YPS, we focus on four foundational questions that shape the event’s content:

1. Spiritual Formation – Who are we becoming?
2. God’s Mission – What story is God telling?
3. Ethics – How should we think?
4. Leadership – Why and how do we influence?

At its core, YPS provides:
A Community – A network of like-minded leaders passionate about investing in students.
A Place of Learning – Engaging discussions led by experienced ministry practitioners.
A Moment of Understanding – A space to reflect, recalibrate, and gain fresh perspective.

The Question of Ethics: How Should We Think?

In this episode, we continue our discussion on ethical decision-making, particularly how to think biblically about pressing moral and cultural issues.

youthpastorsummit.com

slulead.com

Todd Mullins is the son of Tom Mullins, the founding pastor of Christ Fellowship, which was established in 1984. Todd and his wife, Julie, are the senior pastors of Christ Fellowship, leading the church into new seasons of growth and ministry. They have one son, Jefferson Todd Mullins Jr., who is married to Cassie Mullins. In addition to his leadership at Christ Fellowship, Pastor Todd co-founded Church United, a movement uniting churches from different denominations to share faith, offer hope, and extend love throughout South Florida. His latest book, Don't Let Doubt Take You Out, explores how doubt, rather than being an obstacle, can serve as a pathway to stronger faith, deeper relationships, and a fuller life. Book Overview: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out Pastor Todd’s latest book, Don't Let Doubt Take You Out: Replacing Fear and Doubt with Faith and Truth, was just released. This book delves into the challenge of doubt and its potential to hinder people from fulfilling their God-given purpose. Instead of allowing doubt to derail us, Pastor Todd emphasizes how it can serve as a catalyst for growth in faith and personal development. Key Takeaways from the Book: Recognizing doubt before it undermines your aspirations. Transforming anxiety into faith-driven action. Using daily affirmations to reinforce one's identity in Christ. Understanding how facing doubt can strengthen faith in God. Connect with Pastor Todd Mullins: Website: Christ Fellowship Social Media: @ToddMullins (Instagram) | @PastorToddMullins (Twitter) Book: Don't Let Doubt Take You Out Stay Connected with the Chasing Elephants Podcast: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media @slulead for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Thanks for tuning in! Until next time!

Key Takeaways

1. The Foundation—God’s Design in Creation

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

• Gender is not a social construct, but a divine ordinance established at creation.
• Genesis 2 highlights the intentionality in the creation of male and female, reflecting God’s image in a complementary way.
• Marriage (Genesis 2:24) is designed to reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Discussion Question:How does this divine design inform the institution of marriage?

2. The Fall and the Distortion of Gender Roles

Genesis 3:16 – The consequences of sin led to a distortion of gender roles, leading to dysfunction in relationships.

• The Fall introduced brokenness into gender dynamics—struggles for control, passivity, and domination.
• Instead of complementing each other, men and women often experience conflict in their roles.

Discussion Question:How does Jesus redeem and restore gender roles?

Answer: The Gospel restores what was lost! In Christ:

• Men and women find their true identity in alignment with God’s will.
• Ephesians 5:22-33 calls husbands to love sacrificially and wives to respect—not about hierarchy, but servanthood and love.

3. Cultural Challenges and the Church’s Response

• Today’s culture views gender as fluid and self-defined, often detached from biblical truth.
• The Church must stand firm on biblical gender identity while engaging with compassion.

Practical Ways to Uphold Biblical Gender Roles:

1. Teach & Model biblical marriage in homes and churches.
2. Support & Disciple men and women in their God-given roles.
3. Speak Truth in Love—grace-filled cultural engagement.
4. Pray for a revival of biblical truth in our world.

Closing Encouragement

Q: What encouragement would you offer to those struggling with gender identity?
A: God’s design is good and for our joy. If you’re struggling:

• Seek God’s truth in His Word.
• Connect with a biblical community.
• Trust Christ’s power to restore what is broken.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to:
Subscribe to the Chasing Elephants Podcast
Share this episode with others
Continue standing on God’s truth with grace and love

Until next time, keep seeking biblical wisdom in a culture full of shifting perspectives. God bless!