Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast

TITLE: Addressing Anxiety in the Next Generation

DESCRIPTION: Join us as we explore the unique challenges faced by a generation raised amidst constant digital connectivity and unprecedented mental health struggles. In this session, ministry leaders will learn practical strategies to recognize anxiety and other mental health challenges, provide spiritual encouragement, and train volunteers working with children and students. And... we'll be sending you away with this resource so you can share it with your parents and volunteers back home.

LEADER: Chris & Wendy Trent, Georgia Baptist Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Guarding Hearts, Minds, & Ministries: Protecting Ourselves & Our Students from Pornography

DESCRIPTION: Pornography is one of the most destructive and pervasive threats to personal holiness, family health, and the integrity of gospel ministry. As youth pastors, we must fight this battle first in our own hearts and then shepherd our families, students, and churches toward purity, equipping families to stand firm in a culture that normalizes lust. This session will provide a biblical foundation for resisting temptation, practical steps for protecting our homes, families, and ministries, and grace-driven strategies for helping students find true freedom in Christ. Together, we will learn how to cultivate accountability, establish guardrails, and point the next generation toward Christ as our greatest love and satisfaction.

LEADER: AJ Hillebrand, Pastor for High School Students, Lifepoint Church, Indianapolis, IN

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: "Same Same, But Different:" Understanding Teens Well

DESCRIPTION: In this session, we will seek to understand the concept of teens and where they are developmentally in order to lead and serve them well.

LEADER: Dr. Kristin Kellen, Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: The Digital Assistant Pastor: How CustomGPT Can Multiply Your Leadership

DESCRIPTION: Youth pastors are busier than ever--balancing ministry, volunteers, and endless administrative tasks. What if you had a digital assistant designed specifically for your ministry? In this workshop, you'll discover how to build a CustomGPT "Digital Assistant Pastor" that can instantly answer volunteer FAQs, provide reminders, and keep your team organized. Learn how to load your own ministry documents, policies, and schedules so your volunteers always get the right answers at the right time. Walk away with practical steps to create a tool that empowers your leaders, saves you hours each week, and gets you back to what matters most--investing in students.

LEADER: Alan Smith, Discipleship Pastor, Calvary Baptist, Columbus, GA

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Authentic Leadership in Student Ministry

DESCRIPTION: Do you feel the pressure to be the high-energy hype person or the sports-loving leader just to connect with students? The good news--you don't have to be someone you're not to grow a thriving student ministry. In this breakout, we'll explore how to lead authentically, build meaningful relationships, and create a ministry culture where students connect--not because of a persona, but because of real, intentional discipleship. Discover how to lean into your strengths, engage students effectively, and grow your ministry without sacrificing who God made you to be. 

LEADER: Ryan Appling, Ministry of Students, Flat Creek Baptist, Fayetteville, GA

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Equipping Teenagers to Be Engaged in Evangelism

DESCRIPTION: The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. The answer to this problem sits in front of you week after week. Learn how to equip and engage your students to share the gospel.

LEADER: Ben Emerson, Associate Pastor: Student Ministry, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg, TN

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: How to Lead When You're Not the Main Leader

DESCRIPTION: When we hear the word leadership, we often think of the President, CEO, or in the case of a church, the Lead Pastor. The truth is most leaders don't sit in the seat of the main leader. Most leaders in the church are positioned in roles that have great opportunities for influence and impact, but they are serving for the main leader in the leadership team. The question is, "how do you lead when you are not the main leader?" In a very practical way, we will address the perspectives, practices, and plans that make for productive, unified leadership.

LEADER: Tim Dowdy, Vice President of Evangelism, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Faith-Filled Leadership: Leading with Hope Through Success & Suffering (Main Session)

DESCRIPTION:  Coach Mark Richt reflects on leadership through the highs and lows of his football career and the faith that shaped him. From unforgettable victories to painful losses, Richt shares how criticism, fear, insecurity, and adversity tested him—and how his relationship with Christ became the foundation for how he leads. He recounts the experience that led him to trust in Jesus, the role of Scripture in overcoming fear, and the perspective his Parkinson’s diagnosis has given him on suffering. Grounded in 2 Corinthians 4, Richt offers a powerful picture of humble, gospel-centered leadership and enduring hope in Christ. 

LEADER: Coach Mark Richt, Former Head Football Coach of the University of Georgia

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Building a Healthy Missions Culture: Theological Depth and Practical Engagement

DESCRIPTION: Missions is proximity. The call of compassion begins with our theological mandate to care for the vulnerable next door and fueling laborers into the harvest fields abroad.

LEADER: Cassie Hammett, National Send Relief Ministry Strategist and Executive Director for The Hub Urban Ministry, Shreveport, LA

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/

TITLE: Shepherding a Student Ministry

DESCRIPTION: Ministry can feel overwhelming. We're all busy, and sometimes it seems like we're still falling behind. This session will talk about how to bring things back to the basics--what it means to truly shepherd students. We'll look at how strategy and structure can grow out of that calling to care for people, not just run programs.

LEADER: Daniel Gibson, Missouri Baptist Convention, Jefferson City, MO

This podcast brings you the very best of Conclave—breakout sessions, main-stage talks, and practical training content straight from our annual gathering in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Each year, youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and leaders from across Southern Baptist cooperating states gather for three powerful days of encouragement, equipping, and sharpening as we focus on reaching the next generation for Christ. Now, you don’t have to wait until the next event to benefit from that experience. Through this podcast, you’ll hear trusted voices from youth ministry sharing biblical insight, practical tools, and real-world encouragement to help you lead students, week in and week out. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or a faithful volunteer, these episodes are designed to strengthen your leadership, renew your calling, and sharpen your ministry. Want to learn more about Conclave or join us in person? Visit ymconclave.org to find out more about the next gathering.
Thanks for listening—and welcome to the Conclave Youth Ministry Podcast.

You can find out more information about Conclave here: https://ymconclave.org/