Want to grow as a leader? Pick up a book! In a world filled with quick clips and shallow content, the leaders who rise are the ones who learn deeply — page by page.

In this rich and energizing episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the transformative power of reading for leadership development. They explore the timeless wisdom found in classic leadership books, share their personal reading rhythms, and highlight why deep, intentional learning will always outperform short-form consumption when it comes to shaping effective, grounded leaders.

Whether you're new to leadership or building a long-term ministry career, this episode will equip you with perspectives and resources to grow your influence, lead healthier teams, and cultivate personal and spiritual maturity.

SHOW LINKS:

 The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Spiritual Leadership 

Good to Great

The Four Obsessions of an Extordinary Executive 

The 6 Types of Working Genius

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Screens are everywhere, but sacred spaces are disappearing. In a world where digital noise dominates our attention, how do we help the next generation hear the voice of God?

In this powerful episode Jesse and Sarah Siegand dive deep into the challenges and strategies of discipling students in a digital world. The speakers unpack what it looks like to guide kids and teens toward meaningful faith formation in an age of endless scrolling, where attention is the new currency and discipleship must be both intentional and countercultural.

This episode isn’t about hating technology,  it’s about redeeming it. From the role of parents in digital discipleship to the spiritual practice of fasting and modeling healthy habits, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for leaders who want to raise resilient, grounded disciples in a screen-saturated generation.

SHOW LINKS: 

Parents Who Fight 

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What happens when ministry leaders see their schools, neighborhoods, and everyday rhythms not as obstacles — but as mission fields?

In this live episode recorded at the ETCH Next Gen Ministry Conference, Justin Holcomb shares powerful, practical wisdom on what it really means to love your community and connect with students in meaningful ways. From engaging with schools to supporting families, this conversation cuts through the noise and brings leaders back to the heart of relational ministry: showing up, staying consistent, and loving people well.

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of ETCH Next Gen Ministry Podcast.
We’d love for you to join us at ETCH Conference 2026 — make plans now to be part of this incredible gathering of Next Gen leaders.

And if today’s episode encouraged or equipped you, leave us a rating and review. It helps more ministry leaders find the show and grow with us.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

What separates leaders who maintain ministries from those who multiply them? 

In this episode, Jeff Wallace joins Chuck Peters for an honest and insightful conversation on the habits that define effective leadership. From leading with vision to choosing growth over comfort, Jeff unpacks the disciplines that develop both your character and your capacity.

Whether you’re leading a team, a ministry, or the next generation itself — this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead deeper, and invest in people who will outlast your platform.

Share this episode with your ministry team or leadership pipeline. Use it as a guide to evaluate your habits, grow your influence, and build leaders who multiply the mission of the Gospel.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

What if the most spiritually transformative thing happening in your church isn’t on stage, but in a classroom, holding a goldfish cracker?

In this episode, Chuck Peters and Steve Hample unpack the real impact of volunteering in children’s and family ministry — not just for kids, but for the adults who serve them. From personal growth and discipleship to leadership development and prayerful investment in future leaders, this conversation will inspire every Next Gen leader to see volunteering as more than a task… it’s a calling that changes lives.

Encourage your team to listen together, reflect on how serving is shaping their faith, and start praying for the next generation of leaders God is already calling to your ministry.

SHOW LINKS:

Hyfi 

The Gospel Project

Bible Studies for Life

Explore the Bible

Sign up for ETCH Conference 2026!

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Stepping into ministry can feel like being handed a map… with no directions. Whether you’re a brand-new leader or guiding others who are, the early stages of ministry are filled with both calling and chaos. In this episode, Chuck Peters is joined with Amanda Mejias and Delanee Williams, and together they unpack what it really takes to equip, support, and sustain new ministry leaders so they can thrive, not just survive, in their roles.

From volunteer training and team culture to safety, mentorship, and personal soul care, this conversation will help every Next Gen leader build healthy foundations for ministry that lasts.

Share this episode with a new leader on your team or someone stepping into ministry. Let’s build a culture of confident, supported, and equipped leaders who reflect the mission and heart of the church.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

Who do your students really believe Jesus is? In a culture filled with half-truths, memes, and mixed theology, even well-meaning young people can end up following a version of Jesus that doesn’t actually exist. In this episode, Shane Pruitt brings a timely and passionate conversation about rediscovering the real Jesus -the one revealed in Scripture, not reshaped by culture.

If you’re leading Gen Z or Gen Alpha, this conversation will help you cut through cultural noise, clarify biblical truth, and point the next generation to the Savior who transforms everything.

Shane and Chuck unpack the most common misconceptions about Jesus in today’s culture — from the “Clay Jesus” we mold to fit our preferences to the “Genie Jesus” we expect to grant wishes, along with the myth that "good people go to heaven". That dive into how young people form their view, and practical ways to teach the enxt generation to follow the REAL Jesus!

Share this episode with your team or teaching leaders, and start a conversation about how your ministry is presenting Jesus to the next generation. Let’s lead them to the Jesus who saves, not the one culture sells.

SHOW LINKS: 

Not My Jesus 

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If ministry is starting to feel heavy, it’s probably because you’re carrying what God never designed you to hold alone. In this episode, we tackle one of the most difficult growth barriers for any leader: delegation. If you’ve ever struggled to trust others, release control, build a team you can depend on, or step away from doing everything yourself, this conversation will speak directly to you. What if delegation isn’t just a leadership skill… but a discipleship strategy?

If you’re ready to stop carrying everything yourself and start empowering the people God has already placed around you, share this episode with your team and subscribe for more conversations that help you lead with clarity and confidence.

SHOW LINKS: 

The First 90 Days

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Healthy ministry doesn’t happen by accident, and neither do healthy teams. In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to build, lead, and sustain a thriving ministry team. Whether you lead staff, volunteers, or a mix of both, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and a biblical foundation for team leadership that lasts.

Chuck Peters and Lee Hotchkiss unpack the dynamics of effective teams and discuss how to assess team health, navigate dysfunction, and cultivate trust. You’ll learn how social science and scripture work together to shape stronger leadership, deepen relationships, and create an environment where every team member can flourish.

From communication rhythms to conflict resolution to fostering belonging, this episode gives you a blueprint you can begin implementing this week. If you want to lead a ministry marked by collaboration, not burnout, silos, or stress, this episode is a must-listen! 

SHOW LINKS: 

Team Performance Model

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Every leader knows the power of vision. But in the busyness of ministry, it’s easy for vision to drift, blur, or get lost in the noise of daily demands. Without clarity, leaders risk aiming at the wrong targets, making decisions that miss the mark, and losing momentum in their mission.

In this episode, Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters unpack the critical role of vision in leadership, especially within the context of ministry. They share personal stories and practical wisdom that will inspire you to revisit and refine your own leadership vision. 

Highlights include:

• Why leaders must regularly check and update their vision for clarity and direction
• The dangers of leading without a clear “why”
• How vision shapes decision-making and defines success in ministry
• Recruiting and mobilizing volunteers with purpose and passion
• Delivering on promises to the community and building trust through consistency
• Practical tips for ensuring your ministry stays aligned with God’s mission

Whether you’re leading a kids or student ministry, recruiting volunteers, or making tough calls for your church, this conversation will help you ensure your “why” remains front and center.

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Nothing Less 

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry