What does it take to help the next generation develop a faith that endures long after they leave home?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters is joined by Paul Worcester for a practical and encouraging conversation about preparing students for lifelong discipleship. Together, they explore what it means to build a faith that remains rooted in Christ through the transitions of high school, college, and adulthood.

Paul shares insights on helping young people establish their identity in Christ, navigate seasons of doubt with confidence, pursue personal holiness, and find freedom from anxiety and shame through the hope of the gospel. The conversation emphasizes that lasting faith isn't built on cultural comfort or emotional experiences but on a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

The years after graduation can be some of the most formative in a young person's spiritual journey. This conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for helping the next generation remain faithful to Christ through every season of life.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom, cultural awareness, and practical ministry insight.

SHOW LINKS:

Thrive - College Bible Study

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Generation Alpha is growing up in a world unlike any generation before them. From artificial intelligence to constant digital connection, today's kids are being shaped by technology in ways that present both incredible opportunities and significant discipleship challenges.

In this special crossover episode, Chuck Peters from the ETCH Next Gen Podcast joins Jana Magruder from Kids Ministry Calling for a timely conversation about understanding and discipling Generation Alpha. Along with Dr. Shelly Melia and Shane Pruitt, they explore what makes this generation unique, how technology and AI are influencing their worldview, and how churches and families can faithfully prepare them to follow Jesus in an increasingly complex culture.

Whether you're serving in kids ministry, student ministry, or leading your family at home, this episode offers practical insights to help you engage Generation Alpha with intentionality, biblical truth, and relational discipleship.

As the first generation to grow up with AI woven into everyday life, Generation Alpha needs leaders who understand both their world and the unchanging truth of the gospel. This conversation will encourage and equip you to disciple the next generation with confidence and hope.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast and Kids Ministry Calling for more conversations that help church leaders and parents disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom, practical ministry insights, and gospel-centered encouragement.

SHOW LINKS: 

Reaching Gen Alpha by Dr. Shelly Melia and Shane Pruitt 

Kids Ministry Calling Podcast with Jana Magruder 

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In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Zac Workun to talk about the value of pursuing formal education in ministry and why lifelong learning matters for leaders who want to serve the next generation well.

Zac shares practical wisdom on balancing school, ministry, work, and family while pursuing continued education. Together, Chuck and Zac explore how formal education can strengthen a leader’s ministry skills, deepen theological understanding, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re considering going back to school, currently working toward a degree, or simply looking for ways to keep growing as a ministry leader, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for making lifelong learning part of your ministry journey.

SHOW LINKS:

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

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How can the church faithfully respond to questions of gender and sexual identity with both biblical truth and Christlike compassion?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Kyla Gillespie to hear her powerful story of discovering her true identity in Christ. Through her personal journey, Kyla offers hope for anyone wrestling with questions of identity while equipping ministry leaders and parents to engage these conversations with wisdom, grace, and conviction.

Together, Chuck and Kyla discuss the importance of building genuine relationships, leading with compassion, and speaking biblical truth in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. Rather than reducing people to issues, they emphasize seeing every person as someone deeply loved by God and worthy of dignity, care, and discipleship.

This episode is a thoughtful reminder that while culture continues to shift, the gospel offers lasting hope, true identity, and transforming grace for every person.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom, cultural awareness, and practical ministry insight.

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Transformed by Kyla Gillespie

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Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, communicate, and relate to one another. But what does it mean for discipleship?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Josh Straub to explore how AI is shaping the next generation and what ministry leaders and parents need to understand as technology continues to transform everyday life. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents, the importance of authentic relationships in a digital world, and why spiritual formation must remain deeply personal.

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into the lives of children and students, this conversation offers practical wisdom for helping the next generation develop discernment, pursue meaningful relationships, and build a faith that remains rooted in Christ rather than shaped by algorithms.

Whether you're a parent, pastor, kids ministry leader, or student ministry leader, this conversation will equip you to think biblically about technology while keeping discipleship centered on relationships and the life-changing hope of the gospel.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that help church leaders disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom, cultural awareness, and practical ministry insight.

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Dr. Josh Straub

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Healthy ministry begins with a healthy heart.

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters welcomes Tasha Calvert for a thoughtful conversation about the importance of personal holiness in the life of every ministry leader. Together, they explore why spiritual formation isn't just preparation for ministry—it is the foundation of faithful leadership.

Tasha shares practical encouragement for cultivating daily habits that draw leaders closer to Christ, emphasizing that holiness is not about perfection or performance but about becoming more like Jesus. The conversation also highlights the biblical call to live set apart, how our private walk with God shapes our public ministry, and why heart transformation ultimately impacts every relationship, decision, and leadership opportunity.

Whether you're serving in kids ministry, student ministry, or leading the next generation in any capacity, this episode is a timely reminder that the most significant investment you can make in your ministry is your own walk with Christ.

If you're longing to lead from a place of spiritual health and authentic faith, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to pursue Christ above everything else.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom and practical ministry insights.

SHOW LINKS: 

Set Apart For More 

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Why are so many young people walking away from their faith, and what can churches and families do to change that?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Pastor Doug Hankins to discuss the realities facing today's students and the opportunities the church has to equip them for lifelong faith. Together, they explore the cultural shifts shaping the next generation, why faith retention is becoming increasingly difficult, and how intentional discipleship can help young people develop resilient, lasting faith.

Rather than responding with fear, Doug encourages ministry leaders and parents to embrace the moment with confidence, creating environments where students can ask honest questions, build authentic relationships, and discover a faith that endures.

Whether you serve in kids ministry, student ministry, or lead families in your church, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom for helping the next generation follow Christ with confidence.

Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with truth, wisdom, and hope.

SHOW LINKS: 

Still Single, Still Called

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Somebody will hurt you in ministry. Sometimes it’s loud criticism, sometimes it’s quiet silence, and sometimes it’s the kind of misunderstanding that makes you wonder if leading is worth it. We sit down with Bible teacher, ministry leader, and author Yana Jenay Conner to talk about what to do when offense shows up inside the church and how to keep your heart soft when you’ve been wounded.

Yana frames forgiveness as an act of faith and a spiritual battle for unity, drawing from Scripture to show why God calls us to release the debt and refuse retaliation. We dig into the hard questions ministry leaders actually face: How do I forgive when the other person never apologizes? How do I stop bitterness from becoming background noise that colors every relationship? How do I tell the difference between real sin and unmet expectations, personality clashes, or my own idols getting challenged?

We also get practical and careful about safety. Forgiveness is not pretending you weren’t hurt, and it’s not the same as reconciliation or rebuilt trust.

If you lead students, volunteers, or families, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and next steps for church conflict and reconciliation. Subscribe for more, share this with a teammate, and leave a review so more ministry leaders can find it.

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Living Beyond Offense by Yana Jenay Conner 

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One background check can make us feel responsible, but it cannot make our church safe. We sit down with Kris Buckman to talk plainly about sexual abuse prevention and what Next Gen leaders can actually implement in kids ministry and student ministry without getting overwhelmed.

We unpack why training has to come first, how awareness changes culture, and what grooming patterns and offender behaviors can look like in trusted environments. Kris explains why churches often miss the bigger picture when they treat prevention as a one-time checkbox, and he shares a simple framework built around five essentials: training, screening, protecting, reporting, and caring. We also point you to free resources at SBCabuseprevention.com, including templates and an Essentials Curriculum designed to give teams step-by-step next actions.

Share this with a ministry teammate and leave a review so more churches build safer systems for kids and teens. 

What is the first policy or practice you need to update this month?

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You can run every event on the calendar and still feel like discipleship is slipping through your fingers. That tension is at the heart of this conversation with Vic Green, co-author of Movement Ready Church. 

Chuck and Vick dig into a hard but freeing idea: disciple making is not a button you press, and it is not a program you tack on. A disciple-making movement starts with spiritual renewal. Vic explains why “every movement starts by not moving,” and we unpack what it looks like to step off the treadmill, trade self-reliance for prayerful dependence, and lead from the overflow of your relationship with Jesus. If you care about Gen Z ministry and Generation Alpha ministry, this is the foundation you cannot skip.

If you’re ready to rebuild your discipleship plan around renewal, culture, and clarity, listen now, then subscribe, share this with a fellow next gen leader, and leave a review so more churches can find it. What’s one ministry “scoreboard” you’re ready to change?

SHOW LINKS: 

The Movement-Ready Church

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Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry