ETCH with Chuck Peters

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.

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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! 

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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

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Nothing Less 

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Ministry is full of incredible moments of joy and impact—but it also comes with challenges we don’t always anticipate. Today, Chuck and Kevin Jones dive deep into the reality of spiritual warfare, exploring how the enemy seeks to distract, discourage, and divide ministry leaders. Far from being a reason to despair, these struggles remind us of our dependence on God’s strength and the power of His promises.

Highlights from this episode:

• Why ministry often brings unexpected challenges—and how to set realistic expectations
• The reality of spiritual warfare and the enemy’s strategies against leaders
• The necessity of prayer, unity, and vigilance in overcoming trials
• Finding joy in the midst of hardship and holding fast to God’s promises
• The role of the armor of God in preparing for spiritual battles
• Encouragement that God will restore and strengthen those who remain faithful
• A closing prayer of strength and hope for ministry leaders

If you’ve ever felt weary, overwhelmed, or under attack in your calling, this conversation will encourage you to press on with hope. Together, we’ll unpack practical truths about preparation, prayer, and perseverance—reminders that God equips us for every battle we face in ministry.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students

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Leadership in ministry rarely looks like a straight path. More often, it feels like walking forward with limited clarity, unexpected turns, and a constant call to trust God’s leading. The story of Gideon reminds us that even the most hesitant leaders can be used mightily when they surrender fear, embrace faith, and trust the One who holds the mission steady, no matter the circumstances.

In this episode you’ll discover five key takeaways designed to encourage and equip leaders to adapt when circumstances shift, remain faithful to God’s mission, and lead with boldness rooted in trust. Through this episode, you’ll be reminded that while methods may pivot, the mission of making disciples never changes.

Key Highlights:

• Lessons from Gideon’s journey as a hesitant but faithful leader.
• Why adaptability is essential in ministry leadership.
• Five takeaways for leading with confidence in uncertain times.
• Encouragement to trust God’s mission, even when methods must shift.

Whether you’re leading a kids ministry, student ministry, or family ministry, this episode will challenge and inspire you to step forward in courage, knowing that God’s strength is always enough! 

SHOW LINKS: 

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students

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In a rapidly changing culture where ministry strategies come and go, some methods continue to stand the test of time. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of those deeply rooted traditions that still holds transformative power for the church. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at how VBS remains a cornerstone of next gen ministry—bridging generations, strengthening community ties, and inviting kids and families to encounter the Gospel in meaningful ways.

 This conversation explores the enduring relevance and spiritual impact of Vacation Bible School in today’s church landscape. The hosts unpack how VBS continues to thrive as a vital outreach and discipleship tool—equipping churches to reach children, engage families, and foster lasting community connections. You’ll hear a compelling case for why VBS isn’t just for the kids; it’s a ministry-wide opportunity that fuels evangelism, develops leaders, and unites generations.

 If this episode encouraged or equipped you, we’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with other ministry leaders who care about reaching the next generation. Let’s keep growing together.

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Preteens are standing on the edge of two worlds—no longer children, but not yet teenagers. They’re asking big questions, feeling deeply, and shaping a worldview that will guide them into adulthood. For those of us in next generation ministry, this season can be both exhilarating and challenging. How we show up in these years matters. It’s in this transitional phase that faith can either become personal and enduring or drift into the background.

 In today's episode, Chuck Peters and Kayla Stevens dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of preteen ministry. Together, we explore how to understand the preteen phase with fresh eyes, meeting their emotional and spiritual needs with care and intentionality. We discuss the vital role authentic leadership plays in guiding preteens as they wrestle with identity, belonging, and faith ownership. You’ll hear practical strategies for creating environments where preteens feel seen, valued, and equipped to navigate cultural pressures with a biblical worldview. 

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into preteen ministry, this conversation will inspire you to invest intentionally in helping this age group thrive in their faith journey.

SHOW LINKS: 

Flip the Script 

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Preteens are in one of the most complex seasons of life. They’re not quite kids anymore, but not yet teenagers. Too old for the playground, too young for youth group. And often, this “in-between” stage can leave them feeling like they don’t fully belong anywhere—not at school, not in culture, and sometimes, not even at church. In this episode, we pause to consider: What if our ministries could be the place where preteens feel most seen, most known, and most valued? What if we could help them move from feeling like outsiders to becoming confident insiders in both faith and community?

In this powerful conversation, Crystal Mazucca and Kayla Stevens joins Chuck Peters to unpack the unique opportunities and challenges of engaging preteens in faith and culture. The episode highlights the critical importance of this transitional phase—where identity is being formed and belonging is deeply sought.

Together they introduce the “outsider in” methodology, a relational approach that focuses on creating psychological safety, inclusion, participation, learning, and contribution. These pillars help ministry leaders guide preteens from the margins to the center—allowing them to engage meaningfully, ask hard questions, and begin owning their faith in a safe, intentional environment.

Listeners will come away with a renewed sense of urgency and compassion for this age group, along with practical strategies for building bridges between faith and belonging. If this conversation sparked new ideas or encouraged your heart, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow ministry leaders. Together, we can build ministries where every child feels seen, safe, and spiritually supported—right when they need it most.

SHOW LINKS: 

Flip the Script 

Hyfi

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In the world of next generation ministry, it’s easy to focus all our energy on the kids and students who show up week after week. We pour into them, plan for them, and pray over them. But what if the greatest impact we can make isn’t just in the classroom or the youth room - but around the dinner table at home?

This episode invites ministry leaders to pause and reflect on a foundational truth: parents are the primary disciplers of their children. When we as church leaders shift from programming for families to partnering with them, we begin to build something lasting—rooted in relationship, fueled by communication, and shaped by shared mission.

In this insightful conversation, Chuck Peters, Zac Workun, and Chad Higgins dive into the often-overlooked but critically important topic of parental engagement in spiritual development. They challenge the traditional ministry model that centers only on kids and teens and instead advocate for a more holistic, family-centered approach.

The discussion introduces the book “Define the Relationship,” a powerful new resource that unpacks practical strategies for developing a thriving parent ministry. You will be equipped with ideas for fostering meaningful communication between leaders and families, and encouraged to view parents not as passive recipients of ministry, but as essential partners in their child’s faith journey. 

If this conversation encouraged or challenged you, we’d love for you to rate, review, and share the podcast with your ministry team or fellow leaders. And be sure to check out the book Define the Relationship for deeper guidance on building a vibrant parent ministry that lasts.

SHOW LINKS: 

Define the Relationship

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