Welcome back to another great episode of ETCH Next Gen Ministry Podcast with Chuck Peters! In this truth-packed episode, we sit down with the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, Shane Pruitt, to talk about the Revival Generation!  Gen Z and Generation Alpha are experiencing a spiritual awakening, and it’s time for ministry leaders to step up, lean in, and disciple with boldness!

Shane dives deep into the hope-filled movement happening right now, and how he's interacting with young people who are hungry for truth, searching for meaning, and more curious about the Bible than ever before! He unpacks fresh data showing that religious disaffiliation is declining and shares why this is the moment for the church to invest in the next generation like never before!

If you’re passionate about reaching the next generation, you don’t want to miss this conversation! Let’s fan the flame of this revival together! 

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students

Connect with Shane Pruitt

The GenSend Podcast 

Flip the Script

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

Welcome back to another great season of ETCH with Chuck Peters! 

Are you keeping the gospel at the center of your ministry to the next generation? As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in programs and distractions, but Gen Z and Generation Alpha need authentic gospel conversations now more than ever. 

In today's episode, Chuck Peters and Dr. Kevin Jones explore the vital role of next-generation ministry in reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the gospel. They emphasize the importance of keeping the gospel central to all ministry efforts and provide insights on avoiding distractions that can steer ministries off course. You'll also hear practical tools for equipping leaders to feel confident in evangelism and strategies for integrating gospel truths into everyday interactions.

Join the conversation as they discuss the keys to effective leadership, the power of authentic gospel conversations, and the importance of creating opportunities to introduce young people to Jesus. If you're passionate about making a lasting impact on the next generation, this episode will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity and purpose.

Tune in now and discover how to keep the gospel at the heart of your ministry! And don't forget to share this episode with a friend!


SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project 
Connect with Lifeway Students
Connect with Lifeway Kids 

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact!

In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing outreach and evangelism opportunity for your church. You'll discover how VBS builds meaningful relationships, engages entire families, and serves as a powerful multi-generational ministry strategy. Ben Mandrell, along with Chuck Peters and Melita Thomas, tackle common challenges churches face in implementing VBS, from budget constraints to volunteer recruitment, and explore solutions that make it achievable for every church. Be inspired by stories of lives transformed through VBS and learn why trustworthy, culturally relevant content is key to its lasting impact.

If you’re looking for a proven way to impact generations, this conversation will leave you convinced that VBS is the best investment you can make this year!

Check out the show links below to take your best next step in reaching the community God has entrusted to you!

SHOW LINKS:
Start Listening to Season 1 of ETCH
Lifeway VBS 
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

Is simply knowing about Jesus enough for the next generation? Or are they missing the deeper relationship they need?

In part 2 of this important conversation, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the essential difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. They emphasize the need for leaders to guide students toward a personal, relational connection with Jesus—one that goes beyond facts and transforms their daily lives. Patrick and Jeremy share practical tips on how leaders can model an authentic relationship with Christ, encourage private conversations about faith, and nurture discipleship after students make a decision to follow Jesus. From creating quiet spaces for one-on-one discussions to presenting the gospel in a natural, relational way, this conversation is a valuable resource for leaders committed to helping young people build a lasting and intimate relationship with Jesus.

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students 

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

Knowing about Jesus simply isn't enough. It is crucial that Gen Alpha and Gen Z understand what it is to intimately know Jesus as their personal savior. 

In this impactful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the essential difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. They emphasize the need for leaders to guide students toward a personal, relational connection with Jesus—one that goes beyond facts and transforms their daily lives. Chuck and Jeremy share practical tips on how leaders can model an authentic relationship with Christ, encourage private conversations about faith, and nurture discipleship after students make a decision to follow Jesus. From creating quiet spaces for one-on-one discussions to presenting the gospel in a natural, relational way, this conversation is a valuable resource for leaders committed to helping young people build a lasting and intimate relationship with Jesus.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students 

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

"Who am I?"
"Do I matter?"
"Where do I belong?"

This episode is part 2 of a conversation where Crystal Mazucca and Chuck Peters are diving into the tough questions Gen Alpha and Gen Z are plagued with about their identity. 

Crystal Mazucca and Chuck Peters unpack the critical need for emotional safety and a sense of belonging in this generation, emphasizing the role of the church in providing a biblical worldview that anchors them in God’s truth. With a clear call to action, they challenge church leaders and parents to engage actively in teaching and reinforcing these identity truths. From the importance of consistent biblical messages to creating a welcoming space for youth, this episode is a wake-up call for everyone invested in guiding the next generation toward an identity rooted in God’s design and purpose.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students 

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

"Who am I?"
"Do I matter?"
"Where do I belong?"

As kids navigate their place in this world, questions of their identity can consume their thoughts. The church should be a safe haven for Gen Alpha and Gen Z to navigate their identity. 

In this powerful episode, the conversation dives deep into the unique struggles young people face today, especially their search for identity amid cultural pressures. Crystal Mazzuca and Chuck Peters unpack the critical need for emotional safety and a sense of belonging in this generation, emphasizing the role of the church in providing a biblical worldview that anchors them in God’s truth. With a clear call to action, they challenge church leaders and parents to engage actively in teaching and reinforcing these identity truths. From the importance of consistent biblical messages to creating a welcoming space for youth, this episode is a wake-up call for everyone invested in guiding the next generation toward an identity rooted in God’s design and purpose.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students 

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

In this insightful episode, we're tackling the importance of the next generation being rooted in a biblical worldview. Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.

This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

How does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?

In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.

This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry 

Hey friends! We're back with Crystal Mazucca and Part 2 of the enormous need gen z and gen alpha have to have leaders in their life who love them! In this episode, we explore how love in leadership creates emotional safety, fosters trust, and transforms the way these young generations engage with their faith and the church.

Chuck and Crystal emphasize how important consistency is, and how engaging with students outside the church walls can be a game-changer! They also tackle how developing and training leaders is vital to creating a thriving, supportive church community. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to lead the next generation like never before!

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

Register for ETCH Conference 2026

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry