What a holly, jolly year it has been! Join the NextGen Ministries staff as a plus-one to their Christmas gathering, where they celebrate the wins of 2024 and share some Christmas hot-takes.

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

If we want to disciple the youngest people in the church, we also need to pay attention to the adults in their lives. Kyle Kranes-Rutz, who serves as family ministry director at Webster Hills UMC in St. Louis, shares practical wisdom on developing this holistic approach to discipleship by focusing on four guiding principles: Knowing scripture, loving and serving people, knowing God, and living like Jesus.

• It's Just a Phase - So Don't Miss It: Why Every Life Stage of a Kid Matters and at Least 13 Things Your Church Should Do About It by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

While we give a lot of attention to cultivating the faith of our students, NextGen ministry leaders need to tend to their own faith and leadership skills, too. Rev. Kyrell Newell shares about his ministry journey and what has helped him grow as a leader. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned leader, there’s something for everyone in this episode full of resource recommendations for personal development.

Rev. Kyrell Newell currently serves as the Associate Pastor at First UMC in Jefferson City, Missouri. While attending seminary, Kyrell felt God’s call on his life to serve in some form of ministry. Kyrell believes the work we are doing right now will help the children and youth form stronger more authentic relationships with the adults – thereby fulfilling the Christ’s mission for the church body. In his free time, Kyrell enjoys reading, writing poetry, athletics and board games with friends. He’s also a huge Marvel fan! Yet, his top joy though is spending time with his wife, Michaela.

• Culture of Call Online Course
• Finding Your Waypoint and Strengths Online Course
• NextGen Leaders Academy
• Missouri Conference Resource Library
• Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
• The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
• Orange Conference
• It's Just a Phase - So Don't Miss It: Why Every Life Stage of a Kid Matters and at Least 13 Things Your Church Should Do About It by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy
• Seen by Will Hutcherson and Dr. Chinwé Williams
• Growing Young by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin
• Connect with Kyrell at [email protected]

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

The church can be the first place someone turns to when they’re seeking mental health help. Yet, the Church isn’t usually equipped to handle the challenges and nuances of this tricky topic. Caroline Oas, a licensed professional counselor with a background in youth ministry, offers practical advice for pastors, leaders and parents on how to support the next generation’s mental health. Together tackle tough questions like recognizing when it's time to seek professional help, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and how church leaders can better equip themselves to offer support.

About Caroline Oas

Caroline is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). She works with children aged 4-10 in a welcoming and accepting environment. CCPT is a great fit for children undergoing mental health issues, children who have experienced loss or major changes, or children who have experienced trauma. Caroline also works with teenagers and young adults using a person-centered approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. She is passionate about working with young people and helping them find inner healing and purpose.

Caroline received her Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University and holds a Certificate in Play Therapy from MNU.

Related Resources

• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.
• Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
• Seen by Will Hutcherson and Dr. Chinwé Williams
• Inside Out and Inside Out 2
• Presence-Centered Counseling
• NextGen Ministries Mental Health Resource List

About NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Krista Gonzalez, a youth leader turned professional counselor, shares personal stories from her ministry experience and explores the realities of burnout for nextgen workers. Krista offers expert insight into what burnout looks like, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical tips for recovery and prevention. Whether it's dealing with compassion fatigue or learning to set boundaries, this episode delivers valuable advice for those in ministry struggling to balance their personal well-being with their passion for serving others.

About Krista Gomes Gonzalez

Krista is passionate about walking alongside others in their journey to unlocking and embracing their authentic self. Krista graduated with her master’s in counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health from University of Central Missouri. In counseling, Krista works alongside her clients to aid them in reaching their goals and uncover the tools and solutions they already possess. Krista sees the counseling relationship as transformative and seeks to fully understand her clients. She is gifted in creating a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment that allows people to explore their fears and pain, develop their strengths, try out new behaviors, and experience healing and integration. She is also passionate about supporting people as they navigate body image issues, relationship challenges, and spiritual and religious trauma. 

Related Resources

• Seeds of Change Consulting and Counseling
• NextGen Leaders Academy – Applications for 2025 cohort close on Nov. 8

About NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Shelly Nall, nextgen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, joins us to discuss how to plan meaningful and engaging Christmas events for families. Shelly shares her wisdom on adapting to the needs of different generations, fostering community through creative programming, and the importance of keeping the holiday season stress-free for leaders and volunteers.

Related Resources

• Illustrated Ministry Advent and Christmas Resources
• Orange’s Jingle Jam

About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Every community – both big and small – has young people. Rev. Po’ese Vatikani, currently the pastor of Carrollton UMC, has a track record for multiplying the next generation ministry wherever he serves. He shares his why and how in this episode of NextGen Conversations.

About Rev. Po’ese Vatikani

Po’ese Vatikani was born and raised in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific as the son of a schoolteacher and a stay-at-home mom. He grew up with the compassion to make a difference in people's lives and to impact the lives of others by sharing Jesus. He attended Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu where he met his wife, Doris. In 2013, they moved to Missouri to plant a Pacific Islander’s ministry in Kansas City. He graduated from Saint Paul School of Theology was ordained an elder in full connection in the Missouri Conference in 2022. Rev. Vatikani will graduate with an MBA from Dakota Wesleyan University. He currently serves as senior pastor at Carrollton and in 11 years in full-time ministry has worked at First (Independence), Saint Paul (Independence), Christ (Independence), Archie and Church of Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He is a motivational speaker, life coach, culture coach, the 2023 Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient, a member of Conference Values Team, revivalist, youth and children’s magnet, and die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Related Resources

• Faith Sharing FREE online course
• Taylor Swift or Lamentations Game

About NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Let’s be honest, most of us don’t understand esports. Yet at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, adding an esports center to their youth room has totally leveled up their ministry. Tom Keller, director of youth ministries at Ashland UMC, shares about the success and how other churches can make an impact with their context’s esports.

About Tom Keller

Tom serves as the Director of Youth Ministries and Contemporary Worship at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, Missouri. He received his Bachelor of Music from Missouri Western State University in May 2014. Tom has served in various ministry capacities over the past 10+ years but found his calling in youth and worship ministries. In his spare time, Tom likes to hike, eat tacos, play the occasional video game and spend time with his family.

Related Resources

• eSports in Ashland (from The Missouri Methodists magazine)
• Video about Tom’s ministry
• Missouri Conference Ministry Grants
• Missouri United Methodist Foundation Ministry Grants
• Safe Gatherings resources
• Grow app game generator
• Follow Ashland eSports:
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitch

About NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Imagine this: You’ve been hired part-time by a small, aging congregation to start a youth group and attract younger people to the church. What would you do? Former youth leader Jessica Sachs, who you might remember from the morning sessions of UNITE, weighs in.

About Jessica Sachs

Jessica is a lifelong Methodist with almost a decade of student and small group ministry experience and continues to serve as a lay member with an MDiv. She finds home in Kansas City with her partner in crime, The Cat, and their many plants. She is on a mission to visit all 50 states, loves to dance, play with her nieces, ask all the questions and dreams all the dreams.

Related Resources

• NextGen Ministries Curriculum Discounts – Available until Oct. 1, 2024

About NextGen Conversations

NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!

Imagine this: You’re the new volunteer children’s ministry leader starting the ministry from scratch. What would you do? We kick off this season of NextGen Conversations by role-playing this scenario with Ministry Architects’ Stephanie Caro.

About Stephanie Caro Stephanie Caro has been involved in ministry to children, youth and adults in the local church (both large and small) since … a long time ago. Her humorous, straightforward style keeps her busy presenting and coaching at conferences, training events, camps, mission trips, retreats, churches, etc. She is a Veteran Lead Consultant (since 2008!) and Small Church Specialist, drawing on her years of experience to help churches assess, vision and formulate their ministry game plans. All her books, blogs, articles, videos, and other printed/digital resources support small church leaders and ministries. She, her hubby (Steve) and their two dogs live in Katy, Texas.

Related Resources

• Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
• Sustainable Children’s Ministry by Annette Safstrom
• Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches by Stephanie Caro
• NextGen Ministries Curriculum Discounts – Available until Oct. 1, 2024
• Contact Stephanie Caro at [email protected]

The recording from our September events titled Building a NextGen Ministry That Lasts with Ministry Architects is available for purchase through Friday, Oct. 25. Contact Josh Schaller at [email protected] for more information. About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!