In this engaging conversation, Tim Malone interviews Emilio Hood, a youth pastor at Christ Central Church in Durham, North Carolina. They discuss Emilio's journey into youth ministry, his passion for soccer, and the challenges and blessings he faces as a Hispanic pastor in the PCA denomination. Emilio shares insights on fostering cultural awareness, unity among diverse students, and the importance of volunteer recruitment and training. He emphasizes the need for youth workers to lean on each other and the power of prayer in ministry.

In this engaging conversation, Matt Hedinger and Mikey Puckett explore the dynamics of youth ministry, discuss the importance of building community within diverse youth groups, creating a family atmosphere, and the critical role of prayer in fostering a supportive environment. The conversation also touches on practical resources and strategies for effective youth ministry, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and genuine connection among students.

This season can feel like a marathon: fall kickoff, Christmas, then the grind of winter rolling straight into spring planning. In this episode, Mikey Puckett (Seven Rivers Church) and Tim Malone (Cornerstone Presbyterian) talk honestly about what it looks like to stay spiritually healthy in the middle of a packed youth ministry schedule—so you don’t feel like you’re ready to tap out.

We get practical about:

• Why you have to schedule sustainment (and actually follow the schedule)

• Putting time with the Lord on the calendar before everything else crowds it out

• Sabbath as a weekly “snow day”: rest, joy, and time with God

• What to do when quiet times feel dry or like you’re just going through motions

• The “not enough” feeling in ministry—and why Jesus meets us there

• Why you need people (not just practices) to stay healthy

We’re live every Thursday at 12:30pm Eastern on the CDM Equipping & Encouraging YouTube page.

In this episode of the PCA Next Gen podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of recruiting volunteers for youth ministry, especially as the new year begins. They emphasize the need for a structured recruitment process, the significance of communicating a clear vision, and the value of diversity within volunteer teams. The conversation also touches on the role of prayer in ministry, the qualities of effective volunteers, and the importance of empowering leaders. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, providing encouragement for those feeling isolated in their ministry roles.

In this Christmas wrap-up episode, Matt Hedinger, Mikey Puckett, and Tim Malone talk about what the end of the year really looks like in youth ministry.

They share favorite Christmas party games (including the now-legendary Santa Dodgeball), food traditions, White Elephant chaos, and why some classic ideas might be worth retiring. But more importantly, they reflect on rest, rhythm, and why youth ministries should slow down when families speed up.

The conversation moves from laughter to honesty—burnout, January fatigue, old Christmas movies, and the reminder that Christ is with us in the waiting.

A timely episode for youth leaders heading into Christmas break.

In this post-Thanksgiving episode of the PCA Next Gen Podcast, Matt, Mikey, and Lara slow things down to reflect on gratitude, longevity, and why youth ministry matters more than we sometimes realize.

From newborn babies and holiday chaos to decades-long relationships with former students, the team talks honestly about the moments that make youth ministry worth it—especially the quiet, unseen ones. They share stories of the history of PCA NextGen, prayer request cards, post-retreat silence, volunteers who keep showing up, and the privilege of walking with students well beyond their teenage years.As the year winds down, we want you to hear this clearly: you are seen, you are needed, and you are not alone.

Matt Hedinger and Lara Jensen reflect on years of student ministry — from internships and inner-city work to burnout, rebuilding, and finding joy again. This honest conversation explores calling, identity, empowering students, and why faithfulness in the ordinary matters more than quick wins.If you’re tired, discouraged, or wondering what longevity in ministry really looks like, this episode is for you.

In the latest episode of the PCA Next Gen Podcast, Mikey Puckett and Gianna Rakes dive deep into the unique challenges and joys of being involved in youth ministry while also juggling the responsibilities of parenthood. Gianna, youth director at New City Fellowship in Chattanooga ,TN, shares her personal journey, offering insights that resonate with many in similar positions.

Meetings, conferences, and the real work of student ministry: forming disciple-makers. Matt, Lara, and Mikey swap stories about “meetings that should’ve been an email,” how conferences refuel without becoming a comparison trap, and practical ways to equip students to serve (ushering, welcoming, tech, leading younger groups). Intergenerational ministry, the loneliness leaders feel, and the Good Shepherd who meets us there.

Matt, Mikey, and Lara are back—laughing through budget season, and talking about how to help students live for Jesus in a world full of noise.

Using Faith for Exiles as a framework, the team unpacks what cultural discernment really looks like for the next generation. From TV shows and pop songs to the deeper questions of what shapes our hearts, this one’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.