In this engaging conversation, Matt and Lara discuss their weekly experiences, touching on church visits, community connections, and the creative processes involved in ministry. They explore influential figures in creativity, share reading recommendations, and delve into the themes of discipleship, efficiency, and the importance of rest. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between productivity and being human, highlighting the value of simple joys and meaningful connections. In this engaging conversation, Matt and Lara explore the themes of rest, disengagement, and the importance of community in a work-driven culture. They discuss personal experiences with workaholism, the significance of finding time to rest, and how different genres of music and movies can aid in relaxation and engagement. The conversation culminates in a light-hearted discussion about their favorite music and the bands they would choose if stranded on a desert island.

summaryIn this conversation, David Kelly discusses the integral role of youth ministry in church planting and the importance of nurturing future leaders within the church. He emphasizes the need for solid discipleship and intergenerational relationships, highlighting how youth can actively participate in church life and leadership from a young age. The discussion also covers practical applications of mentorship and the long-term vision required for effective ministry. In this conversation, David Kelly and Lara Jensen discuss the vital role of community and networking in youth ministry, the challenges faced by youth leaders, and the importance of integrating youth ministry into the broader church context. They emphasize the need for a kingdom perspective, the significance of sustainability in youth programs, and the hope that the next generation of leaders brings to the church. The discussion highlights the importance of faithfulness in ministry, the impact of youth on church planting, and the call for youth leaders to focus on building relationships and sharing the gospel.takeaways

Takeaways:

• Youth ministry is not just a program; it's vital to the church's mission.
• Church planting should be a core vision for youth ministries.
• Every interaction with youth can have lasting impacts on their future.
• Healthy churches require strong discipleship practices.
• Students can be leaders in the church now, not just in the future.
• Intergenerational relationships enrich youth ministry.
• Prayer fosters connections between generations in the church.
• Encouraging students to seek their calling is essential.
• Every member of the church has a role to play, regardless of age.
• Mentorship and discipleship are key to developing future church leaders. Networking is crucial for youth leaders.
• Community provides support and encouragement.
• Youth ministry can feel isolated without church integration.
• Church plants should prioritize youth ministry from the start.
• Sustainability in youth ministry is essential for long-term impact.
• Focus on the kingdom perspective, not personal success.
• Faithfulness in ministry is more important than numbers.
• Encouragement and support from peers are vital.
• The next generation of leaders brings hope to the church.
• Building relationships is key to effective youth ministry.

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📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

In this lively conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the power of comedy, creativity in youth ministry, and the significance of cultural moments like the election of the first American pope. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of humor in teaching, and reflect on their dreams of performing on platforms like Saturday Night Live. The conversation emphasizes the need for creativity in engaging youth and the diverse talents that can be nurtured within youth ministry. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the significance of creativity in youth ministry, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight the importance of collaboration and fun in engaging with young people. They discuss various creative outlets, the impact of humor, and the necessity of involving kids in the creative process to foster ownership and excitement in ministry activities. The conversation culminates in reflections on future plans and the ongoing journey of creativity in their work.

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Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

Join us live every Friday at 11am eastern on the CDM Equip & Encourage YouTube channel.

Click HERE for the google drive link to the Joe Novenson Sermon on Student Ministry.

In this conversation, Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen discuss the essential elements of leadership within student ministry, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, humility, and collaboration. They explore how effective communication and encouragement can enhance volunteer engagement and the significance of repentance in maintaining a healthy leadership perspective. The discussion also highlights the value of focusing on the present volunteers and the need for diverse teams to enrich the ministry experience. In this conversation, Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen discuss the intricacies of volunteer leadership within church ministry. They emphasize the importance of building deep, relational connections with volunteers, focusing on their personal stories and spiritual journeys rather than just performance metrics. The discussion also covers practical aspects of recruiting and transitioning volunteers, setting clear expectations, and maintaining accountability while fostering a supportive environment. They share insights on how to navigate challenges with volunteers who may not be a good fit and the significance of celebrating their contributions as they transition out of roles.

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Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

In this live-streamed episode of PCA Next Gen, hosts Matt "Hed" Hedinger, Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen dive into the greatest challenges that we think are facing student ministry.

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected

Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

In this live-streamed episode of PCA Next Gen, hosts Matt "Hed" Hedinger, Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen share their thoughts of preparing and planning for summer in student ministry.

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

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📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

In this live-streamed episode of PCA Next Gen, hosts Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen dive into the challenges of doing student ministry in a world of Over-Information. They offer helpful insight on how youth ministry workers can navigate the anxiety that comes from "knowing too much."

Here is a helpful article on this topic: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/spiritual-problem-overinformed/

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected

Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

Matt, Mikey, and Cheryl discuss the significance of Good Friday, the experiences of ministry, and the importance of developing relationships within the church. They explore the challenges faced by women in ministry, the need for collaboration between genders, and the vital role of discipleship in nurturing future leaders. Cheryl shares her journey from youth ministry to women's ministry, emphasizing the importance of communication and support in fostering a thriving church community. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt prayer for women in ministry and the church as a whole.

🔹 Topics Covered:

✅ The challenges women face in ministry at a church

✅ The gospel and how it brings us together

✅ The great need for women and men to work together

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected

Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

Takeaways

• Mikey shared his experience of baptizing children during a service.
• Cheryl emphasized the importance of relationships in ministry.
• The conversation highlighted the challenges women face in church leadership.
• Mikey discussed the growth of women in student ministry roles.
• Cheryl shared her journey from teaching to church ministry.
• The need for clear communication in ministry was stressed.
• Investing in future leaders is crucial for church growth.
• The importance of prayer and support in ministry was emphasized.
• Mikey and Cheryl discussed the significance of collaboration between genders.
• The conversation concluded with a prayer for women in ministry.

Chapters

00:00 Good Friday Reflections and Responsibilities

02:46 Baptism and Communion: A Humbling Experience

06:09 Introducing Cheryl Mullis: A Family Connection

11:53 Cheryl's Journey in Youth and Women's Ministry

18:05 The Role of CDM and Women's Ministry

21:12 Navigating Men and Women Working Together in the Church

24:26 Navigating Gender Roles in Church Leadership

26:10 The Beauty of Disagreement in Gospel Community

28:05 The Importance of Clarity in Leadership Roles

30:11 Internal Struggles of Women in Leadership

34:11 The Growth of Women in Student Ministry

37:59 The Value of Collaboration in Ministry

42:00 Developing Women Leaders in Ministry

54:29 Creating Space for Women in Vocational Ministry

In this live-streamed episode of PCA Next Gen, hosts Matt “Hed” Hedinger, Mikey Puckett and Lara Jensen dive into what Gospel culture looks like in Student Ministry. Special guest Braxton Baker, youth pastor at Oak Mountain Presbyterian in Birmingham Alabama, talks about ways he has seen Gospel culture in his student ministry and ways that he has not seen it.

🔹 Topics Covered:

✅ The Gospel and all its glory!

✅ What Gospel culture looks like in student ministry

✅ What Gospel culture doesn't look like in student ministry

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

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Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership

In this live-streamed episode of PCA Next Gen, hosts Matt “Hed” Hedinger and Mikey Puckett dive into the challenges of transitioning students from High School to college. Special guest David Barnes (RUF Mizzou) and Isaac Terwilliger talk about campus ministry and trends they are seeing in students coming out of High School. They offer helpful insight on how youth ministry and college ministry can work together.

🔹 Topics Covered:

✅ Trends in students coming out of High School

✅ How to work with College Ministries

✅ What does it look like for families to prepare students

💬 Join the Conversation! We want to connect with you! Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how we can pray for you.

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected

Join us LIVE every Friday at 11 AM—let’s build a community that supports and encourages one another in ministry!

📅 PCA Next Gen Conference Details:

📍 Location: Chapelgate Presbyterian Church, Maryland

📆 Dates: October 20-22, 2025

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Joe Novenson

#YouthMinistry #PCANextGen #LongevityInMinistry #StudentMinistry #FaithLeadership