PCA NextGen

What if grace is not just the message of ministry… but the fuel for it?In this episode of the PCA NextGen Podcast, Matt Hedinger and Mikey Puckett step away from interviews and return to the heart of youth ministry: the gospel of grace.From hilarious stories about getting hit in the head with American cheese during middle school youth group, to deep reflections on weakness, leadership, repentance, identity, and adoption in Christ—this episode is a reminder that ministry leaders need grace just as much as the students they serve.If you're tired, discouraged, frustrated, questioning your calling, or simply need encouragement, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the PCA NextGen Podcast, we welcome veteran youth ministry leader Steve Dallwig for a rich conversation on calling, discipleship, longevity, and investing in the next generation.Steve reflects on how youth group shaped his own faith journey, the mentors who impacted his life, and the lessons learned from serving nearly three decades in one church. We discuss why long-term ministry matters, how leadership changes through different seasons of life, and why churches must take student ministry seriously.We also explore the PCA NextGen Certification program and how it is equipping leaders to serve students with wisdom, skill, and theological depth.Along the way, there’s plenty of laughter about fantasy football, pizza theology, and fast-food ministry strategy. Whether you’re a volunteer, youth pastor, parent, or church leader, this episode will encourage and challenge you to think deeply about serving the next generation.#PCANextGen #YouthMinistry

In this episode of the PCA NextGen Live podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Brown Peterson, a youth pastor and discipleship leader at Trinity Presbyterian Church. They explore Brown's journey into youth ministry, the importance of community and relationships in ministry, and the role of events like Southland camps in fostering discipleship. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of family life in ministry, the significance of women in leadership roles, and the challenges and joys of youth ministry. The episode concludes with practical advice and resources for youth leaders.

In this engaging conversation, Matt , Mikey, and Todd Veleber discuss the intricacies of youth ministry, sharing personal anecdotes, insights on mentorship, and the importance of building relationships with students and parents. They explore the journey into ministry, the challenges faced, and the joys of serving the next generation. The discussion emphasizes the value of community, discipleship, and the need for experienced leaders in youth ministry, while also highlighting the humor and fun that comes with working with young people.

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.