Join Pastor Josh and Juan Rios for ep. 10 of the YTH podcast. We're not just talking about the shiny prospect of a "new me"; we're getting real about the gritty work of growth. Our conversation cuts through the clutter of typical resolutions, offering students and young listeners actionable advice on nurturing better habits and making changes that stick. And let's face it, it's the weeds of negative influence that often choke out our potential—we share not only personal stories but also strategies for pruning them away to let our best selves flourish.

Join us in episode 9 of our YTH Podcast as Pastor Josh is joined by Worship Pastor Sam Misigaro. They talk about food, restaurants and the heart of worship and why we worship in a cooperate setting! Lean into this episode as Pastor Sam will encourage you and give you a new perspective on eating out and the reason behind why we worship. 

Ever wonder what our Lead Pastor's favorite drink is or what drives him nuts? We've got a lively Q&A session with our lead pastor, where he not only spills the beans on his favorite beverages, but also reveals his proudest moment and biggest pet peeve. It's an unexpected look into his life that might surprise you. Prepare to get to know our pastor on a whole new level.

Navigating life's wilderness seasons can seem like a daunting task, akin to our off-trail hiking adventure in Arizona where the potential of getting lost was always palpable. Yet, like Jesus led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, we too can brave these seasons and find our way through. Join us as we embark on this journey, drawing inspiration, lessons and parallels from the Bible, our own experiences, and our personal relationship with God.

Fasting is more than just giving up food or social media, it's about spiritual growth and deepening your connection with God. Inspired by Jesus' 40-day fast. Fasting can be instrumental in spiritual warfare, helping us anticipate and counter the devil's tactics.

We also delve into the transformative power of reading the Bible and how it's the perfect antidote to self-doubt. We challenge you to immerse yourself in the Bible for a week and witness the impact it can have on your life. Plus, we'll share a heartfelt prayer for the spiritual growth of youth groups and discuss our excitement for the upcoming Abandoned event. So, prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation that promises to take you on a spiritual journey like no other.

Are you walking the tightrope of faith, proclaiming belief on Sunday but slipping into familiar, comfortable patterns during the week?  We dive deep into the journey of Peter, a disciple who found himself in the same predicament, and his eye-opening encounter with Jesus post-resurrection, found in John 21.

We begin with Peter's retreat to his comfort zone—fishing—after Jesus' crucifixion. Despite being a professional fisherman, Peter's efforts amount to nothing until Jesus intervenes, resulting in an extraordinary catch of 153 fish. This miraculous event is followed by a breakfast invitation from Jesus Himself—an encounter that brings Peter face-to-face with his Redeemer. The remorse, joy, and subsequent redemption of Peter is a lesson for us all.

In the final act of this spiritual saga, we pose the challenge—how authentic is your relationship with Jesus? It's time to step out of our comfort zones and seek a deeper alliance with Jesus, one that extends beyond the Sunday services. Moreover, we urge listeners to let Jesus guide their next steps in their spiritual journey. Whether you're a leader, aspiring to be one, or simply a follower of Jesus seeking a deeper connection, this episode provides valuable insight into living a life true to Him. Tune in and join us as we navigate the treacherous and exhilarating journey of faith.

Ever found yourself dealing with identity loss, drugs or even suicide? We dive into these tough topics head-on, drawing upon our own experiences to offer guidance on maintaining personal standards and boundaries as a means to avoid succumbing to negative influences. This episode conveys heartwarming stories of struggles, resilience, and hope on a journey to integrity.

Have you ever considered the influence of your language choices while spreading the gospel, or even when standing before God? In this segment, we spotlight Juan’s brilliant 'Green Apple' concept, a tool designed to aid his students in breaking their cursing habits. We ponder the impacts of cursing on language choices and relationships, and how it shapes the way we present ourselves. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the dynamics of consistent faith and lifestyle, the power of habits, and the importance of being at our best in front of God.

We emphasize God's forgiveness and redemption, drawing connections with biblical characters who committed mistakes yet were instrumental to God’s plans. We urge listeners to approach God just as they are, giving Him the chance to heal and transform them. Moreover, we address the challenges of student ministry and extend our support to those in need, encouraging them to reach out if they need prayer or help with their struggles. Join us in this enlightening voyage and let's navigate these challenges together.

What if the mask you wear every day is preventing you from experiencing the blessings God has you? Tonight, we go deep into the topic of 'Masks' - those false identities we create and hide behind, driven by societal expectations and fear of judgment. We talk about how this fear, the pressure to fit in, and the need to please others can negatively impact our mental health and lead us away from our true selves and from serving God. The truth is, the only opinion that truly matters is God's - human opinions can pull us down, but God's opinion will always elevate us.

As we move forward, we bring attention to the journey of finding personal authenticity and self-worth. We examine Galatians 1:10, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and people. So, ask yourself, are your decisions for yourself or for others? Remember, who you are is worth knowing - not just the person you pretend to be. 

In our concluding segment, we focus on breaking free from being fake. We emphasize how trying to fit in can block us from receiving God's blessings. We encourage you to let go of the masks, discover who God wants you to be and tap into your true potential. Let's pray for the strength to overcome the fear of being our authentic selves and to let go of the need to please others. Emphasizing God's opinion and embracing our authentic selves is the path to true freedom. 

Imagine having a heart-to-heart conversation with those you barely know, unraveling your journey of faith and life. Doesn't that sound intriguing? Welcome to a powerful episode where our special guests Cory, Mackenzie, and Derek are ready to do just that. They transport us back to their Sunday school days, their first meeting, and the profound impact of youth service in their lives. Cory paints a vivid picture of his Sunday school experiences, his introduction to the church by a friend.

How does one survive an alcoholic and abusive father? Derek takes us through his tumultuous journey, amidst the chaos, he found solace in his grandparents. At a tender age of 13, he veered into paths nobody should, but the rebellious streak in Cory at 18 was a turning point. The duo's journey from rebellion to redemption is a testament to the fact that hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

This episode isn’t just about heavy narratives. There’s a lighter side to it, as we discuss cowboy boots, an amusing allergy incident involving hay. Our guests’ stories remind us that God uses our stories to help others. As we delve into their journeys of faith, struggles, redemption, and inspiration to others, the one thing you’ll realize is, their path is as unique and so is yours.

Ever wondered how sin can stealthily take the reins of your life and lead you astray from righteousness? We ruminate on this complex issue, sharing our personal battles with sin and the deceptive ease with which it can manipulate our actions. As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we leave you with two challenging questions: what is your sin and where is it leading you? It's time to take back control of your life from sin and find your path back to righteousness.

Struggling to navigate through life's challenges? We've all been there - like Pastor Sam, blindfolded and stumbling through the darkness. 

In this episode, we unravel the compelling transformation of Saul into Paul. Drawing from Acts 9, 1-9, we illustrate how Saul, a notorious persecutor of Christians, experienced a divine intervention that woke him up to his true calling. We ponder over how God works in mysterious ways, even amidst our distractions and failures.