How do we engage with people who are different than us, come from different backgrounds than us, and have a different worldview or perspective than us? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares a very simple yet powerful idea that can take your leadership to the next level. 

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

Every teenager has a story, and some of those stories are partially written behind bars. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Orlando Hale about how to step into difficult places to minister to teenagers who are incarcerated, how to get involved with your local juvenile detention center, and how to come alongside teens who desperately need the hope of Jesus.  

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

 How do we handle students who are disrupting and being disrespectful? On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection. Steve shares a few tips and some things to keep in mind when working with the more difficult students in your ministry. 

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

How can internships help train the next generation of student ministry leaders? Or if you are new to student ministry, why should you seek out an internship or residency? On this episode, Steve talks with one of his former students, Ian Chrisler, about his internship experience and why it is so important in the world of student ministry.  

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

What do we do when a tragedy happens in our world, country, or community, especially when it comes to our youth group? How should we respond? What do we do with our program? And how do we help students and families through it? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re diving into the deeper end of ministry and talking through how to respond when tragedy strikes.  

More resources:

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

How can the simple act of students praying for their school ignite not only changes within their school but also a global movement of prayer for over 35 years? On this episode, Steve is joined by Rick Eubanks to talk about the history of See You at the Pole, hear some amazing stories about what God has done through student-led prayer, and discuss how your students can join what God is doing around the world. 

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

What do we do about cell phones in youth group? Whether you believe they have their place or they should be put away the entire time, Steve shares some tips on both sides of the argument and reminds us to look beyond the phone issue when interacting with students. 

Important links: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

How can we leverage all the amazing things that our students experience at summer camps and mission trips for the entire school year, helping students continue to grow in their faith and share it with their friends? Travis Deans returns to talk with Steve about moving from summer camp to the school campuses. 

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

Hey, youth leaders! I’m working on a nation-wide research project, and I’d love your help! We’re trying to answer this big question: What helps youth pastors thrive and stick around longer in ministry? We deeply believe that when a youth leader thrives—in their relationship with God, in healthy partnerships with others, and in making disciples—students win. But too many youth leaders are burning out, dropping out, or just hanging on by a thread. That’s why we’re launching a nationwide survey to figure out what actually helps youth leaders flourish long-term—and we want to hear from you.

What we’re hoping to learn: What’s the current average tenure of a youth pastor? What factors make someone more likely to stay in youth ministry longer? Does being part of a youth leader network actually make a difference?

Whether you’re brand new to ministry or have been at it for decades, your input will help churches and ministries like National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) better support youth pastors—so we can see more leaders thriving and more students transformed by Jesus.

The survey takes just 5–10 minutes, is completely confidential, and as a thank-you, you’ll be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Take the survey at the link below. 

https://bit.ly/thriving-yp-survey-2025

Thank you in advance for helping shape a healthier future for youth ministry! 💪

Research done in partnership with NNYM, Great Commission Research Network, and One Hope. 

Other helpful links:

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  

What if discipleship isn’t just about your weekly youth night? What if the real growth actually happens outside of your program? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks about what it means to disciple students beyond the structure—and how summer and back-to-school season give us a great opportunity to do exactly that. 

Links referenced in this episode: 

Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 

Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  

If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!