Student Ministry Connection

Student Ministry Connection

Download on the App Store

Student Ministry Connection episodes

  • 147: When to Stay or Go with Todd Pearage

    When do you know it’s time to move on from either a specific church or from student ministry altogether? This is a question we’ve all asked at some point, which is why we’re talking about it on this episode of Student Ministry Connection. Todd Pearage joins Steve to discuss some practical things to look for and some solid resources that will help you navigate that question now and in the future. 

     

    Links referenced in this episode: 

    • Connect with Todd on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage 
    • Email Todd at [email protected] 
    • Learn more about Youth Leader Oasis at https://youthleaderoasis.com 
    • Learn more about Youth Leader Summit at https://www.youthleadersummit.com 
    • Learn more about Youth Ministry Leader Cohort at https://ymlcohort.com 
    • Follow the Youth Ministry Leader Cohort on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theymlcohort or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YMLCohort 
    • Email the podcast at [email protected] 
    • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
    • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
    • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
    • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
    • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
    • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
    • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
    •  

      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!  

       

      49 min
    • 146: Practicing Thankfulness

      How can we practice the thankful attitude that Paul talks about in Colossians 2 and 3, especially in the middle of busyness, divisiveness, and struggles? On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares a simple method to remain thankful and shares some of the things he is thankful for, including you. 

       

      Links referenced in this episode: 

      • Email the podcast at [email protected] 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      •  

        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!  

         

        7 min
      • 145: Equipping Teen Evangelists with Andi Custer

        Imagine a high school where students are leading their friends to Jesus, where outreach happens in the cafeteria, and the gospel is shared in classrooms across the campus. This isn’t just a dream—it’s happening right now, with over 10,000 students responding to the gospel through student-led events in their schools. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Andi Custer from Decision Point about how equipping students to share their faith is transforming schools and bringing hope to thousands! 

         

        Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Learn more about Decision Point at https://decisionpoint.org 
      • Email Andi at [email protected] 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      •  

        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!  

         

        39 min
      • 144: Keys to Healthy Ministry with Dustin Fisher

        If we want to be healthy ministry leaders, there are 3 big connections we need to focus on. First, we have to be pursuing Jesus. And the other 2 connections we need are with a network of other youth leaders and with a ministry coach or mentor. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Dustin Fisher joins Steve to discuss how you can make both of those happen. 

         

        Sponsor for this episode of podcast:

        • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 

         

        Links referenced in this episode: 

      • Find or start a local network at http://nnym.org 
      • Learn more about PACT Ministry at https://pactministry.org
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      •  

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

         

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

         

        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!  

         

        36 min
      • 143: Longevity in Student Ministry with Jeff Glenn

        How do we stay in student ministry for the long haul? And what would it look like to be at a church for 10, 15, 20, or more years? That’s exactly what Steve talks about with Jeff Glenn on this episode of Student Ministry Connection. Before stepping into his role with National Network of Youth Ministries, he served as youth pastor of a church for over 26 years. 

         

        Sponsor for this episode of podcast:

        • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 

         

        Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Learn more about Jeff's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/jeffglenn 
      • Email Jeff: [email protected] 
      • The Heart of a Great Pastor by H.B. London Jr. and Neil  B. Wiseman - https://amzn.to/3AaN1Xj 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      •  

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

         

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

         

        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!  

         

        58 min
      • 142: Ministry on a Small Budget

        How do you make every dollar count in student ministry? Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just looking for ways to save, today’s episode is packed with practical tips to help you stretch your resources and still have an impact. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we dive into 15 tips on how you can maximize your student ministry budget—no matter how small. 

        Sponsor for this episode of podcast:

        • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 

        Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Youth Pastor Compensation Report 2024 - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/compensation-youth-pastor-2024/
      • Youth Pastor Compensation Survey 2025 - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/2025-youth-pastor-compensation-survey/
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      • Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

        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!  

         

        22 min
      • 141: Budgeting and Fundraising

        Are you struggling to stretch your budget for student ministry or wondering how to fund that next big event? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares some practical tips to overcome budgeting challenges and offers advice on establishing, managing, and requesting a budget, along with strategies for effective fundraising. Emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with church leadership and financial teams, this episode sets the stage for a two-part series, with a focus on cost-saving strategies in the next installment. 

        Sponsor for this episode of podcast:

        • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 

        Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      • Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

        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!  

         

        23 min
      • 140: Single, Dating, Friendships, and Romance with Heather Flies and Tony Myles

        How can we go beyond just teaching about singleness, dating, friendships, and romance at youth group? What if there was a resource that walked students through all of those topics in just 4 weeks, addressing many of the answers they already have, and offering solid interactive questions that were rooted in Scripture? Thankfully, our guests just wrote a student devotional that I think you’re going to love. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Heather Flies and Tony Myles about their stories, ministries, their latest book, and how it can enhance your ministry. 

        Sponsors for this episode of podcast:

        • Next Gen Ministry Network - http://nextgenministrynetwork.com
      • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
      • Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Buy "Single, Dating, Friendships, and Romance" on YM360 - http://bit.ly/single-dating-friendships-romance 
      • Buy the book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4cQwMMA 
      • Follow Heather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherflies 
      • Follow Tony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonymyles 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      • Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

        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!  

         

        43 min
      • 139: Using AI in Student Ministry with Tom Pounder

        Have you wondered how artificial intelligence could change the way you connect with your students? Maybe you’re curious about how AI can help you create more engaging content, streamline communication, or even better connect with your students. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Tom Pounder joins Steve to discuss some practical ways to harness A.I. and avoid some critical pitfalls in order to enhance our ministry to students and families. 

        Sponsors for this episode of podcast:

        • Next Gen Ministry Network - http://nextgenministrynetwork.com
      • G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
      • Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Check out Tom's website at http://tompounder.com 
      • Follow Tom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tapounder 
      • AI for Church Leaders: https://www.aiforchurchleaders.com 
      • Church Tech Today: https://churchtechtoday.com 
      • MetaChurch by Dave Adamson on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cYYg9g 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
      • Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 

        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, including these listed below: 

        • Apple Podcasts 
      • YouTube 
      • Podbean 
      • Spotify 
      • Amazon 
      • Pandora 
      • TuneIn Radio 
      • Find more links 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!  

         

        43 min
      • 138: Help Parents Have Better Conversations with their Teenagers

        A student gets home from youth group, camp, or a mission trip, and the parent asks how it was and all they hear is “good.” How can we help parents have better conversations with their teenagers? On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares 5 ways we can help parents to have good conversations with their kids. 

        Sponsor for this episode of podcast: G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 

        Links referenced in this episode: 

        • Find out how you can participate in NNYM's Footprints on Campus prayer initiative at https://bit.ly/footprints2024 
      • Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum  
      • Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter  
      • Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport  
      • Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact  
      • Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com  
      • Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum  
      • Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection  
      • Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 

        Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5  

        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, including these listed below:  

        • Apple Podcasts 
      • YouTube 
      • Podbean 
      • Spotify 
      • Amazon 
      • Pandora 
      • TuneIn Radio 
      • Find more links 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!  

         

        8 min

      About Student Ministry Connection

      From the publisher's feed

      For those who serve in student ministry, want to connect, and desire to grow.