Student Ministry Conversations

Welcome to today's episode of our podcast, where we explore the topic of relationship between pastors and youth pastors. We are joined by a special guest, Ryan Ford, who is an ex-youth pastor and current pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Snyder, Texas.

Whether you're a new youth pastor stepping into a leadership role, or an experienced ministry leader there needs to be intentionality on working on the relationship between you and your senior pastor. From a mentor role, to a boss and potentially a friend, this relationship is vitally important to the success of your program in your church... but how do we work towards this relationship (especially if it's rocky) and make it the best that it can be?

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show! 

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show. 

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org 

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/b2rmi0Bvjl0

Connect With SMC 
Instagram – @talkstudentmin 
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin 
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations" 

Connect With The Hosts 
Russell Martin – @rgmmusic
Brent Aiken – @heybrentaiken 
David Pruitt - @pruacoustic 

Support the Podcast! 
Buy Our Merch! www.studentministryconversations.org/shop

In this episode of the Student Ministry Conversations Podcast, Russell sits down with Melissa Glaves, a seasoned worship leader with a wealth of experience in leading worship for both youth and adults. Melissa shared her inspiring journey, starting from her early days as a member of the young Continentals choir and eventually growing into a worship leader at various churches.

Throughout their conversation, Melissa emphasized the significance of allowing youth to step into leadership roles and find their place within the church community, rather than confining them solely to the youth ministry. We delved into the qualities that Melissa looks for in potential worship team members, such as coachability, character, and competency, and how Melissa values creating a low-pressure environment for training and gradually integrating students into Sunday morning worship experiences.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show! 

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show. 

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org 

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/14xFA35wM7A

Connect With SMC 
Instagram – @talkstudentmin 
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin 
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations" 

Connect With The Hosts 
Russell Martin – @rgmmusic
Brent Aiken – @heybrentaiken 
David Pruitt - @pruacoustic 

Support the Podcast! 
Buy Our Merch! www.studentministryconversations.org/shop

Volunteers are often times called the life-blood of student ministry. From small group leaders, to event chaperones, to worship leaders and all the other responsibilities that are filled, it's not very hard to see the impact that volunteers can have on the success of a ministry but what does student ministry look like from the perspective of a volunteer.

Come join the conversation as Brent sits down with Stephanie Thorne, a long-standing volunteer with FUMC Fairfield, as they talk about student ministry and how the youth pastor can work alongside their volunteers to make their ministry efforts as efficient as they can be.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/y1vfz-raqzw

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

Welcome to this episode of Student Ministry Conversations, where we aim to encourage and equip student ministry leaders. In this episode, our host Russell Martin interviews the talented Christian artist Brooke Robertson. Brooke's story is one of resilience and strength, and she shares with us how she found healing and the courage to speak out about her experiences of sexual abuse at the age of 10.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/9zrtgj0CLc4

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

Welcome to today's episode of our podcast, where we explore the topic of transitioning in ministry. We are joined by a special guest, Tyler Looney, who is an ex-youth pastor and current pastor at Crosspoint Methodist Church in Lindale, Texas..

Whether you're a new pastor stepping into a leadership role, or an experienced ministry leader looking to make a significant change, transitions can be both exciting and challenging. In this episode, we'll discuss the various types of transitions that pastors and ministry leaders may encounter, including changes in church leadership, shifts in ministry focus, and personal career moves.

We'll explore some of the key strategies and best practices for successfully navigating these transitions, including effective communication, building relationships, and maintaining a strong sense of personal identity and purpose. Tyler will also share some of his own personal experiences and insights on transitioning in ministry, offering practical advice and encouragement for those who may be facing similar challenges.

So whether you're currently in a transition, or simply interested in learning more about how to navigate change in ministry, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and perspectives. Join us as we explore this important topic with our special guest, Tyler Looney.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/CjUnjqRicrA

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

Welcome to today's episode of our podcast, where we explore the intersection of technology and the church. In this episode, we are joined by a special guest, David Earles, the Student Pastor at Broadview Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas. We'll be discussing a range of topics with David, including how churches can use technology (past and present) to reach new audiences, engage with members remotely, and deepen their impact in their communities. We'll also explore some of the challenges that churches face as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of technology, and discuss some of the ethical considerations that come with using digital tools in ministry.

Whether you're a pastor, a church leader, or simply someone interested in the intersection of faith and technology, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and perspectives. So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the exciting world of technology and the church with our special guest, David Earles.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/hSeUB8nZto4

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

In ministry often times, we are learning on the go which allows us to be fairly malleable when it comes to how we run our ministries and how we establish our beliefs. How can we work to establish our own personal values and what benefit does it have for the future of our time in ministry?

Come join the conversation as Russell sits down with Brandon Hair, the NextGen pastor at Calvary Christian Church in Omaha, Nebraska, as they talk about the importance of building values and how they can help create longevity in Student Ministry.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/GH7zSJhElbc

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

More than any other experience in ministry the challenges that arise from starting at a new ministry in a new church is daunting and you're immediately on the clock with everyone's eyes on you. What are the priorities worth establishing in that first year of ministry? What are the things worth setting aside for later?

Come join the conversation as David sits down with Beto Arrelano, the Youth Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Snyder, Texas, as they talk about the successes and challenges of the first year of ministry at a new church.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/eVuU4Yn_g80

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

We have reached a milestone and we wanted to share it live with all of you! Today is our 100th episode and it was presented LIVE on Facebook for our first ever live podcast.

Come join the conversation as Brent, David and Russell are joined by Cody Brotherton and Jerry Varner, two previous guests on the show, as they spend time talking about the podcast, spending some extra time diving deep into their most recent episodes and doing some live giveaways for the 100th episode celebration!

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show! Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website:

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/xitxcX1o-X4

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"

Who is considered to be an "unconnected" student? How do you reach them? What can you do to get them back engaged in learning about God through their involvement in the youth group as well as in their own personal study.

Come join the conversation as Brent sits down with Mark Beasley for the newest addition of Students on the Fringe as they talk about the unconnected student and how to reach and re-engage the apathetic or uninterested students within your church and community.

You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers.

We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!

Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email ([email protected]) to get a time set for you to be on the show.

Show notes can be found on our website:

Video for this episode can be found here: https://youtu.be/xitxcX1o-X4

Connect With SMC
Instagram – @talkstudentmin
Twitter – @talkstudentmin
Facebook – @talkstudentmin
Youtube - "Student Ministry Conversations"