Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26

This week, we are re-releasing episode 090 - Public High School Ministry with Katie Stringer.

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh, a Youth and High School Ministry Advisor with YouthWorks in Sydney, speaks with Katie Stringer about Special Religious Education (SRE) in public high schools in New South Wales, Australia. Katie, who teaches Christian SRE to nearly 900 students each fortnight across multiple schools, shares her journey of getting involved in SRE and the unique opportunities and challenges this ministry presents. The discussion includes practical steps for initiating SRE programs, the importance of creating a spiritual ecosystem within schools, and the impact SRE can have on both students and volunteers. Katie emphasises the vital role of collaboration among local churches and the transformative power of prayer and teamwork in sustaining and expanding SRE efforts.

Christian SRE
 
To connect with Christian SRE, click here.

Connect with Youthworks

• Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.
• You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.
• You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26

This week, we are re-releasing episode 97 - ADHD and discipleship in children and youth ministry.

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Meaghan Gates is joined by Di Lucas from Youthworks Ministry Support Team and Luke Graham, a children's minister in Canterbury. The discussion focuses on the significant challenges and rewarding experiences of working with neurodiverse children in church settings. Luke shares insights about creating inclusive spaces through initiatives like the Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry Network. Di offers personal perspectives and practical strategies from her own experiences both as a mother to children with ADHD and as an individual with an ADHD diagnosis. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical support for neurodiverse children and their families, stressing that no expertise is required to start making positive changes.

00:00 Introduction to Church and Community

00:47 Meet the Hosts and Guests

02:39 Challenges of Working with Neurodiverse Kids

04:46 Biblical Perspective on ADHD

12:21 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids

32:25 The Power of Praise for Kids

33:31 Inclusion of Neurodiverse Kids in Church

36:54 Personal Experiences with ADHD in Ministry

39:33 Strategies for Supporting Kids with ADHD

50:11 Supporting Parents of Kids with ADHD

57:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.

We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Bec Baines Accessibility Ministry Advisor https://www.youthworks.net/blog/bec-baines

Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry page https://www.facebook.com/groups/775236337121469

Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26

This week, we are re-releasing episode 82 with Rev Dr Graham Stanton.

This week we talk with Revd Dr Graham Stanton,  Founding Principal of Youthworks College.
Graham is currently Director of the Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne. He is also founder and director of Youth Ministry Futures 

In this episode, Al James sits down with Graham to explore the significance of long-term, full-time youth ministry within the national church in Australia. He shares his vision for Youth Ministry Futures (YMF) and discusses the benefits of having long term, full-time and well trained youth ministers for the sake of young people and churches. The conversation covers the state of youth ministry in Australia, systemic issues in youth ministry today,  the challenges faced by part-time youth ministers, and the advantages of integrating youth ministry into the larger church environment. Graham also highlights the pressing need for a shift in how churches perceive and invest in youth ministry roles. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of youth ministry and the development of strong, supportive communities for young believers.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Challenges in Youth Ministry
02:57 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction
03:15 Insights from Kids and Youth Ministers
04:57 Upcoming Episodes Preview
06:05 Interview with Graham Stanton
06:53 Graham Stanton's Roles and Contributions
17:19 State of Youth Ministry in Australia
20:50 Systemic Issues in Youth Ministry
28:29 The Impact of Full-Time Youth Ministers
29:45 Exploring the Benefits of Full-Time Roles
31:27 The Importance of Theological Training
33:56 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Ministry
36:40 The Role of Youth Ministers in Churches
37:56 Advocating for Full-Time Youth Ministry
38:35 Reimagining Church Staffing Priorities
40:18 The Broader Impact of Youth Ministry
51:26 Intergenerational Ministry and Its Challenges
57:24 Youth Ministry Futures: Vision and Goals

Connect with Youthworks

• Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.
• You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.
• You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Josh chats with Marty Robinson about the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) within youth and children's ministry. Marty provides a theological framework encompassing creation, the fall, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, examining how each element relates to A.I. usage in ministry. They address both the benefits and caveats of A.I., such as enhancing administrative tasks, creating engaging content for youth, and maintaining ethical standards. The episode is filled with practical advice on integrating A.I. thoughtfully and ethically in ministry while upholding a Christ-centered approach.

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Navigating Social Media Ban for Under 16s: Implications for Youth Ministry

In this episode, Al chats with Chris Jones, a colleague on the Ministry Support Team at Youthworks. They discuss the upcoming social media ban for individuals under 16 in Australia, taking effect on December 10. They explore the practical and pastoral implications of this ban on youth ministry, including how to adapt communication strategies, the impact on youth groups' social media presence, and the broader societal changes it may bring. The conversation highlights the need for youth ministers to prepare their teams and families for these changes and to focus on fostering genuine, embodied community within their youth ministries all for the sake of young people knowing loving and following Jesus.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:23 Chris Jones' Role and Responsibilities

00:47 Enjoyment and Challenges in Youth Ministry

01:26 Discussion on Social Media Ban for Under 16s

02:34 Details of the Social Media Ban

05:26 Implications for Youth Ministry

06:32 Global Perspective and Government's Role

10:16 Pastoral and Practical Implications

20:21 Questions and Considerations for Youth Ministries

26:37 Navigating Youth Ministry in the Digital Age

27:09 Exploring Communication Platforms for Youth Groups

29:17 The Role of WhatsApp in Youth Ministry

32:12 Pastoral Implications for Youth Leaders

43:00 Engaging Families in the Transition

45:04 Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

50:22 The Impact of Mobile Phones in Youth Groups

51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh, a Youth and High School ministry advisor with Youthworks in Sydney, continues the series on high school ministry by interviewing recent high school graduates Ellie and Annaliese. They dive deep into their experiences in public and Christian high schools, discussing how school environments influenced and impacted their faith. The episode also explores the challenges and opportunities for ministry in high school settings, emphasising the importance of equipping students with evangelism and apologetic skills. They share uplifting stories about seeing the fruits of SRE (Special Religious Education) seeds planted during their school days and offer encouragement to church workers, SRE teachers, and school chaplains.

Part 1, reflecting on Public High School Ministry, can be found here.

Part 2, reflecting on Christian High School Ministry, can be found here.

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, hosted by Josh from Youthworks in Sydney, we dive into the ministry opportunities within Christian high schools. Denis Oliver, the College Chaplain at Thomas Hassall Anglican College and former parish minister, shares his journey from parish ministry to school chaplaincy. He discusses the unique gospel opportunities in Christian schools, the spiritual ecosystem in multicultural educational environments, and the importance of fostering relationships and partnerships between schools and churches. Denis also highlights the challenges faced by chaplains and teachers, provides insights on sustaining long-term ministry, and shares inspiring stories that showcase how God is at work within the school community.

This episode is Part 2 of a mini-series focusing on High School Ministry. For Part 1, check out episode 90 of the Effective Ministry Podcast.

Connect with Youthworks

• Click on through⁠ to discover more about ⁠the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.
• You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.
• You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠donating here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.
• We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode continues the HOUSE Conference 2025 series from Youthworks. Earlier, we released a pre-conference lead-up series including:

• Ep 92 - House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Viv Cheung | The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice
• Ep 93- House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Graham Stanton | The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice
• Ep 94 - House Conference group discussion with Jocelyn Bignill & Toby Macgregor

You can also listen to:

• Ep 87 - The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025

During HOUSE, many questions were raised and submitted online by Delegates. This post-conference follow-up addresses some of the questions we didn’t have time for at the conference, with insights from Dr Viv Cheung and Rev Dr Graham Stanton. The discussion explores biblical, theological, and pastoral aspects of sacrifice, and highlights practical applications for ministry with young people and children.

Whether you attended HOUSE, engaged with the lead-up series, or are just tuning in, this episode will help you reflect, discuss, and apply the theme The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice in your ministry — and gives a glimpse of what’s possible at next year’s conference, 25–27 August 2026.

Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2026 → https://youthworks.net/house

Links & Resources

• HOUSE Conference 2026 – https://youthworks.net/house

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.
We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Meaghan Gates is joined by Di Lucas from Youthworks Ministry Support Team and Luke Graham, a children's minister in Canterbury. The discussion focuses on the significant challenges and rewarding experiences of working with neurodiverse children in church settings. Luke shares insights about creating inclusive spaces through initiatives like the Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry Network. Di offers personal perspectives and practical strategies from her own experiences both as a mother to children with ADHD and as an individual with an ADHD diagnosis. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical support for neurodiverse children and their families, stressing that no expertise is required to start making positive changes.

00:00 Introduction to Church and Community

00:47 Meet the Hosts and Guests

02:39 Challenges of Working with Neurodiverse Kids

04:46 Biblical Perspective on ADHD

12:21 Practical Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids

32:25 The Power of Praise for Kids

33:31 Inclusion of Neurodiverse Kids in Church

36:54 Personal Experiences with ADHD in Ministry

39:33 Strategies for Supporting Kids with ADHD

50:11 Supporting Parents of Kids with ADHD

57:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.

We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Bec Baines Accessibility Ministry Advisor https://www.youthworks.net/blog/bec-baines

Accessible Kids and Youth Ministry page https://www.facebook.com/groups/775236337121469

This is part two of a two-part conversation with Valerie O’Brien from Aspen Ministry. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and catch that first—we explored Val’s story in youth ministry and her work on the 10,000 Questions Project.

In this shorter follow-up episode, host Al James and Val get practical about what it looks like to create youth ministry environments where asking questions isn’t just tolerated but encouraged. Together they explore:

• How leaders can build a culture where students feel free to ask their real questions
• Why modelling curiosity and vulnerability matters
• How to respond in ways that draw students closer to Jesus rather than shutting conversation down

Val shares insights from her experience coaching youth leaders across the US and around the world, offering simple but powerful principles for welcoming questions as part of discipleship.

We pick up immediately after Val has shared her insights from the 10,000 Questions Project.

This is a valuable episode for youth workers, parents, and anyone passionate about discipling the next generation.

Aspen Ministry
Find out more about Val’s work and the 10,000 Questions Project at aspenministry.org

.

Connect with Youthworks
Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page
.
You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
.
You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
.

We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.