This is part one of a two-part conversation with Valerie O’Brien from Aspen Ministry. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James sits down with Val to talk about her journey into youth ministry and her latest initiative, the 10,000 Questions Project.

Val, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has spent more than 15 years serving in student ministry through the local church—walking with families, discipling students, and leading teams. More recently, she transitioned into a parachurch role where she has trained and coached youth leaders across the US and around the world, helping them build disciple-making ministries patterned after the life of Jesus.

Out of that experience grew the 10,000 Questions Project, which seeks to gather and reflect on the countless real questions that young people have about life, faith, God, and the world. Rather than brushing those questions aside, the project gives us a window into what’s really on students’ hearts and minds, and helps churches listen and respond with honesty and hope.

In this first part of our conversation, Val shares her path into ministry, the story behind the 10,000 Questions Project, and what she’s been learning along the way. Then in a shorter follow-up episode in two weeks, we’ll get practical and discuss how to create youth ministry environments where asking questions isn’t just allowed, but encouraged.

This is a valuable conversation 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

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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
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You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here
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You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here
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We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

HOUSE Conference 2025 group discussion with Jocelyn Bignill & Toby Macgregor

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Josh Ord and guests Jocelyn and Toby dive into the theme of 'The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice' as part of the lead-up to House Conference 2025.

They discuss two conference papers: 'The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice' by Dr Viv Cheung and 'The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice' by Rev Dr Graham Stanton. Key takeaways include understanding the theological and practical implications of sacrifice in youth and children's ministry, balancing grace and sacrifice, and addressing potential abuses of the concept. The discussion aims to prepare listeners for deeper conversations at the upcoming conference.

Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house

Click below for an audio reading of the conference papers.

093 - House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Graham Stanton | The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice

092 - House Conference Special | Audio Reading of Paper by Viv Cheung | The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice

This episode is part of our HOUSE Conference 2025 lead‑up series from Youthworks, exploring this year’s theme — The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice.

In this episode, we share the full audio of the conference paper The Beauty and Ugliness of Sacrifice, written by Rev Dr Graham Stanton. This theological paper, with a pastoral edge, explores the beauty of sacrifice as an ideal for Christian living and the dangers we need to be aware of when using this language — all with implications for how we minister to young people and children.

These papers are designed to take us from deep reflection in Scripture and theology to practical application in youth and children’s ministry. As you listen, be thinking about how the principles you hear might shape the way you disciple the next generation in your church.

If you haven’t already, we recommend listening first to our taster episode (The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025) for an accessible introduction to the topic.

Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house

Links & Resources:

• HOUSE Conference 2025 – https://youthworks.net/house
• Taster Episode – The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025
• Effective Ministry Podcast Archive – https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-effective-ministry-podcast

This episode is part of our HOUSE Conference 2025 lead‑up series from Youthworks, exploring this year’s theme — The Cost and Joy of Sacrifice.

In this episode, we share the full audio of the conference paper The Cost and Joy of Being a Living Sacrifice, written by Dr Viv Cheung. This biblical studies paper digs deeply into the language of sacrifice in the Bible and will help you engage more fully with the theological ideas we’ll be discussing together at HOUSE.

These papers are designed to take us from deep reflection in Scripture and theology to practical application in youth and children’s ministry. As you listen, be thinking about how the principles you hear might shape the way you disciple the next generation in your church.

If you haven’t already, we recommend listening first to our taster episode (The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025) for an accessible introduction to the topic.

Find out more about HOUSE Conference 2025 → https://youthworks.net/house

Links & Resources:

• HOUSE Conference 2025 – https://youthworks.net/house
• Taster Episode – The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice | House Taster 2025
• Effective Ministry Podcast Archive – https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-effective-ministry-podcast

Intentional Under Fives Ministry: Insights and Strategies

In this episode, Meagan and Eliza discuss their extensive experience and passion for ministry to children under five. They share practical insights and examples from their own work including the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment and the benefits of using play-based learning. They also provide advice on implementing a structured curriculum, building trust with parents, and fostering an inclusive church community. Additionally, they highlight useful resources and emphasize the role of consistency and relational engagement in children's spiritual development. Listeners are encouraged to attend the upcoming House Conference for more insights into effective youth and children's ministry.

Resources referenced -
Raising disciples https://www.instagram.com/raising.disciples_/
Baby devotions https://www.instagram.com/babydevotions
Lift their eyes https://www.instagram.com/lifttheireyes

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 31st of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Megan's Background

03:05 Eliza's Journey in Kids Ministry

06:11 Teaching Bible Content to Under Fives

09:32 Practical Tips for Engaging Under Fives

11:28 Learning Through Play

13:13 Building Relationships and Safety

29:49 Challenges in Ministry to Under Fives

37:38 Resources and Final Thoughts

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.

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August 

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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, host Al James sits down with Polly Butterworth to discuss her book, 'The Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl.' Polly, a high school chaplain, offers insights into the pressures young Christian women face and how her personal experiences shaped the book. They delve into the process of navigating faith, societal expectations, and the myths surrounding 'good Christian girls.' Polly also shares strategies for addressing doubts and highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than societal or self-imposed pressures. This conversation is not only valuable for young women but is also insightful for youth workers, parents, and Christians in general.

Buy the Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl

• You can Polly's book at youthworksmedia.net

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:28 Upcoming Topics and Guest Introduction

00:47 Special Religious Education (SRE) in Schools

01:02 Conversation with Polly Butterworth

02:00 Polly's Background and Interests

03:17 The Mythical Life of the Good Christian Girl

04:11 Challenges Faced by Good Christian Girls

08:00 Polly's Personal Experiences

11:50 Addressing Christian Culture and Expectations

14:47 Debunking Myths and Focusing on Jesus

16:28 Acknowledging Struggles in Christian Life

19:07 Spiritual Disciplines in Youth Ministry

19:31 Addressing the Reluctance to Attend Church

20:11 Navigating Christian Expectations

20:37 The Pressure of Religious Imperatives

21:42 Universal Struggles of Young Christians

23:04 Balancing Imperatives and Personal Struggles

29:19 The Role of Doubt in Faith

32:33 Inclusion of Personal Stories

34:01 Understanding Ministry with Teenage Girls

36:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James hosts experienced youth and children's ministry advisors Chris Jones, Josh Ord, Megan Gates, and Di Lucas for the second half of their Q&A session. They tackle current issues such as the impact of new social media legislation in Australia on youth ministries, effective strategies for welcoming newcomers, and ways to integrate youth into church families. The discussion also covers approaches to encouraging Bible reading among youth, strategies for small kids' ministries, and best practices for preparing youth for baptism and confirmation. The group emphasizes the importance of creating intentional cultures within youth groups, leveraging relationships for deeper discipleship, and utilizing digital tools like audio Bibles. Each advisor brings valuable insights from their extensive experience, offering practical solutions and innovative ideas for youth and children's ministries.

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to House Conference 2025

00:13 Exploring Sacrificial Discipleship

01:44 Introducing TMT: Training Ministry Teams

02:22 New Developments in TMT

03:34 Effective Ministry Podcast: Q&A Session

04:33 Discussing New Social Media Legislation

13:52 Creative Uses of Social Media in Ministry

18:27 Welcoming Newcomers to Youth Ministry

21:13 Investing in Youth and Children's Ministry

24:12 Starting a Youth Group from Scratch

28:03 Collaborating with Other Youth Groups

29:37 Integrating Youth Ministry with the Broader Church

32:18 Discipling Teens Focused on Social Aspects

37:50 Encouraging Bible Reading Among Teens

40:39 Effective Discipleship Strategies

46:36 Preparing Youth for Baptism and Confirmation

51:11 Connecting Youth to Church Families

52:42 Building Momentum in Small Kids Ministries

56:43 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Welcome back!

This episode is a taster for House Conference and delves into the topic of the conference, "The Cost and the Joy of Sacrifice". It looks at what sacrificial discipleship means in children's and youth ministry, exploring the theological and practical aspects of living as 'a living sacrifice,' inspired by Romans 12:1. The conversation covers how to encourage young believers to live sacrificially in a culture that values individualism and how ministry workers and volunteers can model and teach this lifestyle. Guests Mel Bell, Josh Ord, Koh Saito, and Meaghan Gates contribute their insights into the topic and why they're exited to dive into the topic in August.

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 31st of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Time Stamps

02:51 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction

03:27 House Conference 2025: Event Details

04:09 Panel Discussion: The Theology of Sacrifice

05:33 Introducing the Panelists

06:56 The Central Question: Living as a Living Sacrifice

09:55 Challenges and Nuances of Sacrifice

15:06 Personal Reflections on Sacrifice

29:15 Reflecting on Ministry and Personal Growth

30:40 The Role of Sacrifice in Christian Life

31:34 Balancing Joy and Sacrifice in Ministry

35:06 Empowering Youth Through Sacrificial Living

54:45 Intergenerational Wisdom and Sacrifice

56:28 Conclusion and Upcoming Conference

Q&A on Effective Youth and Children's Ministry

In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, Al James welcomes listeners to a special Q&A segment. Al, along with members of the Youth Works Ministry support team, including Chris Jones, Josh Ord, Di Lucas, and Megan Gates, tackles various questions related to youth and children's ministry. Topics discussed include partnering with parents, "optimal" youth group sizes, the balance between evangelism and discipleship, and effective leadership training. They offer insights into how to engage parents in ministry, strategies for recruiting and retaining leaders, and the dynamics of running large versus small youth groups.

House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August - ***Early Bird Closes On the 30th of May***

• HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
• Register at youthworks.net/house

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]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to House Conference 2025
00:13 Exploring Sacrificial Discipleship
00:26 Excitement and Challenges of Sacrifice
01:44 Introducing TMT: Training Ministry Teams
02:22 New Developments in TMT
03:34 Effective Ministry Podcast: Q&A Introduction
04:10 Meet the Youth Works Ministry Support Team
04:56 Diving into Your Questions
06:27 Onboarding Families to Ministry Groups
10:29 Partnering with Parents in Ministry
24:28 Balancing Evangelism and Discipleship in Youth Ministry
29:43 Effective Leadership Training
30:57 Setting Personal Goals for Leaders
33:58 Recruiting and Retaining Leaders
38:02 Optimal Youth Group Size
41:52 Balancing Large and Small Youth Groups
51:01 Concluding Thoughts on Youth Ministry
52:17 Introduction to Phone Policies
52:43 New Legislation on Social Media