The GenSend Podcast

In Episode 7 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Lacey Villasenor, and Paul Worcester unpack why getting Jesus right is essential for every ministry leader and every student we shepherd. Hear the most common cultural distortions of Jesus and how to help students rediscover the biblical Jesus revealed in Scripture. Be equipped with tools for teaching repentance, lordship, the exclusivity of Christ, and the urgency of evangelism with clarity and compassion. Take away practical strategies such as gospel appointments, three evangelism habits, and how to correct false views of Jesus without shame or fear. Be encouraged to preach the real Jesus boldly and train your students to do the same.

Also in This Episode, Learn:

• To identify and dismantle cultural “false Jesus” narratives using Scripture, not opinion.
• The importance of teaching a full biblical gospel every time you present Jesus.
• To equip students to normalize hard conversations about hell, eternity, and exclusivity, topics Jesus spoke about often.
• How essential it is to model tears and compassion for the lost, showing students that passion flows from understanding the gospel.
• To prioritize gospel appointments with new students and train them to do the same with others. 

Helpful Resources:

Not My Jesus - Teen Bible Study Book: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols

Not My Jesus - Bible Study Book with Video Access: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols

Life on Mission App

Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Youth Leaders

Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Collegiate Leaders

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

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Shareable Quotes:

“If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right—evangelism, discipleship, missions.” —Shane Pruitt 

“What this generation wants more than anything else is for you to open the Bible and explain it clearly and boldly.” —Paul Worcester 

“Those with the greatest grasp of the gospel have the greatest compassion for the lost.” —Paul Worcester 

“The longer someone talks about their Jesus, the less he sounds like the Jesus of the Bible.” —Shane Pruitt 
 

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In Episode 6 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with speaker, comedian, and K-LOVE radio host Lacy Abercrombie to talk about a topic every student leader needs to think through: how Christian-influencer culture shapes your faith. Be equipped to help your students discern truth online, stay rooted in the local church, and use their influence for the glory of God—not personal brand-building. Walk away ready to lead students to engage the digital world with wisdom, guard their hearts from comparison, and lead others toward authentic discipleship that happens face-to-face, not just through screens.

Also in This Episode, Learn:

• How to use social media as a tool for evangelism and encouragement without losing your focus on the gospel
• The difference between being discipled and simply consuming Christian content
• Why online influence should supplement, not replace, local church community
• How to stay rooted in biblical truth when loud voices online sound convincing but lack depth
• Practical guardrails for pastors, ministry leaders, and students using digital platforms

Helpful Resources:

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

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Shareable Quotes:

“We can replace time with God by consuming content about God. And that’s dangerous.”  —Lacy Abercrombie 

“An influencer can’t replace your church. We were made to be known and known in community.”
—Lacy Abercrombie

“Look down at your two feet. Right there is your mission field. Even your digital footprint is ground God can use.”

—Shane Pruitt 

“There’s an idolatry of cool in our culture. We’ve started equating influence with wisdom.”

—Paul Worcester 

“There’s a difference between being inspired by someone online and being discipled by someone who knows you.”
—Lacey Villasenor

“There’s so much beauty in being shepherded, known, and held accountable.”
—Lacy Abercrombie
 

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In Episode 5 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with worship pastor Ben Halsey to talk about the heart of worship in a culture shaped by influencers. What happens when the platforms and performance are stripped away and students encounter the presence of God through worship? Hear practical guidance for training young worship leaders to stay grounded in Scripture, walk closely with Jesus, and lead with humility. Discover the balance between excellence and authenticity in ministry, whether you’re developing a student worship team or discipling young believers. Lead your ministry to focus on what truly matters: worshiping Christ above all else.

Also in This Episode:

• Be reminded to teach young worship leaders to walk with Jesus daily before releasing them to step on stage.
• Learn strategies to train students to evaluate songs and lyrics through the filter of God’s Word.
• Consider how modeling humility teaches student worship leaders to value servanthood over stardom.
• Discover how to equip students to plan well but ultimately let God lead the moment, holding everything with open hands to give space for the Holy Spirit to move.
• Explore conversations with young leaders to keep motives pure, asking the “why” behind every element of setlists, technology, and production choices.

Helpful Resources:

The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion by Jeremy Riddle

The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen

Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill

The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer

Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

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Shareable Quotes:

“It all comes down to the leader. Are they putting truth in a song that helps mature this generation, or are they offering a shallow faith because they themselves have a shallow faith?” —Ben Halsey

“Some of the most powerful worship moments happen when the technology fails.” —Shane Pruitt 

“We value training people up more than we value perfection in every environment.” —Paul Worcester 
 

“How can we help students focus more on God’s glory than on style?” —Lacey Villasenor
 

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In Episode 4 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane and Kasi Pruitt join cohosts Paul Worcester and Lacey Villasenor to talk about leading “the unique kids,” the ones who don’t always fit the mold. Gain biblical wisdom and practical insight to shepherd every student with patience and purpose. Hear stories of transformation and learn how to see disruptive or quirky students the way God does: as image bearers with potential for kingdom impact. Be encouraged to fight against the instinct to pull away from chaotic situations and instead see them redeemed into powerful ministry moments. 

Also in This Episode:

• Learn to redefine success by laying down the idol of a perfectly polished ministry and embracing a messy but meaningful ministry. 
• Discover how to create space for every personality where quirky, loud, or “extra” kids can belong and contribute.
• Explore how to set the tone for your leaders, building a culture where gossip or sarcasm about students cannot exist. 
• Consider how to channel disruptive energy into leadership, giving high-energy students ownership and responsibility.
• Find strategies to diversify your leadership team by recruiting volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to connect with every kind of student.

Helpful Resources:

Youth Leader Coaching Network

GenSend Resources for Leaders

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform

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Shareable Quotes:

“Some of the hardest kids in ministry end up being the ones who make such a difference for the kingdom.”

—Kasi Pruitt

“Jesus was constantly interrupted, and He welcomed it.”
—Shane Pruitt 

“Put the unique kids on your prayer list and give them a place to serve.”

—Paul Worcester 

“The most important thing is that they matter to God. So, how do we shepherd them really well?—Lacey Villasenor

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In Episode 3 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the increase of spirituality among Gen Z and how leaders can respond. They explore how today’s students are open to spiritual conversations but are also deeply influenced by new age practices, DIY spirituality, and false gospels. Gain practical tools to help students discern truth from error, anchor their faith in Scripture, and avoid the temptation to “add to Jesus.” Be better equipped to shepherd students toward the real Jesus in a culture full of counterfeits.
 

Also in this episode:

• Recognize the rise of DIY spirituality and new age practices influencing Gen Z.
• Teach students that Jesus is enough and that faith is not “Jesus plus” anything.
• Discover how to leverage students’ hunger for spiritual experience by pointing them to the Bread of Life.
• Be encouraged to boldly call out false spirituality while modeling true prayer, worship, and Scripture engagement.
• Learn how to equip students to identify false gospels and cultural lies by comparing them with Scripture.

Helpful Resources:

GenSend Webinar, “Who is the Real Jesus?”

Not My Jesus Bible Study

Discovery Bible Study

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right.”

—Shane Pruitt 

“Two-thirds of Gen Z is moderately spiritually open … whoever gets to them first matters.”

—Paul Worcester 

“So much of this DIY spirituality requires extra things to connect to God to get a spiritual high, but it doesn’t last. With the Holy Spirit, you’re connected to God 24/7.”

—Lacey Villasenor

“The test of true spirituality is: what does it say about Jesus?”
—Paul Worcester 
 

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In Episode 2 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor explore the hot topic of artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping the way the world thinks, plans, and communicates, but is it a tool pastors should leverage or a danger to be avoided? Next-gen leaders will gain insight into how to approach AI with wisdom, use it with integrity, and disciple students already engaging with it daily. Hear stories, practical examples, and biblical reminders to keep Christ at the center of the cultural AI conversation.
 

Also in this episode:

Discern how AI can assist in streamlining administrative tasks, planning trips, or creating resources—ultimately freeing leaders to focus more on the students they serve.

Warn students about the dangers of relying on AI for truth, identity, or belonging, reminding them that only Christ can provide real hope.

Address tough questions directly, like whether AI-generated pornography or avatars still fall under lust and sin, so students don’t look elsewhere for answers.

Guard your own integrity as a leader by avoiding shortcuts in sermon prep and letting your teaching overflow from personal time with God’s Word.

Discover how to use AI as a practice tool for evangelism by simulating gospel conversations that can help prepare students for real-life encounters. 
 

Helpful Resources:

ChapGPT

Who’s Your One in a Million

Youth Leader Coaching Network

Collegiate Coaching Network

GenSend on Instagram and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:
 

“We never want to call ChatGPT ‘Pastor Chat’ or ‘Counselor Chat.’ We have to encourage students and help them understand where they can go for real, actual help.”
—Shane Pruitt 

“People are already using AI as a pastor, a friend, even a significant other. That’s not real relationship.”

—Lacey Villasenor

“Let’s be wise and tread carefully into the waters of AI. But if we can use it with integrity for the glory of God, let's use it.”
—Paul Worcester 
 

“The best sermons are those that you've bled over the Scriptures yourself, when the Holy Spirit's worked out things in you rather than receiving a response back from ChatGPT in 10 seconds.”
—Shane Pruitt 

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Welcome to Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast! Join hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor as they launch the new season with shortened episodes to serve you as you lead the next generation. Listen in to episode 1 as they discuss how to reach and disciple Gen Alpha, students born 2010–2025. Discover what makes Gen Alpha unique, how the church can minister to them in the areas of their greatest needs, and how you can help them leverage their strengths for the gospel.
 

Also in this episode:

• Be equipped to disciple the digital generation by leaning into their online presence while helping them build stronger in-person relational skills.
• Recognize and respond to Gen Alpha’s awareness of brokenness with the hope of the gospel, pointing them to Jesus as the true Savior.
• Develop clarity in preaching and teaching, offering biblical depth that students are hungry for rather than relying on shallow entertainment.
• Model healthy family life within your church community to fill in the gaps many students experience in fractured or nontraditional homes.
• Adopt a missionary mindset by going to where students are, engaging their friend groups, and contextualizing ministry for their world.
   

Helpful Resources:

Theology Masterclass by New Churches

GenSend on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at
https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“Students can get entertainment elsewhere. They just want the Word of God. They have a hunger for that.”
—Paul Worcester 

“As an evangelist, it excites me that Gen Alpha knows they’re messed up and that they’re already at a young age looking for more.” 
—Shane Pruitt 

“This generation is all in on the few things they care about, especially their close friends. They’ll protect and advocate for them fiercely.”
—Lacey Villasenor

“Like missionaries, we need to contextualize ministry for this generation. Let’s stay focused on the basics and let God’s Word do the work.”
—Paul Worcester 

“If we’re spending more time on developing bumper videos and planning games than we are in the Word and preparing to teach the Word, we’re missing it. And this generation will reject that.”
—Shane Pruitt 

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Episode 8 of Season 5 is a recording of the recent GenSend Webinar, The Handoff. Hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by respected ministry leaders, Josh Stephenson and Trace Hamiter as they discuss how essential it is to connect with college freshmen during their first months of college to ensure they remain solid in the faith. Josh shares his top 10 ways to close the gap between youth and college ministry, while Trace emphasizes the critical role of relationships and community even before day 1 of college for freshmen. Gain additional insights as the hosts answer questions from webinar participants.

Also in this episode:

• Discover how youth and collegiate leaders can connect with one another to help their students quickly build relationships in college
• Gain knowledge on how best to structure college/young adult ministry based on your local context
• Learn new ways youth ministry can prepare graduating seniors for a successful launch into college life
• Develop strategies to keep high school seniors from prematurely checking out of youth ministry before graduation
• Learn how church-based college ministries can partner well parachurch organizations that also serve college students

Helpful Resources:

• The Oaks Collaborative
• Campus Community Connect App
• collegeministry.com

★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★     Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“One of the most strategic moments in a person’s life is that first month of transitioning from high school to the college years.” — Paul Worcester

“Ministry happens at the speed of relationships. We have to create deepening relationships quickly among college freshmen.” — Josh Stephenson 

“College fraternities spend their summers connecting with potential freshmen who could rush their fraternities. Why do secular organizations outpace churches and ministries when it comes to intentionality and recruiting?” — Paul Worcester

“The main reason students fall away from their faith in college is actually social, it’s community. And so, how do we connect them to Christ-centered community quickly?” — Trace Hamiter, The Oaks Collaborative

“The largest missing segment in any church is the 22–35 age range, but ironically, that’s the largest population segment. We need the Lord to raise up missionaries to be sent out among this people group.” — Shane Pruitt

“People become who they will be for the rest of their lives in college. That’s why I’ve served college students my entire adult life.” — Trace Hamiter, The Oaks Collaborative

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In Episode 7 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by guest Preston Perry, an apologist, evangelist, and poet. Tune in as they discuss the importance of evangelism for the growth of the Church and how to make it a natural part of daily life. Learn practical strategies and the spiritual disciplines needed to engage in more meaningful, Spirit-led gospel conversations. Find the courage to step out in evangelism with boldness and love even when you don’t have all the answers.

Also in this episode:

• Discover the significance mentors play in training and modeling evangelism for the next generation 
• Gain insights on why evangelism hasn’t been prioritized among believers in the Western Church and how to remedy these issues
• Learn how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers to boldly speak the name of Jesus
• Be reminded of how essential kindness is in evangelism since the gospel message is already offensive enough to the lost
• Find resources on how churches can create a culture of evangelism within the church and equip members to share the gospel  
   

Helpful Resources:

• How to Tell the Truth
• Everyday Evangelism
• NAMB Evangelism Kit
• Connect with Preston Perry:
  Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook,preston-perry.com

★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at
https://GenSend.org

★     Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“Why am I doing evangelism? Am I doing this to look intelligent, like I’m better than the next man? Am I doing this to feel good about myself or because I have a savior complex? Or am I doing this to lead somebody to the Lord? Am I doing this to win a heart?”
—Preston Perry

“Let’s redefine the win. The win is not getting the person to pray to receive Christ on the spot. The win is just starting a spiritual conversation.”
—Paul Worcester

“Every heart has a cry. We must ask the right questions to hear it. A lot of times, we don't hear the cry because we’re so busy arguing. I try to ask the right questions so I can hear the cry. And then, once I hear the cry, I can serve.”
—Preston Perry

“Evangelism is not just going and telling people about your church. Telling people about your church is good marketing, but good evangelism is telling people about Jesus.”
—Shane Pruitt

“Trusting in the Holy Spirit and being led by the Lord will help us avoid arguments during spiritual conversations. I think we often get into arguments because we are trusting in our own knowledge.”
—Preston Perry

“We’re not talking about Jesus because we’re not excited about Him ourselves. The first step to evangelism is sitting at the feet of Jesus.”
—Shane Pruitt

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In Episode 6 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome very special guests: Paul’s son, Owen, and Shane’s daughter, Harper. Instead of discussing strategies about the next-gen, we hear from Gen Alpha themselves. Discover what today’s middle schoolers wish youth leaders and pastors knew from their perspective and hear what’s impacted them most in their walk with the Lord. Learn fresh ways to reach students who need the gospel and how to equip believing students with gospel-sharing tools.

Also in this episode:

• How to encourage students as they stand out from the culture because of their faith
• How to strategically leverage students’ hobbies and interests for greater gospel impact
• The significant and influential role volunteer small group leaders play in students’ lives
• Ideas for equipping your students to reach their public-school peers with the gospel
• Pastor and youth leader sermon-prep tips from the next-gen

Helpful Resources:

• S.O.A.P Bible Study Method
• G.O.S.P.E.L. Tool for Sharing the Gospel
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes

★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★     Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“I didn’t expect anyone to show up at our first FCA meeting, but 150 students came, and we had to move out of the classroom to a hallway.”
—Harper Pruitt

“Using the S.O.A.P. method helped me read the Bible more consistently.”
—Owen Worcester

“Personal is most powerful when it comes to discipling the next generation.”
—Paul Worcester

“There are so many ways to live on mission; a lot of that is just taking the interests and passion God’s given you and using it for His glory. It’s cool to see young people doing that.”
—Shane Pruitt

“It’s hard to be a Christian on my school team. Some girls will make bad decisions, so it’s tempting to follow them, but I keep my faith in the Lord. It’s made me a better leader.”
—Harper Pruitt

“Living on mission is intentionally engaging people with the gospel where you live, work, and play. And so, pastors and leaders, encourage your students to leverage what they’re already doing to be a light and point people to Jesus.”
—Lacey Villasenor

“There is a hunger for truth with young people. They want to know the Bible. They want to know doctrine and theology. They want to understand truth. This is not us just saying this for a generation; it’s them saying it themselves: ‘Hey, teach us the text. Teach us the word. Teach us how to live this out.’”
—Shane Pruitt

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