The Word in Youth Ministry - A CPYU Podcast

Jason's first episode as the new solo host! He invites youth worker Alex Tufano in for a discussion about the importance of teaching about The Holy Spirit to teens. Alex describes why he taught on this subject and why he thinks it is important to do so. He shares the resources he used to help develop the teaching series. Jason acknowledges the mystery of The Holy Spirit, different views regarding the Holy Spirit and he addresses how that can make it a subject which youth workers often avoid, but we are encouraged instead to spend time addressing this topic biblically with our students. Rightly teaching about the doctrine of the Holy Spirit is an important subject we must prepare for.

Kyle co-hosts once more while handing the hosting baton off to Jason. Jason grabs the reigns and interviews Kyle on strategies for teaching Psalm 23. Kyle gives us insight into what his Bible studies look like and how the Psalms can be a great tool to help small group Bible studies learn more about Scripture and how to study the Bible in general.

Kyle and Jason co-host together again as Kyle continues to hand over full hosting duties to Jason. They discuss the topic of manifesting and self-actualization. Kyle asks Jason some questions about his CPYU Parent Prompt on the topic. It leads to a great discussion about biblical identity and how we can help teens navigate these topics as youth workers.

Kyle invites Jason Engle onto the podcast. He re-introduces Jason to our listeners and lets them know that over the next few episodes Jason will be stepping in to take over hosting duties of The Word in Youth Ministry. Kyle will be stepping aside to focus on ministry at his church as well as taking some time to promote his upcoming new book "Youth Ministry and the Vine: A Ministry Mind-Shift for Discipling the Next Generation." Jason and Kyle discuss what the transition will look like, talk about their favorite books of the Bible to teach from, and provide some helpful book resources.

Kyle invites the President of campus ministry group Disciple Makers, Peter Krol, to discuss his book Knowable Word. They talk about biblical literacy and helping our kids realize they can read, study, and know God's Word. They discuss the importance of paying attention in English class so that we know language, how to approach text, and the basics of reading. Sometimes we have to realize students haven't been taught these things well and we might have to step back and teach the basics. They also talk about how to best leave our assumptions behind when approaching studying Scripture, and Peter offers a warning about premature application. They wrap up by discussing the OIA method of Observation, Interpretation, and Application.

Kyle and fellow youth pastor Andrew Slay discuss using The Apostles' Creed in our youth ministries. Andrew lays out ways in which it can be helpful to use as a tool to help students understand the Bible better. He also explains how it can help answer some of the biggest questions that teens are facing in life.

Kyle Hoffsmith invites author Christina Fox on the podcast. They discuss the topic of teaching identity to children and why it's important to do so at a young age. They discuss her children's book "Who Are You?... A Little Book about Your Big Identity." Teaching children their true identity can help keep them from placing their worth and value in the wrong things as they grow up. They mention several passages of Scripture that are useful in helping us with biblical identity formation. An emphasis is put on Genesis 1 as a great place to start.

Celebrating 100 episodes of The Word in Youth Ministry Podcast! Kyle Hoffsmith, Walt Mueller, and Chris Wagner all take a look back over some of their favorite moments and episodes. They look forward to what is to come and celebrate what God is doing through this podcast. They also offer encouragement to youth workers as they continue the awesome task of teaching the Bible to students. Here's to another 100 episodes!

Kyle invites veteran youth pastor John Kidd to join the podcast to discuss teaching about sex to students. John recently taught a series to his students on the topic, which he titled "Cheap Sex." John gives us insight into how he prepared for the series and some of the resources he turned to. He also helps us understand some of the differences between temptation and desire. They also tackle the idea that love is not affirmation as opposed to the cultural narrative that love is love. John also reminds us to know our audience, know the influences they are facing, and to know the parents of our students, so that we can tailor our teaching accordingly while always remaining anchored in God's Word.

Kyle invites youth pastors Ben Marshall and Marty Mandak, along with Aspen Ministry's Val O'Brien to join the podcast. Each tackle a statement from the 2025 Ligonier State of Theology Report and what it tells us about our culture, The Church, and our youth ministries. Based on the results of the survey, what holes do we need to fill in our teaching? What areas do we need a complete fix? These veteran youth workers tackle some difficult questions and how we can use this study to bring about lasting change in your youth ministry programs by clinging firmly to Scripture.