The Word in Youth Ministry - A CPYU Podcast

Kyle invites Reggie Seutia, Pastor of Music Ministry, to join the podcast to discuss worship and song in youth ministry. They discuss the importance of using good songs in our worship and how we can use songs with intentional lyrics and rich content to teach the Bible and theological truths. Reggie encourages us not to sing certain songs just because they're popular or trendy, but instead to evaluate them in terms of whether they are true to scripture. Kyle and Reggie also discuss ways we can use our time with high school students as a way to train future worship leaders. They also discuss practical issues like lighting, volume, and even the key songs are played in.

Dr. Mitchell Chase joins Kyle to discuss the importance of teaching about the Fall to our students. Dr. Chase discusses his latest book "Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall." Together they encourage us not to shy away from this topic, but instead to help place it within the larger biblical narrative. Understanding the effects of the Fall and realizing our sinfulness helps us better comprehend and appreciate the grace, redemption, and justification offered through Jesus Christ.

Kyle invites his youth pastor on the podcast to discuss the impact he had on his life and ministry and to pick his brain about teaching the Bible to the next generation. Chad Groff offers encouragement to youth workers, both new and "seasoned" alike. Chad reflects on how his methods have changed over a few decades of teaching the Bible, provides insight on staying up-to-date with culture, and discusses how having children of his own in the youth group impacts his ministry.

Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. Kyle and Jason discuss helping our students understand God's Grand Story as we teach them Scripture. Knowing where books of the Bible or certain passages fall within the bigger picture help us provide context for our students. How can we use this narrative to help students navigate culture and the things they deal with in every day life?

CPYU President Walt Mueller joins host Kyle Hoffsmith for this episode. They give a shout out to Matt and Linda as they transition to new roles and discuss the future of the podcast and how we'll handle co-hosts moving forward. Together they talk about Bible teaching in the new school year. There is also a helpful conversation about devotionals along with some highly recommended ones.

Kyle, Linda, and Matt have a great conversation with Dr. Jonathan Pennington. He discusses his new book Come & See: The Journey of Knowing God through Scripture. He describes three different ways in which we often approach reading Scripture: informational, theological, and transformational. After describing each, he encourages listeners to approach Scripture with an appropriate balance of all 3.

Kyle, Linda, and Matt invite Mike Flavin, a veteran youth pastor for over 42 years, to join the podcast. Mike shares lessons he learned, emphasizes the power of small groups and empowering other leaders to teach the Bible well, and reminds us that home is really where the action is! New and veteran youth workers alike will be encouraged and equipped by this helpful conversation with Mike.

Kyle, Linda, and Matt welcome Tony Souder to the podcast. Tony is the founder of the Pray for Me Campaign. Together they have a great discussion about intergenerational ministry and how churches can utilize the power of prayer to bring people of different generations together. How can churches utilize the Pray for Me Campaign? Tony shares some powerful stories about the work God is doing in our churches through the power of different generations praying for each other.

Kyle, Matt, and Linda discuss spring break and then transition to the halls of their local schools in a conversation with Travis Deans. Travis started 9 Month Mission Trip as a way to encourage students to see their school as a missions field and provides resources to help them be effective ambassadors for Christ among their peers. How can we encourage teens to share the Gospel with their friends at school? Travis suggests getting them to pray for their peers is a great place to start. Students are encouraged to embrace struggles and challenges as a place and opportunity to grow.

Kyle runs the podcast solo this episode, but invites in guest Matt Smethurst. Matt discusses his book "Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures For Approaching God's Word." Following a fun discussion about Michael Jordan, Kyle and Matt focus on a few of the heart postures we should have before we dig into Scripture. He encourages us in the idea that we are all theologians, and we can help our students realize this as well. Matt emphasizes community in the body of Christ and setting students up well now so they remain in the Church for the rest of their lives.