It was a delight to interview Bethany, discover her journey to Shepherd, the passion she has for teaching elementary students, leading her team, and welcoming young adults to opportunities to serve with them in the Academy as Bridge-Students (full-time online college & part-time fellow), 1 Year Fellows. #education #teachers #fellowshep #yamcast #genz #internship #shalom #urbanministry #compassionateministry #loveyourneighbor #indianapolis #discipleship #collegestudents #educationmajors #reneighboringthehood #Indy #hugs #handshakes #highfives

To apply for a Shepherd summer internship, become a bridge-student, or explore a 1 year fellowship of urban ministry start, here.

Episode Chapter Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bethany Morford

02:30 Journey to Educational Leadership

05:11 Role at Shepherd Community Academy

07:40 Teaching in a Diverse Neighborhood

10:21 Educational Milestones and Challenges

12:47 Support Systems for Students

15:23 Engaging with Families

18:10 Challenges Faced by Families

19:14 Mental Health Awareness in Education

28:04 The Rewards of Education Leadership

30:56 The Role of Young Adults in Education

32:48 Fellows as Teacher Assistants

36:13 Investing in Future Educators

39:43 Benefits of Serving as a Fellow

42:53 The Impact of Fellows on the Community

45:06 Joy and Heartbreak in Education

48:56 Inspiration and Hope in Leadership

52:00 Embracing New Opportunities

Kenny (GenX) caught up with Jeff (GenY - aka: "millennial") and Chris (GenZ) on the Virginia District (http://virginianyi.com) to discover what's working for them with young adult ministry. There is a secret sauce to this conversation and OH YES there will be a PART 2...oh YES there WILL! #genx #geny #genz #YAMcast #youngadultminstrypodcast #secretsauce #nazareneyoungadults #wecandothisthingtogether #pathwayforyoungadults #yamcast #youngadultministry #emergingadults #millennials #virginadistrictnyiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_adult_ministry_podcast/YouTube BONUS Content & Alt. Intro: https://youtu.be/NvM-kSJHq2APodcast: https://anchor.fm/yamcast 

Bekah served as a summer intern with Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis May 26-July 22, 2025. She shares about how she discerned her decision to become an intern, her rewarding experiences, and how Shepherd staff worked with her to curate an academic emphasis for her counseling major requirements. #summerinternship #counseling #fellowshep #yamcast #genz #internship #shalom #urbanministry #compassionateministry #loveyourneighbor #indianapolis #gracecollege #discipleship #reneighboringthehood #Indy

To apply for a Shepherd summer internship, as a bridge-student, or 1 year fellowship of urban ministry start ⁠here⁠.

Stephanie Lobdell is appointed by USA/Canada NYI to lead a collaborative conversation among selected field leaders of young adult ministry on the region with NYI (Nazarene Youth International). She shares some updates on strategies and status of the convo with insights, gleanings, and leanings.

Summary

In this conversation, Roneisha Jackson from Chicago shares her experiences and insights gained during her fellowship at Shepherd Community Center. She discusses her background, the roles she has taken on, and the lessons learned about personal growth, working with others, and her spiritual journey. Roneisha emphasizes the importance of taking up space, managing expectations in teamwork, and the transformative impact of working with youth. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of serving in a community that is both familiar and culturally different, and offers advice for future fellows considering joining Shepherd. Young Adults can apply here.

Takeaways

Roneisha emphasizes the importance of taking up space in conversations and environments.

She learned to manage her expectations of others and appreciate diverse perspectives.

The students at Shepherd have taught her valuable lessons about curiosity and self-advocacy.

Roneisha reflects on the significance of spiritual growth and trusting God's timing.

She highlights the privilege of being a mentor and the impact it has on her life.

Roneisha encourages future fellows to ask questions and seek their own understanding of Shepherd.

She believes that transformation is possible for those who engage fully in the community.

Roneisha acknowledges the challenges of living in a communal setting post-college.

She shares memorable experiences that have shaped her understanding of faith and resilience.

Roneisha expresses her aspirations for the future, including potential roles in higher education.

Sound bites

"Take up space."

"You can always be better."

"You have to see it yourself."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Summer Camp Experience

02:43 Background and Connection to Shepherd Community Center

05:36 Roles and Responsibilities at Shepherd

08:28 Transitioning from College to Shepherd

11:32 Lessons Learned About Taking Up Space

14:18 Working with Others and Managing Expectations

17:18 Spiritual Growth and Relationship with God

19:56 Memorable Experiences and Impactful Moments

23:35 Influential People at Shepherd

26:37 Contributions to Shepherd Community

28:07 Advice for Future Fellows

30:03 Reasons to Join or Avoid Shepherd

32:32 Future Aspirations and Parting Thoughts

Keywords

Shepherd Community Center, Roneisha Jay, personal growth, mentorship, youth development, faith, community service, life lessons, fellowship, spiritual journey

Audrey needed to finish her education and wanted to serve the Lord on mission. She was led to ⁠⁠Shepherd Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠'s bridge-student opportunity to finish school online with a partner university. In this interview she shares about her journey as a bridge-fellow for 1 year (at the time of this interview). Audrey's growth, insights, and dependence on the Lord shine through this interview and we hope encourage you today! Interested in serving with Shepherd? ⁠⁠⁠⁠

Consider joining the mission to break the cycle of poverty and ⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠ for an 8 week summer internship, as a bridge-student (1-4yrs), or a 1 year fellowship with Shepherd.

Phoebe wanted to get started with college after graduating high school but was looking for a creative way to join God's mission. Then she discovered ⁠Shepherd Community Center⁠⁠⁠'s bridge-student (online university) opportunity. She served as a bridge-fellow almost two years (at the time of this interview) as she finishes her time on the near Eastside of Indy. You'll enjoy her wit and insights as you listen along. Shepherd has been a formative experience for Phoebe in her young adult journey following Jesus serving in urban ministry. Interested? ⁠⁠Consider joining the mission to break the cycle of poverty and Apply⁠⁠ for an 8 week summer internship, as a bridge-student (1-4yrs), or a 1 year fellowship with Shepherd.

Josiah, was serving in a fellowship with Shepherd Community Center⁠ and then hired as staff. In this interview he shares about his calling, journey, and insights. Shepherd has been a formative experience for Josiah serving in urban ministry as a college grad student & young adult. Interested? ⁠Apply⁠ for a 1 year fellowship with Shepherd. Consider joining the mission to break the cycle of poverty for a Summer internship, as a Bridge-Student, or a 1 Year Fellowship.

Sam, is a graduating senior from Olivet Nazarene University who chose Shepherd Community Center as her final semester Social Work Practicum partner organization. She served as an in-person resident from January-April 2025 before returning to ONU for commencement. Sam lived in the house (PALACE;) with the other Shepherd fellowship ladies, participated in discipleship community, and had all the relational and leadership development opportunities provided to her that all 1 Year Fellows serving full-time receive and part-time Bridge-Students (ONU+ or other online program) as a part of their experience with Shepherd. In this interview Sam shares about what she learned, how she grew, and why serving with Shepherd was a rewarding way to spend the semester serving in urban ministry as a college student / young adult. Interested? Apply for your practicum with Shepherd. Almost any major can be curated. Consider joining the mission to break the cycle of poverty for a Summer internship, as a Bridge-Student, or a 1 Year Fellowship.

Kenny Interviewed Norm over the phone in May 2018 about the inception of young adults / college students engaging the mission of God globally through the COTN beginning in the 1960's. Youth in Mission was led in various forms under that name from 1977; was paused in 2012; re-launched in 2014 and discontinued in 2018. Hundreds of young adults served in YiM during those years in many different countries, including the USA/Canada region, and many leaders of the COTN have been shaped by and interfaced with the kingdom impact of Youth In Mission.