We Were Thinking

This one comes from a breakout session Steve taught in 2025 as part of Conclave Youth Ministry Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This one is designed specifically for youth ministers and includes some great practices for working in your Youth ministry. 

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

Moral failures as a public figure or as a minster are damaging not only to our ministries, but to our families and all areas of our lives. So how do we keep this from happening to us? Join Steve & Matt as they dive into practical steps we can take to guard ourselves in our ministries, families and personal lives. 

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

It seems like we hear of moral failures in ministers every week. We see high-profile Pastors, musicians and other "Christian Celebrities" falling into sin or leaving the faith. How did we get here? Join the guys in part one discussing Moral failures. 

Intro Music: Wes Cepin

Outro Music: Matt Coleman

In Episode 49, the guys talked about why we need to be readers, and shared some of their recent reads. In this episode, the Steve and Matt talk about books they've read in the past that they would recommend. Don't Forget to email [email protected] to let them know what you're reading!

Intro Music by Wes Cepin

Outro Music by Matt Coleman

The Deconstruction of Christianity by Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

The World’s Last Night by C.S. Lewis (Specifically On Obstinacy in Faith)

Spurgeon on Resting In the Promises of God by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on the Priority of Prayer by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on the Power of Scripture by Jason K. Allen

Spurgeon on Persevering through Trials by Jason K. Allen

Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon

The Sing Hymnal by Keith & Krysten Getty, John Martin (ed.), Dan Krueger (ed.), Douglas Sean O’Donnell (ed.)

Christmas Thoughts by J.C. Ryle

The Frozen Hours by Jeff Shaara

Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara

Waking the Giant by Jeff Shaara

The Final Storm by Jeff Shaara

Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara

The Glorious Cause by Jeff Shaara

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp

Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Hearing His Voice by Chris Tiegreen

The One Year Praying in Faith Devotional by Chris Tiegreen

At His Feet by Chris Tiegreen

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Harry Truman once said, "Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." Join Steve and Matt as they talk about not only why you should read, but what they've been reading lately, too. They talk about what they've been reading to grow their faith, but also to just enjoy reading! 

Books mentioned in this episode: 

Standard Memorandum Notebook by word notebooks.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

The Scots-Irish in the Hills of Tennessee by Billy Kennedy

The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough

John Adams by David McCullough

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson

The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson

Holy Helps for a Godly Life by Richard Rogers

Triumphing Over Sinful Fear by John Flavel

Comfort and Holiness with Christ’s Priestly Work By William Bridge

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Daily Doctrine: A One Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung

Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of, "Suck it up, Buttercup. Real men don't cry." Yeah, try saying that to King David! Today the guys talk about Biblical manliness and the fact that real men do cry. 

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

After talking about what it means to be a man, the guys unpack it a little further and dive into 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and Ephesians 5:25. We often like to get to the "Wives submit to your husbands" part in Ephesians 5:22, but neglect the "Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Real manliness is taking care of your family, being your wife's biggest fan, and loving Jesus above all else. 

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

Over the next three episodes, the guys take a look at what it means to be a man according to the scriptures. Steve and Matt unpack 1 Corinthians 13:11 and what it means to be a man. Matt also mentions the book The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson. 

Intro: Wes Cepin

Outro: Matt Coleman

Youth ministers sometimes get classified as glorified babysitters with games and pizza. While that isn't true AT ALL, there is a time and place for games. Join Steve and Matt as they talk about "Playing with Purpose." They give some practical advice, and even give some examples of games they've used over the years. Drop us an email at [email protected] and tell us what games have made an impact in your youth ministry! 

Intro Music - Wes Cepin

Outro Music - Matt Coleman

What legacy will you leave? How will you be remembered? Join Steve and Matt as they encourage you to, once again, "Start with the end in mind" when it comes to how you live your life. Remember, you have to start now to leave the legacy you want. The guys talk about an exercise to try to think about where you're heading. 

Intro Music - Wes Cepin

Outro Music - Matt Coleman