In this interview episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with Eli, a Jerusalem-based tour guide fluent in English, Hebrew, and Aramaic, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about faith, culture, history, law, grace, and life in modern Israel.

Recorded at the end of a leadership journey through Israel, this conversation moves beyond headlines and into deeper questions about:

• Growing up Jewish in Israel • Military service as a character builder • Responsibility, leadership, and cultural identity • Law versus grace in Jewish and Christian traditions • The historical roots of biblical law • Why Jerusalem is more than a city of conflict • Coexistence among Jews, Christians, and Muslims • What Western democracies and Israel share in common

Eli shares wisdom from Jewish tradition, reflections on the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount, and insights into how faith, accountability, and mercy intersect in both Judaism and Christianity.

This episode is especially valuable for:

✔ Youth pastors teaching students about worldview ✔ Ministry leaders navigating cultural conversations ✔ Christian educators discussing law and grace ✔ Parents helping students process global events ✔ Anyone seeking thoughtful dialogue instead of polarization

This is not a political episode. It is a conversation about culture, responsibility, coexistence, and the values that shape democratic societies.

✨ Sometimes the best way to disciple students is not to tell them what to think — but to let them hear someone else's story and wrestle with it thoughtfully.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

_________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Journey to Israel, Jerusalem Culture, Faith and Law, Law and Grace, Jewish Tradition, Christian Leadership, Youth Pastor Life, Coexistence in Jerusalem, Biblical History, Worldview Conversations, Ministry Conversations, Christian Parenting, Helping Students Process World Events, Youth Worker On Fire, Next Gen Ministry, Faith and Culture, Leadership Development, Interfaith Dialogue

In this interview episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards sits down in Jerusalem with Maor, an Israeli husband, father, and lifelong military reservist, to hear a deeply personal story of service, sacrifice, and hope.

Maor shares what life has been like since October 7, when he was called back into reserve duty—eventually serving nearly 600 days over two years, far beyond what is normally required. In this honest conversation, he describes the emotional weight of leaving his family, the uncertainty of those early days, and what it means to protect your home while still longing for peace.

This episode offers youth pastors, volunteers, educators, and parents a rare, human perspective on:

• What it feels like to be called into service with no clear end date • How fear, uncertainty, and responsibility collide in moments of crisis • The unseen humanitarian work soldiers carried out during the conflict • Living and serving alongside people of different faiths and backgrounds • Why most families simply want peace, safety, and a future for their children • How faith, humility, and hope sustain families through prolonged stress

Maor also speaks directly about growing up in mixed Jewish and Arab communities, his desire for cooperation rather than division, and his hope that future generations can grow up without barriers or fear.

This episode is especially meaningful for:

• Youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents helping students process fear, conflict, and world events • Anyone teaching young people about faith, resilience, and compassion

This is not a political conversation. It is a family story, a service story, and a reminder that behind every headline are parents, children, and ordinary people longing to live in peace.

✨ Sometimes the most powerful lessons we teach students come from listening—without interrupting—to someone else's story.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

_________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Youth Pastor Life, Journey to Israel, Life in Israel Today, Faith and Service, Military Reservist Story, Parenting During Crisis, Helping Students Process Trauma, Christian Leadership, Ministry Conversations, Israeli Families, Faith and Resilience, Youth Worker On Fire, Next Gen Ministry, Christian Parenting, Discipleship, Hope for Peace, Ministry Encouragement

In this powerful interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with Tamar, an Israeli wife, mother, and tour guide, to hear what life has been like for families since October 7, 2023.

Tamar shares her personal story of waking up to sirens on a Jewish holiday, watching her husband be called into military reserve duty, navigating motherhood, fear, and faith during a season of national trauma and uncertainty.

Recorded in Jerusalem during the Ambassadors Summit, this conversation offers a rare and deeply human look at:

• What October 7th was like for everyday families • How Orthodox Jewish communities responded in the first hours and days • What it feels like to watch your spouse leave for war not knowing when they'll return • How community support, prayer, and practical care sustained families • How Israelis from different faith backgrounds live and work together • What military and national service looks like for young adults in Israel • How war has changed daily life, travel, and long-term plans • Why seeing foreigners come to Israel to show support has brought real hope

Tamar also explains the role of community, faith, and movement in surviving emotionally difficult seasons—and why, even after everything, Israelis are determined to keep living, building families, and believing in the future.

This episode is especially valuable for:

• Youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents helping students process fear, uncertainty, and world events • Anyone wanting a real, human perspective on life in Israel today

This is not a political episode. It is a family story, a faith story, and a testimony of resilience, community, and hope in the middle of hardship.

✨ Sometimes the most important lessons we teach students don't come from a sermon—but from listening to someone's story.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

_________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Youth Pastor Life, Journey to Israel, Life in Israel Today, Faith and Family, War and Faith, Helping Students Process Trauma, Christian Leadership, Ministry Conversations, Israeli Families, Community and Faith, Parenting in Hard Seasons, Youth Worker On Fire, Next Gen Ministry, Christian Parenting, Discipleship, Resilience, Faith in Crisis, Ministry Encouragement

In this special interview episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with Noam, a young woman from Tel Aviv who works with Israel's Ministry of Tourism and previously served in the Israeli military.

Recorded on location in Shiloh—the historic site where the tabernacle once stood and where Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord—Noam shares her personal story of growing up in Israel, serving in the army as a photographer, and what life has been like for young adults during and after the recent war.

In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Noam talks about:

• Growing up in Tel Aviv and living in a mixed Jewish and Arab community in Jaffa • Why all Israeli young adults serve in the military and what that experience is like • How the war affected everyday life, work, and sleep with rockets and alarms • The emotional impact of October 7 and knowing friends who attended the Nova festival and never came home • The relief when hostages began to return • What it's like living with both resilience and uncertainty • Why, even after everything, she still says: "Israel is the best place in the world" • Her invitation to Christians to come experience the land of the Bible for themselves

Doug also reflects on the biblical significance of Shiloh, where Samuel was dedicated to the Lord, and why hearing stories directly from the people who live in Israel brings Scripture, history, and current events together in a powerful way.

This episode is especially valuable for:

• Youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents helping students process fear, conflict, and faith • Anyone wanting a real, human perspective on life in Israel today

This is not a political episode. It is a personal story, a cultural conversation, and a window into the life of a young Israeli woman who loves her country, loves life, and believes in hope even after tragedy.

✨ Sometimes the best way to help students understand the world is to let them hear directly from the people who live in it.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

_________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Youth Pastor Life, Journey to Israel, Israel Interview, Noam Barak, Ministry of Tourism Israel, Life in Israel Today, Christian Leadership, Biblical History, Shiloh Bible, IDF Service, Young Adults in Israel, Faith and Resilience, Helping Students Process Trauma, Youth Worker On Fire, Next Gen Ministry, Christian Parenting, Discipleship, Cultural Conversations

In this powerful interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with Haji, a survivor of the October 7 Nova Festival attack, to hear his remarkable story of survival, faith, intuition, and choosing life after unimaginable trauma.

Recorded on location during the Ambassadors Summit in Israel, Haji shares his journey—from his background in Israeli media and government, his experience of the Nova Festival attack, to the moments where his instincts, quick decisions, and what he credits as God's guidance helped save his life.

In this emotional and deeply human conversation, you'll hear about:

• How Haji felt something was "off" even before the festival began • The moment the morning sky filled with rockets • Why he left a shelter just minutes before it became a tragic site • How hundreds of people escaped together across open fields • What survival mode feels like in real life • The long road of healing, grief, and processing trauma • Why he chose to travel the world sharing his story instead of staying silent • How he learned to live with gratitude, embrace uncertainty, and choose life every day

Haji also speaks honestly about survivor's guilt, the emotional toll on many who lived through October 7, and why movement, purpose, and telling the story have been central to his healing journey.

This is not a political episode. It is a human story, a testimony of survival, and a conversation about faith, resilience, and hope in the aftermath of trauma.

This episode is especially important for:

• Youth pastors and ministry leaders • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents walking with students through anxiety, fear, and trauma • Anyone helping young people process suffering, grief, and faith

✨ Sometimes the most powerful lessons we can offer students don't come from a stage—but from a true life story.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

_________________________________________________________________________________

Youth Ministry, Student Ministry, Youth Pastor, Christian Leadership, Faith and Trauma, Testimony, Nova Festival Survivor, Journey to Israel, Ambassadors Summit, Christian Educators, Next Gen Ministry, Youth Worker On Fire, Faith and Resilience, Choosing Life, Christian Parenting

What is it like to travel through Israel with more than 1,000 pastors, youth pastors, Christian educators, and ministry leaders as part of the Ambassadors Summit 2025?

In this special episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards shares a behind-the-scenes look at an extraordinary leadership journey through Israel—an experience designed to educate, equip, and inspire Christian leaders to better understand the current issues Israel is facing, its people, and its spiritual significance.

Doug walks listeners through the vision behind the Ambassadors Summit, the months of preparation leading up to the trip, and the powerful experiences that took place throughout the week—from worship gatherings and leadership briefings to visits to historic biblical sites like Golgotha, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, and the empty tomb.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

✅ The vision behind bringing 1,000 Christian leaders together for this journey ✅ What the Ambassadors Summit 2025 was designed to accomplish ✅ Worship gatherings, leadership panels, and special ceremonies ✅ Visiting key biblical locations throughout Jerusalem and Israel ✅ A remarkable experience with a blind tour guide at Golgotha and the empty tomb ✅ Why it took time after returning home to fully process the impact of the trip ✅ How this journey will lead to upcoming interviews and conversations on the podcast

Doug also explains that this episode sets the stage for a series of upcoming interviews with Israeli guides, Jewish leaders, and participants from the summit—conversations that will be especially helpful for youth pastors, ministry leaders, Christian educators, parents, and anyone discipling the next generation.

This episode is for:

• Youth pastors and youth ministry volunteers • Christian educators and student leaders • Parents who want to deepen their own biblical understanding • Ministry leaders who want to grow in vision and perspective

✨ Sometimes a journey doesn't just teach you new information — it reshapes how you see Scripture, leadership, and calling.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

A new year brings pressure, expectations, deadlines—and often fear. But what if you started this year knowing, without a doubt, that you are not alone?

In this New Year episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards encourages youth pastors, volunteers, parents, and student leaders to step into the coming year with confidence, peace, and courage, grounded in the truth of Deuteronomy 31:8—that God goes before you, walks with you, and will never abandon you.

Doug reminds listeners that Jesus understands our pressure because He lived it Himself—and that through Christ, our prayers go straight to the throne room of God. Drawing from Scripture, personal prayer practices, and powerful missionary stories, Doug unpacks the reality that God is not distant—He is actively protecting, guiding, and fighting for His people.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ Why God's mercies are truly new every morning ✅ How leaders often run ahead of God—and how to realign ✅ Why youth workers must remind students they are never alone ✅ What it means that God is the Lord of Angel Armies ✅ True stories of missionaries protected by angelic guards ✅ A powerful prayer of protection you can pray over your family and students ✅ How to enter the new year with peace instead of pressure

This episode is a must-listen for youth pastors, ministry volunteers, teachers, parents, and grandparents who are feeling the weight of leadership and responsibility as the calendar turns.

✨ You are surrounded. You are heard. And God is already at work ahead of you.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:

Youth Ministry Student Ministry Youth Pastor Encouragement New Year Devotional God of Angel Armies Deuteronomy 31 8 Christian Leadership Youth Worker On Fire Faith Over Fear Prayer and Protection Christian Parenting Leading Students Spiritually Volunteer Youth Ministry Next Gen Ministry Hearing God's Voice Spiritual Warfare Angels in the Bible Ministry Encouragement Starting the New Year with God Biblical Encouragement

How do you serve God faithfully in youth ministry without sacrificing your family in the process?

In this heartfelt Christmas-week episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reflects on decades of student ministry and shares one of the most important lessons he's learned the hard way: every yes comes with a cost—and sometimes the most spiritual word you can say is "no."

Rooted in powerful Christmas Scriptures like Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21, and John 3:16, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, parents, and grandparents why this season is ultimately about Emmanuel—God with us—and the families He has entrusted to us.

Drawing wisdom from Martin Luther and leadership insights from John Maxwell, Doug opens up about the trips, retreats, and ministry opportunities he said yes to—some of which he wishes he had approached differently for the sake of his wife and children.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

✅ Why "good ministry opportunities" can still cost you what matters most ✅ How saying yes to ministry often means saying no to family time ✅ Why prayer should increase—not decrease—when life gets busier ✅ The leadership truth: whatever you say yes to, you say no to everything else ✅ How to model healthy boundaries for students and volunteers ✅ Why Christmas is the perfect season to reassess priorities and pace

This episode is a must-listen for youth pastors, ministry volunteers, teachers, parents, and grandparents who want to finish ministry strong, not burned out—and who want their families to feel loved, valued, and prioritized along the way.

🎄 Sometimes the greatest gift you can give this Christmas isn't another event—it's your presence.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:

Youth Ministry Student Ministry Youth Pastor Life Ministry Encouragement Leadership Skills

What if some of the most life-changing moments in youth ministry don't happen in the chruch building—but on a mountain, in the snow, or around a shared experience?

In this Christmas-season episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reflects on 35 years of student ministry and shares why retreats, trips, and shared adventures have consistently been one of the most powerful tools for evangelism, discipleship, and long-term spiritual impact.

Starting with the Christmas story from Luke 2:8–14, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that the message of Jesus brings great joy—and that joy can be experienced through generosity, service, and intentional ministry moments beyond the walls of the church.

In this episode, Doug breaks down:

✅ Why Christmas is the perfect season to refocus students on generosity and service ✅ How organizations like Samaritan's Purse help students live out their faith ✅ Why retreats and trips create spiritual openness students rarely experience elsewhere ✅ Practical timing strategies for middle school, high school, and college retreats ✅ Why convenience and excitement matter more than being "as cheap as possible" ✅ How ski trips, winter retreats, and mission experiences led countless students to Christ ✅ Why your enthusiasm as a leader directly affects student buy-in and transformation

Doug also shares behind-the-scenes wisdom from decades of organizing winter retreats in places like Colorado, Gatlinburg, West Virginia, and the East Coast, offering realistic insight for leaders considering trips in the future.

Whether you're a youth pastor, volunteer, educator, parent, or grandparent, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how students encounter Jesus—and why some of the most meaningful ministry happens when you simply get them out of their normal environment.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:

Youth Ministry Student Ministry Youth Pastor Life Ministry Encouragement Leadership Skills

Why does God make us wait—especially when the prayer seems good, urgent, and necessary? In this Christmas-season episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards explores one of the hardest spiritual disciplines for leaders, volunteers, students, and parents: waiting on God's timing.

Drawing from Acts 1:4, prophetic anticipation before Jesus' birth, and insights from Mark Batterson's Draw the Circle, Doug unpacks why "not yet" is often God's path to deeper faith, clarity, and spiritual power. Through personal stories and student ministry memories, Doug reveals how waiting forms character—not just in us, but in the students we lead.

In this episode, Doug shares:

✅ Why God's "no" is often a "not yet" ✅ Why the disciples were told to wait before receiving the Holy Spirit ✅ How prophetic silence built anticipation for the Messiah ✅ What to do when your prayers seem unanswered ✅ How to teach students patience, trust, and expectancy ✅ Why leaders burn out when they skip the waiting seasons

Doug also tackles church expectations, spiritual hypocrisy students see, and why good people sometimes do foolish things—yet God never wastes the waiting.

This episode speaks directly to youth pastors, volunteers, teachers, coaches, and parents who are leading students through stress, prayer requests, and spiritual uncertainty. It's a reminder that God works while we wait, and that this season might be the one where He prepares you—and your students—for what's next.

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom.

Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy

Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq

EPISODE CREDITS

Email us at: [email protected]

Hosted by: Doug Edwards

Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ

Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy

Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:

Youth Ministry Student Ministry Youth Pastor Life Ministry Encouragement Leadership Skills