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.

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📬 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.

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📬 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.

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📬 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

How do you help students understand prophecy and the end times—without overwhelming them?

In this unique episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards joins us from Israel, where he and 1,000 pastors, youth pastors, Christian educators, and influencers were invited to gather for the historic Ambassadors Summit 2025. Doug explains why blessing Israel matters, why Scripture repeatedly points us back to God's promises over His people, and how these truths deeply impact the next generation.

Watch the nightly broadcasts from the trip: https://ambassadorsummit.org/

Drawing from his own middle-school experience learning about the book of Revelation, Doug shares how teaching students about Daniel, Matthew 23, Luke 21, and the book of Revelation shaped his early faith journey—and why students are NOT too young to learn about these biblical foundations.

In this episode, Doug unpacks:

✅ Why Christians are called to bless Israel ✅ The biblical pattern: those who bless Israel are blessed ✅ How Balaam tried to curse Israel—and why God didn't allow it ✅ What the Bible says about end times and modern events ✅ Why youth ministries must not avoid prophecy ✅ How teaching end-times Scripture can lead students to salvation ✅ What the Ambassadors Summit 2025 means for global ministry

You'll also hear how Doug's own salvation story was connected to learning about prophecy—and why your middle schoolers and high schoolers are ready for these conversations too.

This episode equips: • Youth pastors needing biblical clarity • Volunteers wanting confidence in hard topics • Parents wanting to disciple their students • Anyone trying to understand Israel's place in Scripture

If you've ever wondered how to introduce students to end-times teaching in a way that is biblically sound, age-appropriate, and spiritually transformational—this episode will guide you.

Watch the nightly broadcasts from the trip: https://ambassadorsummit.org/

_________________________________________________________________________________

📬 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

Do you ever feel unqualified, overlooked, or "not the one" God would choose? Then this episode will speak directly to you—and to every student you serve.

In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards shares why God consistently chooses the least impressive, least equipped, and least likely people to accomplish His greatest work. Drawing from Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson, the story of Gideon, and the extraordinary life of George Müller, Doug reveals how God delights in using ordinary, insecure, underestimated people to confound the wise.

Through Scripture, real ministry stories, and honest reflection, Doug unpacks:

✅ Why God calls people no one else would choose ✅ How Gideon's insecurity became the doorway to his calling ✅ Why asking God for confirmation (a "fleece") must always align with Scripture ✅ George Müller's incredible faith—30,000 answered prayers ✅ The key to kingdom productivity: work hard, but trust God more ✅ Why students need to know that being "the least" positions them for God's greatest impact ✅ Doug's own journey from "not qualified" to 35 years of student ministry influence

This episode is a must-listen for anyone investing in the next generation—youth pastors, ministry volunteers, student leaders, teachers, coaches, and parents—and for every student who feels unseen, insecure, or unqualified.

If God has called you (or your students), He will provide everything needed. When God gives a vision, He always makes provision.

__________________________________________________________________________________

📬 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

How do you teach teenagers to give, serve, and see beyond themselves—especially during the holidays?

In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards breaks down practical, biblical, and transformational ways to lead students into a lifestyle of generosity. From serving homeless families to partnering with local agencies and government programs, Doug shares real, field-tested ideas you can use right now in your youth ministry, small group, classroom, or family.

Drawing from Proverbs 3:9–10, Doug unpacks six timeless principles that help students understand:

✅ God owns everything—we are His stewards ✅ Giving breaks the power of materialism ✅ Your heart follows where you invest ✅ Life is short (the dot), eternity is long (the line) ✅ Generosity builds character and spiritual maturity ✅ God increases our giving capacity when we trust Him

Doug also shares stories that show how God responds when we give Him everything, even when it seems small.

Whether you're a youth pastor, parent, teacher, or mentor, this episode will equip you with creative service ideas, a six-week teaching plan, and the biblical foundation to help students become givers, not consumers.

If you're looking for holiday outreach ideas, discipleship lessons, or ways to help young people see "the line, not the dot," this episode will inspire and equip 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 Life Ministry Encouragement Leadership Skills

What happens when God gives you a vision that no one else understands?

In this powerful interview episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards talks with author, producer, and filmmaker Julie Castro, whose radical obedience to God's call led her to create the unique and spiritually moving film—I Am Life: Wonderment in the Womb.

Julie shares her incredible faith journey, from writing her first book On Earth as It Is in Heaven: A Personal Allegory to producing the TV series Thirst No More and Bear Fruit—and now stepping into the world of filmmaking to celebrate life through interpretive dance, music, and divine dialogue.

In this inspiring conversation, Julie and Doug discuss: ✅ How God turns obedience into a legacy of creativity and faith ✅ The four-year journey behind I Am Life—and why timing is everything ✅ What it means to create art that glorifies God when the world says "there's no category for that" ✅ The power of waiting on the Holy Spirit before taking your next step ✅ How young artists, pastors, and parents can hear God's voice clearly and walk boldly in their calling

💡 Whether you're a youth pastor, volunteer, parent, or a creative leader, Julie's story will remind you that when you step out in obedience, God provides every resource, connection, and miracle you need.

"If you've got a crazy idea, it might be just from the Lord." – Julie Castro

🎬 Movie Website: www.thirstnomore.tv 🎬 Movie Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=_EdQY8JwEVc 📧 Email: [email protected] 💻 Production Company: Thirst No More Productions 📱 Social Media: @ThirstNoMoreProductions on Facebook and Instagram

📬 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 Christian Film Faith And Creativity Julie Castro I Am Life The Movie Wonderment In The Womb Thirst No More Productions Christian filmmaker interview Faith based film interview Julie Castro I Am Life I Am Life The Movie Wonderment In The Womb film Thirst No More Productions Behind the scenes Christian movie Faith based filmmaking Christian movie creators God stories in filmmaking Obedience and calling testimony How to hear God's voice clearly Walking in faith and obedience Holy Spirit led creativity Christian media inspiration Faith based storytelling Youth ministry inspiration Encouragement for youth pastors Christian artists and filmmakers Purpose driven creativity Christian entertainment interview Women in Christian leadership Miracles in filmmaking God's timing in creative work How to follow God's calling Ministry through film and art Christian creativity and obedience Youth Worker On Fire podcast Doug Edwards interview with Julie Castro

Pressure isn't punishment — it's purpose.

In this inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks what it means when God allows pressure in your life and ministry. Drawing lessons from Steve Irwin's family, Luke's precision as a gospel writer, and James 1:2–4, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that pressure is evidence of God's trust in you—not His disappointment.

From the early struggles of student ministry to discovering God's power in weakness, Doug shares how to: ✅ Recognize pressure as preparation, not failure ✅ Stay faithful when ministry feels overwhelming ✅ Tap into God's strength when yours runs out ✅ Find peace knowing God uses pressure to shape your purpose ✅ Lead students with excellence—even under stress

💡 Whether you're leading a youth group, teaching students, or parenting teens, this episode will help you see pressure for what it truly is: a sign that God is positioning you for something greater.

"Diamonds form under pressure—and so does destiny." 💎

__________________________________________________________________________________

📬 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