LCMS Youth Ministry Podcasts

In our last episode on difficult conversations, Pastor Jonathan and Christa Petzold help us think about how to approach issues of gender and sexuality in our youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Jonathan Petzold holds an MDiv from Concordia Seminary St. Louis. He serves as Senior Pastor at Tri…

We are highlighting a second study in this year after the Gathering on Vocation. DCE Amanda Jahnke joins us to talk about vocation with teens now and in the future. Bio: Amanda Jahnke is a DCE currently serving Concordia Preparatory School in Townsend, Maryland. She previously served at St. Paul in Fort Worth, TX. She received her undergrad and gra…

Suicide is not easy to talk about in your youth ministry, but it is necessary as it is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-24. Megan Miessler, LCSW, joins us to talk about how we can approach this topic well and care for young people who may experience crisis around suicide. Find the Columbia Protocol App at apps.apple.com/us/app…

Deaconess Emma Heinz and Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor join Mark and Julianna to talk about how we approach life issues in youth ministry and teach a full theology of life in all things to our youth. Find LCMS Life Ministry resources at lcmslife.org and life resources on the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com/life. Bio: Deacones…

Mark and Julianna continue the series on challenging issues you might face in youth ministry. Rev. Brian Earl joins them to talk about ministering in the face of drug and substance use and addiction. Bio: Rev. Brian Earl is a board-certified chaplain currently serving in mental health populations at the Raymond G Murphy Medical Center in Albuquerqu…

Our next study in the 40 End Goals series helps us to think about how we navigate difficult times with humble confidence and teach youth to do the same. Pastor Brandon Metcalf joins us to talk about his study and how we can support teens regardless of what challenges they face. Bio: Rev. Brandon Metcalf serves as Associate Pastor at Zion Lutheran C…

LCMS Servant Events have supported youth and adults in learning that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ for more than 35 years. In this episode, our Servant Event Committee joins us to talk about how these servant events across the country. Guests in this episode: Rev. Barry Akers — Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Milwauk…

As we continue to highlight the studies around the 40 End Goals, Mark and Julianna talk to DCE Bekah Freed about her study and devotions on Sabbath and rest. Bio: Bekah Freed is Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska (with a 9-year stop in Buffalo, NY). She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the Di…

Mark and Julianna celebrate 100 episodes of End Goals Podcast by letting the listeners turn the tables and answering their questions. We are so thankful for your support these last three years. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Bullying is not anything new, and youth ministries have had to deal with it many times over and in various ways. Today, much of the bullying happens not face to face but online. Kari Smith joins us to talk about how to prevent and approach this issue. Bio: Kari Smith has been a teacher, youth leader, and now works with Lutheran Family Service as Co…

We all have roles, responsibilities, and relationships where God uses us to serve others and share the Gospel. Pastor Andrew Jones joins Mark and Julianna to talk about the importance to teaching about vocation. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Andrew R. Jones lives in the Bay Area of California where he enjoy…

This Fall we are taking on some important, but difficult topics for teens that might be tough for youth leaders to approach. In this episode, we talk with Jayme Nichols about how we can prepare to care and support youth who are impacted by depression and anxiety. Bio: DCE Jayme Nichols is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the Austin, T…

Both the 7 Practices and the 40 End Goals use the term “Humble Confidence” but what does that mean? Join Mark and Julianna in a discussion with Rev. Trevor Sutton about his study on Humble Confidence available on YouthESource right now. Bio: Rev. Trevor Sutton is a senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. He is also a PhD can…

Our 40 Teaching End Goals are a part of our 7 Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry and our Bible studies on the YouthESource for the next year will explore those End Goals. In this episode we look at the first of those Bible studies and devotions by talking about Christian Community with author Cassie Schermbeck. Bio: Cassie Schermbeck is a DCE in C…

Join us for a special crossover episode with Friends for Life! Host Stephanie Neugebauer talked with us about the importance of intergenerational relationships, particularly with older generations honoring and serving the younger generation. As we think about the life of the church, how we care for pre-teens, teens, and young adults is a part of ho…

Even though you may still be sharing your 2022 Gathering experience, our team is already well at work on the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Hear a little bit about what happens between Gatherings and ways you can stay connected to us. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthes…

Now that we have experienced the LCMS Youth Gathering, we checked in with the staff of LCMS Youth Ministry to hear their reflections on the event. The staff works hard for years to make the Gathering possible and have a unique perspective of where God was at work in Houston. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Minist…

LCMS Youth Gathering participants can be noticeable with their matching shirts and backpacks. More than just being seen, God can use Gathering participants to leave an impact on the city and those residents they come into contact with. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.…

Mark and Julianna talk about how the Gathering can help your youth ministry beyond the five days of the event. We pray it can help spur ministry for the next three years and beyond. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We know you are exhausted and just looking for a little rest. But in the first in our Gathering Finishing Pack series, we will talk about how you might think about sharing your group’s experience at the 2022 Youth Gathering back home. This also has a special segment for pastors on the theme: In All Things! Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering…

We have finally made it to Houston for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering. Join Mark and Julianna on the Interactive Floor as they talk about their experiences and give thanks for what is happening at the Gathering. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.…

While we hope that every part of your LCMS Youth Gathering experience goes perfectly, we know that you want to plan for all the contingencies. This podcast will cover some of the big “What if” questions so you can hear about some of the plans and supports we have in place for you. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth …

We know that hotels and transportation aren’t necessarily glamorous, but they are necessary. Krista Miller and Dean Luker join us to talk about key things to know about both pieces as a part of your Youth Gathering experience. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bios: Kr…

The 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering is coming soon and we are excited to be sharing new information about everything you and your youth will experience. This podcast will review the reveals from last week and give a few tips and recaps for you as you prepare for the Gathering. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry r…

It’s the time of year as we plan for high school and college graduations! Mark and Julianna invited Pastor Jay Winter to talk about campus ministry and transitioning young people into next steps in college. Bio: Pastor Jay Winters has served University Lutheran in Tallahassee since 2007. He grew up on the mission field as the son of a missionary in…

In the final episode of our series on parents, we talk with DCE Jeremy Becker to discuss the unique benefits and strains when a parent serves as a youth ministry leader. Bio: Jeremy Becker graduated from Concordia University in Chicago as a DCE. He served at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood and currently serves at St. Paul Lutheran Church in W…

Many parents and youth leaders want to be positive, Christ centered mentors and have solid listening skills. Mark and Julianna talk with DCE Darcy Paape on her experience and recent development of curriculum that can help both youth leaders and parents do just that. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Darcy Paape…

Young people don’t just have parents or guardians; they come from full households that all look different. Talk about how to help foster spiritually vibrant Households of Faith is Rev. Jason Broge of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Find their resources at lhm.org/households. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Jas…

Adolescence is an important part of development. Youth ministry and parents can work together to help young people navigate through this potentially tumultuous time. In this episode, DCE Tim Rippstein helps us talk about how youth ministry leaders can work with parents. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Tim Rip…

Planning for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering is in full swing. Hear more about the volunteers and the service opportunities that will happen at the Gathering from our fantastic volunteer planners. Bios: Lindsey Schmidt is a DCE who serves as Director of Youth Ministry at Woodbury Lutheran Church. She also serves as the Director of Volunteer Managemen…

In our series on parents, we are talking to practitioners like DCE Blake Brockman about how to partner well with parents in youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: DCE Blake Brockman. Blake is the Director of Youth & Family Ministries at Peace Lutheran in Antigo, WI. He writes for YouthESource regular…

Mark and Julianna set some groundwork for our upcoming series on parents in Youth Ministry. They talk about how critical engaged parents are and how partnering with them can benefit both teens and your ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and Gathering Resources at lcmsgathering.com/resources.…

Most adults who are now serving in professional church work can point back to supportive adults and parents who encouraged them to consider that career track. In this episode, Rev. Dr. James Baneck talks about who and how to encourage young people who may be a good fit for church work. Bio: Rev. Dr. James Baneck is the executive director of LCMS Pa…

As you prepare for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering in Houston, hear about all the locations, transportation, food and programming each day along with tips and tricks to help you make the experience awesome for your participants. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We have talked about opportunities to serve and lead before, but today we dive deeper with DCE Pete Hiller. We will hear how he provides these key opportunities for young people and families in his church. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: DCE Peter Hiller serves in the area of Youth and Family Ministry at Fami…

Mark and Julianna pull from experience with YouthLead (previously Lutheran Youth Fellowship) and what they have learned from research and talking with practitioners about mentoring and supporting young leaders. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Many young people in Gen Z who do not claim any religious affiliation and our culture can make it challenging for Christian teens to share their faith in Jesus. Jessica Bordeleau joins us to talk about how to encourage youth to witness in their every day lives. Bio: Jessica Bordeleau has spent the last 15 years in Christian media production. She ha…

Every young person has a variety of roles and responsibilities where they are God’s hands and feet. Mark and Julianna are joined by DCE Cassie Moore to discuss how helping youth to understand and grow into those vocations is one of key things healthy youth ministry can do. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Cass…

As you prepare for the 2022 Youth Gathering in Houston, we want to support you by introducing you to some of our fantastic partners. In this episode we will talk with Scott Guenther, manager of the District Coordinators, and Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at …

The size of a youth ministry and congregation can change many aspects of programing and caring for the faith lives of teens. Pastor Leon Jameson joins Mark and Julianna talk about how large youth ministry can be healthy youth ministry and how that might look different from other sizes. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.c…

Even the smallest youth ministries can be healthy and help young people become disciples for life. DCE Leah Abel joins Mark and Julianna in talking about the strengths and how God can work through small youth ministries. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Leah Abel is a Director of Christian Education who lives …

At the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference in 2021, we held a sectional specifically for first time leaders to the LCMS Youth Gathering. It went so well we invited DCE Annie Anderson to join us and share some of her insights for first time (and experienced) adult leaders! Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com and fin…

We can experience diversity and inclusivity in our communities, congregations and youth ministry in many areas of life from ethnic and cultural diversity to socio-economic, education diversity, to physical skills and abilities. Mark and Julianna talk with Ashley Paavola about how youth ministry can thrive when a church brings together a diverse gro…

In preparation for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering, Mark and Julianna talk to Krista Miller, the registrar and operations manager for the Gathering. They talk about what registration for the upcoming Gathering will look like. Bio: Joining us is Krista Miller. Krista serves as the Gathering Registrar and Operations Manager for the LCMS Youth Gathering…

Urban ministry can have its own unique challenges and joys. Join Mark and Julianna as we have a conversation with Heidi Lewis, DCE in urban south St. Louis. We will discuss the ways a setting in the city can impact youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Join the LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Group at faceb…

In the first of our series looking at different youth ministry contexts Mark and Julianna talk to Angela Kollbaum who has worked with rural youth and families for 25 years. She shares some of the joys and concerns of doing ministry in Rural and Small Town. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Join the LCMS Rural and Sm…

Mark and Julianna kick off a series on how context impacts youth ministry by talking about some key features of identifying the context of your youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Over four hundred youth, adults, and ministry supporters attended the 2021 National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference in Houston. Participants and speakers from the conference join the podcast to discuss takeaways and highlights from the event. Learn more about the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference at lcmsgathering.com/national-2021. Find …

Being a youth leader means taking on many different roles depending on your youth’s needs and the situation. As we look at another chapter of Connected for Life, Mark and Julianna discuss key roles of the youth worker with Pastor AJ Mastic. Bio: AJ Mastic is the Highlands Campus pastor at Renewal Church, a multi-site congregation in Denver, CO. He …

The LCMS Youth Gathering is far more than the five days. We want the Gathering to be just one part of your ongoing healthy youth ministry. In our final episode of this starter pack we will talk about how to bring the Gathering home. Bio: Alan Wunderlich is a rostered teacher in the LCMS and serves as Assistant Principal and Youth Director at Immanu…