Ministry is rewarding, but let’s be real—it’s also really hard. There are moments of deep discouragement, leadership mistakes, and seasons where it feels like you’re barely holding on. So how do you keep going when ministry gets tough?

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, we’re diving into:

• How to handle mistakes and failures in leadership

• What adversity teaches us about resilience and faith

• Practical strategies to stay grounded, encouraged, and effective in difficult seasons.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed in ministry, this episode is for you. You’re not alone—God is working in the struggle.

Join the conversation! What’s one lesson God has taught you through a difficult season in ministry?

#MinistryLeadership #PastoralBurnout #FaithThroughTrials #StudentMinistry #ShapingStudentMinistry

How do you make sure your ministry events improve year after year? It all starts with a solid debrief. In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian—together in person for the first time this season—dive into the art of event debriefing. Here’s what we’re covering: ✨ Why debriefing is essential for refining your events and strengthening your team. ✨ A step-by-step guide for evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. ✨ Questions to ask your team, attendees, and yourself for honest feedback. Behind the Wall Bonus Content: In the second half of the episode, we get into real-world scenarios—discussing specific challenges from past events and offering practical solutions to handle them like a pro. Whether you’ve just wrapped up a retreat, conference, or outreach event, this episode will help you take the lessons learned and make your next event even better. 📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more practical ministry insights. #StudentMinistry #EventPlanning #DebriefingEvents #YouthMinistry #ShapingStudentMinistries #NextGenLeadership

Volunteers are the heartbeat of youth ministry. Without them, it’s impossible to impact the next generation in meaningful ways. But finding, equipping, and keeping passionate volunteers can often feel like a daunting task. In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, we unpack the secrets to building an incredible volunteer team that not only serves but thrives. Here’s what we’re diving into:

✨ Recruiting Volunteers: Proven strategies for attracting the right people who align with your ministry’s mission.

✨ Motivating and Training Volunteers: Practical ways to equip your team with the skills and inspiration they need to succeed.

✨ Retaining Volunteers: How to foster a culture of appreciation, personal growth, and community to keep your best team engaged long-term.

Whether you’re struggling to recruit or looking for ways to energize and sustain your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead and love your volunteers well.

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more practical tips and encouragement for student ministry leaders.

As we prepare for a new year, it’s time to think about how to set intentional, effective goals for your ministry. In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, we dive into the why and how of goal-setting to help you focus your efforts, inspire your team, and see real growth in your ministry.

Join us as we discuss: ✨ Why goal-setting is essential for effective ministry. ✨ How to review the past year to shape future plans. ✨ Practical strategies for creating SMART goals that align with your mission. ✨ Tips for involving your team and congregation in the goal-setting process. ✨ How to prioritize, execute, and celebrate your goals throughout the year.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration you need to set goals that glorify God and impact lives.

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Join the community: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/community

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to help us reach more leaders who are passionate about shaping the next generation!

#StudentMinistry #GoalSetting #MinistryLeadership #ShapingStudentMinistries #NextGenMinistry #YouthMinistry

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John Oliver and Ian Dunaway are joined by Dennis Wagner from First Baptist Church of Yantis, Texas, and Joshua Villars from Southcrest Church in LaGrange, Georgia. Together, they discuss the power of cohorts and how these ongoing communities have shaped their ministries over the past year.

Unlike traditional once-a-year conferences, cohorts provide consistent support, deeper relationships, and actionable insights that make a lasting impact. Here’s what we’re covering: ✨ The differences between cohorts and conferences in ministry growth. ✨ How cohorts have encouraged accountability, collaboration, and spiritual development. ✨ Why building long-term connections matters for leaders and their ministries.

If you’re looking for a new way to grow as a leader and support your student ministry, this episode will inspire you to explore the advantages of cohorts.

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#StudentMinistry #CohortsOverConferences #ShapingStudentMinistries #YouthMinistry #LeadershipDevelopment #NextGenLeadership

John Oliver and Ian Dunaway are back to unpack the power of Disciple Now Weekends and how just 72 hours can transform your student ministry. Whether you’ve been hosting D-Nows for years or are considering planning your first one, this episode is packed with practical insights and strategies to make the most of this impactful event.

Here’s what we’re covering: ✨ Why Disciple Now Weekends are a game-changer for discipleship. ✨ How to plan an event that’s gospel-centered, engaging, and transformative. ✨ Tips for equipping leaders, creating meaningful moments, and fostering lasting spiritual growth.

Don’t underestimate how a single weekend can shape your students’ lives for eternity. Tune in for a roadmap to maximize these 72 hours and leave a lasting impact!

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts.

#DiscipleNow #StudentMinistry #YouthDiscipleship #ShapingStudentMinistries #DNOWWeekend #NextGenLeadership

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, Ian Dunaway is joined by Mark Santana, Student Pastor at First Baptist Statesboro, GA, who is filling in for cohost John Oliver. Together, they tackle an important topic in student ministry: how to effectively transition out of and into churches.

With the average tenure of a student pastor hovering around just 18 months, transitions are inevitable—but how they’re handled can significantly impact students, families, and the ministry as a whole.

Join us as we discuss: ✨ The challenges and opportunities of transitioning in ministry. ✨ Practical tips for leaving well and starting strong in a new church. ✨ How to prioritize the spiritual health of students and the church during transitions.

Whether you’re a student pastor, church leader, or someone navigating ministry transitions, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you lead with integrity and grace.

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#StudentMinistry #ChurchLeadership #TransitionsInMinistry #ShapingStudentMinistries #YouthPastor #NextGenLeadership

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast:

Ian Dunaway and John Oliver team up for an in-depth conversation about how the church can effectively reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the gospel. These generations are navigating a rapidly changing world, and understanding what truly connects with them is essential for impactful student ministry.

In this episode, we cover: ✨ Why authenticity, purpose, and meaningful connection matter now more than ever. ✨ Practical strategies for bridging generational gaps and fostering lasting discipleship.

This conversation is packed with insights and actionable steps for anyone passionate about shaping the next generation for Christ. If you’re ready to dive deeper into what’s really going to reach these emerging leaders, you’re in the right place!

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#StudentMinistry #GenZ #GenAlpha #YouthDiscipleship #ShapingStudentMinistries #NextGenLeadership #Authenticity #YouthMinistry