Ministry is a calling filled with joy, purpose, and deep meaning—but it can also carry a heavy weight. Behind every sermon, every program, and every conversation is a leader who is pouring out their heart, often while carrying their own unseen burdens. In a world that doesn’t slow down, and in a church culture that can unintentionally glorify overworking, it’s no wonder so many pastors and leaders are walking through burnout, anxiety, and loneliness.

In this episode, we step into a real and honest conversation about stress in ministry—what causes it, how it affects us, and what we can do to steward our health well. Our guest, Lee Hotchkiss, brings a wealth of experience from his work in pastoral care and counseling, offering encouragement and practical tools to help ministry leaders develop emotional awareness, manage expectations, and build healthy rhythms.

Whether you're a student pastor, a kids minister, or someone carrying the quiet weight of leadership, this episode will meet you where you are and offer hope, healing, and practical guidance.

If this episode encouraged you, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another leader who might need to hear this. Your voice helps spread encouragement and support across the next generation of ministry.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lee Hotchkiss

Stress and Relational Peace

Multiplying Disciple Makers

Handling Stress Effectively

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What could ministry look like if we truly worked together across every age and stage?” In many churches, kids and student ministries operate in silos—running strong but disconnected. But what if we intentionally bridged those gaps and created a unified approach that served the whole family? What if collaboration replaced competition, and trust shaped every decision?

In this episode, we invite you behind the scenes of Lifeway’s transition to a NextGen model—a bold move to integrate kids and student ministries in order to better serve the church and equip families. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical insights, and encouraging stories from leaders who have walked through both the challenges and the victories of building something new—together.

The team discusses what it took to reimagine structure, navigate leadership changes, and foster trust between ministries that often operate independently. Through transparency and shared experience, they talk about building a new team culture rooted in connection, communication, and shared purpose.

If this episode inspired or challenged you, would you take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast? Your feedback helps us reach and equip even more next generation ministry leaders.

Thanks for listening—and keep pressing forward in faith and unity as you lead the next generation.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students

Connect with Next Gen Ministry

Write for Lifeway

Have you ever thought about how your childhood dreams shaped the person you are today? For many of us, the journey from our early aspirations to our current calling in ministry is filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and lessons learned. Yet, each step prepares us for the work God has set before us. In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of embracing diverse family structures in ministry. What if we could see families not just as they “should be” but as they truly are—and meet them with belonging, support, and grace?

This conversation challenges ministry leaders to broaden their perspectives on family dynamics and recognize that not all families fit the traditional mold. Dr. Melia emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging for families of all kinds, particularly single-parent households and those in need. She also discusses the significance of male role models in children's and student ministry and encourages leaders to pursue further education to better serve their communities.

If this episode encouraged or challenged you, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more next-gen ministry leaders like you, and your support means the world to us. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and we look forward to continuing the conversation next time!

SHOW LINKS:

ETCH Conference

Connect to Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

Have you ever paused to consider what’s really going on beneath the surface in the lives of the kids and students you serve? So often, we see behaviors that confuse or frustrate us, but behind many of those actions is a story—sometimes one marked by pain, trauma, or stress they don’t yet have the words to explain.

In this episode, Chuck Peters and Stephanie Shivers invite you to slow down and reflect on the reality that many children and youth are carrying more than we realize. The impact of trauma and toxic stress—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—has left a deep mark on this generation. This conversation explores the reality of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they affect brain development, emotional regulation, and relational connection. We discuss why ministry leaders need to approach kids with empathy and understanding, providing safe spaces where they can heal, grow, and experience the love of Christ.

As ministry leaders, we have a unique opportunity to meet them in their brokenness, offer them safe spaces, and point them toward the hope and healing found in Christ. Whether you’re a kids ministry leader, student pastor, or volunteer, this episode will equip you with insights and tools to better support the next generation in their spiritual and emotional journey. Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

ETCH Conference

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge those gaps.

Chuck Peters and Jana Magruder unpack the unique characteristics of each generation—from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. Jana explores how generational traits influence ministry approaches, communication styles, and discipleship strategies while Chuck emphasizes the need for ministry leaders to adapt, fostering intergenerational connections and creating spaces where all generations can grow together in faith.

Whether you're new to next gen ministry or a seasoned leader, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration to help you lead more effectively across generations. Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

Flip the Script

Lifeway Research

Mccrindle Research

iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge

Generations by Dr. Jean Twenge

The Anxious Generation

In this impactful episode, Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Shelly Melia to discuss one of the most critical issues facing today’s kids and students: worldview formation.

As ministry leaders and parents, we have a short window to help shape how the next generation sees God, truth, and the world around them. Dr. Melia unpacks the importance of establishing a biblical worldview early and offers practical insight into how families and churches can work together to build a solid foundation of faith.

This conversation dives into the role of parents as the primary disciplers in their child’s life and addresses the cultural challenges families face when teaching biblical truth. Dr. Melia also highlights why intentionality matters in helping kids develop a God-centered worldview and offers encouragement for ministry leaders to support families and reinforce a strong biblical foundation.

If you’re passionate about discipling the next generation, this conversation will encourage and equip you to be intentional in shaping young hearts and minds for Christ.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen

How can we equip students to engage with God’s Word in a way that transforms their lives? In this episode, Chuck Peters, Brett Buckland, and Chris Brown explore the importance of biblical literacy and introduce the Seven Arrows method, a practical framework designed to help students study and apply scripture effectively.

This conversation highlights the necessity of intentional Bible study, teaching students not only to gain knowledge but to respond with action, reflection, and prayer. As ministry leaders, we have the privilege of guiding the next generation to see scripture as more than just words—it’s the foundation for their faith and relationships.

We hope this conversation has encouraged you to be more intentional in teaching students how to study God’s Word. If this episode was helpful to you, would you take a moment to rate and review the podcast? Your feedback helps us reach more next-gen ministry leaders with practical insights and encouragement. And don’t forget to share this episode with your team, fellow leaders, or anyone passionate about discipling the next generation.

Thanks for listening!

SHOW LINKS:

Reach Teens

Seven Arrows

Explore the Bible

The Gospel Project

Bible Studies for Life

Hyfi

ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference

Technology is shaping the way Gen Z and Gen Alpha think, interact, and even define their identity. In this episode, we dive into the profound impact of smartphones, AI, and social media on the next generation’s mental health, social dynamics, and spiritual growth.

Tony Bianco joins us to explore the challenges and opportunities technology presents for today’s youth. From screen addiction to academic integrity, from social media pressures to online gender differences, we discuss how leaders and parents can guide children to embrace their true identity in Christ while navigating the digital world.

As ministry leaders, we can’t ignore the influence of technology. How can we equip the next generation to think critically, set boundaries, and stay grounded in their faith? Let’s talk about it.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Next Gen

The Anxious Generation