ETCH with Chuck Peters

*/ ?>

Latest Episodes:

17. Practical Tips to Share the Gospel with the Next Gen with Shane Pruitt Feb 24, 2025

What if the next generation isn’t rejecting the gospel—they just haven’t heard it clearly?

As ministry leaders, we have the greatest message in the world, but are we communicating it in a way that truly connects with Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Are we equipping them not just to hear the gospel but to share it boldly with their peers?

In this episode, we’re wrapping up our four-part series on the gospel and the next generation with Shane Pruitt, who challenges us to be authentic, prayerful, and interruptible in our evangelism. He reminds us that while culture constantly shifts, the gospel never changes, and we must be intentional about engaging in real, meaningful conversations that break through distractions.

So here’s the challenge: Are you prepared to share the gospel in a way that meets young people where they are? Are you raising expectations in your ministry, inviting responses, and explaining biblical truth without assumptions?

Lean in, take notes, and get ready—because today’s conversation is all about practical, powerful ways to bring the gospel to the next generation.

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Students
Connect with Lifeway Kids

16. Keeping the Bible As The Central Script of Your Next Gen Ministry with Kevin Jones Feb 17, 2025

As ministry leaders, how can we ensure that the next generation remains deeply rooted in God’s Word? Are we modeling the kind of Bible engagement we hope to see in the kids and students we lead? In this episode, we dive into the heart of Next Gen ministry and the vital role Scripture plays in shaping young hearts and minds.

In this engaging conversation, Chuck Peters and Dr. Kevin Jones discuss the foundational importance of keeping the gospel at the center of Next Gen ministry. Their conversation highlights the necessity of ministry leaders modeling Bible engagement, and physically carrying and using their Bibles in front of kids to demonstrate its importance. They stress how children should be directed to Scripture as the ultimate source of truth and guidance, encouraging them to read and understand it for themselves. They also explore the role of incentives in fostering Bible engagement, making it both meaningful and enjoyable for young learners.

If you found this conversation helpful, take a moment to rate and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us reach more ministry leaders. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who is passionate about investing in the next generation. Let’s keep making disciples together!

SHOW LINKS:

The Gospel Project
Connect with Lifeway Students
Connect with Lifeway Kids

15. Understanding and Reaching the Revival Generation with Shane Pruitt Feb 10, 2025

Welcome back to another great episode of ETCH Next Gen Ministry Podcast with Chuck Peters! In this truth-packed episode, we sit down with the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, Shane Pruitt, to talk about the Revival Generation! Gen Z and Generation Alpha are experiencing a spiritual awakening, and it’s time for ministry leaders to step up, lean in, and disciple with boldness!

Shane dives deep into the hope-filled movement happening right now, and how he's interacting with young people who are hungry for truth, searching for meaning, and more curious about the Bible than ever before! He unpacks fresh data showing that religious disaffiliation is declining and shares why this is the moment for the church to invest in the next generation like never before!

If you’re passionate about reaching the next generation, you don’t want to miss this conversation! Let’s fan the flame of this revival together!

SHOW LINKS:

Connect with Lifeway Kids

Connect with Lifeway Students

Connect with Shane Pruitt

The GenSend Podcast

Flip the Script

14. Setting Your Sights On A Gospel Centered NextGen Ministry with Dr. Kevin Jones Feb 03, 2025

Welcome back to another great season of ETCH with Chuck Peters!

Are you keeping the gospel at the center of your ministry to the next generation? As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in programs and distractions, but Gen Z and Generation Alpha need authentic gospel conversations now more than ever.
In today's episode, Chuck Peters and Dr. Kevin Jones explore the vital role of next-generation ministry in reaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the gospel. They emphasize the importance of keeping the gospel central to all ministry efforts and provide insights on avoiding distractions that can steer ministries off course. You'll also hear practical tools for equipping leaders to feel confident in evangelism and strategies for integrating gospel truths into everyday interactions.

Join the conversation as they discuss the keys to effective leadership, the power of authentic gospel conversations, and the importance of creating opportunities to introduce young people to Jesus. If you're passionate about making a lasting impact on the next generation, this episode will inspire and equip you to lead with clarity and purpose.

Tune in now and discover how to keep the gospel at the heart of your ministry! And don't forget to share this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
The Gospel Project
Connect with Lifeway Students
Connect with Lifeway Kids

VBS: Building Bridges, Transforming Lives, Impacting Generations Jan 27, 2025

What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact!
In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing outreach and evangelism opportunity for your church. You'll discover how VBS builds meaningful relationships, engages entire families, and serves as a powerful multi-generational ministry strategy. Ben Mandrell, along with Chuck Peters and Melita Thomas, tackle common challenges churches face in implementing VBS, from budget constraints to volunteer recruitment, and explore solutions that make it achievable for every church. Be inspired by stories of lives transformed through VBS and learn why trustworthy, culturally relevant content is key to its lasting impact.
If you’re looking for a proven way to impact generations, this conversation will leave you convinced that VBS is the best investment you can make this year!
Check out the show links below to take your best next step in reaching the community God has entrusted to you!
SHOW LINKS:
Start Listening to Season 1 of ETCH
Lifeway VBS
VBS Digital Catalog
VBS Directors Club
VBS Free Sample
VBS Preview Digital Pass

12. What It Means to Know Jesus with Jeremy Echols Dec 09, 2024

Is simply knowing about Jesus enough for the next generation? Or are they missing the deeper relationship they need?

In part 2 of this important conversation, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the essential difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. They emphasize the need for leaders to guide students toward a personal, relational connection with Jesus—one that goes beyond facts and transforms their daily lives. Patrick and Jeremy share practical tips on how leaders can model an authentic relationship with Christ, encourage private conversations about faith, and nurture discipleship after students make a decision to follow Jesus. From creating quiet spaces for one-on-one discussions to presenting the gospel in a natural, relational way, this conversation is a valuable resource for leaders committed to helping young people build a lasting and intimate relationship with Jesus.

SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

11. The Need to Know Jesus in Personal Relationship with Jeremy Echols Dec 02, 2024

Knowing about Jesus simply isn't enough. It is crucial that Gen Alpha and Gen Z understand what it is to intimately know Jesus as their personal savior.

In this impactful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the essential difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. They emphasize the need for leaders to guide students toward a personal, relational connection with Jesus—one that goes beyond facts and transforms their daily lives. Chuck and Jeremy share practical tips on how leaders can model an authentic relationship with Christ, encourage private conversations about faith, and nurture discipleship after students make a decision to follow Jesus. From creating quiet spaces for one-on-one discussions to presenting the gospel in a natural, relational way, this conversation is a valuable resource for leaders committed to helping young people build a lasting and intimate relationship with Jesus.
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

10. What is Our God-Designed Identity? with Crystal Mazzuca Nov 25, 2024

"Who am I?"
"Do I matter?"
"Where do I belong?"
This episode is part 2 of a conversation where Crystal Mazucca and Chuck Peters are diving into the tough questions Gen Alpha and Gen Z are plagued with about their identity.
Crystal Mazucca and Chuck Peters unpack the critical need for emotional safety and a sense of belonging in this generation, emphasizing the role of the church in providing a biblical worldview that anchors them in God’s truth. With a clear call to action, they challenge church leaders and parents to engage actively in teaching and reinforcing these identity truths. From the importance of consistent biblical messages to creating a welcoming space for youth, this episode is a wake-up call for everyone invested in guiding the next generation toward an identity rooted in God’s design and purpose.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

9. The Need to Know God Has Spoken to Their Identity with Crystal Mazzuca Nov 18, 2024

"Who am I?"
"Do I matter?"
"Where do I belong?"
As kids navigate their place in this world, questions of their identity can consume their thoughts. The church should be a safe haven for Gen Alpha and Gen Z to navigate their identity.
In this powerful episode, the conversation dives deep into the unique struggles young people face today, especially their search for identity amid cultural pressures. Crystal Mazzuca and Chuck Peters unpack the critical need for emotional safety and a sense of belonging in this generation, emphasizing the role of the church in providing a biblical worldview that anchors them in God’s truth. With a clear call to action, they challenge church leaders and parents to engage actively in teaching and reinforcing these identity truths. From the importance of consistent biblical messages to creating a welcoming space for youth, this episode is a wake-up call for everyone invested in guiding the next generation toward an identity rooted in God’s design and purpose.

Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend.
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

8. Shaping the Worldview of the Next Generation with Jeremy Echols Nov 11, 2024

In this insightful episode, we're tackling the importance of the next generation being rooted in a biblical worldview. Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.
This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

7. The Need to Adopt a Biblical Worldview with Jeremy Echols Nov 04, 2024

How does a biblical worldview transform the way we guide the next generation?

In this insightful episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols dive into the power of worldview in ministry, exploring how it shapes our understanding of the world, ourselves, and our faith. They discuss why embracing a biblical worldview is foundational for effective discipleship and evangelism, especially for next-generation leaders. Chuck and Jeremy also stress the vital role parents play in shaping their children's perspective and the need for alignment between what’s taught at church and what’s modeled at home.
This episode is a meaningful resource for anyone invested in raising up young leaders who are deeply rooted in their faith. Thanks for listening and sharing this episode with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

6. The 5 C's of Effective Next Gen Leaders with Crystal Mazzuca Oct 28, 2024

Hey friends! We're back with Crystal Mazucca and Part 2 of the enormous need gen z and gen alpha have to have leaders in their life who love them! In this episode, we explore how love in leadership creates emotional safety, fosters trust, and transforms the way these young generations engage with their faith and the church.
Chuck and Crystal emphasize how important consistency is, and how engaging with students outside the church walls can be a game-changer! They also tackle how developing and training leaders is vital to creating a thriving, supportive church community. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to lead the next generation like never before!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

5. The Need for A Leader Who Loves Them with Crystal Mazzuca Oct 21, 2024

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are craving more than just flashy programs and cool environments—they need leaders who genuinely love them. Their emotional needs run deep, and the most impactful leaders are those who prioritize building authentic, caring relationships. In this episode, we explore how love in leadership creates emotional safety, fosters trust, and transforms the way these young generations engage with their faith and the church.
Crystal Mazzuca is a Content Editor for Lifeway’s Hyfi and Kids’ Short Term Studies. With an MA in Christian Education Administration, she has a passion to encourage and equip leaders to impact the next generation for Christ. She’s spent the last 20 years in Kids, Student, and Family Ministry and loves serving both the big C church and her local church in Olympia, WA.
Chuck and Crystal emphasize how important consistency is, and how engaging with students outside the church walls can be a game-changer! They also tackle how developing and training leaders is vital to creating a thriving, supportive church community. Get ready to be inspired and equipped to lead the next generation like never before!
Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Connect with Lifeway Kids
Connect with Lifeway Students

4. Empowering the Next Generation with Josh Straub Oct 16, 2024

It's no secret today's youth are facing unique challenges that differ from those in previous generations. In this Part 2 episode, Chuck Peters and Josh Straub dive deep into the mental health challenges facing today’s youth and the critical role emotional safety plays in their lives. If you haven't listened to Part 1, we highly encourage you to go back and listen!
Joshua Straub, Ph.D. is a husband, dad, speaker, author, and family and leadership coach. A champion of human empathy, Josh leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. He is also an author/ coauthor of seven books including Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well and coauthor, along with his wife Christi, of two children’s book, What Am I Feeling? and What Do I Do With Worry? He and Christi also host the weekly Famous at Home podcast.

We know this conversation is going to help you be a better leader to the next generation! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Famous at Home
Connect with Josh Straub

3. The Need to Feel Emotionally Safe with Josh Straub Oct 07, 2024

It's no secret today's youth are facing unique challenges that differ from those in previous generations. In this two part series, Chuck Peters and Josh Straub dive deep into the mental health challenges facing today’s youth and the critical role emotional safety plays in their lives. For next-generation leaders, creating environments where young people feel seen, known, and valued is non-negotiable. We’ll explore how to foster trust, build authentic relationships, and empower youth through leadership opportunities.
Joshua Straub, Ph.D. is a husband, dad, speaker, author, and family and leadership coach. A champion of human empathy, Josh leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. Josh also is a Fellow of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. As a marriage and family coach and consultant, Josh coaches leaders to be famous at home so they can thrive on their stage. He also speaks regularly for Joint Special Operations Command and serves military families across the country.

Josh is author/ coauthor of seven books including Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well and coauthor, along with his wife Christi, of two children’s book, What Am I Feeling? and What Do I Do With Worry? He and Christi also host the weekly Famous at Home podcast.

This conversation offers practical steps for creating inclusive, joyful communities that nurture connection and support the next generation’s spiritual and emotional growth. We know this conversation is going to help you be a better leader to the next generation! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Famous at Home
Connect with Josh Straub

2. Building Authentic Relationships in Ministry with Josh Staub Sep 30, 2024

Think you know Gen Z and Gen Alpha? What they value, challenges they face, and how they differ from generations before them? On today's show Josh Straub and Chuck Peters dive into who Gen Z and Gen Alpha are and what they're looking for in Part 2 of this series, If you haven't listened to Part 1, we'd love for you to go back and listen now and see what it's crucial for Next Gen leaders to lead with integrity and authenticity!
Joshua Straub, Ph.D. is a husband, dad, speaker, author, and family and leadership coach. A champion of human empathy, Josh leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. Josh also is a Fellow of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. As a marriage and family coach and consultant, Josh coaches leaders to be famous at home so they can thrive on their stage. He also speaks regularly for Joint Special Operations Command and serves military families across the country.

We know this conversation is going to help you be a better leader to the next generation! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Famous at Home
Connect with Josh Straub

1. Meet Gen Z and Gen Alpha with Josh Straub Sep 30, 2024

Welcome to the very first episode of ETCH - a podcast designed for the Next Gen Leaders of the church! For us to know how to lead the next generation, we must know who they are! How are they different from the generations before them? What unique challenges do they face? What do they value? On today's show Josh Straub and Chuck Peters dive into those questions and challenge leaders to invest with integrity and authenticity.
Joshua Straub, Ph.D. is a husband, dad, speaker, author, and family and leadership coach. A champion of human empathy, Josh leads Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders, organizations, military families, and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. Josh also is a Fellow of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. As a marriage and family coach and consultant, Josh coaches leaders to be famous at home so they can thrive on their stage. He also speaks regularly for Joint Special Operations Command and serves military families across the country.

We know this conversation is going to help you be a better leader to the next generation! Thanks for listening and sharing with a friend!
SHOW LINKS:
Famous at Home
Connect with Josh Straub

Introducing ETCH with Chuck Peters Sep 27, 2024

The ETCH Next Gen Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, practical advice, and spiritual encouragement tailored specifically for those leading the next generation. Whether you're a pastor, youth leader, children's ministry director, or a volunteer passionately investing in young lives, this podcast is designed to equip and empower you for impactful ministry to kids, students, and families. Each episode features insightful conversations with seasoned leaders, experts, and influencers who share their wisdom on relevant topics. Join us as we explore how to navigate the enormous needs of Gen Z and Alpha, and the unique challenges and opportunities of next-generation ministry leaders.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected