The FYI on Youth Ministry

Guided Prayer for Stress & Burnout: Ministry Resilience Practice Feb 12, 2025

Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer is the top go-to spiritual practice to help prevent burnout. This 5-minute guided prayer meditation is designed to help youth leaders process stress, reflect on their calling, and connect with God. So, close your eyes in a quiet place or go on a short uninterrupted walk, take 5 minutes toward ministry health! Learn more from our report on Youth Leader Burnout and Wellbeing.

Guided Prayer Walk: Ministry Resilience Practice Feb 12, 2025

Feeling the weight of ministry stress? According to youth leaders, prayer and spending time outdoors are some of the top go-to spiritual practices to help prevent burnout.

This guided prayer walk encourages us to connect with God by observing our surroundings and reflecting on the beauty and wonder of creation.

Community: Preventing Youth Ministry Burnout Jan 29, 2025

How can social support help you avoid youth ministry burnout? Let’s dive into the power of relationships, community, mentorship, and boundaries in sustaining wellbeing for youth ministry leaders. Roslyn Hernández and LaTasha Nesbitt highlight how social practices can create a foundation for holistic wellbeing in youth ministry. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of youth ministry or looking to support a youth leader, this conversation offers encouragement and tools to foster a healthy, thriving ministry life. Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, MDiv Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt

Mentioned in this episode: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: The FYI Report on Youth Ministry Burnout and Wellbeing

Youth Ministry Burnout and Wellbeing Jan 15, 2025

Youth ministry burnout is real! In this episode, LaTasha Nesbitt and Roslyn Hernandez unpack FYI’s latest research on why so many youth leaders feel stretched thin—and what can help them thrive.

Tune in to hear about the role of recognition in resilience, the unique challenges of women in ministry, the seasonal nature of burnout, and the factors that influence ministry burnout. Let’s talk about what it takes to sustain the people shaping the next generation! Hosts: Roslyn Hernández M.Div Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: The FYI Report on Youth Leader Burnout & Wellbeing

Meaning Making #EverythingIsSpiritual Nov 27, 2024

How do young adults make sense of their world? In this episode, we explore the meaning-making transition, diving into the personal faith journeys of young adults. From creating space for questions to walking alongside them in their struggles, we discuss how leaders can empower young adults to navigate their spirituality with intention and authenticity.

Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue

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Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Acclimating #Moving Nov 13, 2024

In the acclimating transition, young adults learn to navigate the new environments, jobs, and communities that come with growing independence. Our young adult guests share how they balance the need for stability with the reality of constant change, and how moving can feel both exciting and unsettling.

We also discuss the importance of building support systems and finding community during these transitions, offering practical advice for young adults and those who support them on their journey.

Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue

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Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Self-Caring #SelfCareTips Oct 30, 2024

During the self-caring transition, young adults learn to take charge of their mental and physical well-being. Our guests share stories about the ups and downs of setting boundaries, finding supportive communities, and figuring out what rhythms of self-care really look like. We also explore tips for how leaders can create spaces where young adults feel heard and supported on their self-care journey.

Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Steve Argue

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Related FYI resources:Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Contributing #DoingMyPart Oct 16, 2024

Let’s explore how young adults navigate their contributions to society, relationships, and faith. Listen in to hear about changing plans, the pressure of expectations, balancing aspirations with reality, finding meaning in work, and the importance of support systems during the contributing transition.

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Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Responsibility #ItsOnMe Oct 02, 2024

This episode highlights the responsibility transition! Young adults shift from shared responsibility with adults to having more agency in their lives and relationships. We discuss personal maturity, marriage, social responsibility, and the importance of helping young adults in this transition as they contribute to their communities.

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Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Relationships #ItsComplicated Sep 18, 2024

This episode unpacks young adults’ work of navigating the complexities of trust, connection, and boundaries in their relationships. We’ll also explore how youth leaders and mentors can provide guidance during this transition, helping young adults build meaningful, healthy relationships.

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Identity: #WhoAmI Aug 28, 2024

In this episode, you’ll hear about how young adults balance different parts of who they are, from internal identities like their faith, personal passions, and values to external identities like culture, socio-economic status, and even parenting. We’ll also discuss how youth leaders, mentors, and faith communities can support young adults during this critical time.

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Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Young Adulthood Transitions: #Adulting Aug 14, 2024

The tenth season of The FYI on Youth Ministry is all about young adults! In this episode, we introduce you to the 7 transitions young adults experience in their twenties. Whether you’re a youth leader in your twenties, or you have students about to become young adults, this season is for you! Sign up for our email list

Free Resource: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

Related FYI resources: Blog: Two mantras for young adult ministry now

Helping teens practice everyday faith Apr 17, 2024

In this conversation with Jonathan Banks, Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation in Chicago, we explore the vital role of practicing faith with young people through service and leadership. Jonathan shares how to cultivate agency and ownership in young people’s faith journey.

Guest(s): Jonathan Banks Hosts: Giovanni Panginda, Jen Bradbury

Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group UOF Financial Empowerment Course

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Related FYI resources: Blog: Character: It’s not just about teaching teens to be “good”

How to build trust with teens in youth group Apr 03, 2024

Join us as Eric Vasquez, the visionary founder of Just Us 4 Youth, delves into how to build trust with teenagers. Eric underscores the role of consistency and closeness, and imparts practical strategies for nurturing connection—from active listening, to the power of meaningful one-on-one interactions, to engaging parents. Eric shares actionable advice for cultivating genuine relationships with young people.

Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Just us 4 Youth T.R.E.E. program for parents

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Creating safe spaces for teens' tough questions and meaning making Mar 13, 2024

Join our conversation with Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz as we explore the vital topic of guiding teenagers through doubts and tough questions, what we call the meaning-making process. Fredy and Vanessa share tips on how youth leaders can create an environment where teenagers feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their beliefs.

Guest(s): Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Brad Griffin

Mentioned in this episode:Faith Beyond Youth Group Growing Young Workshops uywi.org lifeatrevive.com

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Youth ministry teaching that transforms Feb 28, 2024

Are you questioning your teaching and discipleship strategies? Let’s explore ways to infuse Christian youth ministry teaching with transformative power that inspires teens to genuinely trust in God (not just follow rules). This rich conversation with, pastor and author Meredith Miller is full of wisdom, experience, laughter, and actionable insights to inspire your youth group lessons—and your students.

Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Meredith’s Book: Woven Pedagogy of the Oppressed

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Modeling spiritual growth for teens Feb 14, 2024

As youth leaders, the example we set extends beyond the youth group. In this episode, Matt Manno (Nextgen Pastor at New Life Fellowship in Queens) shares how his team models growth for students. Listen for practical insights on how to be emotionally healthy youth leaders can help volunteers face the pressure to be perfect, and help students reflect on what they model for each other.

Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org

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Discipling teens to live their faith beyond our youth groups Jan 31, 2024

Welcome back to a new season! In Season 9 we’re talking about discipleship to cultivate a faith in our students that goes beyond the youth group. In this episode the coauthors of FYI’s latest book Faith Beyond Youth Group, Jen Bradbury, Brad Griffin and Kara Powell, introduce us to the 5 points of the Faith Beyond Youth Group Compass.

Mentioned in this episode:

Faith Beyond Youth Group

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Faith beyond youth group: A new framework for discipling teenagers Blog: The volunteer's guide to cultivating faith beyond youth group

5 ways to cultivate trust with teens in your youth ministry Nov 29, 2023

When students trust you, opportunities for discipleship will abound. Building trust requires relational consistency and proximity. So, tune in to hear about the practical steps you can take to cultivate the relational proximity needed to form trust with your students!

Mentioned in this episode: Blog: Learning to listen to teenagers Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources:Blog: 5 ways you can nurture faith that goes beyond youth group Blog: Telling stories for identity-forming discipleship Blog: Your new mantra for game-changing youth group games Book: Faith Beyond Youth Group

Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagers Nov 01, 2023

Why are models important in character-forming discipleship? “The way we live our lives is the greatest sermon we will ever preach because our students are paying close attention to how we talk, what we share, how we react, and especially how we treat others.” In this episode, Giovanny Panginda shares how we can be models for our students and how we can help them find other healthy models.

Mentioned in this episode:

Luke Burgis: What is Mimetic Desire?

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Bonus episode: Compassion and inclusion in God’s kinship with Fr. Greg Boyle Oct 18, 2023

How can youth ministry leaders cultivate compassion and kinship in their youth ministry? “What always works is not the hard message, but the care [people] feel immediately and the fact that they felt seen. You learn that lesson over and over again. Cherishing people is not hard.” Tune in to hear more of Father Greg Boyle’s story and practical wisdom!

Mentioned in this episode:

Homeboy Industries

A Good Man is Hard to Find Flannery O’Connor

Father Greg’s books

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Related FYI resources:

Curriculum: Compassion from the Inside Out

Blog: Innovating your way forward with compassion, creativity, and courage

Blog: We need to talk about compassion

Reframing the work of youth leaders Oct 04, 2023

What is the role of a youth leader? What are the qualities of a good youth leader? Andy Jung shares 4 ways youth leaders can change the way we understand our calling from youth ministry “superstar” on the verge of burnout, to the ones charged to lead all adults in the church as they invest relationally in our teenagers.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries

Adopted Church by Chap Clark

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Related FYI resources:

Book: Sticky Faith

Book: 3 Big Questions

Blog: 4 ways to partner with parents (even when you aren’t one)

Blog: What you need to know about today's teenagers

We need to talk about anxiety Sep 13, 2023

“Google the words “Anxiety is like,” and you’ll be shocked by the number of comparisons and descriptions you’ll find … As the Body of Christ, we can help change the script for young people grappling with anxiety.” In this episode, Rachel Dodd shares 4 hope-filled messages the church needs to tell today’s anxious young people.

Mentioned in this episode:Lifeway Research: Suicide Remains a Taboo Topic at Churches Faith in an Anxious World Curriculum Youth Ministry and Mental Health Half-Day Online Training

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Compassion and deeper connection with teens Aug 17, 2023

Teaching compassion to teens starts with being compassionate leaders. Tune in to hear Cameron Lee share practical strategies from biblically-informed psychology that will help you cultivate trust-filled discipleship and make a lasting impact in the lives of young people.

Guest: Cameron Lee Hosts: Rachel Dodd, Roslyn Hernández

Mentioned in this episode: Compassion Curriculum The Fog Blog Dr. Kristin Neff on Self Compassion Book: Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

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A surprising way to cultivate love and humility Aug 02, 2023

What's love and humility got to do with lament? More than we might initially imagine! In this conversation, you’ll hear insight, stories, and practical ideas from Soong-Chan Rah about how we can cultivate love and humility with teens in our youth ministry through the spiritual practice of lament.

Guest(s): Soong-Chan Rah

Hosts: Chuck Hunt, Roslyn Hernández

Mentioned in this episode:

Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Teaching young people about lament: Practical ideas from 8 innovative ministries

Blog: Communal ashes: finding God in our lament this Lenten season

Teaching teenagers hope and perseverance: wisdom from immigrant faith communities Jul 05, 2023

Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Marcos Canales, and Elizabeth Tamez Méndez share stories, and practical wisdom on teaching teenagers about hope and perseverance. Your students face lots of challenges, and we know you and other caring adults in your ministry want to be there for them. Join this empowering conversation on cultivating hope and perseverance with your students.

Guest(s): Marcos Canales, Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Elizabeth Tamez Méndez Hosts: Roslyn Hernández

Mentioned in this episode: New Generation 3 Curriculum: JUNTOS (Together) in English Estudio Biblico: JUNTOS en español Association for Hispanic Theological Education (AETH) La Fuente Ministries

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Related FYI resources: Blog: The character of discipleship Blog: Testimonios: The power of stories shared in community

Hip hop, forgiveness, and justice Apr 20, 2023

Rev. Dr. Dwight Radcliff talks with us about the prophetic truth-telling power of hip hop and its importance to the process of forgiveness and racial justice. Join the conversation to get ideas about spiritual formation practices you can use to teach students in your youth ministry about forgiveness.

Guest(s): Dwight Radcliff

Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, LaTasha Nesbitt

Mentioned in this episode:

Article: Hip Hop Hermeneutic by Dr. Dwight Radcliff

Video: Birmingham and the Children’s March (10 mins.)

Masters of Arts in Justice and Advocacy

Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman

Michael Eric Dyson

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Helping young people grieve and take action

Blog: A letter to White leaders about White supremacy and Christian nationalism

Blog: Processing racialized violence with students

Teaching humility in an age of entitlement Mar 23, 2023

Listen as Rich Villodas shares thoughts and ideas on faith practices that can help support teens’ spiritual formation by cultivating humility in ourselves and our Gen Z students.

Guest: Rich Villodas Hosts: Roslyn Hernández and Giovanni Panginda

Mentioned in this episode:

New Life Fellowship Humilitas by John Dickson

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Walk and pray in awe and wonder Blog: How can your church listen across generations

Can teaching character and virtue be problematic? Mar 08, 2023

Robert Chao Romero talks with us about the historical oppression BIPOC have experienced in the U.S. in the name of character and virtue education. Hear how ministry leaders can safeguard discipleship and spiritual formation models from unintentionally causing harm, along with ways youth ministry can benefit from honoring and including families and cultures in our communities.

Guest: Robert Chao Romero Hosts: Brad Griffin and Roslyn Hernández

Mentioned in this episode:

Brown Church by Robert Chao Romero

Christianity and Critical Race Theory by Robert Chao Romero

Mathew 25 SoCal

South Western U.S. States and Mexico

Americanization programs

Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants In Our Response to Immigration by Karen Gonzales

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Processing racialized violence with students Section 5: Expand your own reading and viewing

Blog: Black joy as resistance

Blog: Three lessons learned while pursuing multidiversity in an Asian American context

Blog: Unity does not equal uniformity

Discipleship that Forms Christlike Character Feb 22, 2023

As youth leaders, we all want to disciple our students to be more Christ-like but resources on discipling for character development are scarce. This season, we explore Christ-like characteristics and youth ministry activities that can help you support your students’ spiritual formation as they become more like Christ. Jen Bradbury shares highlights from FYI’s Character and Virtue Development project and what we’ve learned about how we can help our students develop Christ-like characteristics like humility, hope, love, perseverance, forgiveness, and compassion.

Hosts: Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda Guest: Jen Bradbury

SHOW NOTES

Mentioned in this episode:

Book: The Jesus Gap: What Teens Actually Believe About Jesus

Book: Called: A Novel About Youth Ministry Transition

Blog: 5 ways you can nurture faith that goes beyond youth group

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagers

Blog: Testimonios: The power of faith stories shared in community

Honoring our students' immigration realities Nov 17, 2022

In this episode, Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández talk with Kevin Wilson about the intersections between immigration experiences and faith. Join us to hear insights and practical ideas to help you connect with immigrant students and families in your ministry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Cross Culture Christian

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Reading Scripture with immigrant youth: Let the children come to me

Blog: Finding abundance through reclaiming our immigrant stories

Blog: We're not all just alike: Challenges and opportunities in multiethnic youth ministries

Inclusive Youth Ministry Curriculum Nov 02, 2022

In this episode, Osheta Moore and hosts Roslyn Hernández and Gio Panginda talk about the importance of youth ministry curriculum that represents our students’ diversity and is relevant to their context. Tune in to hear practical ideas that can help you choose and adapt curriculum and youth ministry teaching to be inclusive.

Mentioned in this episode:

Made for Pax

Wade in the water

Dear White Peace Makers by Osheta Moore

A Prayer for Wholeness

Julian of Norwich Body Prayer

The Beloved Community

Ignatian imaginative Prayer

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Walk and pray in awe and wonder

Blog: Teaching young people a daily way to pray

Video: The Daily Replay

Talking about racial violence Oct 19, 2022

Students today are thinking about and have been affected by recent and historical racial violence. In this roundtable discussion we discuss recent incidences of racialized violence, ways we can support students when they need to process, and resilience practices that have helped affected communities of color. Guests in this episode are Ray Chang, Dr. LaTasha Nesbitt, and Brad Griffin, and hosted by Roslyn Hernández.

Mentioned in this episode:

Asian American Christian Collaborative

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Related FYI resources:

Blogs:

Helping young people grieve and take action

Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change

Doing our own antiracism work with Propaganda and Dr. Alma Oct 07, 2022

How can you support your students’ antiracism participation? Guests Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty and Propaganda share insights from their own antiracism work and give practical tips about how leaders of all ethnic backgrounds can get involved in this work with their students. Alma also talks about her upcoming book, Chingona, in which she writes about her journey of healing from patriarchy, white supremacy, and colonization as she works for social justice.

Host: Kara Powell

Guests: Propaganda and Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty

SHOW NOTES

https://www.prophiphop.com/

https://thedoczp.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Chingona by Alma Zaragoza-Petty

Book Launch Community Celebration 11/05/22 @ Plaza de la Raza

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Related FYI resources:

Blogs:

Latina social justice exemplars to talk about in your next Bible study

Reading Scripture with immigrant youth: Let the children come to me

Helping young people grieve and take action

Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change

How to talk about race Sep 23, 2022

This season we are talking about how to have conversations about race and ethnicity with your students and other adults. In this episode, authors Kat Armas, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, and Ahren Martinez give us a brief overview of the guide, Talking About Race with Teenagers. They also share helpful practices to support your antiracist work and to honor your students' ethnic backgrounds. If you are a BIPOC or white leader, this is a great antiracism resource.

Host: Giovanny Panginda

Timestamps:1:08 Teen voices3:11 What is Talking About Race with Teenagers?4:48 “Moving toward Jesus-centered Multicultural community,” and “Talking about Migration” 8:08 “Words to know and why they matter,” and “Navigating Power”12:25 “Talking about Race,” and “Preparing to teach about racism and oppression in a multicultural context.”17:44 Practices with lasting impact23:28 "Words to Swap"

Mentioned in this episode:Resource: Talking About Race with Teenagers Download a sample of Talking about Race with Teenagers here!

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Related FYI resources:

Blogs:

Processing racialized violence with students

Helping young people grieve and take action

Don’t be a bystander: Resources for those in the movement for change

A letter to white leaders about white supremacy and Christian nationalism

Talking About Race with Teenagers Sep 14, 2022

Have you wondered about how to talk about race with middle school and high school students? Maybe you have questions about how to have conversations about race and ethnicity with other leaders. If you want to know more about why race matters to your students, God, and the church, this season is for you! In this episode, the authors of the guide Talking About Race with Teenagers, Kat Armas, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, and Ahren Martinez join us to talk about the importance of having these conversations with our students and each other. They also give us helpful tips for youth ministry conversations about race, ethnicity, and culture.

Host: Giovanny Panginda

Timestamps:

00:32 - Teen voices

02:54 - Guest introductions

07:55 - Why is it important for the church to talk about race and ethnicity?

09:35 - Why is it important to be aware of diverse representation in youth ministry resources?

13:17 - What is the role of story? And practical ideas for how to create a safe space for students to share their stories.

17:40 - The making of Talking About Race with Teenagers.

20:30 - 4 ideas for language to swap.

Mentioned in this episode:

Talking About Race with Teenagers

Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a changing church by Soong Chang Rah

Dr. Chanequa Walker Barnes

Download a sample of Talking about Race with Teenagers here!

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Testimonios: The power of faith stories shared in community

Blog: 2 leadership lessons on diversity and unity from K-pop

Blog: Engaging teenagers in faithful discussion about race

Blog: Herencia: Engaging students’ ethnic and cultural background in your ministry

David Wang: Trauma Informed Discipleship May 25, 2022

In this season finale, our guest Dr. David Wang shares important and practical insight on trauma-informed ministry. Tune in to learn how youth leaders can care for themselves and walk alongside students who have experienced trauma. This episode is hosted by Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández and was inspired by SCARS - Trauma Informed Discipleship, a free video-based resource developed by our friends at UYWI.

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Related FYI resources:

Blog: Processing the Tragedy of School Shootings

Blog: Supporting Young People When They’re Suffering

Joyce del Rosario: Leading as a person of color in white spaces May 11, 2022

In this episode co-hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Brad Griffin have an honest and helpful conversation with Dr. Joyce del Rosario about the particular challenges for leaders of color leading in predominantly white spaces. Listen in to hear practical ideas so that we can all cultivate awareness and spaces that are inclusive.

Christin Fort: Resiliency practices for ministry Apr 20, 2022

Does it feel like you’re on the edge of burnout? The ongoing crises of the pandemic have made it harder to recover from difficulties in life and ministry. Join our conversation with Dr. Christin Fort as she shares biblical insight on resilience, and gives us practical strategies to restore health in ministry.

Bonus Episode: Guided Prayer Walk Mar 16, 2022

Spending time in God’s presence and experiencing awe can be a life-giving spiritual practice to cultivate. In this episode Giovanny Panginda and Lisa Nopachai introduce an 8-minute guided walking prayer resource originally developed to train students to integrate mind, body, and spirit as they find grounding in God and experience awe and wonder in their everyday surroundings—but youth leaders can try it too!

Brad Griffin: Reframing youth ministry decline Mar 03, 2022

It’s been a really tough couple of years in ministry. Are you feeling overwhelmed—and maybe even a little guilty about broken relationships with your students? Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda revisit a conversation between Brad Griffin and Josh Packard of Springtide Research packed with insights that will help you reframe student decline in ministry participation. Tune in for practical ideas on rebuilding trust and connection with your students.

Kara Powell: Sustainable leader care practices Feb 16, 2022

Sustainability in youth ministry requires us to adapt our self-care in response to change. So many things can change in life, and so much has changed in the past two pandemic years. In this episode, Kara Powell revisits her own time-tested practices for self-care and challenges us to ask, “What needs to change?”

Kristel Acevedo: Ministry Rhythms that work for YOU Feb 02, 2022

Youth leaders, this season we are making it all about you! We know you pour out your energy and care for your students so much, and we want to help you care for yourself. Are you feeling physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally tired in ministry? Today, Kristel Acevedo gives us tips to find healthy ministry rhythms that fit your specific personality, preferences, and life stage.

Bonus Episode 2021: The good, the bad, & the hopeful Dec 20, 2021

We asked the FYI team to reflect on the challenges and hopes they heard from youth leaders all over the nation and experienced themselves. Join us as team members share advice, hope, and encouragement based on what we learned from leaders like you. This is the 2021 wrap-up you don’t want to miss!

Timestamps:

2:27 - “What was difficult or challenging for you personally about 2021?”

17:35 - “What have you noticed that was good about the things youth leaders did this year?”

27:28 - “What is a short piece of encouragement you’d like to give youth ministers?”

34:19 - A blessing for youth leaders for the end of 2021 from Steve Argue

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FYI Research Panel: What we learned from interviews with Gen Z Oct 13, 2021

Three researchers from our Living a Better Story project, Jennifer Guerra Aldana, Jane Hong-Guzman De Leon, and Andy Jung share what they learned about listening and ministering to a young, diverse generation. This episode is hosted by 3 Big Questions coauthor Kara Powell.

Almeda M. Wright: Purpose is an ongoing journey we commit to Sep 29, 2021

Thinking about purpose may bring anxiety for some of your students—maybe because culture often focuses on purpose as a destination or vocation. But students can find purpose in many aspects of their lives, both now and in the future. Rev. Dr. Almeda M. Wright offers examples and practical ideas from her research and personal experience. This episode is hosted by Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda.

Montague Williams: Belonging Stories and Practices Sep 15, 2021

Showing your students that they belong may bring some awkward moments, but it can become something deeply meaningful and fun! This practical conversation with Montague Williams will give you ideas on nurturing belonging in your ministry. The hosts for this episode are Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda.

Kat Armas: Identity, it’s complex...and beautiful. Sep 01, 2021

Your students’ realities and histories influence their identity. In this conversation Kat Armas talks with our hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda, about how you can encourage students as they begin to understand the different parts that shape who they are in order to find the Christ-centered truths of their identity.

Identity, Belonging and Purpose with Kara Powell & Brad Griffin Aug 20, 2021

This season we’re talking about teens’ questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell and Brad Griffin about the research and insights of FYI’s latest book 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager.

Mark Oestreicher: Innovation in times of disruption Mar 25, 2021

Disruption in youth ministry may take the form of job changes, tragedies in a congregation or community, or as we’ve all learned, even a pandemic. Although it can be difficult to imagine innovating in the midst of a season of change, sometimes that’s the best time to try something new. In the last episode of Season 2, Marko talks candidly about the personal challenges a season of disruption can bring, as well as the surprising gifts such seasons can hold. This episode is hosted by Roslyn Hernández and Dr. Steven Argue, coauthor of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.

Jake Mulder: When people don't like your [obviously great] new idea Mar 04, 2021

When youth leaders courageously share a new idea, it can be disheartening to be met with resistance or indifference. Jake Mulder shares perspective on what might be behind those reactions, as well as practical ideas about how you can all get on the same page in a way that honors everyone. Join FYI hosts Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this story-filled conversation with Jake. For more practical steps about innovating with your whole church in mind, check out FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.

Teesha Hadra: Church traditions & innovation Feb 25, 2021

Church traditions can be a foundation for great innovation. Rev. Teesha Hadra shares stories about how she learned to see tradition as an opportunity for, rather than an obstacle to, discipleship. Join FYI hosts, Jennifer Guerra Aldana and Dr. Steve Argue, for this honest and fun conversation with Teesha about innovating in youth ministry while staying connected to the broader vision and mission of your church. For more ideas about innovating within time-honored Christian practices, check out FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation.

Abigail Visco Rusert: Innovation that sparks faith in teenagers Feb 18, 2021

Abigail Visco Rusert shares the surprising connection between joy and innovation, and explores the ways failure can help move us forward. Hosted by Giovanny Panginda and Dr. Steve Argue, coauthor of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation, this episode explores faith formation, dusty file cabinets, and even Katy Perry’s “Left Shark.”

Yulee Lee: Teamwork and the innovation process Feb 11, 2021

Collaboration can bring creativity and diverse perspectives, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Dr. Yulee Lee explains why and shares 4 ground rules for guiding communication. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Caleb Roose are coauthors of FYI’s latest book Sticky Faith Innovation and they share some surprising insights from the research about the connection between teamwork and innovation.

Kara Powell: Listening can fuel Sticky Faith creativity Feb 03, 2021

This season explores innovation: what it is, how to do it, and why it’s vital for your youth ministry. Hosts Dr. Steve Argue and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell about how listening to teenagers is the best starting point for creativity in youth ministry. Kara, coauthor of Sticky Faith, shares how research uncovered best practices in youth ministry as well as opened doors for the next innovative steps.

Learn more about Sticky Faith Innovation.

Jennifer Guerra Aldana: Multicultural youth ministry values Nov 05, 2020

Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney continue the conversation with Jennifer Guerra Aldana about multicultural youth ministry. Jenn reflects on the importance of establishing shared values for your ministry, as well as insight into how you can equip parents as you talk about diversity with young people.

Jennifer Guerra Aldana: leading a diverse generation Oct 29, 2020

In this episode hosts Roslyn Hernández and Aaron Yenney talk with Jennifer Guerra-Aldana, Manager of Multicultural Initiatives at the Fuller Youth Institute, about navigating multicultural contexts with students. Jenn shares her experience of growing up as a pastor’s kid, as well as insights into the needs and gifts of the increasingly diverse generation in youth ministry today.

Chuck Hunt: Gathering volunteers who reflect God's kingdom Oct 22, 2020

Hosts Ahren Samuel and Kat Armas talk with Chuck Hunt, Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck shares practical ideas for connecting with adults within your church community, collaborating with your volunteers during the pandemic, and reflecting diversity that can help students understand God's kingdom.

Steve Argue: Investing in young adult leaders Oct 15, 2020

Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Steve Argue about investing in young adults for the kingdom. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical ideas, and empathy for young adult leaders, as well as for anyone who manages, mentors, or ministers to those in their twenties. Steve encourages leaders in their twenties that their voices matter in the youth ministry conversation, and offers four ideas you can share with young adults that will encourage them to invest in their personal growth. fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Scott Cormode: Communicating with senior leaders Oct 07, 2020

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about how to listen well and be the bridge to help church leaders understand young people. Scott shares some tips for leading up, inviting your senior pastor to reimagine how youth ministry could be done. Scott’s new book The Innovative Church is available now.

Matthew Deprez: Intergenerational Ministry Sep 30, 2020

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Roslyn Hernández talk with Adult Ministries + Teaching Pastor Matthew Deprez about intergenerational ministry. Through personal stories and lots of practical ideas, Matthew shares a helpful framework that encourages young people to connect with older generations in your church. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Kara Powell: Partnering with parents Sep 23, 2020

Hosts Jennifer Guerra-Aldana and Aaron Yenney talk with Dr. Kara Powell about partnering with parents in your youth ministry. Kara shares lots of practical ideas and personal inspiration to remind us why this effort is so important. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Scott Cormode: Leadership and innovation in ministry Sep 17, 2020

Hosts Giovanny Panginda and Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon talk with Dr. Scott Cormode about Christian leadership, the power of listening, and how we can innovate in the church while staying grounded in Christian practices. Scott shares insights and examples from his new book The Innovative Church. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Chuck Hunt: Equipping volunteers to disciple Sep 09, 2020

Hosts Kat Armas and Ahren Samuel from FYI talk with Chuck Hunt, Pastor of Family Ministries. Chuck talks about caring for volunteers, empowering them to disciple students, and how important it is to celebrate together. Chuck brings stories and wisdom from 25 years of experience in youth ministry and he’s collaborated on many FYI projects as a speaker and advisor.

Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Aaron Rosales: Teens, social distancing, and mental health, part 2 Sep 02, 2020

In the second part of our interview with Aaron Rosales, hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda continue the conversation on the impact of social distancing on teenagers’ mental health. In this episode, Aaron shares insight into how we can support parents during this season, as well as tips for how we can all have empathetic conversations with the young people in our lives. Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Aaron Rosales: Teens, social distancing, and mental health Aug 26, 2020

Hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda talk with Aaron Rosales about why social distancing presents special challenges for teenagers. Human connection is important for everyone, but Aaron shares how it plays a specific role in the normal development of adolescents. Show notes at Fulleryouthinstitute.org/podcast

Brad Griffin: Empowering students as leaders Aug 20, 2020

Hosts Ahren Samuel and Giovanny Panginda talk with Brad Griffin about engaging students in meaningful ways through keychain leadership. Brad talks about the art of mentoring, the way Jesus modeled discipleship, and an inspiring story about if we're asking the right questions when we think about teens being involved in decisions at our churches.

Kara Powell: Ideas for a sustainable youth ministry Aug 12, 2020

In this episode, hosts Roslyn Hernández and Giovanny Panginda talk with Dr. Kara Powell about self-care practices for youth leaders. Kara opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a youth leader, and shares some of her own life-giving practices that make youth ministry sustainable.

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