Podcast
Student Ministry Conversations
Hosted by Student Ministry Conversations · EN
A place to share, learn and talk about ways to equip, encourage and empower students and student ministry leaders. We want to hear from EVERYONE involved in Student Ministry (and even some not in Student Ministry at all).
Check out show notes, blog articles and merchandise at https://www.studentministryconversations.org
31episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
254 | Navigating Pressure: When Attendance and Energy Drops | SMC Podcast
6d ago00:44:43Tap to summarizeIn Week 2 of the Navigating Pressure Seasons series, Brent Aiken and David Pruitt talk about the reality every youth leader faces this time of year—declining attendance and fading energy.Instead of chasing hype or measuring success by numbers, they challenge leaders to redefine what faithfulness really looks like. This episode is a reminder that God is still at work—even in quieter, less visible seasons of ministry.If you’ve ever felt discouraged by low turnout or lack of momentum, this conversation will help you reset your perspective and lead with renewed purpose.If this episode encouraged you, share it—or your favorite episode—on social media and tag us so we can connect with you!Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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253 | Navigating Pressure: Leading Students Through Stress & Anxiety | SMC Podcast
2w ago00:24:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brent Aiken and David Pruitt kick off the May series Navigating Pressure Seasons by tackling one of the biggest challenges students face this time of year—stress and anxiety. As school pressures rise and expectations build, Brent and David discuss why students don’t need quick spiritual fixes, but consistent, present leaders who can walk with them through it.They unpack how anxiety shows up in students’ lives, why dismissing it can do more harm than good, and how youth leaders can create spaces of calm, trust, and spiritual grounding.Plus, they share practical ways to help students process stress in a healthy, Gospel-centered way.If this episode encouraged you, share it—or your favorite episode—on social media and tag us so we can connect with you!Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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252 | Gospel-Centered Ministry: Gospel That Changes How We Lead | SMC Podcast
3w ago00:47:42Tap to summarizeIn the final episode of our April series, Gospel-Centered Ministry, hosts Brent & David bring everything together by asking one key question: What does it actually look like for the Gospel to shape how we lead—not just what we say?It’s possible to preach grace, teach truth, and talk about Jesus—while still leading from pressure, performance, or control. But the Gospel was never meant to stay theoretical. It’s meant to transform the way we lead, relate, and build ministry culture.In this episode, Brent & David unpack how the message of the cross and resurrection reshapes leadership at every level.Together they discuss:The gap between believing the Gospel and living from it in leadershipHow grace changes the way we lead students, volunteers, and ourselvesWhat Gospel-shaped ministry culture actually looks likeWhy the resurrection frees leaders from pressure and controlThis conversation is a powerful conclusion to the series and a practical invitation to lead differently moving forward.Because at the end of the day:The Gospel doesn’t just change what we preach—it changes how we lead.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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251 | Gospel-Centered Ministry: Life From Resurrection Hope | SMC Podcast
4w ago00:56:31Tap to summarizeIn the fourth week of our April series, Gospel-Centered Ministry, hosts Brent & David focus on what it really means for students to live from the reality of the resurrection.Easter is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a truth that reshapes identity, purpose, and the way we face everyday life.In this episode, Brent & David talk about how youth leaders can help students move beyond simply celebrating the resurrection to actually living in light of it.Together they explore:How the resurrection reshapes student identityWhy salvation leads to mission, not just securityHow resurrection hope produces courage in everyday lifePractical ways to help students apply this truth dailyThis conversation is a powerful reminder that the resurrection isn’t just something we believe—it’s something we build our lives on.Because in the end: Resurrection hope changes everything.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent Aiken Instagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt Facebook: @dpruitt Instagram: @pruacoustic
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250 | Gospel-Centered Ministry: Accountable Grace | SMC Podcast
Apr 1600:53:24Tap to summarizeEpisode 250 is HERE!!!! We can't believe it!!!In Week 3 of our April series, Gospel-Centered Ministry, hosts Brent & David explore the tension every youth leader feels: how to extend grace without compromising truth.In a culture that often leans toward either harshness or permissiveness, the Gospel offers a better way—one that holds both truth and mercy together.In this episode, Brent & David unpack what it looks like to lead students with clarity and compassion, without lowering the standard God calls them to.Together they discuss:Common misunderstandings about graceWhy grace is not the same as lowering expectationsHow Jesus modeled both truth and mercyWhat it looks like to challenge students while still loving them wellThis conversation reminds leaders that real grace doesn’t ignore sin—it transforms hearts.Because ultimately: Grace doesn’t excuse sin—it transforms people.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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249 | Gospel Centered Ministry: For Those Who HAVE Heard | SMC Podcast
Apr 900:58:37Tap to summarizeIn Week 2 of our April series, Gospel-Centered Ministry, hosts Brent & David address a common challenge in youth ministry: how to preach the Gospel to students who feel like they’ve already heard it all before.The message hasn’t lost its power—but familiarity can sometimes dull our awareness of its depth.In this episode, Brent & David explore how leaders can move beyond repetition and help students engage the Gospel in a deeper, more meaningful way.Together they discuss:Why students can become disengaged with familiar messagesThe danger of oversimplifying the GospelHow to help students rediscover wonder and depthPractical ways to teach the Gospel with fresh perspectiveThis conversation is a reminder that the Gospel isn’t shallow—it’s rich, layered, and transformative.Because the goal isn’t just for students to hear it again— it’s for them to truly understand it.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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248 | Gospel-Centered Ministry: More Than An Altar Call | SMC Podcast
Apr 200:43:17Tap to summarizeIn Week 1 of our April series, Gospel-Centered Ministry, hosts Brent & David challenge a common tendency in youth ministry: reducing the Gospel to a single moment.While altar calls, camps, and emotional responses can be powerful, the Gospel was never meant to stay a one-time experience—it’s meant to shape a lifetime.In this episode, Brent & David explore what it looks like to move from moment-driven ministry to formation-focused discipleship, especially in light of the resurrection.Together they discuss:Why the Gospel is more than a one-time decisionThe difference between emotional moments and spiritual formationHow the resurrection reshapes everyday discipleshipWhat it looks like to build Gospel-centered environments for studentsThis conversation is an invitation to rethink what success in youth ministry really looks like—and to lead students into a faith that lasts.Because at the end of the day: The Gospel doesn’t just save students—it shapes them.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic
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247 | Forming Leaders Before Students: When Faith Feels Dry | SMC Podcast
Mar 2600:40:14Tap to summarizeIn the final week of our March series, Forming Leaders Before Leading Students, hosts Brent & David tackle a reality that many youth leaders experience but rarely talk about openly: what it looks like to keep showing up in ministry when your faith feels dry.There are seasons where:You’re leading, but feel distant.You’re teaching, but feel empty.You’re praying, but hear silence.And in those moments, it can be tempting to question your calling — or feel like you’re falling short as a leader.In this episode, Brent & David create space for honest conversation around spiritual dryness and remind leaders that these seasons are not signs of failure, but often part of deeper formation.Together they explore:Why spiritual dryness is more common than we admitThe tension of leading others while feeling spiritually emptyWhat Scripture shows us about seasons of lament and struggleHow to lead with honesty instead of pretendingPractices that help sustain faith during difficult seasonsThis episode is a reminder that God is still at work — even in the quiet, even in the desert, even when you don’t feel it.Because the truth is:You don’t have to feel full to be faithful.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacousticThanks for listening to Student Ministry Conversations. Brent & David are grateful to walk alongside you as you lead — in every season, even the dry ones.
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246 | Forming Leaders Before Students: Leading From Abiding, Not Striving | SMC Podcast
Mar 1900:29:21Tap to summarizeIn Week 3 of our March series, Forming Leaders Before Leading Students, hosts Brent & David take a deeper look at the difference between striving in ministry and abiding in Christ.In a culture that often measures success by output, productivity, and visible results, it’s easy for youth leaders to drift into striving — constantly doing more, producing more, and carrying more pressure.But Jesus offers a different way.In this episode, Brent & David unpack what it means to lead from a place of abiding rather than exhaustion, and how true, lasting fruit in ministry flows from connection with Christ — not constant effort.Together they discuss:The subtle ways striving shows up in youth ministryWhy productivity can become a false measure of successWhat Jesus teaches about abiding in HimHow to recognize when you’re leading from pressure instead of presenceSimple, practical rhythms that help leaders stay connected to ChristThis conversation invites leaders to slow down, release unnecessary pressure, and rediscover the freedom of leading from overflow instead of depletion.Because at the end of the day:You cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through effort alone.Help Us Spread the WordIf this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Connect with Student Ministry ConversationsInstagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacousticThanks for listening to Student Ministry Conversations, where Brent & David talk about the real challenges, growth, and calling of serving the next generation.
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245 | Forming Leaders Before Students: Emotional Health in Youth Ministry | SMC Podcast
Mar 1200:41:16Tap to summarizeIn Week 2 of our March series, Forming Leaders Before Leading Students, hosts Brent & David dive into an often overlooked but incredibly important topic for youth leaders: emotional health.Ministry formation isn’t just spiritual and theological — it’s emotional too. In this episode, Brent & David talk about why youth leaders can’t disciple students past their own emotional maturity and how our inner emotional world quietly shapes the way we lead.Together they explore:Why identifying emotional triggers matters in ministryThe difference between reacting and responding in leadership momentsHow unresolved pain can unintentionally influence the way we leadWhy students need emotionally steady and regulated adultsThe powerful example of the emotional life of JesusThis conversation is an invitation for youth leaders to reflect honestly during this Lenten season and consider how emotional maturity plays a role in healthy, sustainable ministry.Because the truth is simple:Unprocessed emotions eventually become public leadership problems.If this episode encouraged you, we’d love your help sharing it with others. Consider posting this episode — or your favorite episode of the podcast — on social media and tagging us on Instagram or Facebook using @talkstudentmin. Your share helps other youth leaders discover the conversation and reminds them they’re not leading alone.Instagram: @talkstudentminFacebook: @talkstudentminYouTube: Student Ministry ConversationsWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacousticThanks for listening to Student Ministry Conversations, where Brent & David talk about the real challenges, growth, and calling of serving the next generation.Help Us Spread the WordConnect with Student Ministry ConversationsConnect with the Hosts
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