In 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 admit
The tension of leading others while feeling spiritually empty
What Scripture shows us about seasons of lament and struggle
How to lead with honesty instead of pretending
Practices that help sustain faith during difficult seasons

This 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 Word

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.

Connect with Student Ministry Conversations

Instagram: @talkstudentmin
Facebook: @talkstudentmin
YouTube: Student Ministry Conversations
Website: www.studentministryconversations.org

Connect with the Hosts

Brent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaiken

David PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacoustic

Thanks for listening to Student Ministry Conversations. Brent & David are grateful to walk alongside you as you lead — in every season, even the dry ones.

247 | Forming Leaders Before Students: When Faith Feels Dry | SMC Podcast