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
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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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244 | Forming Leaders Before Students: The Hidden Life of a Youth Pastor | SMC Podcast
Mar 500:49:19Tap to summarizeWelcome to the podcast! In this opening episode of our March series, Forming Leaders Before Leading Students, Brent & David invite youth leaders to slow down and look inward.Before strategy.Before programming.Before measurable growth.This week, we’re talking about The Hidden Life of a Youth Leader — the character, integrity, and unseen faithfulness that shape everything students experience publicly. Because the truth is simple: you can’t lead students where you’re unwilling to go.In this conversation, Brent & David unpack:Why private formation matters more than public platformThe danger of performing spirituality in ministryHow Lent invites leaders into deeper integrityPractical rhythms that cultivate a sustainable inner lifeIf you’re serving students, leading volunteers, or navigating your own spiritual formation, this episode is an invitation to tend to the roots — not just polish the fruit.If this episode encourages you, would you consider sharing it?Help Us Spread the WordPost this episode — or your favorite episode — on social media and tag 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 ConversationWebsite: www.studentministryconversations.orgConnect with the HostsBrent AikenInstagram & Facebook: @heybrentaikenDavid PruittFacebook: @dpruittInstagram: @pruacousticThanks for listening to Student Ministry Conversations. We’re grateful to walk alongside you as you lead — and as God forms you in the process.
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243 | People Not Programs: Students Not Responding | SMC Podcast
Feb 2600:56:50Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David close the series for February. They are sitting down to talk about the discouragement that can come from students not seeming like they are responding to the message and where we might need to shift our focus when we evaluate our ministry using metrics. Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Show NotesJoin a network today!www.nnym.orgConnect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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242 | People Not Programs: Shepherds Not Chaperones | SMC Podcast
Feb 1901:02:22Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David continue the series for February. They are sitting down to talk about the importance of reframing the concept of your volunteers from providing chaperones to building shepherds for the students in your ministry.Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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241 | People Not Programs: Trust With Students Overtime | SMC Podcast
Feb 1201:08:40Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David continue the series for February. They are sitting down to talk about the importance of longevity in youth ministry as well as the core principles of building trust with students in your ministry.Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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240 | People Not Programs: Why Relational Ministry Still Wins | SMC Podcast
Feb 500:53:43Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David start the series for February. This week they are sitting down to talk about the importance of focusing all of our programs to utilize relationships as a priority as well as some relational boundaries that need to be in place and how to build a relationship focus in your ministry.Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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239 | Lose the Noise: Forming Image Bearers | SMC Podcast
Jan 2900:44:49Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David close the series for the month of January called "Lose the Noise" continuing to talk about the dangers of content consuming as a practice for students when we are called to create image-bearers of Jesus. Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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238 | Lose the Noise: Practicing Silence | SMC Podcast
Jan 2200:44:16Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast! This week Brent and David continue the series for the month of January called "Lose the Noise" talking about the importance of teaching and practicing the discipline of silence. Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect With SMCwww.studentministryconversations.orgInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacoustic
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237 | Lose the Noise: Scroll Fatigue & Soul Creativity | SMC Podcast
Jan 1501:05:49Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the podcast. This week Brent and David continue the series for the month of January called "Lose the Noise" talking about the importance of spiritual formation over programs for students in the current culture. Today they are joined by Stephen Gehring, the owner of Anchor and Insight Counseling Services in Graham, Texas to talk about the dangers of screen use and how it damages far more than we realize even in our own ministries. Whether you are a young or old youth pastor, we would love for you to listen in and see what is talked about in today's episode and we would also love to hear from you! What is your tidbit of advice that you would add to the conversation?You can listen to this episode on all your preferred podcast providers. We would also love to have you join the conversation if you would like to be on the show!Shoot us a message on social media (@talkstudentmin) or an email (podcast@studentministryconversations.org) to get a time set for you to be on the show.Connect with Stephen Gehring and Anchor and Insight by going over to https://anchorandinsight.org/Connect With SMCInstagram – @talkstudentminFacebook – @talkstudentminYoutube - "Student Ministry Conversations"Connect With The HostsBrent Aiken – @heybrentaikenDavid Pruitt - @pruacousticYou can also email all the hosts individually by: firstname@studentministryconversations.orgSupport the Podcast!Buy Our Merch! - www.studentministryconversations.org/shop
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