Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

"Happiness is good medicine..." (Proverbs 17:22 ERV) Emotions are there for a reason. If we know what each emotion in our lives is there for then we are able to identify how to respond correctly to each emotion instead of reacting to the emotions in a way that they control us. Episode 76 of the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast is where this theme first came from, while interviewing a world changer who grew up in a violent alcoholic family. Maury and his wife grew up in homes of alcoholic parents. His healing knowledge of what it took to finally deal with it emotionally is worth taking notes on. Happy, Sad, Mad, or Glad… and sometimes Scared or Numb (according to OliveMe Counseling). "Good things happen to those who learn from their experiences…” (Proverbs 16:20 ERV) _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcas

K.T. Griffiths is the author of “Shhh… Mental Illness: The Silent Disease”. In today’s episode, we are discussing a topic that many quickly write off or ignore all together. We try to keep mental illness quiet, because it’s sensitive and hard for many people to understand. Everybody seems have an opinion, even if they’ve never had to experience it directly. Friends reject you. while others will embrace you for the long-haul. You will find out who your friends are when dealing with this personal pain. If you aren’t going through this, you probably have a friend or family member who is. According to Romans 8:18, the sufferings that we go through now are nothing compared to the glory that we will receive. When you go through the pain of a child who is hurting in any way, you can breathe and fight for that child even if it takes the rest of your life. Thank you youth workers, parents, grandparents, and volunteers. Thank you for fighting the fight for these and those who cannot fight for themselves. You are true h

Rest is a gift from God! Our ego and insecurity makes us think that our abilities and strengths are more important than God's abilities and strengths in us. Some people rest too much. Some people rest too little. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST EPISODE AND MORE: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

In this episode, we dive into the first chapter of my book “Burn Up, Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” plus much more! Get your copy on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3jzwELe We discuss… Using the gifts God has given you. Looking for the good works that God has prepared in advance for you to do. (Ephesians 2:10) Why “NO” is better answer than “yes” Be encouraged, go long in your calling, and stay STRONG! _______________________________ CLICK HERE FOR MORE YWOF PODCAST EPISODES: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________   EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ) Edited by: Ryan James Edwards at Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

NEVER RETREAT UNLESS GOD SAYS TO RETREAT… ALWAYS CHARGE AHEAD! If you are in your position of leadership, then this episode is for you! We discuss some direct leadership strategies from a few of the very best current leaders and a leader from the past that you may never have heard of. In this episode… We talk about Jesus’s leadership style verses the religious leaders of His day. How a woman became the hero in Jesus’s story when others thought she should have been labeled a villain. You will learn about bravery in the face of projected loss and defeat. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: http

Sydney to Melbourne, Australia is no little jog. 543.7 Miles according to this ultramarathon endurance race. So how do you prepare for a challenge like this? According to Cliff Young, who showed up in his overalls and boots, you spend a lifetime herding 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres of farmland by foot for 3 days at a stretch without sleep when the storms would roll in. They were intrigued and laughing at Cliff until the end of the race. But, how did this first time racer compete with these professional runners and change the way the race was run? This episode is all about the fragile ECOSYSTEM between students and student ministry. How can you keep the balance of life from failing or dying in your student ministry? How can you keep yourself and your family alive, while thriving in such a fragile environment? We dive deep into these questions and much more (Chapter 6 in my book, “BURN UP NOT OUT”.) in this episode! You can read “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/

Jason Mages is a brilliant person who consistently changes the environment around him. Top of his class academically, leader to his peers, and highly respected by the faculty. “The 3-2-1 Principle” is a Jason Mages original that he teaches high school students, as well as, business associates. Jason and I met when he was a 16 year old teenager and I was a youth pastor in the community of Eustis, Florida. In this episode we discuss: A life changing moment of disaster when a tornado tore through his home as a teenager. His experience as a student in my youth ministry in the early 1990s. Missions that he helped lead as a teenager. My memorable encounter with his discipleship leader at Florida State University. The 3 principles: Serve Others First - Own It - Repeat Tips for youth workers from the point of view of the student. Enjoy this valuable interview with Jason Mages and we hope it continues to fuel your student ministry fire! CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST EPISODE: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ___________

By the time you hear this…Thanksgiving for this year has passed. Now, we are on our way to Christmas and the New Year! Christmas is about new beginnings. Jesus was a new beginning in time and space that God had planned a long time before Christmas on Earth ever happened.  It’s also about doing the right thing, not the safe thing. And I am not talking about making things dangerous for you, your staff, and students. Safety is a priority. “Not safe” meaning… by challenging their comfort zones in letting God in to change their lives. That’s scary enough on its own! In this episode, I reminisce on my craziest Christmas memory as a teen (Christmas Fireball), my best Christmas memories, and much more! We also dive into many tips for your ministry during the holiday season. Happy Holidays and let’s get things started! CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST EPISODE: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________   EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The O

So you want to have an effective student ministry, but you want to stay small? Well you can! If you are willing to GO DEEP… WHAT!!! Many of us are afraid of the big fish that might challenge us in ways we just might not want to be challenged. Dr. Jay Strack (Founder of Student Leadership University), would say that we need to teach our students to be leaders and show them that they can learn to swim with the sharks. Students would have their first meeting in the underwater tunnel looking into the shark tank at Seaworld. Once you swim with sharks, your fear level shrinks, and everything else looks easy or at least easier. You realize that many things are possible that you never thought were possible before. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” - Matthew 4:19 NLT So keep diving deep to discover who God has designed to build a lasting student ministry in your church. The next generation is depending on you and God is waiting for you to take a swim in the deep e

This is our second time interviewing Maury Buchanan. Maury is the Founder of Mission Discovery: Short Term Missions and has hosted thousands of students / adults all around the world. In this episode, we discuss: Maury’s latest trip to Bulembu, Eswatini in South Africa. A thrilling encounter with wildlife while on Safari. Passing along his position of leadership within the organization post retirement. So much more… Enjoy this amazing story! This may or may not be your next destination, but you will receive more than you bargained for by listening to this episode. Welcome to a life well lived and still living! You can connect with Maury at: maurybuchanan@gmail.com Get involved with Mission Discovery at: https://www.missiondiscovery.org/ _____________________________________________________________________ CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _____________________________________________________________________   EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug

Being ON MISSION is not as romantic as it sounds. In fact, a lot of the time its just plain lonely and sometimes worse! "Believe in the Mission" is what one of Tim Tebow's shirts says. Beth Moore, in her address to over 70,000 College age students at the Passion Conference in 2017, stated, “All of you will be affected by the Gospel of Jesus Christ at this conference, but some of you will be Infected. It will turn you upside down from what you thought would make you happy. You are going to want to lock it down and give it a definition. At least that way people will not think that you are out of your ever loving mind!” Enjoy this episode and stay On Mission! CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ___________________________________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://hypeddit.com/the808/thisisthe808) Edited by: Ryan James Edwards at Secret Roots Music House Reco

While climbing a snow capped volcano, the climber asks the Sherpa, “Can you get me to the volcano’s summit?” The Sherpa replies, “Yes. If you will follow me completely, stay on my path, and do everything I do." The climber asks, "What happens if I don't?" The Sherpa answers with, ”You will die." My takeaway? Trust the Sherpa (ha ha)! Now that is serious leadership and what you do in ministry is just...that...serious! Two things you must know to be successful and impactful: 1. Wear the Right Equipment. 2. Follow someone who knows the way with an impeccable track record. In this episode, I tell another story from one of my student ministry trips and the result of following the wrong people, but having the right equipment. (Ephesians 6:10-18) The Whole Armor of God, in particular the helmet. We are in spiritual battles all the time, but I believe most of us dismiss the fact that we who serve are a threat. Therefore, always being challenged and tempted to take a wrong turn. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST: ht

A secret service agent came to meet with our high school group one Sunday and talked about his experience with identifying real vs counterfeit money. The agent mentioned that they spend more time learning about real currency and a less time on counterfeit... Why? Well… when you know the real thing, it's much easier to spot a counterfeit! “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking... The Lord…He hears the prayers of the righteous. A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health. If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” - Proverbs 15:28-31 (NLT) Here are a few notes from this episode: It's hardest to hear criticism from those who know us well, but if we could accept criticism without negative emotion, we would become much wiser. We could use this criticism to become better! Laughter and smiling effects the brain. According to research it makes us 31% smarter and 31% more productive. Remember Great speakers start by making people feel g

Hank Schneider is one of the most loyal volunteers I ever had on my student ministry staff. Hank tells us all about... Some life threatening and heartfelt missions trip moments. His experience as a foster parent. Working in the school system. College Football And more! This episode is packed full of stories that will inspire and fuel your ministry journey! EPISODE CREDITS: Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://www.hypeddit.com/the808/thisisthe808) Edited by: Ryan James Edwards at Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

I was in San Diego, California for a conference and one of the speakers began with this prayer, “Your words in my mouth Lord. Not my words, but Your words.” That conference was many years ago, but I have never forgotten the impact of that prayer on my life. It came from Jeremiah 1:9. This episode is about making sure we are building God's Kingdom and not letting our ego get in the way of His plans for our life. Making sure that our integrity stays intact and that we are concerned for His reputation and not our own reputation. When we focus on God's reputation good and great things happen. When we are concerned for our reputation, we have entered a very dangerous space and time. HIS WORDS - HIS REPUTATION EPISODE CREDITS: Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://www.hypeddit.com/the808/thisisthe808) Edited by: Ryan James Edwards at Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

Dr. Fred Hill was my pastor since I was in middle school. I came to know the love of God for the first time through him and his ministry. All ministries that God has led me to and allowed me to lead are because Dr. Hill said “Yes” to God when asked if he would become the pastor at our church. Dr. Hill was also a professor at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina where he taught educational psychology. He was a man of great integrity and humility. He loved God and he loved his family. I am forever grateful for his example of God's Love. EPISODE CREDITS: Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 (Listen to more at: https://www.hypeddit.com/the808/thisisthe808) Edited by: Ryan James Edwards at Secret Roots Music House Recorded by: Doug Edwards Graphics by: Ryan James Edwards

Happiness is something we need in order to be smarter and a clear state of thought. According to research, when we are happy, we become 31% more productive. Some researchers even say we become smarter. The business world understands something’s about being “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” as Jesus talked about to his disciples. As the church in student and adult ministries, I think we often make things more complicated than God ever intended. The topic of this episode came to me after watching a certain entrepreneur in one of her messages on quick tips: Codie Sanchez - 2 things I wish someone had told me before starting a business! 1. Make a list of 3 happy places. 2. In order to win, you must surround yourself with people  that are smarter than you and understand what it is you do… but better! These are things I found out the hard way after many years of ministry and just plain life.   EPISODE CREDITS: Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by

PEOPLE PUT THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR HEART IS! What’s inside this episode? Seems like churches think student ministry is less valuable than adult ministry. How can we change the tide from devaluing students and their families? If the world spends billions of dollars on winning over teenagers to buy what they advertise, then why does the church think they are not worth that kind of investment? How can we invest as the church in every effort to win, disciple, and sacrifice our lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to train young leaders to dream and serve now before another organization, group, or regime steals them away first? Louie Giglio, founder of the Passion Conference, challenges college students to give over $1 million for a world wide mission to save millions with clean water! Did they rise to the Challenge? Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”. EPISODE CREDITS: Email us at: youthwo

Jim Halstead started Go and Tell Ministries after working with students and discipling them for many years. Jim is a man who started life without a clue about who God is. A young man who did not grow up going to church. When I first met Jim, I had been 5 years into a student ministry that would end up being my longest term student ministry position. We would meet together with youth pastors and volunteers as a district in ministry department for the southeast and helped to create one of three locations for Challenge 90 Evangelical Free Church of America. I found out just recently that Jim would pray specifically for our student ministry and family for many years, while he was located in Jacksonville, Florida and I was in Central Florida. Jim has discipled so many students that are now adults, supporting him to help other workers do the same thing. Go and Tell Ministries: Jim has a story that will inspire you to see far beyond the next few weeks and months into your student ministry. Maybe even a glimpse far i

“It’s later than you think” is a line in the movie “The Adam Project”, which is repeated several times. The movie is Sci-Fi, but even though it mentions time travel, the real story was about loving the people we are responsible for. God sees loving those we are responsible for as more important than the ministry he has called us too. In many cases, the ministry we have called ourselves to, may not always be where God was directing us. I personally have been involved in some form of volunteer or full time ministry since I was 15 years old. I found I was sold out to Jesus as Lord and spending time with Him above all else.  Not trying to do more, but trying to be in the presence of God more. By doing so, the people I love and am responsible for feel at peace and authentically loved by me. You may feel you have “missed the wave of opportunity” to love those closest to you the way Jesus loved. John Maxwell says, to not worry, “another wave is coming”. Stop grieving and start loving! Do the NEXT RIGHT THING. “It's