Student Ministry Connection
For those who serve in student ministry, want to connect, and desire to grow. Hosted by Steve Cullum.
Episodes
What’s the one thing that can take your speaking and teaching to the next level? That’s what we’re talking about on this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Find your next speaker at The Speaker Hub - https://youthminhub.com/speakerhub
- Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at https://nnym.org/stevecullum
- Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter...
We often throw around the word discipleship within student ministry, but what does it actually mean, and how can we not only make sure we are discipling students well but that we are experiencing it ourselves? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks all about discipleship with Matt Brinkley, founder of PACT Ministry and author of the books Disciple Me and Mentor Me.
Links referenced in this episode:
What happens when God takes a simple idea of wanting to talk to other leaders in student ministry and turns it into an entire ministry? On this episode, we’re celebrating 10 years of Student Ministry Connection with a trip down memory lane from Steve and some of you. We also announce some amazing giveaways from several youth ministry organizations, so be sure to listen to the entire episode, and enter to win before February 24, 202...
Student Ministry is tough sometimes, and there are a lot of reason why you’ve probably thought about leaving, but there are also many more reasons why you should stay. So how do we stay? What are the things we need to focus on in order to stick around for the long haul? Well, get ready, because on this episode of Student Ministry Connection, our guest, Jody Livingston, has not only pushed through, himself, but he’s written a book o...
Where is student ministry going in the future? What are the trends we need to be paying attention to in our churches, and what should we be doing with the research we’re seeing? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re kicking off 2026 focusing on the future of student ministry and how God might just be setting us up for something big.
Links referenced in this episode:
The last 12 months of this podcast have been so great, especially all of our guests, so on this year-end episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re highlighting each of our 12 guests from 2025: Derry Prenkert, Ashley Bohinc, Mike McGarry, Dan Lynch, Dr. Ken Castor, Mike Hicks, Krista McBroom, Travis Deans, Rick Eubanks, Ian Chrisler, Orlando Hale, and Jonny Radcliff.
Links referenced in this episode:
It seems like everywhere we turn, everyone’s got a hot take, even in the world of student ministry. And we're not talking about what's the best pizza topping (it's definitely not pineapple, by the way). On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve is joined by Jonny Radcliff to tackle 3 of the bigger hot takes focusing on the best night for youth group, the importance of camps and retreats, and if you should be preaching m...
It's time for a ministry update! On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares what God has been doing recently and provides some insight on the future of student ministry based on what we're seeing and on recent research. If you've been wondering about what Steve has been up to or what he thinks about outside of this podcast, this one's for you!
Links referenced in this episode:
How do we engage with people who are different than us, come from different backgrounds than us, and have a different worldview or perspective than us? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares a very simple yet powerful idea that can take your leadership to the next level.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Learn more about GLS NextGen at https://glsnextgenusa.org
- Find your next speaker at The Speaker H...
Every teenager has a story, and some of those stories are partially written behind bars. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Orlando Hale about how to step into difficult places to minister to teenagers who are incarcerated, how to get involved with your local juvenile detention center, and how to come alongside teens who desperately need the hope of Jesus.
Links referenced in this episode:
How do we handle students who are disrupting and being disrespectful? On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection. Steve shares a few tips and some things to keep in mind when working with the more difficult students in your ministry.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Find your next speaker at The Speaker Hub - https://youthminhub.com/speakerhub
- Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at https://nnym.org/ste...
How can internships help train the next generation of student ministry leaders? Or if you are new to student ministry, why should you seek out an internship or residency? On this episode, Steve talks with one of his former students, Ian Chrisler, about his internship experience and why it is so important in the world of student ministry.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Find your next speaker at The Speaker Hub - https:/...
What do we do when a tragedy happens in our world, country, or community, especially when it comes to our youth group? How should we respond? What do we do with our program? And how do we help students and families through it? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we’re diving into the deeper end of ministry and talking through how to respond when tragedy strikes.
More resources:
How can the simple act of students praying for their school ignite not only changes within their school but also a global movement of prayer for over 35 years? On this episode, Steve is joined by Rick Eubanks to talk about the history of See You at the Pole, hear some amazing stories about what God has done through student-led prayer, and discuss how your students can join what God is doing around the world.
Links referenced in ...
What do we do about cell phones in youth group? Whether you believe they have their place or they should be put away the entire time, Steve shares some tips on both sides of the argument and reminds us to look beyond the phone issue when interacting with students.
Important links:
- Take the Thriving Youth Leader survey at bit.ly/thriving-yp-survey-2025
- Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at https://nnym.org/stevecu...
How can we leverage all the amazing things that our students experience at summer camps and mission trips for the entire school year, helping students continue to grow in their faith and share it with their friends? Travis Deans returns to talk with Steve about moving from summer camp to the school campuses.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Take the Thriving Youth Leader survey at bit.ly/thriving-yp-survey-2025
- Email Tra...
Hey, youth leaders! I’m working on a nation-wide research project, and I’d love your help! We’re trying to answer this big question: What helps youth pastors thrive and stick around longer in ministry? We deeply believe that when a youth leader thrives—in their relationship with God, in healthy partnerships with others, and in making disciples—students win. But too many youth leaders are burning out, dropping out, or just hanging o...
What if discipleship isn’t just about your weekly youth night? What if the real growth actually happens outside of your program? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks about what it means to disciple students beyond the structure—and how summer and back-to-school season give us a great opportunity to do exactly that.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Take the Thriving Youth Leader survey at bit.ly/thri...
What does it look like to disciple teen girls well—and how can youth leaders do that in a healthy, intentional way? On this episode, Steve talks with Krista McBroom, who is passionate about making girls’ ministry a vital part of every student ministry, and she’s ready to help your church create space for teen girls to grow in their faith.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Connect more with Krista at https://www.kristamiche...
We all know that discipleship is important, but what does it look like with a teenager? And how can we also make sure our teams and even ourselves are growing as disciples? Maybe it's as simple as 3 questions.
Links referenced in this episode:
- Learn more about Footprints on Campus by visiting https://www.nnym.org/footprints
- Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at https://nnym.org/stevecullum
- Sign up to get Steve's...
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