Youth Down South

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re highlighting another great resource coming out of the territory. Emma sits down with Ashley Escobar from the Women’s Department to talk about the Open Air Podcast—a podcast created to encourage, equip, and connect women through meaningful conversations about faith, life, and ministry. Ashley shares the vision behind the podcast, who it’s designed for, and the kinds of topics listeners can ...

REPLAY! This episode first aired in June 2025, but it is still relevant every year. If you listened the first time, listen again! If you missed it the first time, you won’t want to miss it now!

In this episode, we take a bird’s eye view of officer moves within the Southern Territory—how the process works and how we, as church members and leaders, can support officers and their families, especially childr...

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a volunteer dream team — not just filling positions, but intentionally recruiting, training, and developing leaders who thrive.

Emma is joined by Roberta Simmons-Smith and Danielle Rowland for a practical, honest conversation about moving from “gap filling” to team building. We talk onboarding, creating ownership, prev...

In this episode of Youth Down South, we sit down with Chris Benjamin, Director of Production and Operations for Soundcast at Territorial Headquarters, to talk all things podcasting, production, and the power of storytelling. Together they unpack what Soundcast is, meet the team behind the mic, and take a closer look at the podcasts you may already know and love including, Words of Life and Heartbeat.

Chr...

In this episode of — Real Talk with E.B. — Emma is joined by E.B. and Jeremy Rowland to talk about Youth in Action and the many ways young people can serve through The Salvation Army. From local corps opportunities to camps, mission trips, and creative ministry, this conversation encourages young people to discover their gifts, step into leadership, and live out their faith through service.

Listen now an...

In this episode, Melissa Powell joins Emma to share three brand-new Youth Down South resources to help you prepare for the upcoming ministry season. We talk about our new Valentine’s Day resource, introduce the Lent and Easter series that continues The Journey That Changed the World from Advent, and preview our brand-new VBS coming in early March, Galaxy Quest.

The Valentine’s Day and Lent/Easter resourc...

In this episode, we are joined by Kristin Mudge and Brad Rowland from Southern Spirit for an encouraging and practical conversation about writing. They talk about why writing matters, how young people and young adults can get involved, and what it really looks like to take that first step—even if you don’t see yourself as “a writer.”

This episode offers helpful insight into submitting articles, writing devotionals, covering events,...

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Chris Raymer to talk about his journey before officership and how his civilian career helped shape the leader and officer he is today. From hospitality and high-pressure work environments to communications ministry, Chris shares how God used every season to prepare him for what came next.

We’ll explore calling, discernment, transferable skills, and how everyday w...

In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about EQUIP 2026—a Southern Territory conference centered on training, connection, and growth for youth and young adult leaders. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime EQUIP participant, this conversation breaks down what to expect, why EQUIP matters, and how this conference is designed to equip, refresh, and inspire leaders for effective minis...

In a season filled with passionate conversations and important questions, we’re invited to consider how following Jesus shapes the way we live and engage the world around us. Faithful in the Public Square explores what it looks like to live with Christ-centered integrity and grace in a divided world.

In this episode of Real Talk With E.B., we’re joined by David Delaney from the Potomac (PMC) Division for...

In this festive episode, Emma is joined by the entire Youth Department for a joyful Christmas Eve-Eve celebration filled with stories, memories, and family traditions from around the team. With nine people gathered around four microphones, it’s a warm, laughter-filled conversation that captures the heart of the season. The episode closes with the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2—a reminder of the hope and wonder at the ce...

This week, we’re re-airing one of our favorite Christmas episodes from 2024! Emma is joined by Major Matt Satterlee and Chris Flanagan for a fun and lively conversation about Christmas movies—the classics we cherish, the films we can’t quite understand, and the ones social media voted as favorites and flops. From IMDb’s top picks to the “worst of all time” list, plus some Christian Christmas films that point us back t...

In this episode, Emma sits down with Major Matt Satterlee and Jon Avery to explore the growing presence of AI in ministry. Together, they unpack the benefits, risks, and ethical questions surrounding tools like ChatGPT—asking how pastors, leaders, and teachers can use technology responsibly while still grounding their work in Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. From practical ideas to potential pit...

This episode dives into the heart of summer staff camp life—early mornings, late nights, inside jokes, and unforgettable faith moments. It’s another real talk with E.B., and we are joined by Walesca Garcia of the Florida Division as they share stories from their time on staff, reflecting on the friendships, challenges, and spiritual growth that make camp more than just a summer job. It’s a ministry, a family, and a li...

In this episode, the Territorial Youth Department team talks about our renewed focus on biblical literacy—why it matters now more than ever, and how we’re helping young people truly engage with God’s Word. We’ll share the heart behind this initiative, highlight new projects like verse-memorization videos and EQUIP Online micro lessons, and explore how we can make Scripture come alive in every corner of our territory. Join us as we ...

This episode features a conversation with Nick Simmons-Smith and Brad Rowland as they reflect on the Southern Staff Band’s recent ministry trip to South Africa. Hear stories from corps visits, music camp, community outreach, and cultural experiences, along with ways we can continue praying for The Salvation Army’s work there. Their reflections offer an inspiring look at how God used music and ministry to build meaningful connection...

We’re back with another Real Talk with E.B.! This time, Emma and E.B. sit down with Zion Maxwell from the Texas Division for a powerful conversation on the intersection of faith and culture. From music and fashion to heritage and worship, they unpack what it means to fully embrace who God made us to be—while staying rooted in Christ.

Zion reminds us, “God didn’t call me to blend in.” So how do we honor our culture, celebrate divers...

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Leggiero-Silva and Chloe Loden from G-Lab—the creative team behind so many of the Youth Department’s videos, graphics, and social media projects. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how G-Lab brings ministry ideas to life, from concept to final product, while keeping The Salvation Army’s mission at the heart of everything they do. Hear stories from their favorite projects, insight...