We’ve all said it.

“We want our students to grow.”

“We’re about depth, not hype.”

“Parents are the primary disciple-makers.”

“Volunteers are essential.”

But if you don’t have a plan to make it happen, it’s not a conviction—it’s a catchphrase.

In this episode, John and Ian unpack the problem with shallow ministry language that sounds spiritual but lacks substance. From overused phrases to borrowed buzzwords, we examine how student pastors can fall into the trap of repeating truths without building toward them.

This conversation challenges you to ask deeper questions:

• What does student growth actually look like in your ministry?

• Where does it show up in your calendar, your teaching, and your systems?

• Are you equipping parents and volunteers—or just talking like you are?

It’s time to move from catchy to convictional.

From slogans to strategy.

From surface to substance.

Listen now and take the next step toward intentional student discipleship.

Start a two-week free trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/list

How do you keep your heart soft when students you poured into walk away from the faith?

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian have a raw, pastoral conversation about the deep grief many student pastors carry, especially when students who once seemed “all in” lose their way. They talk through the emotional weight of those moments, how to grieve well, and how to keep showing up with hope instead of bitterness.

This isn’t about blaming ourselves or others. It’s about guarding our hearts with the truth of God’s Word and staying faithful to the call, even when the fruit is hard to see.

Inside the Episode

• Why it hurts so deeply when students walk away

• Paul’s example of grieving without giving up

• Why emotional maturity matters in ministry

• You are not the hero—God brings the growth

• Questions to ask when the grief feels heavy

• How to walk in hope, not cynicism

Join The Community: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=43925d45-8efd-40df-b69d-cbbe7f873a47

What if discipleship was never meant to be one size fits all?

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Howell—a pastor, doctoral researcher, ropes course trainer, and 20-year student ministry veteran—to talk about what it really looks like to disciple neurodivergent students. From ADHD to autism and everything in between, Daniel offers honest insights from both his personal journey and years of ministry experience.

We cover:

• What youth pastors need to understand about neurodivergent students

• Why traditional age-graded ministry often falls short

• How to spot common traits and red flags

• Misconceptions that lead to ministry mistakes

• How to connect, disciple, and empower students with ADHD or on the autism spectrum

• Why every ministry should think more intentionally about neurodivergent inclusion

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence

00:52 Understanding Neurodivergence in Ministry

06:52 Defining Neurodivergence and Its Impact

12:13 Common Traits of Neurodivergent Students

13:04 Understanding ADHD and Autism in Students

15:17 The Importance of Consistency for Neurodivergent Students

17:29 Connecting with Autistic Students

21:26 Misconceptions About Neurodivergent Students

31:02 Embracing Unique Gifts in Neurodivergence

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed or under-equipped to lead students who don’t fit the mold. Let’s move from surviving awkward moments to creating intentional, Christ-centered connection.

Is summer where student ministry goes to die or is it the secret weapon for a better fall?

In this episode, John and Ian dive into the reality of summer chaos:

camp injuries, mission trip fails, and the pressure to “keep things going.”

But what if summer isn’t about just surviving? What if it’s your best shot at building real momentum for the fall?

We talk:

• Why some families (and staff) expect you to vanish for the summer, and how to push back

• Creative rhythms that help students thrive, not just attend • How to lead smarter, not harder

• Practical ways to leverage slower weeks for deeper discipleship and connection

• Why NOW is the best time to build your fall plan, recruit volunteers, and prepare your leaders

PLUS: If you’re a member behind the wall, we’ve got a bonus segment full of practical tools—calendar templates, planning sheets, and a fall ministry roadmap. Not a member? You can jump in today and get your first two weeks free.

Start your Free Trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=0a047568-f6b2-49c0-9cd2-c0f19c847bdf

This is the episode that changes everything.

Shaping Student Ministry (SSM) and Youth Pastor Central (YPC) have merged into one unified network.

Why? Because student pastors need more than content—they need connection, coaching, and community. And now, you’ll get it all in one place.

In this episode, John, Ian, and Christopher walk through:

• Why we’re merging: What brought SSM and YPC together

• What changes for you (and what doesn’t): Access, content, cohorts, and more

• The new platform: A first look at our all-in-one coaching and resource ecosystem

• What’s coming next: Podcast expansions, resource drops, regional meetups, and a packed fall lineup.

Whether you’ve followed SSM for years or you’re a longtime member of YPC, this is the beginning of something brand new for all of us.

What you’ll get:

• A redesigned member experience

• One subscription that includes everything (yes, including Games on Games)

• National and regional cohorts

• A growing podcast network

• Access to exclusive curriculum and tools We’re not just joining forces. We’re building the future of student ministry leadership together.

Start your free trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=d303b5ac-f322-4161-adc3-c73cda5fe9e3

What do you wish someone told you when you started in ministry?

In this episode, John Oliver is joined by Mark Santana from First Baptist Statesboro to reflect on the early days of leadership in the local church. From building trust with parents and volunteers to navigating expectations, they share honest lessons and encouragement for anyone just getting started or anyone guiding the next generation of leaders.

Whether you are leading students, adults, or your entire congregation, this conversation offers wisdom that reaches beyond youth ministry. Topics include:

• Why relational leadership always wins over performance pressure • What to prioritize in your first year that will actually last • The leadership rhythms that help you stay grounded • Real talk about failure, growth, and long term faithfulness

Watch now on YouTube Listen wherever you get your podcasts Connect with our growing community of leaders: https://shapingstudentministry.com

Summer camp is not just a spiritual high point. It is a strategic opportunity for gospel impact. In this episode, John and Ian walk through what it means to lead students well before, during, and after camp. From setting expectations to creating margin, they share hard-earned wisdom for making the most of camp season.

They also dive into one of the most debated questions in student ministry: Should we baptize students at camp? You will hear their honest conversation on timing, accountability, and local church connection when it comes to responding to salvation decisions.

What we cover:

• How to plan for discipleship, not just hype

• What to prioritize before the bus ever leaves

• Leading your team well while at camp

• Making follow up a strategy, not an afterthought

• What to consider before saying yes to camp baptisms

Listen in and equip yourself to lead camp season with intention and clarity.

Subscribe to the podcast and explore our community

https://www.youtube.com/@ShapingStudentMinistry

https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-checkout

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 4 of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast — where we believe every student pastor should get better, not just busier.

In this episode, Ian and John unpack what it means to be a tone-setting leader. What kind of atmosphere do you create when you walk into a room? How do you influence your team’s energy, your students’ sense of belonging, and your ministry’s culture over time?

Whether you lead with boldness or quiet strength, this episode is for you. We’ll help you shift from reactive leadership to intentional influence—because student ministry doesn’t just need good vibes, it needs godly leaders who lead on purpose.

🔔 Subscribe for more student ministry conversations 📲 Join our community: https://shapingstudentministry.com