Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

“Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. Don’t turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.” - Proverbs 4:25-27 NCV I did not become who or what I wanted to be. God had a better idea. It’s OK! The disciples had other plans too and Jesus changed their direction and goals twice.  1. Being called to His ministry. 2. Being filled with Power at Pentecost.  Both were overwhelming and not in their plans for life. Many of you are experiencing the same or similar things. Not your original plans for life and didn’t see that God encounter coming.  I did not do things on a grand scale by my standards, but God gave me a better standard. He used my weaknesses more than He ever used my strengths. And… in my frustration, He still does. God let me focus in one area of our state for almost 30 years. I spent countless hours on medias, speeches, volunteers, and no one ever sought after me as a speaker or consultant. My fri

Zane is a 3rd Generation Pastor. Zane’s grandpa was a pastor for many decades and his dad is currently a pastor in Iowa City, Iowa. In this episode, you will hear about his life and the legacy left to him that he is carrying down. Zane was born and raised in Freeport, Illinois and spent his college years in Chicago at Trinity International University and Divinity School where he also played basketball. anything that includes being active or being outside.  Zane and his wife Mackenzie got married in June 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and spent the first six months of their marriage in Chicago. Not long after, they received the call to Trinity Church in Eustis. He has been serving as the youth pastor at Trinity Church the last two years.  Zane went into college with his eyes set on business and “making it” as the world would describe, but soon felt God leading him in another direction… to pursue ministry! In the process of switching his major from business to Biblical studies, God laid youth ministry on hi

Jokes and laughter are important in student ministry. So in this episode, I recall and discuss a few jokes that were exchanged between me and a young man in college recently.  But the message here is this… If we don't tell the next generation about God's miracles, stories, love, and truths… they won't pass this down to the next generation after them. It’s our responsibility to pass on to them that responsibility. Based on Psalm 78:2-6 _______________________________ 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: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret

WHISPERing draws us closer, because it’s so quiet. It requires attention. So, though we may shout, scream, and cry out to God, He usually responds with a WHISPER. At least that's how it works with me and many others I have discussed this with. So, WHISPER… He did when someone asked me to baptize them, even though we had never talked about that particular topic. As you remain in ministry (and in particular student ministry), those people grow up and they or their friends will ask you to be at a “God event” with them. God will WHISPER to you, "See, I have not forgotten you. I can use you whenever I want. You are still very needed and wanted by me and others." Maybe not those particular words, but well, you get the idea! It’s all about the WHISPER… _______________________________ 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://

Showing up is half the battle! Many people don't even show up, but the other half that do... Share The Love! We have to be ready to meet the needs of the people God has annointed us to talk to about the Gospel, God's Story, His-Story. Jesus was an "on the way" friend, rabbi, prophet, and forgiver of sins. That's what He has given us the power to be in this world for Him. Share The Love. _______________________________ 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: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Mary Lomma was one of my student ministry volunteers (Associate Staff as I called them) working with our middle school girls. Mary is one of those volunteers you hope and pray for! She took everything she learned and never stopped telling people about Jesus Christ. Recently, Mary texted me a link to the story written below… ___________________________________   "STORY TELLER - MARCH 2023 ISSUE" When I was about 45 years old I felt like there was “more” I could do. Our oldest daughter Tina was just married. Tamarah was in high school and Nicholas had begun kindergarten. First time in over 25 years I wasn’t working or having a preschooler around my legs. So, I volunteered to help our youth pastor Doug Edwards with middle schoolers.  After all, both our girls had been delightful people in middle school, so I was experienced!  So I thought. All the middle school adult helpers were herded over to Daytona Beach for a week-end “discipleship training” class.  My first time at Stavro’s Pizza. The following Christmas b

“When Words Don’t Come Easy” is the title of Andy Howard's book (andyhoward.com). It’s about how God redeems our stories, gives purpose to our pain, and still uses us to change the world. Andy says… Have you ever looked at your life and wondered, “How on earth did things get so hard?” “I have—more times than I can count. I’ll never forget how helpless I felt when it seemed like our life was falling apart, when our oldest daughter faced seemingly endless brushes with death, or when our finances were in shambles. In those moments, I felt everything I’d ever dreamed of, or God had ever promised, was shattering at my feet. But I’ll also never forget when things changed, when on the darkest of days I heard a voice whisper, “There is beauty in the broken.” Andy was strong for so long then overwhelming depression hit him without warning! Because Andy and his family are on the other side of the depression we made sure to focus on humor and joy in his family’s life, so people could feel the joy on the other side of a

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. - 2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified Bible) We have all the resources we need and all the power, which brings us TRUE FREEDOM. The more time we spend with God the more Freedom we feel and have. Freedom is a result of God flowing through us. Look for “Holy Surprises” coming your way! God loves handing out good surprises to His kids. His children are a Royal Priesthood. Today… We also discuss some of YWOF’s upcoming episodes / interviews that you are not going to want to miss! _______________________________ 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 Onl

Ephesians 2:10 -  “…God Created in Advance good works for us to do.” I was made to have a relationship with God. He had a plan for my life and I pursued it. Many times it wasn’t what I thought I signed up for. But when God makes you a leader and the opportunity to lead arises, you will find yourself in the middle of leading. You can’t resist it… It’s a part of your Spiritual DNA! Leaders work on a 24 hour clock. It never leaves their heart or mind. They own it. They were made to serve this way! _______________________________ 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: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( ht

How do you progress in ministry or life in general when people say you are too old? Your response should be, “When God tells me to do something else I will change direction”. Everyone in the scriptures was too old or too young, too inexperienced, too unqualified, and the list goes on.   God looks at the heart. There are guidelines in scripture and there are cultural guidelines that God uses sometimes to keep us safe. We can be our own worst enemy! But… how have some people lasted 40 or more years in student ministry, school systems, college ministries, etc and still maintain great character and integrity, while remaining relevant and respected by younger generations, peers, and community? We hope you enjoy this new episode from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast! _______________________________ 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

Dan Istvanik is a 28+ year youth ministry veteran and the founder of Youth Ministry Hub (www.youthminhub.com). He is also a nationally-known ministry resource creator, writer, speaker, coach, and currently a Family Pastor just outside of Chicago.   When you and your family suddenly become homeless, you find out quickly who your real friends are. Ministry found one tough man and his family who said “YES” together when ministry choices became almost unbearable. In this episode, we dive deep into Dan and his family’s story of long term student and family ministry. His family’s story of, what I consider, "Heroic Faith" came through a question I seldom answer. True heroes of the faith seldom intentionally tell about their pains and God’s provision. They focus on the ministry at hand and keep moving forward.   This episode will… • Remind you to pray when the odds are against you. • Remind you to always include your family in your decisions. • Remind you to follow God’s leading and not your emotions. (Scripture Refe

FAIR… When people say, “I just want what's fair.” They are saying you haven’t been fair to them or they think you are getting ready to take advantage of them in a business deal, a family situation, or something else... you fill in the blank. Chris Voss says “fair” is a word of “power “.  The person who used it first has the power, unless you know how to turn it around by asking, “Fair?” and letting them talk more. Check out his book “Never Split The Difference” and look up his chapter on the word FAIR. In reality few things are “fair”. Life is not fair. However, we would not like it if it were! What I prefer is mercy and grace. Mercy and Grace is what God showed us through His Son Jesus on the cross. He died in our place! That was not fair, but that was love, AGAPE LOVE. Mercy and Grace come out of Love. They do not come from “fair”.  This world is not fair. So how do we help students and their families understand “fair” when it comes to God, when there is so much suffering in the world? It's important that o

3 THINGS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER... Pray a grateful prayer to God in the evening before bed and in the morning when you get up. Ask God to put His words in your mouth before you speak to your family, business, or if you are a public speaker. His words will bring Power, Peace and Love. "My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children, and on the lips of their descendants-from this time on and forever," says the LORD. - Isaiah 59:21 (NIV) Ask for His Favor before you enter a building, go to a meeting, your home, or any plane, train or automobile. Sincerely ask for His Favor...consistently. _______________________________ 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 ______________________________

Tim Brokopp lives in Pennsylvania, USA and serves as the Executive Director of Operations for the Amoveo Group. The Amoveo Group is a non-profit development organization, which exists to see broken systems fixed in communities all over the world. They mobilize people, material, and financial investment in projects which spur sustainable solutions to physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The team at the Amoveo Group looks to local leaders to determine needs and strategically utilize volunteers and pathfinders. That's not an easy task, but it helps ministries stay longer and stronger! Before that appointment, Tim was executive director of the E4 Project, a faith-based international leadership community that brought sustainable solutions to impoverished communities in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tim grew up in Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked in international development since 2008. He is fluent in French and specializes in working in cross-cultural settings, leadership development, and inte

LONGEST LOCK-IN EVER Rust out or Burn out Funny story: Three years in a row we had the same event happen on one of our toughest annual youth road trips. Every year we took middle schoolers to the mountains in the winter time (most of those years we had a sleeper bus). The “Skittles Event” came out of one middle school boy on this trip 3 years in a row. You will have to listen to the this episode to know what happened. Noah longest lock-in ever! 120 years to build the Ark. Stayed on the boat for 150 days. He left the boat on the 27th day of the second month of Noah’s 601st year of life. How do you like that for a fun boat trip? I found this article on my LINKEDIN account: “Burnout at work is a well-known problem. But a new opposite term has recently surfaced in wellbeing discussions: rust-out. Rust-out occurs when employees feel underutilized and under-stimulated in their jobs. Work seems monotonous and devoid of personally meaningful aspects, which can hurt performance and mental health. Gallup’s global workp

Jesus is still relevant. Salvation is what students are looking for, but passionate sold out people are what they are attracted to. Focus on praying for students and their family members and friends, present the gospel clearly and quickly to them, and follow through with care over months and years.  Ask the QUESTION… HOW? Praying with them. Bible study together. Be Pro-Active with them, so you are not Re-Active. _______________________________ 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: https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ ) Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms ( https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy ) Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

“My grace is sufficient for you...” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “The process of elimination!” is the first step to success and identity. “Eliminate who you are NOT first… Stop the victim mentality…you are not entitled to anything… you are the author of your life.” - Matthew McConaughey Also on Joe Rogen’s Show, Matthew McConaughey said… “When I receive an award I give create to God on stage. I am not afraid of losing my place in Hollywood, but I have friends of faith in Hollywood who are afraid to clap for my confession of faith on stage because they are afraid of losing. Give up your life to save your life! (23)Then Jesus said to all of them, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (24)For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. (25)What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self? - Luke 9:23-25 (Berean Standard Bible) Arnold Schwarzenegger 2018 - The speech that br

A Tribute to My Youth Pastors: Ronnie and Maxine Kennedy Ronnie passed away recently and Maxine passed away a few years ago of cancer. They have 2 boys who are now men with families. They were bi-vocational pastors during the Jesus Revolution in North Carolina and did not know it. Yet, to them, and for many many others, we are indebted to their sacrifices. They bought a bus with their own money to transport us. They had meetings with us awkward teenagers in their house. We were not nearly as grateful as we needed to be to such sacrificial people.  They died not knowing the magnitude of what their sacrifices created. But now… in the presence of Jesus Christ they are amazed at their rewards and the rewards that are still building. They were not treated as the heroes while they were here on Earth, but in heaven they are well known among the heroes and saints of old. How…? Because they suffered the little ones to come to them as Jesus had done before them. The prayed and worked with and reached out to teenagers w

David Kelly graduated from the University of Florida in 1995 and married his wife Karen in 1996. When they moved to Eustis, Florida (30 miles west of Orlando, Florida) they joined New Hope Presbyterian Church and began volunteering with the youth. From 1997 to 2001 he taught English/Journalism and coached 3 separate sports at Eustis High School. On July 1, 2001, he came on staff as the full time youth director at New Hope, a PCA church. Later that year, David and Karen became parents with the birth of their daughter and the next year welcomed their son. David is a member of Southland Camps leadership team. Southland Camps is a 501(c)(3) youth organization under the umbrella of the PCA that connects students to Christ and Community. David is also a volunteer at Tavares High School and works closely with the football team. He graduated from RTS-Orlando in May 2016 and received his Masters of Divinity degree. In April 2017, he was ordained and installed by the Central Florida Presbytery as an Associate Pastor at

Be more transparent and less dramatic, so that God has room to be God. That way everyone knows when He changes people and there is no doubt that it was Him! Teenagers and young adults are always looking for what is real and though they may not have the discernment or wisdom, they seem to know intuitively when someone is not being true to themselves. As I have watched the stories going on right now, Jesus’s spirit is moving in big ways at Universities and in the entertainment industry just to name a few examples. I have noticed that the people He is using are not extremely great speakers nor are they impressive. They seem to be very normal people. The same type of people He used all through the bible and throughout history… and now! God wants to use you in a big way to unleash His power so that He can empower young people to change this world right now. While they are still young and continuing throughout their adult life. Is this task too much for you? _______________________________ Looking for a new studen