Driving Change in Youth Ministry: A Conversation With Pastor James Buske

Do you find it difficult to share your faith? Amber sits down with Pastor Jonathan Hein for a timely and honest conversation about why sharing our faith feels harder than ever—and why it still matters more than you realize. They unpack the growing skepticism around church, the impact of spiritual hurt, and what it actually looks like to bring Jesus into everyday relationships. Through personal stories and practical insight, Amber and Pastor Hein highlight the quiet power of small, intentional moments that reflect Christ. This is the last of the conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Pastor Jonathan Hein led a workshop titled, "Leading Others to Jesus."

What does it mean to give generously to the church? In this insightful conversation with Amber and her guest, Josh Birkholz, you are invited to explore generosity and giving from a fresh, meaningful perspective grounded in faith and community. Josh, a fundraising consultant, reveals how giving is not merely an obligation but a source of genuine joy that connects people to something greater than themselves. The discussion challenges conventional views on philanthropy, emphasizing personal involvement, spiritual gifting, and the importance of inviting everyday donors into ministry. This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Josh Birkholz gave a keynote address titled, "Bold Generosity: How to Excel in the Grace of Giving."Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

How do we define worship? Amber and her guest Brian Davison, lead singer of the band Koiné, explore that question. They discuss how Koiné puts modern spins on traditional hymns and what worship really means—both personally and in a church setting—stressing that worship doesn’t have to follow a strict format. The conversation also covers how different styles of worship can connect with different people and the importance of being open to change while keeping Christ at the center. This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Brian led worship during the conference.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Youth ministry takes center stage as Amber sits down with Pastor James Buske, executive director of Lighthouse Youth Centers. They talk about the powerful ways faith and practical support intersect to help young people. Pastor Buske shares how his personal experiences and God’s guidance shaped a ministry that addresses complex challenges faced by young people in urban neighborhoods. The conversation reveals how Lighthouse provides more than just a safe space. It equips youth with vital life skills and fosters spiritual growth amid difficult circumstances.This is one of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Schoof led a breakout session about fear.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

We all have fears. But we don't have to let our fears control us. Amber sits down with Dr. Ashley Schoof of Christian Family Solutions to have a grounded conversation about fear as a natural part of being human, explained through both psychological insight and a faith perspective. Dr. Schoof shares clear, practical ways to respond to fear that emphasize connection and validation rather than dismissal. The discussion highlights how understanding our emotional wiring and learning to coregulate with others can help manage fear at any age. Find thoughtful guidance on navigating fears that impact daily life, including how to recognize when it’s time to seek support—all without oversimplifying the complexity of emotions.This is the second of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Schoof led a breakout session about fear.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Trigger warning: Amber hosts a vital conversation about domestic abuse with Dr. Brandon Hayes of Christian Family Solutions and Lori Kinsley of Kingdom Workers.The conversation thoughtfully explores the complex realities of domestic abuse within faith communities, offering insight into recognizing signs and supporting those affected. With expertise and compassion, Dr. Hayes and Lori provide practical guidance and resources, encouraging listeners to foster awareness and hope without shying away from difficult truths. This is the second of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Dr. Hayes and Lori led a breakout session about domestic abuse. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Amber is joined by Pastor Mike Novotny as they unpack a few of the subtle but powerful lies many Christians live by. From personal habits to cultural clichés, they explore "Sneaky Lies Christians Believe"—how small compromises can erode faith and relationships quietly. With a mix of humor and honesty, Amber and Pastor Mike challenge listeners to rethink what they've accepted as normal. It's an invitation to trade half-truths for something deeper and more freeing.This is the first of several conversations Amber had at the Christian Leadership Experience in La Crosse, Wisconsin, earlier this summer. The conference was a chance for those in ministry to learn from leaders. Pastor Mike led a breakout session called, "Sneaky Lies Christians Believe." Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Unpack the tangled realities of toxic relationships with this raw, thoughtful conversation between Pastor Mike and Amber Albee Swenson. They challenge the casual use of “toxic,” sharing real stories of emotional sabotage, relentless criticism, and the silent damage that wears on your spirit and mental health. Pastor Mike and Amber go beyond buzzwords to explore how to recognize when a relationship crosses from difficult to damaging, the biblical basis for setting firm boundaries, and the courage it takes to step away—even when it feels like betrayal. We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

When you stood at the altar and took your vows, neither one of you envisioned now being in what Pastor Mike calls a "C- marriage." So . . . how do couples end up there? And if you are there, how do you get out of this rut? Pastor Mike and Amber aren't afraid to dig into the issues that can cause marriages to get stuck.We are pressing pause on "Little Things" this month to give our staff a much-needed rest. In the meantime, we're introducing you to "Taboo Talk," a monthly podcast conversation from Amber and Pastor Mike from his podcast "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny." They talk about topics many Christians don't want to talk about. We hope you enjoy these conversations. Want to hear more taboo topics? Search for "Taboo Questions With Pastor Mike Novotny" wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected]

Today you'll hear an interview with Marilyn Sievert, a Bible studier, prayer warrior, and mentor to many. If you're looking to fall more in love with the Word or to pray more boldly, look no further. Amber wants to hear from you! If you have feedback or ideas, drop her a line at [email protected] you have questions and want to know more about God, like what does he think of you, what exactly was Jesus all about, how do you get “saved” and just what exactly does it mean to “get saved,” and what you should do next, we want you to download this free resource Pastor Mike Novotny wrote called, The Basics: God. You. Jesus. Faith.