Creating safe spaces for teens' tough questions and meaning making

Let’s explore how young adults navigate their contributions to society, relationships, and faith. Listen in to hear about changing plans, the pressure of expectations, balancing aspirations with reality, finding meaning in work, and the importance of support systems during the contributing transition. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry

This episode highlights the responsibility transition! Young adults shift from shared responsibility with adults to having more agency in their lives and relationships. We discuss personal maturity, marriage, social responsibility, and the importance of helping young adults in this transition as they contribute to their communities. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry 

This episode unpacks young adults’ work of navigating the complexities of trust, connection, and boundaries in their relationships. We’ll also explore how youth leaders and mentors can provide guidance during this transition, helping young adults build meaningful, healthy relationships. Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: How to be heard: A young adult’s guide to church leadership  

In this episode, you’ll hear about how young adults balance different parts of who they are, from internal identities like their faith, personal passions, and values to external identities like culture, socio-economic status, and even parenting. We’ll also discuss how youth leaders, mentors, and faith communities can support young adults during this critical time.  Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Guide: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry 

The tenth season of The FYI on Youth Ministry is all about young adults! In this episode, we introduce you to the 7 transitions young adults experience in their twenties. Whether you’re a youth leader in your twenties, or you have students about to become young adults, this season is for you!    Sign up for our email list Free Resource: 7 things you need to know for successful young adult ministry Related FYI resources: Blog: Two mantras for young adult ministry now  

In this conversation with Jonathan Banks, Chief Operating Officer at Urban Outreach Foundation in Chicago, we explore the vital role of practicing faith with young people through service and leadership. Jonathan shares how to cultivate agency and ownership in young people’s faith journey. Guest(s): Jonathan Banks Hosts: Giovanni Panginda, Jen Bradbury Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group UOF Financial Empowerment Course Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Blog: Character: It’s not just about teaching teens to be “good”

Join us as Eric Vasquez, the visionary founder of Just Us 4 Youth, delves into how to build trust with teenagers. Eric underscores the role of consistency and closeness, and imparts practical strategies for nurturing connection—from active listening, to the power of meaningful one-on-one interactions, to engaging parents. Eric shares actionable advice for cultivating genuine relationships with young people. Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Just us 4 Youth T.R.E.E. program for parents  Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Blog: Cultivating teenagers’ trust one small act at a time Blog: 5 ways to cultivate trust with teens in your youth ministry    

Join our conversation with Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz as we explore the vital topic of guiding teenagers through doubts and tough questions, what we call the meaning-making process. Fredy and Vanessa share tips on how youth leaders can create an environment where teenagers feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their beliefs. Guest(s): Fredy Romero and Vanessa Cruz Hosts: Roslyn Hernández, Brad Griffin  Mentioned in this episode:Faith Beyond Youth Group Growing Young Workshops uywi.org lifeatrevive.com Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources:Blog: Why doubt needs to have a place in your youth ministry this year Blog: Youth ministry's pivot in the faith and science conversation

Are you questioning your teaching and discipleship strategies? Let’s explore ways to infuse Christian youth ministry teaching with transformative power that inspires teens to genuinely trust in God (not just follow rules). This rich conversation with, pastor and author Meredith Miller is full of wisdom, experience, laughter, and actionable insights to inspire your youth group lessons—and your students.  Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group Meredith’s Book: Woven  Pedagogy of the Oppressed  Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Blog: How to adapt youth ministry curriculum for your youth group Blog: The volunteer's guide to cultivating faith beyond youth group

As youth leaders, the example we set extends beyond the youth group. In this episode, Matt Manno  (Nextgen Pastor at New Life Fellowship in Queens) shares how his team models growth for students. Listen for practical insights on how to be emotionally healthy youth leaders can help volunteers face the pressure to be perfect, and help students reflect on what they model for each other. Mentioned in this episode: Faith Beyond Youth Group http://www.emotionallyhealthy.org  Sign up for our email list Related FYI resources: Blog: Models matter: Key insights on character-forming discipleship with teenagers