Ken Harrison

Ken Harrison is the volunteer chairman &amp; CEO of Promise Keepers, where he works to inspire men to be bold, faithful and godly fathers and husbands. He is also the CEO of WaterStone, which helps Christian donors give away $2 million weekly for God’s Kingdom.

Ken Harrison is the volunteer chairman &amp; CEO of Promise Keepers, where he works to inspire men to be bold, faithful and godly fathers and husbands. He is also the CEO of WaterStone, which helps Christian donors give away $2 million weekly for God’s Kingdom.

Strong and Courageous with Ken Harrison

Terry A. Smith has been the lead pastor of The Life Christian Church in New York City for 30 years. The author of several books, Terry is a gifted communicator who speaks in a variety of venues nationally and internationally.

The Lord Bless You with Pastor Terry A. Smith

Tyler Vandenheuvel

Jesus is worthy of it all, plain and simple!   Tyler joins Micah and Josiah for a conversation about the Pursuit Conference and the heart of worship! 

Jesus is worthy of it all, plain and simple!  Tyler joins Micah and Josiah for a conversation about the Pursuit Conference and the heart of worship!

The Heart of Worship with Tyler Vandenheuvel

Steve Shadrach

Steve Shadrach is founder of Support Raising Solutions, and the founder of the Center for Mission Mobilization (CMM), which is the parent ministry of SRS. Steve has trained thousands of Christian workers from over 1,200 organizations around the world how to raise support and authored The God Ask. He and his wife, Carol reside in Fayetteville, AR. They have five grown children and eight grandchildren.

Steve Shadrach is founder of Support Raising Solutions, and the founder of the Center for Mission Mobilization (CMM), which is the parent ministry of SRS. Steve has trained thousands of Christian workers from over 1,200 organizations around the world how to raise support and authored The God Ask. He and his wife, Carol reside in Fayetteville, AR. They have five grown children and eight grandchildren.

Passion for Evangelism with Steve Shadrach

This is a special episode with teaching from Josiah and Micah Kennealy at the 2023 CMN Conference in Houston, Texas March 6-8th!   Links: www.iwanttoplantachurch.com   Homebase: www.youngadults.today 

This is a special episode with teaching from Josiah and Micah Kennealy at the 2023 CMN Conference in Houston, Texas March 6-8th!  Links: <a href="http://www.iwanttoplantachurch.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.iwanttoplantachurch.com</a> Homebase: <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Special Episode: Engaging and Mobilizing Young Adults Today (LIVE FROM CMN)

Jim Gooden

Jim Gooden is the Lead Pastor at  @RealLifeMN  Real Life Church in Roseville, Minnesota!

Jim Gooden is the Lead Pastor at <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCYaqw-ulwRjboT40t-PkIUQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> @RealLifeMN </a> Real Life Church in Roseville, Minnesota!

Pastoring the Next Generation with Jim Gooden

Paul Allen

We're joined for this conversation by Paul Allen (@PAonthemic is the voice of the Minnesota Vikings and radio host with KFAN also the host of the Faith and Goal podcast)!  We talk about Paul's faith, the gospel, and the importance of reaching young adults in our world today!   Be sure to check out our ministry www.youngadults.today   You're invited to the Minnesota Young Adults WKND May 12th-14th for all 18-30 year olds: www.youngadults.today/the-wknd 

We're joined for this conversation by Paul Allen (@PAonthemic is the voice of the Minnesota Vikings and radio host with KFAN also the host of the Faith and Goal podcast)!  We talk about Paul's faith, the gospel, and the importance of reaching young adults in our world today!  Be sure to check out our ministry <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a> You're invited to the Minnesota Young Adults WKND May 12th-14th for all 18-30 year olds: <a href="http://www.youngadults.today/the-wknd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today/the-wknd</a>

The Faith of the Next Generation with Paul Allen

Hannah Barnett

Hannah is the CEO and founder of Generation Distinct. Aaron and Hannah also serve as the Next Gen Directors of the Leadership Network!

Hannah is the CEO and founder of Generation Distinct. Aaron and Hannah also serve as the Next Gen Directors of the Leadership Network!

A Distinct Generation with Aaron and Hannah Barnett

Shane Pruitt

Shane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, TX with their six children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor.

Shane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, TX with their six children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a denominational leader, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor.

Calling with Shane Pruitt

Andrea Olson

We believe the faith of the next generation is worth everything! This conversation features children's authors Gabe and Andrea Olson about fight, parenting, and being on mission! 

We believe the faith of the next generation is worth everything! This conversation features children's authors Gabe and Andrea Olson about fight, parenting, and being on mission!

God of Miracles with Gabe and Andrea Olson

Co-hosts Josiah Kennealy and Micah Kennealy interview thought leaders and experts on reaching young adults in our world, today!

Y’all, I’m about to cry just from gratitude. I’ve been looking for resources for years for young adult leaders, and haven’t found anything until now. Keep up the good work, and thank you!!!

Thank you!!!

So grateful for the Kennealy’s to bring such a wealth of wisdom from so many different guests! All of whom carry such an amazing heart for young adult ministry and practical wisdom.

Love the content!

youngadults.today

Timothy Ateek

Today we’re joined for this episode by Timothy Ateek! TA became the Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries in 2016. Prior to moving to College Station, TA served as the Student Ministry Pastor of Austin Ridge Bible Church for five years and as the Executive Director of Vertical Ministries in Waco for four years.  TA and his wife, Kat, have three boys Noah (9/09), Andrew (10/11), and Jake (9/17). TA earned a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2003.  In addition to serving as the primary communicator at Breakaway, TA travels to speak at various churches, camps, and retreats throughout the year. With the lasting impact Breakaway left on him from his time as a student at Texas A&amp;M, TA considers it one of his greatest joys to now serve a new generation of students in the same way he once was served.

Today we’re joined for this episode by Timothy Ateek! TA became the Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries in 2016. Prior to moving to College Station, TA served as the Student Ministry Pastor of Austin Ridge Bible Church for five years and as the Executive Director of Vertical Ministries in Waco for four years. TA and his wife, Kat, have three boys Noah (9/09), Andrew (10/11), and Jake (9/17). TA earned a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2003. In addition to serving as the primary communicator at Breakaway, TA travels to speak at various churches, camps, and retreats throughout the year. With the lasting impact Breakaway left on him from his time as a student at Texas A&amp;M, TA considers it one of his greatest joys to now serve a new generation of students in the same way he once was served.

Season 2, Episode 8 | Timothy Ateek | Breakaway Ministries 

Allen Tennison

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy discuss some of the deepest ideological and theological questions of our day and age with Dr. Allen Tennison. These include biblical literacy, the authority of scripture, gender identity, sexual brokenness, among a lot of vital questions!   You can find out more about Dr. Allen Tennison and North Central University:  @donallentennison @northcentral_mn @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today 

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy discuss some of the deepest ideological and theological questions of our day and age with Dr. Allen Tennison. These include biblical literacy, the authority of scripture, gender identity, sexual brokenness, among a lot of vital questions!  You can find out more about Dr. Allen Tennison and North Central University: @donallentennison @northcentral_mn @youngadults.today | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 3 - Theological Questions of Young Adults w/ Dr. Allen Tennison

Noah Herrin

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy chat with Noah Herrin about The Gathering young adult ministry. This episode focuses on meeting places, programming for young adult ministry, and the ongoing challenge of discipleship.  You can find out more about Noah Herrin and The Gathering:  @noahherrin  @thegathering  @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy chat with Noah Herrin about The Gathering young adult ministry. This episode focuses on meeting places, programming for young adult ministry, and the ongoing challenge of discipleship. You can find out more about Noah Herrin and The Gathering: @noahherrin @thegathering @youngadults.today | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today/?fbclid=IwAR2txzqQfACDJrkTBwhvH6JMhaJPJx413LN8NGd45-z-YuExw2xyMtnGTkc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 4 - Noah Herrin - The Gathering

Ryan Koster

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Ryan Koster about campus ministry at University of Minnesota. Chi Alpha exists to transform the university, the marketplace, and the world.  @RyanlKoster | @ChiAlphaUMN | chialphaumn.org @youngadultstoday | www.youngadults.today 

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Ryan Koster about campus ministry at University of Minnesota. Chi Alpha exists to transform the university, the marketplace, and the world.  @RyanlKoster | @ChiAlphaUMN | <a href="http://chialphaumn.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chialphaumn.org</a> @youngadultstoday | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 9 - Ryan Koster - Reaching Young Adults on the University Campus

Logan Ketterling

In this episode, Josiah Kennealy and Micah Kennealy have a conversation with Logan Ketterling about River Valley Church, 20+ (their college &amp; young adult ministry), as well as River Valley's extension site to the University of Minnesota campus.  @LoganKetterling @20+ @RiverValleyMN @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

In this episode, Josiah Kennealy and Micah Kennealy have a conversation with Logan Ketterling about River Valley Church, 20+ (their college &amp; young adult ministry), as well as River Valley's extension site to the University of Minnesota campus. @LoganKetterling @20+ @RiverValleyMN @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

Episode 2 - Logan Ketterling - 20+ Multisite YA 

Paul Hurckman

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Paul Hurckman from Venture. Venture exists to do tough things for people in tough places. Engaging young adults in justice experiences like nothing we've ever seen!   To learn more, visit: @PaulHurckman @Venture | www.venture.org @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Paul Hurckman from Venture. Venture exists to do tough things for people in tough places. Engaging young adults in justice experiences like nothing we've ever seen!  To learn more, visit: @PaulHurckman @Venture | <a href="http://www.venture.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.venture.org</a> @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

Episode 6 - Paul Hurckman - Venture

Jimmy Leasure

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy talk with Pastor Jimmy Leasure about reaching young adults in rural settings. They discover that young adult ministry can flourish in rural, suburban, urban, and even multi-site settings!   You can find out more about Jimmy Leasure and Hillside Young Adults:  @jimmyleasure  @hillsidechurchya  @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today

In this episode, Josiah and Micah Kennealy talk with Pastor Jimmy Leasure about reaching young adults in rural settings. They discover that young adult ministry can flourish in rural, suburban, urban, and even multi-site settings! You can find out more about Jimmy Leasure and Hillside Young Adults: @jimmyleasure @hillsidechurchya @youngadults.today | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today/?fbclid=IwAR2vxqjO1jBu_dXJWzx50v5jdB_pwC3Rfsts1YiGsyL0uFfX--Oyho16TqQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 5 - Jimmy Leasure - Rural Young Adult Ministry

Matt Martinez

In this episode, Micah and Josiah chat with Pastor Matt Martinez about youth pastoring and young adult pastoring. Leading two separate ministries under the same job description and church! A lot of you all out there lead youth and young adult ministry or will want to at some point... may this episode be a great resource for you!   @MattyMartini | @OakHillsMN @youngadultstoday | www.youngadults.today 

In this episode, Micah and Josiah chat with Pastor Matt Martinez about youth pastoring and young adult pastoring. Leading two separate ministries under the same job description and church! A lot of you all out there lead youth and young adult ministry or will want to at some point... may this episode be a great resource for you!  @MattyMartini | @OakHillsMN @youngadultstoday | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 8 - Matt Martinez - Youth + Young Adult Ministry

This episode is designed to help young adult ministry leaders navigate through the challenge of covid-19!   We visit with Brent Silkey and have a conversation about coronavirus and connecting with students, our communities, our ministries, and our congregations!   Eliza's post (Brent's wife) that we mentioned in the podcast.   Please reach out to us at www.youngadults.today with any ideas or questions as to how to effectively minister to young adults during this time! 

This episode is designed to help young adult ministry leaders navigate through the challenge of covid-19!  We visit with Brent Silkey and have a conversation about coronavirus and connecting with students, our communities, our ministries, and our congregations!  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=eliza%20silkey&amp;ref=eyJzaWQiOiIwLjgxNDE3MzAyNzQzMzQwNzEiLCJxcyI6IkpUVkNKVEl5Wld4cGVtRWxNakJ6YVd4clpYa2xNaklsTlVRIiwiZ3YiOiJiZWUwOWY5M2ZhNzMyY2ZhNTlhMWNiNmQ5ZjQ1MGQzODkyNDI0ZTQ5IiwiZW50X2lkcyI6W10sImJzaWQiOiI5MzE0MzVlYTBmMTE4ZTdjM2VkYTRkZWNlNzU5MzkxZCIsInByZWxvYWRlZF9lbnRpdHlfaWRzIjpudWxsLCJwcmVsb2FkZWRfZW50aXR5X3R5cGUiOm51bGwsInJlZiI6ImJyX3RmIiwiY3NpZCI6bnVsbCwiaGlnaF9jb25maWRlbmNlX2FyZ3VtZW50IjpudWxsLCJjbGllbnRfdGltZV9tcyI6MTU4NTM1NzcyOTE5MSwiZXBzIjoiL2hvbWUucGhwOnRvcG5ld3MifQ&amp;epa=SEARCH_BOX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eliza's post</a> (Brent's wife) that we mentioned in the podcast.  Please reach out to us at <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a> with any ideas or questions as to how to effectively minister to young adults during this time!

coronavirus conversation #1 with brent silkey

Jessie Davis

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Jessie David - founder of Red Rocks Young Adults in Denver, Colorado! We chat with her about all things next generation!   Who is the next generation?  How do you start a new young adult ministry?  How do you strengthen an existing young adult ministry?  Learn more:  @JessieDavis.Co   @RedRocksYA  @YoungAdultsToday | www.youngadults.today 

In this episode, Micah and Josiah interview Jessie David - founder of Red Rocks Young Adults in Denver, Colorado! We chat with her about all things next generation!  Who is the next generation? How do you start a new young adult ministry? How do you strengthen an existing young adult ministry? Learn more: @JessieDavis.Co  @RedRocksYA @YoungAdultsToday | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a>

Episode 7 - Jessie Davis - All Things Next Gen

Jeff Deyo

In this episode, Micah and Josiah Kennealy talk with Jeff Deyo about becoming God's friend.  They talk about Jeff's new book "Awakening Pure Worship", living a life of worship, the goal of our lives is to know God.  @youngadults.today | www.youngadults.today @jeffdeyo | @northcentral_mn | www.jeffdeyo.com

In this episode, Micah and Josiah Kennealy talk with Jeff Deyo about becoming God's friend.  They talk about Jeff's new book "Awakening Pure Worship", living a life of worship, the goal of our lives is to know God.  @youngadults.today | <a href="http://www.youngadults.today" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.youngadults.today</a> @jeffdeyo | @northcentral_mn | <a href="http://www.jeffdeyo.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.jeffdeyo.com</a>

Episode 11 - Jeff Deyo - Becoming Friends With God

Brad Lewis

Brad has been a college ministry pastor for over 30 years! He is the director of a multi-staff campus ministry called Chi Alpha in North Dakota at NDSU and MSU Moorhead. Their movement sees over 700 students each year with over 140 small groups!  Brad is the author of the best books on groups we’ve read “Small Group University”. He and his wife Kay Lewis are friends of ours – we really admire them a great deal.

Brad has been a college ministry pastor for over 30 years! He is the director of a multi-staff campus ministry called Chi Alpha in North Dakota at NDSU and MSU Moorhead. Their movement sees over 700 students each year with over 140 small groups! Brad is the author of the best books on groups we’ve read “Small Group University”. He and his wife Kay Lewis are friends of ours – we really admire them a great deal.

Season 2, Episode 9 | Brad Lewis | Small Group University 

Greg Stier

In this episode, Micah and Josiah chat with Greg Stier - Founder/CEO at Dare2Share Ministries about trends in evangelism and discipleship. Be sure to check out Greg's newest book, called Gospelize!  @GregStier | @Dare2ShareMinistries  @youngadultstoday | www.youngadults.today

In this episode, Micah and Josiah chat with Greg Stier - Founder/CEO at Dare2Share Ministries about trends in evangelism and discipleship. Be sure to check out Greg's newest book, called Gospelize!  @GregStier | @Dare2ShareMinistries  @youngadultstoday | www.youngadults.today

Episode 10 - Greg Stier - Dare2Share - Trends in Evangelism

Mike Myz

Mike is one of the Chi Alpha pastors at University of North Dakota. Many of you know him as MIKE MYZ – the hip hop artist who let us use the rights to his music for the intro to this podcast!   So he’salready a huge part of this whole youngadults.today squad! Whether you’ve heard of him yet or not, you have heard his music just by listening to this podcast.   Recently he released the EP called Desert.  Pastor. Recording artist. Here with us in the studio today in a different way – this time for a conversation, Myz welcome!

Mike is one of the Chi Alpha pastors at University of North Dakota. Many of you know him as MIKE MYZ – the hip hop artist who let us use the rights to his music for the intro to this podcast! So he’salready a huge part of this whole youngadults.today squad! Whether you’ve heard of him yet or not, you have heard his music just by listening to this podcast. Recently he released the EP called Desert. Pastor. Recording artist. Here with us in the studio today in a different way – this time for a conversation, Myz welcome!

Season 2, Episode 11 | Mike Myz | Hip Hop, College, and International Student Ministry

Randy Jumper

Pastor Randy Jumper serves as the young adult pastor at First Assembly in North Little Rock, Arkansas! NXT YA/UNITE is a place where young adults inNorth Little Rock come together for a weekly service and grow in Christ together. He has over 20 years of experience in young adult ministry.   Here's an article Pastor Randy wrote to help those who are new to young adult ministry or might be starting something new:    I'm excited that you are going to be helping reach young adults!  You'll find it to be an exciting time of ministry and fun!  I know I love it.   A couple resources to start with.  Check out these websites:   Youngadults.ag.org  go down to the resources pages.  There are several articles we've written to help start and grow a young adult ministry   Facebook - become a young adult facebook member.  Find the links on the youngadults website. On the Resources page, under leadership, click Building the Ministry.  It’s a great resource for information!   Books you might want to consider reading:   College Ministry from Scratch by Chuck Bomar and College ministry 101 by the same author.   Practical Young adult Ministry from Group Publishing.   Lost and Found by Ed Stetzer   Sustainable Young Adult Ministry by Mark DeVries and Scott Pontier   Where do you start?  Most people will tell you relationships, discussion based teaching, and other basic info.  All that is true and important parts, but if you are like me, you want something to "do."     I know I need to be open to young adults, pray for the Holy Spirit to work in young adults, build meaningful relationships with young adults, etc...but what do I "do" to do that?  If I were you, I start with two simple steps:   Step One:  Make 5 lists.   Yep, get a piece of paper and a pen out and make some lists (OK, turn your laptop since nobody uses pens and paper anymore).  I regularly make some lists when starting a new area of ministry with young adults.  They are simple:   List 1:  Who are our young adults? Write down the names of all the young adults currently in your church and/or influence.  Your pastor may need to help you.  The size of your church will impact this list.  If you have a database system your church uses to record attendance, get help from it.  Because of our church size, we narrow it to young adults 17 - 30 and who have attended at least 2 times in the last year.  We annually go through this list.  But it started with a piece of paper and a pen writing down the names of real people we want to minister to and with.   List 2:  What is our church doing with young adults now? Don't write "nothing"!  You might be surprised. Start asking questions about what is going on in your church. Look at List 1 and see where YA's are now! I promise you they are there and already active in some place. Are young adults from list one Sunday school teachers for kids? Youth sponsors?  In the choir? Is there a small group for them?  Maybe a class? Do the YA's go out to eat every Sunday after church - do they sit together in the sanctuary? Are they on the Sunday worship team?  My guess is that at least 1 young adult is doing something, somewhere at your church.  This will help you better leverage them and others for future involvement and understand who is involved and who is a leader.  You might have an organic group of YA's already together, you just need to connect with them and mobilize them.   List 3:  What do you and your pastor want to see developed? What is your assignment?  Is it growing the church?  Evangelizing young adults in the community? Keeping your current young adults?  Providing fun activities only?  Discipleship only? Starting a Sunday school class? Starting a special service? If the answer to all those questions is a yes!  Then then narrow it down for what you want to accomplish in the first 3 months, first 6 months and then the first year.  Set an agenda for what you both are wanting to do for the kingdom.  When you know your assignment, you'll know the direction to take to fulfill that assignment.  Make sure you and the church leaders are on the same page.  There is nothing worse than achieving your goal - only to find out it was the wrong goal.   List 4:  Who is on your team? You'll need several people, especially some young adults from list 1, to join you in launching this ministry.  Young adults need ministered WITH, not necessarily ministered TO.  Get buy in and recruit some young adults and other people to help you do this and do this well.  I'd say get as many as possible on this team.  If possible I like the number 5 (notice the 5 lists!).  Five people is a good size team to manage and lead.  What if we only have 5 young adults to start with....no problem, use the 5 of them as leaders to start your group.   List 5: What is going to happen for the next 6 months   Take all this and build a game plan.  The President of the United States maps the first 100 days.  Most NFL football teams script the first quarter and even first half of football plays they are going to run. You do the same.  Script what you'll do for the next 6 months at least, and then work your way backwards with planning, recruitment and involvement. Script what is going to happen with young adults every week for the next 6 months. Some weeks you'll have more than others, maybe even no scheduled events or activities, but do something every week to minister to young adults (maybe all you do that week is Facebook every young adult in your church and tell them they matter to you!)   If you want to send me any of this to look through and offer my suggestions - not sure they'll be any good, but I'll try.     BONUS:  Change the Way You Eat   This isn't diet advice, its ministry advice.  Never eat alone if at all possible.  Every Sunday possible have a young adult over to your house for lunch or dinner.  Go out to eat with a young adult.  Go get coffee with them on campus.  I can't think of the last time a week went by and I was not eating with a young adult.

Pastor Randy Jumper serves as the young adult pastor at First Assembly in North Little Rock, Arkansas! NXT YA/UNITE is a place where young adults inNorth Little Rock come together for a weekly service and grow in Christ together. He has over 20 years of experience in young adult ministry.  Here's an article Pastor Randy wrote to help those who are new to young adult ministry or might be starting something new:  I'm excited that you are going to be helping reach young adults!  You'll find it to be an exciting time of ministry and fun!  I know I love it. A couple resources to start with.  Check out these websites: <a href="http://youngadults.ag.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youngadults.ag.org</a>  go down to the resources pages.  There are several articles we've written to help start and grow a young adult ministry Facebook - become a young adult facebook member.  Find the links on the youngadults website. On the Resources page, under leadership, click Building the Ministry.  It’s a great resource for information! Books you might want to consider reading: <ol><li>College Ministry from Scratch by Chuck Bomar and College ministry 101</li> </ol>by the same author. <ol><li>Practical Young adult Ministry from Group Publishing.</li> </ol> <ol><li>Lost and Found by Ed Stetzer</li> </ol> <ol><li>Sustainable Young Adult Ministry by Mark DeVries and Scott Pontier</li> </ol> Where do you start?  Most people will tell you relationships, discussion based teaching, and other basic info.  All that is true and important parts, but if you are like me, you want something to "do."   I know I need to be open to young adults, pray for the Holy Spirit to work in young adults, build meaningful relationships with young adults, etc...but what do I "do" to do that?  If I were you, I start with two simple steps: Step One:  Make 5 lists. Yep, get a piece of paper and a pen out and make some lists (OK, turn your laptop since nobody uses pens and paper anymore).  I regularly make some lists when starting a new area of ministry with young adults.  They are simple: List 1:  Who are our young adults? Write down the names of all the young adults currently in your church and/or influence.  Your pastor may need to help you.  The size of your church will impact this list.  If you have a database system your church uses to record attendance, get help from it.  Because of our church size, we narrow it to young adults 17 - 30 and who have attended at least 2 times in the last year.  We annually go through this list.  But it started with a piece of paper and a pen writing down the names of real people we want to minister to and with. List 2:  What is our church doing with young adults now? Don't write "nothing"!  You might be surprised. Start asking questions about what is going on in your church. Look at List 1 and see where YA's are now! I promise you they are there and already active in some place. Are young adults from list one Sunday school teachers for kids? Youth sponsors?  In the choir? Is there a small group for them?  Maybe a class? Do the YA's go out to eat every Sunday after church - do they sit together in the sanctuary? Are they on the Sunday worship team?  My guess is that at least 1 young adult is doing something, somewhere at your church.  This will help you better leverage them and others for future involvement and understand who is involved and who is a leader.  You might have an organic group of YA's already together, you just need to connect with them and mobilize them. List 3:  What do you and your pastor want to see developed? What is your assignment?  Is it growing the church?  Evangelizing young adults in the community? Keeping your current young adults?  Providing fun activities only?  Discipleship only? Starting a Sunday school class? Starting a special service? If the answer to all those questions is a yes!  Then then narrow it down for what you want to accomplish in the first 3 months, first 6 months and then the first year.  Set an agenda for what you both are wanting to do for the kingdom.  When you know your assignment, you'll know the direction to take to fulfill that assignment.  Make sure you and the church leaders are on the same page.  There is nothing worse than achieving your goal - only to find out it was the wrong goal. List 4:  Who is on your team? You'll need several people, especially some young adults from list 1, to join you in launching this ministry.  Young adults need ministered WITH, not necessarily ministered TO.  Get buy in and recruit some young adults and other people to help you do this and do this well.  I'd say get as many as possible on this team.  If possible I like the number 5 (notice the 5 lists!).  Five people is a good size team to manage and lead.  What if we only have 5 young adults to start with....no problem, use the 5 of them as leaders to start your group. List 5: What is going to happen for the next 6 months Take all this and build a game plan.  The President of the United States maps the first 100 days.  Most NFL football teams script the first quarter and even first half of football plays they are going to run. You do the same.  Script what you'll do for the next 6 months at least, and then work your way backwards with planning, recruitment and involvement. Script what is going to happen with young adults every week for the next 6 months. Some weeks you'll have more than others, maybe even no scheduled events or activities, but do something every week to minister to young adults (maybe all you do that week is Facebook every young adult in your church and tell them they matter to you!) If you want to send me any of this to look through and offer my suggestions - not sure they'll be any good, but I'll try. BONUS:  Change the Way You Eat This isn't diet advice, its ministry advice.  Never eat alone if at all possible.  Every Sunday possible have a young adult over to your house for lunch or dinner.  Go out to eat with a young adult.  Go get coffee with them on campus.  I can't think of the last time a week went by and I was not eating with a young adult.

Season 2, Episode 10 | Randy Jumper | 20 Years In YA

Micah Kennealy

In this episode, Josiah Kennealy interviews Micah Kennealy about purity, worth the wait and singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage. "Who is seated on the throne of your heart?"   @MicahKennealy | www.micahkennealy.com | "Worth The Wait: Because I'm Made For You" is the 1 year journal you can go through! 

In this episode, Josiah Kennealy interviews Micah Kennealy about purity, worth the wait and singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage. "Who is seated on the throne of your heart?"  @MicahKennealy | <a href="http://www.micahkennealy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.micahkennealy.com</a> | "Worth The Wait: Because I'm Made For You" is the 1 year journal you can go through!

Episode 11 - Micah Kennealy - Worth The Wait - 

Jerrid Sebesta

Jerrid Sebesta spent 12 years as a TV Meteorologist at KARE11, a long-time powerhouse station in Minneapolis, MN. In 2014, after much contemplation and prayer, Jerrid left his thriving, high-profile career. It was a move that came as a surprise to many people, including some of his family. But, it was apparent to Jerrid that God was leading him in an entirely different direction; out of TV and the big-city, into a much simpler, quieter lifestyle. With a tentative plan to head back to where it all started in Sioux Falls, Jerrid instead found himself jobless and on the brink of an identity crisis. Through a chance phone call from his soon-to-be future boss, Ben Taatjes, Jerrid began the process of finding his true identity and purpose, which has lead to his amazing testimony which he now uses to inspire thousands of people to begin “Livin’ the Dream.” He is the host of Repurposed Podcast on Faith Radio!   Jerrid has been a friend, mentor, and valuable voice in my life over the past few years.

Jerrid Sebesta spent 12 years as a TV Meteorologist at KARE11, a long-time powerhouse station in Minneapolis, MN. In 2014, after much contemplation and prayer, Jerrid left his thriving, high-profile career. It was a move that came as a surprise to many people, including some of his family. But, it was apparent to Jerrid that God was leading him in an entirely different direction; out of TV and the big-city, into a much simpler, quieter lifestyle. With a tentative plan to head back to where it all started in Sioux Falls, Jerrid instead found himself jobless and on the brink of an identity crisis. Through a chance phone call from his soon-to-be future boss, Ben Taatjes, Jerrid began the process of finding his true identity and purpose, which has lead to his amazing testimony which he now uses to inspire thousands of people to begin “Livin’ the Dream.” He is the host of Repurposed Podcast on Faith Radio! Jerrid has been a friend, mentor, and valuable voice in my life over the past few years.

Season 2, Episode 16 | Jerrid Sebesta | Finance & Career Expert

Ken Coleman

We’re joined by special guest Ken Coleman! As an AUTHOR, RADIO HOST, SPEAKER, Ken is the bestselling author of The Proximity Principle and national radio host of The Ken Coleman Show. Pulling from his own personal struggles, missed opportunities and career successes, Coleman helps people discover what they were born to do and provides practical steps to make their dream job a reality. The Ken Coleman Show is a caller-driven career show that helps listeners who are stuck in a job they hate or searching for something more out of their career. On a personal note, Ken is one of my absolute favorite authors and speakers. Micah and I actually met Ken in 2017 – not sure if he remembers but Ken is one of the Ramsey Personalities for Ramsey Solutions and he spoke at an event where we all met and that night we actually won $250 of Dave Ramsey’s money.

We’re joined by special guest Ken Coleman! As an AUTHOR, RADIO HOST, SPEAKER, Ken is the bestselling author of The Proximity Principle and national radio host of The Ken Coleman Show. Pulling from his own personal struggles, missed opportunities and career successes, Coleman helps people discover what they were born to do and provides practical steps to make their dream job a reality. The Ken Coleman Show is a caller-driven career show that helps listeners who are stuck in a job they hate or searching for something more out of their career. On a personal note, Ken is one of my absolute favorite authors and speakers. Micah and I actually met Ken in 2017 – not sure if he remembers but Ken is one of the Ramsey Personalities for Ramsey Solutions and he spoke at an event where we all met and that night we actually won $250 of Dave Ramsey’s money.

Season 2, Episode 15 | Ken Coleman | Proximity Principle 

Griffin Harrel

Today, we’re joined by special guest, Griffin Harrell. Griffin serves as the young adult supervisor at Sandals Church in Riverside, California! Where he helps create spaces for young adults to be real. His role entails planning events as well as investing into the leaders who lead groups for college students and young adults!

Today, we’re joined by special guest, Griffin Harrell. Griffin serves as the young adult supervisor at Sandals Church in Riverside, California! Where he helps create spaces for young adults to be real. His role entails planning events as well as investing into the leaders who lead groups for college students and young adults!

Season 2, Episode 14 | Griffin Harrel | Sandals YA

Alan Pastian

Alan Pastian has had the privilege of being a next generation leader working with youth and young adults exclusively for over 20 years and has absolutely loved it. He discovered a faith in Jesus Christ while in the university setting while attending St Cloud State University and obtaining my degree in Communications/Public Relations.  He pursued his second degree from North Central University where I graduated and began my journey pastoring youth and young adults in the local church.   He has an incredible journey in ministry from serving with Pastor Rob Ketterling and the incredible team at River Valley Church overseeing our multi-site youth ministry for many years developing and strategizing next gen leadership. He also spent time working with Mark Batterson at National Community Church as part of the campus pastor team and continue to value their mentorship and inspiration in my life. Currently I am leading one of our campus locations at River Valley Church, developing more leadership content and inspiring those in our church community to make a difference and live life to the full.  

Alan Pastian has had the privilege of being a next generation leader working with youth and young adults exclusively for over 20 years and has absolutely loved it. He discovered a faith in Jesus Christ while in the university setting while attending St Cloud State University and obtaining my degree in Communications/Public Relations.  He pursued his second degree from North Central University where I graduated and began my journey pastoring youth and young adults in the local church.   He has an incredible journey in ministry from serving with Pastor Rob Ketterling and the incredible team at River Valley Church overseeing our multi-site youth ministry for many years developing and strategizing next gen leadership. He also spent time working with Mark Batterson at National Community Church as part of the campus pastor team and continue to value their mentorship and inspiration in my life. Currently I am leading one of our campus locations at River Valley Church, developing more leadership content and inspiring those in our church community to make a difference and live life to the full.

Season 2, Episode 13 | Alan Pastian | The New Young Christian 

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