Student Ministry Connection

 How do we keep students coming back to our ministry and our programs? What's going to help us open that front door really wide, but close that back door so that they don't escape and never experience the Christian community that we're creating in our student ministries? Well, that's exactly what we're talking about on this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection.  
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Email the podcast at [email protected] 
Join the beta Discord server at https://discord.gg/WXtS7BaGAU 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

How do you grow a youth group? And what does that even mean? On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve digs into what growth should look like and how we can shift our priorities to get there. 
 
It starts by shifting our focus away from program growth to growing students and the Kingdom in these 3 ways:
 
Equipping and empowering students to share their faith and reach their schools, teams, neighborhoods, etc.
Partnering with other local churches/ministries to strategize together, pray together, and support one another.
Creating healthy environments within the community where students can continue to grow and bring their friends to continue growing.
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Get a copy of Gospelize Your Youth Ministry by Greg Stier - https://amzn.to/4fQeBrV 
Email the podcast at [email protected] 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

We had some great guests in 2024, so on this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we highlight some of the best moments from this year, including topics like: youth pastor compensation, empowering teenagers, anxiety, being fired, helping kids enter our student ministry, keeping students attention while teaching, using artificial intelligence, training the next generation, staying connected, preparing students for evangelism, and trying to figure out when to stay or when to go. 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Email the podcast at [email protected] 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

When do you know it’s time to move on from either a specific church or from student ministry altogether? This is a question we’ve all asked at some point, which is why we’re talking about it on this episode of Student Ministry Connection. Todd Pearage joins Steve to discuss some practical things to look for and some solid resources that will help you navigate that question now and in the future. 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Connect with Todd on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage 
Email Todd at [email protected] 
Learn more about Youth Leader Oasis at https://youthleaderoasis.com 
Learn more about Youth Leader Summit at https://www.youthleadersummit.com 
Learn more about Youth Ministry Leader Cohort at https://ymlcohort.com 
Follow the Youth Ministry Leader Cohort on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theymlcohort or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/YMLCohort 
Email the podcast at [email protected] 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

How can we practice the thankful attitude that Paul talks about in Colossians 2 and 3, especially in the middle of busyness, divisiveness, and struggles? On this quick episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares a simple method to remain thankful and shares some of the things he is thankful for, including you. 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Email the podcast at [email protected] 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

Imagine a high school where students are leading their friends to Jesus, where outreach happens in the cafeteria, and the gospel is shared in classrooms across the campus. This isn’t just a dream—it’s happening right now, with over 10,000 students responding to the gospel through student-led events in their schools. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve talks with Andi Custer from Decision Point about how equipping students to share their faith is transforming schools and bringing hope to thousands! 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Learn more about Decision Point at https://decisionpoint.org 
Email Andi at [email protected] 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

If we want to be healthy ministry leaders, there are 3 big connections we need to focus on. First, we have to be pursuing Jesus. And the other 2 connections we need are with a network of other youth leaders and with a ministry coach or mentor. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Dustin Fisher joins Steve to discuss how you can make both of those happen. 
 
Sponsor for this episode of podcast:
G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Email Dustin: [email protected] 
Find or start a local network at http://nnym.org 
Learn more about PACT Ministry at https://pactministry.org
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

How do we stay in student ministry for the long haul? And what would it look like to be at a church for 10, 15, 20, or more years? That’s exactly what Steve talks about with Jeff Glenn on this episode of Student Ministry Connection. Before stepping into his role with National Network of Youth Ministries, he served as youth pastor of a church for over 26 years. 
 
Sponsor for this episode of podcast:
G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Learn more about Jeff's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/jeffglenn 
Email Jeff: [email protected] 
The Heart of a Great Pastor by H.B. London Jr. and Neil  B. Wiseman - https://amzn.to/3AaN1Xj 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
 
Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 
 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
 
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

How do you make every dollar count in student ministry? Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just looking for ways to save, today’s episode is packed with practical tips to help you stretch your resources and still have an impact. On this episode of Student Ministry Connection, we dive into 15 tips on how you can maximize your student ministry budget—no matter how small. 
Sponsor for this episode of podcast:
G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Youth Pastor Compensation Report 2024 - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/compensation-youth-pastor-2024/
Youth Pastor Compensation Survey 2025 - https://www.chemistrystaffing.com/resources/2025-youth-pastor-compensation-survey/
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!  
 

Are you struggling to stretch your budget for student ministry or wondering how to fund that next big event? In this episode of Student Ministry Connection, Steve shares some practical tips to overcome budgeting challenges and offers advice on establishing, managing, and requesting a budget, along with strategies for effective fundraising. Emphasizing the importance of strong relationships with church leadership and financial teams, this episode sets the stage for a two-part series, with a focus on cost-saving strategies in the next installment. 
Sponsor for this episode of podcast:
G Shades - https://gshades.org (Use code CONNECTION to save 10% off your next order). 
Links referenced in this episode: 
Learn more about Steve's ministry with NNYM at http://nnym.org/stevecullum 
Sign up to get Steve's newsletter at https://bit.ly/cullumnewsletter 
Support the ministry by giving online at https://bit.ly/cullumsupport 
Contact Steve about partnerships, speaking, coaching, or consulting at https://bit.ly/cullumcontact 
Read Steve's blog at https://stevecullum.com 
Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevecullum 
Follow Student Ministry Connection on Instagram: https://instagram.com/studentministryconnection 
Be sure to join us in prayer for revival every Wednesday at 11am PT, 12pm MT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET. 
Purchase a copy of Life Through the Lens of the Gospel by Mike Haynes - https://amzn.to/432h2B5 
Get a copy of the Cards Christians Like card game by using the link https://bit.ly/cardschristianslike and also support Student Ministry Connection. 
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. By clicking them, Steve may receive commission to support this ministry. 
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Links to the more popular ones are at https://linktr.ee/studentministryconnection  
If you like what you hear, be sure to like, subscribe, share, and comment! Thanks, be sure to get connected, and may God bless your ministry!