Shows
Third Thursday PodcastGetting The Most Out Of An EventHeading to a conference or event with your students? Don’t just survive it—lead through it.
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we talk about how to get the most out of any ministry event by showing up with intentionality, spiritual awareness, and a leader’s heart.
You’ll learn how to prepare before you ever arrive, how to stay fully present during the experience, and how to debrief well afterward so real transformation can take root.
Whether you’re taking students to a retreat or sh...2025-06-1938 minThird Thursday PodcastCommunity vs. CommunityWe all want community—but are we building the kind God designed?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we break down the key differences between worldly and biblicalcommunity—and why it matters more than you think. You’ll learn how true community is formed, what makes it last, and how to build it with your students and leaders.
Stop aiming for connection. Start aiming for Christ—and watch real community follow.
🎧 Hit play now for a practical, convicting, and hope-filled conversation that will challenge how you lead and l...2025-05-1541 minThird Thursday PodcastHow To Prepare A TalkEver feel stuck when it’s time to prepare a talk for students?
You’ve got a message in your heart—but how do you make sure it actually connects?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben Mcentee and Chris Tweedy break down a clear and practical framework for crafting talks that stick. Whether you’re sharing a devotional, leading a message, or stepping into a classroom or small group, this approach will help you communicate God’s truth with clarity and purpose.
We’ll walk through the “HEY-YOU-LOOK-DO”...2025-04-1738 minThird Thursday PodcastMinistry Beyond the Church WallsYouth group night is awesome—but is that the only way to connect with students?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we dive into why reaching students beyond the walls of the church is more important than ever. We’ll talk about the theological and practical reasons for stepping outside our comfort zones, the power of parachurch partnerships, and simple ways to start building relationships—like just meeting three students and learning their stories.
But let’s be real—this isn’t always easy. What if you don’t have a parachurch partner? How do you eve...2025-03-2045 minThird Thursday PodcastDealing with DiscouragementDiscouragement—it’s real, it’s heavy, and at some point, we all face it. But how do we respond when it creeps in? In this episode of The Third Thursday Podcast, Chris Tweedy and Ben McEntee dig into the brutal roots of discouragement—why it happens and how we can navigate it with faith and resilience.
Whether you’re in a season of discouragement or preparing for the inevitable challenges ahead, this conversation will equip you with wisdom, practical steps, and encouragement to press on. Take time to listen, pray through it, and invite a friend into the c...2025-02-2032 minThird Thursday PodcastDistractions, Disrespect, and Difficult StudentsIn this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy dive into strategies for managing challenging classroom dynamics while fostering a culture of love, respect, and accountability with special guest, Scott Palin. Learn how to lay the foundation by ensuring students feel genuinely cared for, walk through practical steps to set expectations, and handle disruptions effectively.
Join us to explore how humility, consistency, and love can transform your interactions with difficult students. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional recommendations that couldn’t be covered in the show.
If yo...2025-01-1632 minThird Thursday PodcastYear End ResourcesIn this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy share their favorite 2024 resources—Christian books, podcasts, and even secular tools—that have enriched their ministry this year.
Join them as they reflect on the power of intentional learning and being mindful of the content we consume. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional recommendations that couldn’t be covered in the show.
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-12-1927 minThird Thursday PodcastMissions Engagement in Student MinistryIn this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben is joined by Cassandra who serves with Envision (a missions structure of the Alliance) in Indonesia to discuss how youth leaders can integrate missions into student ministry. Cassandra shares advice on helping students discern God’s call to missions, emphasizing the need to ask thoughtful questions and recognize those with a passion for sharing their faith. This episode is packed with insights for youth leaders eager to cultivate a heart for missions in their students.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want...2024-11-2139 minThird Thursday PodcastThe Role of Camp in Student MinistryIn this episode of the Third Thursday podcast, Ben is joined by special guests Alex Hickinbotham from Yellowstone Alliance Adventures and Zach Zirbel from Dickey Lake Bible Camp. Together, they explore the unique strengths of camp ministry, including its ability to engage students and provide focused discipleship, while also discussing the limitations. Discover how camp ministry and church ministries can complement each other for greater Kingdom impact and learn practical steps youth workers can take to leverage their partnerships with camp ministries.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to...2024-10-1742 minThird Thursday PodcastPolicies, Procedures, & Good PracticesLet's face it, you probably didn't imagine hours of administration, policies, and procedures when you signed up to do youth ministry. I mean, we have verbally communicated expectations and our practices, that's enough... right? Join Ben and Harry as they share the 90/10 principle and how important it is that when we communicate and create clear policies and procedures, we will build trust with leaders and parents.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-08-1553 minThird Thursday PodcastFavorite Fun Activities
Yep, summer is going by already, but we have more fun ahead! How do we find the right balance between fun and serious? When does summer youth ministry begin? What might it look like? How do we look beyond summer and develop yearly rhythms and activities throughout the year? Join Ben and Harry as they share some of their ministry experience and top activities for youth ministry.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-07-1845 minThird Thursday PodcastLIFE Conference 2025Ben and Harry have two special guests this month! RMD Assistant Superintendent Chris Tweedy and C&MA National Co-Youth Director Charles Amoh join in to talk about next summer's LIFE Conference. Everything from what is the LIFE Conference to big details, initial pro tips, and how the RMD is helping individuals go is discussed.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-06-2050 minThird Thursday PodcastYouth Graduate, What Now?Ben and Harry start the episode with guest speaker, Julie Hunter, chat through what family ministries look like in her context in Helena, MT, and then work their way through the "What Now?" of youth graduation season.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-05-1646 minThird Thursday PodcastYouth Leader Weekend RecapBen and Harry recap the Youth Leader Weekend at YAA. They share laughs, Uno stories, and how important it is to help your church live on Deuteronomy 6.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-04-2530 minThird Thursday PodcastCurriculum or Hard Pass?Ben and Harry chat through some of the numerous types of curricula to choose from. There are subscription-based curriculums, shorter series that run 4-8 weeks or longer, video series, and more! They share some pros & cons of each, how to discern and choose with wisdom, and then give some points for how to develop one yourself for your youth ministry!
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-03-2134 minThird Thursday PodcastDiscipleship That Sticks (feat. Ken Castor)Special guest, Ken Castor, joins Harry and Ben in a round of get-to-know-you and talking about the upcoming Youth Leader Weekend. Plus a bonus quick round of 3 areas to help youth grow to hold us over until then!
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-02-1543 minThird Thursday PodcastA Look Ahead to 2024Harry and Ben chat about the Third Thursday vision for 22024 with special guest, Chris Tweedy.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2024-01-1818 minThird Thursday PodcastHaving Difficult ConversationsHow do we navigate the turbulent waters of meaningful conversation around volitle topics? Ben and Harry tackle this question and hope to offer some encouragement and guidance on how to have difficult conversations like Jesus did.
Show Notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-12-2141 minThird Thursday PodcastConnecting With Your CommunityWe know the challenge of doing in the trench ministry and how sometimes we forget the call to go outside the building walls. Ben and Harry remind us that we are called to people outside the building and share ways to make a difference as we go about our normal day-to-day.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-11-1628 minThird Thursday PodcastRedefining SuccessWhat defines true success? You can't run a race always looking sideways. Ben and Harry share 4 key points to help you process through redefining it.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-10-1938 minThird Thursday PodcastCreating a Volunteer TeamIt can be challenging to find the right volunteers for the youth ministry without coming across as... desperate. Harry and Ben share 4 key points of how to create a volunteer team.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-09-2144 minThird Thursday PodcastDiscovering Core Values Part 3: How Do You Carry On What You’ve Established?Harry and Ben wrap up their 3-week series on discovering core values. They ask how do to present core values and what do you do with them once you've established them? Ben says that, "Creating core values without living them out is like living with a bazooka without a trigger." So, how do we live them out?
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-08-3126 minThird Thursday PodcastDiscovering Core Values Part 2: How Do You Establish Core Values?Harry and Ben enter into part 2 of their three-episode discussion on core values. We’ve established that core values are important, but how do you identify and establish them? They share three key steps to establish as well as practical tips for establishing them without having a team and as a team.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-08-2437 min
Third Thursday PodcastDiscovering Core Values Part 1: Why Are They Essential?Harry and Ben start a three-episode discussion on core values. What are core values? Why are they essential? They share how core values provide the direction of your ministry, the protection of your yes and no, and clarify what you are about. The reality is that we as youth leaders have a limit on ourselves amidst serving a limitless God.
Show notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-08-1727 min
Third Thursday PodcastPreparing for Fall LaunchSummer’s racing to an end and the back to school season is about to start – how to plan well for re-entry. Harry and Ben ask the question, "How do my fall plans advance our ministry goals and lead our group into the winter and through the school year?"
Show Notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-07-2152 minThird Thursday PodcastGearing Up for Graduations and SummerThe last few weeks with your seniors and an entire summer of no-school-ministry ahead, are you ready?
Show Notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-04-2140 minThird Thursday PodcastThriving in the Winter DoldrumsThe holidays are over, the nights are long, and emotions are low. How do we lead through a season that is often discouraging?
Show Notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2023-01-2018 minThird Thursday PodcastLeading Through the Holiday SeasonHow do we navigate the busyness and opportunities of the holidays and still lead our students well?
Show Notes
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.
2022-10-2126 min