Shows
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 199: "Adolescence" a Roundtable Discussion about the Netflix SeriesThe new Netflix four-part drama series Adolescence has received rave reviews. Here at CPYU we have watched it, and we applaud the way it raises so many of the issues and problems facing teenagers and their families today. If you’ve already watched Adolescence, we encourage you to keep listening, and if you haven’t we recommended taking the time to watch before listening to this episode of our podcast. If you care about kids, the Adolescence mini-series is one we highly recommend, and it’s what we are talking about on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.
2025-04-031h 32
Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH146: Helping Parents Understand Today’s Youth CultureIn this episode of The Longer Haul Youth Ministry Podcast, Jody sits down with Walt Mueller, founder of the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU), to discuss how youth pastors can better understand and respond to today’s rapidly changing youth culture. They explore the unique challenges students face, strategies for equipping parents, and how youth leaders can stay current without compromising biblical faithfulness.
Walt shares insights on balancing relevance with truth, addressing issues like online gambling and social media addiction, and empowering parents to navigate cultural trends with wisdom and discernment. This episode is packed wi...2025-01-2354 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 182: "40 Years of Detention" - What The Breakfast Club Can Teach Us About Youth MinistryOver the course of our years studying youth culture here at CPYU, there are a host of films that have offered us helpful peeks into the adolescent experience. One of the most provocative of those films is 1985’s The Breakfast Club. As the fortieth anniversary of the film is coming up, it’s amazing how well the film still captures the realities of teenage life. Today, I chat with a couple of youth workers about how The Breakfast Club is still very moving, and in many ways timeless, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.
2024-04-301h 19Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 179: Teens, Tech, and Social Media - A Youth Worker RoundtableIt was back in January of 2007 that Apple CEO Steve Jobs spoke prophetic words to the attendees at the Macworld Conference. Jobs famously said, “Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything.” He was talking about the smartphone, a device that has changed just about everything. Stick with us as we have a youth worker roundtable conversation about the latest findings on teens, tech, and social media, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.We begin the podcast with a fun discussion about music. Then CPYU Research Fellows and Youth Workers, Jason Engl...2024-02-201h 34
Youth Culture Today with Walt MuellerYouth Sports and Sunday MorningsOne of our Research Fellows here at CPYU, Dr. Jason Engle, wrote one of our CPYU Parent Prompts on youth sports and church participation. Jason tells us that for families with young athletes, the pressure to participate in travel and club teams continues to intensify, with parents having to make difficult decisions about whether or not their child will participate on a Sunday morning. Jason offers this advice regarding how youth sports can become an idol: Jesus teaches that, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Jesus alone stands as the only worthy object of what our...2023-10-0601 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 163: Announcing The Northeast Youth Ministry SummitSo today, I’ve got great news for youth workers! CPYU has put together a youth ministry training opportunity that we know will encourage and equip you as you look for ways to effectively minister to kids and their families. And I want to invite you to join us for four days in March to hear from sixteen gifted youth ministry trainers in five plenary sessions and your choice of twenty-eight different breakout sessions. Listen in as we introduce the Northeast Youth Ministry Summit and how to bring biblical hope to anxious hearts, on this episode of Youth Culture Ma...2023-01-111h 02
The Bible2School Podcast with MeredithEpisode 51 - The Truth about Marketing with Walt MuellerEpisode 51 - The Truth about Marketing with Walt Mueller
The world of marketing is one of the most powerful life shapers out there, and it's targeted at our kids! Its greatest power is not to sell a product, but to sell a worldview. Walt brings us the truth about this and emphasizes the importance of starting conversations with the kids in our lives - teaching them to think critically and Christianly about what they are viewing.
Ready to hear how you can listen to both God's word and our culture? Let's go....
DR...2022-07-2630 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 149: "Spiritual Growth at Summer Camp" with Greg Anderson and Nate ParksWith summer fast approaching, many parents and youth workers are considering which summer activity options are the best ways to promote spiritual growth in children and teens. I believe one of the most valuable experiences we can give to our kids is time away from normal life and a chance to unplug and power down. Perhaps the perfect place to see this happen is at a Christian camp. Here at CPYU we are so excited about the benefits of Christian camping that today, we talk with two long-time camp directors, Greg Anderson and Nate Parks, on this episode, of...2022-04-061h 07Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 136: "A Student's Guide to Navigating Culture"Way back in 1678, John Bunyan wrote the classic book, The Pilgrim’s Progress. The allegory brings to life the difficulties followers of Jesus face in navigating the challenges of living to God’s glory in this broken world. Even though the story is almost three hundred and fifty years old, Bunyan’s young protagonist, Christian, is not unlike our children and teens today. How can we equip our children and teens to navigate the unique set of pressures, dilemmas, challenges, choices, and expectations they face in today’s youth culture? Are there ways to facilitate the development of Christian wisdom a...2021-09-091h 06Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 129 - Introducing the Word in Youth Ministry podcast!The great theologian J.I. Packer once said, “If I were the devil, one of my first aims would be to stop folk from digging into the Bible. How? Well, I would try to distract all clergy from preaching and teaching the Bible?” As I read Packer’s words, I got to thinking about youth workers. Our primary calling is to lead kids to faithfully follow Jesus, a task that requires us first and foremost to know and teach the Bible. Sadly, the rising tide of biblical illiteracy and spiritual wandering among our kids is evidence that we should be doi...2021-05-101h 05Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 119: "Encouragement for Bi-Vocational Youth Leaders" with Jordan MartinWhen I was engaged in full-time local church youth ministry, it was obvious to me that my greatest youth ministry asset was my volunteers. They were nothing short of awesome. One of the mistakes we make in today’s youth ministry world is believing that the best youth workers are those who do it full-time with large budgets and lots of kids. That’s just not true. Here at CPYU, we believe that part-time youth workers, volunteers, and bi-vocational youth workers are essential and effective. That’s why we’re focusing today’s conversation on answering some of the unique you...2020-12-011h 14Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 116: "Girls Over The Brink?" with Dr. Leonard SaxRecent research tells us that about half of our eleven to twenty-one year old girls regularly alter their photos to enhance their appearance online in order to find acceptance. Researchers also tell us that our girls are much more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their male peers. What are cultural forces that are shaping and even mis-shaping girls in today’s world? Why are more and more of our girls struggling to figure out who they are and how to live in the world? And what can parents and youth workers do to guide girls through the ea...2020-10-191h 05Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 113: "A Look Back at Episode 50 with Tony Souder"Welcome to Youth Culture Matters, a podcast from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. We’re taking a short break from recording new episodes, so for the next few weeks of summer we’ll be highlighting episodes from our archive. Today's episode is a discussion about intergenerational prayer and the "Pray For Me" campaign. Listen in to a replay of Episode 50: "Intergenerational Ministry Through Prayer" with Tony Souder. The original episode has been edited to begin today's version at the onset of our interview with Tony. The full episode was originally released on December 22, 2017.
2020-08-2442 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 112: "A Look Back at Episode 29 with Scotty Smith"Welcome to Youth Culture Matters, a podcast from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. We’re taking a short break from recording new episodes, so for the next few weeks of summer we’ll be highlighting episodes from our archive. Today's episode is an encouraging conversation with Pastor Scotty Smith. Listen in to a replay of Episode 29: "Prayer, God's Story, and Preaching the Gospel to Yourself" with Scotty Smith. The original episode has been edited to begin today's version at the onset of our interview with Scotty. The full episode was originally released on February 1, 2017.
2020-08-1255 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 111: "A Look Back at Episode 13 with Dr. Virginia Ward"Welcome to Youth Culture Matters, a podcast from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. We’re taking a short break from recording new episodes, so for the next few weeks of summer we’ll be highlighting episodes from our archive. Today's episode is a look back at a discussion with Dr. Virginia Ward on the topic of racial inequality and youth ministry. Listen in to a replay of Episode 13: "Race, Youth Ministry, and The Church" with Dr. Virginia Ward. This episode was originally released on July 14, 2016.
2020-08-041h 01Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 110: "A Look Back at Episode 24 with James K. A. Smith"Welcome to Youth Culture Matters, a podcast from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. We’re taking a short break from recording new episodes, so for the next few weeks of summer we’ll be highlighting episodes from our archive. Today’s episode begins with some fun banter about baseball, appropriate with the 2020 season about to get underway, and concludes with a very helpful conversation with James K. A. Smith and his book You Are What You Love. Listen in to a replay of Episode 24: “Liturgies, Our Loves and our Habits” with James K. A. Smith. This episode was originally...2020-07-231h 20Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 109: "Suicide Prevention" with Karen MasonEarlier this week I read this short and gut-wrenching Facebook post from a friend: Today she would have turned 20. All that we wonder and all the ache that we feel melding into one vast teardrop. It’s saltiness stinging the souls and staining the pages of the lives of those she left behind. My friends teenage daughter took her own life a few years ago. I’ve been reminded as well that life in our tumultuous and uncertain times is contributing to a rise in the suicide rate. I want to invite you to listen in on a timely conv...2020-07-011h 00Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 108: "Online Higher Education" with Duffy Robbins and 3 Grove City College StudentsI wonder how history will remember the first half of 2020? We would all agree that so far, one of the biggest stories centers on the Coronavirus pandemic, and our culture’s efforts to reckon major changes to everyday life. One aspect of our retreat from physical presence has been a movement into engaging with others in digital space, for everything from church, to government meetings, to business appointments, to medical check-ups, to education. Today, we want to look at the impact of the coronavirus on education and learning. What is the good, the bad, and ugly when it comes to...2020-06-101h 01Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 107: "What Will College Look Like in the Fall?" with Geneva College LeadershipIf all goes as planned, our nation should continue to open up over the coming weeks and months. We’ve been removed from being physically present at our jobs, our schools, our churches, and our familiar social settings. We all are longing to return to a more normal coronavirus-free life. One big question mark remains regarding schooling when the summer is over and the fall begins, particularly for incoming college freshman and other returning college students. In an effort to gain some sense of what we need to be prepared for regarding higher education, we chat with the president of...2020-06-021h 01Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 106: "A Post-Pandemic Theology of Youth Ministry" with Mike McGarryI’m guessing that for all of us, these last few weeks have been filled with the hopeful expectation that we will soon be coming out of our quarantines and getting back to life as normal. For those of us in youth ministry, we can’t wait to once again meet face to face with our kids. As we get ready to head back, we can’t forget the many lessons we’ve learned about ourselves and our ministries during the pandemic. When we return to ministry, perhaps there are old ministry elements we should jettison, and new ministry strategi...2020-05-191h 12Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 105: "Is Youth Ministry Programming Dead?" A Roundtable Discussion With Youth WorkersWe’re all looking forward to the day when the stay at home order is lifted and the country is opened again. The Coronavirus pandemic has changed everything in our lives, including the way that we do youth ministry. As the pandemic has unfolded, more and more youth workers are dialoguing on what youth ministry will look like when this is all over. What changes should we make? And what changes should we avoid? Hopefully, our adjustments will reflect an increased focus on teaching the Bible and deep discipleship, while getting rid of ministry add-ons that really don’t matt...2020-05-071h 13Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 104: "Pornography Use During the Pandemic" with Michael CusickThe Coronavirus quarantine has changed just about everything in our lives. That’s certainly true for our kids as well. While they have already been spending several hours a day engaged with their smartphones, the stay-at-home order and school shut-downs have given them more time to fill with their eyes on their screens. One of the dangers is that this gives them more time to find pornography, and more time for pornography to find them. What can parents do to engage in constructive conversations about God’s design for His good gift of sexuality, and the dangers of pornography’s expr...2020-04-2753 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 103: "Living in the Shadow of our Mortality" with Carl TruemanOver the years I’ve learned that difficulty and suffering serve us in positive ways when they peel away the layers of distraction that keep us from thinking about the things that really matter. Suffering and difficulty are great teachers. Dr. Carl Trueman believes that our current pandemic is doing us a favor by offering us a window into realizing that very few of us have been prepared well to face our own mortality. How can families, youth groups, and churches equip young and old alike to grapple with that gnawing inevitable reality that we all work so hard to...2020-04-201h 07Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 102: "Mental Health for Families in Our Current Crisis" with Julie LoweAs we navigate the unfolding realities of the COVID-19 epidemic, many are raising legitimate concerns about how well our kids and their families are dealing with the associated fears and anxieties. Mental health experts are developing models regarding mental health curves once this crisis is over. Youth workers and parents are called and positioned to work together to guide kids through this crisis with knowledge of the truths of the Gospel and the hope that is ours in Christ. Join us as we chat with counselor Julie Lowe, about seizing this opportunity to lead our kids to mental and...2020-04-021h 04Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 101: "Turning to Christ with our Anxiety" with Ed WelchAll of us find ourselves navigating some difficult and trying times. The current global health crisis has led to lots of soul-searching as we think about an uncertain future. No doubt, our anxiety levels are high. For the Christian, understanding and handling anxiety has to happen from the perspective of the biblical narrative as opposed to the cultural narrative. Youth worker and parents have been given unprecedented opportunity to address anxiety with our children and teens. After all, they’re worried. Dr. Ed Welch is a valuable resource to us all as we think about and address anxiety from a...2020-03-2454 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 100: “What Should I Do Now? Youth Ministry in A Coronavirus World”We would agree that the past few weeks have been like none we’ve ever experienced before. The Coronavirus pandemic is changing everything about how we live. And while the coronavirus is a problem, it has also created huge youth ministry opportunities that we can’t miss. The fact that our kids are living in fear, anxiety, and uncertainty means that we have an unprecedented opportunity to point them to the grace, mercy, and peace of our burden-bearing Savior, Jesus Christ. Stick with us as I engage in a timely and practical discussion with a group of very thoughtful yout...2020-03-191h 18Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 99: "Responsible Teaching of The Bible" with Matt KimAs youth workers, it is our high calling and high privilege to teach, speak, and preach God’s word to our students. With the Psalmist, we know that God’s Word is a lamp for the feet of our students and a light on their path as they navigate a difficult and confusing world. As teachers, speakers, and preachers who share God’s word from up front, in small groups, and in our one on one conversations with kids, we need to be responsible in the way we handle and communicate the bible. What practices are necessary to good prepar...2020-03-0552 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 98: "No Phones For A Week" with Donna FreitasWhether you find yourself out in public, or in the privacy of your own home, chances are that when you are in the presence of others, many of them have their eyes focused on their smartphone screens. Our lives are so focused on our phones that we are seeing the breakdown of relationships, attention spans, and critical thinking. What would happen if we locked our phones away for an entire week? College professor Donna Freitas recently conducted an experiment where she had her students untether for seven days. Join us for a lively and eye-opening conversation with Donna about...2020-02-1852 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 97: "Stop Letting Your Kids Make The Call" with Dr. Leonard SaxThese days, I’m hearing fewer and fewer pastors, school-teachers, and youth workers praising parents for doing a great job with their kids. And more and more I’m reading research that laments the loss of absolutes, the lack of discipline, and increase in entitlement, and the decline in mental health among our children and teens. One of the clear causal factors feeding these trends is a decline in effective parenting. But there is hope. Christian parents can break out of the cultural flow and reassert their authority in ways that will lead kids to healthy spiritual, physical, and emot...2020-01-281h 05Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 96: "Seizing the Day, Generationalism and More" with Os GuinnessKids and adults alike have been hammered with the idea that we are to seize the day. Sadly, how we understand and live out carpe diem is that we live in the moment, with little regard for the past and not much thought at all about the future. Our homes and youth ministries should be places where this notion is challenged, as we endeavor to become and to raise people who live in the now in light of our future eternal hope, while treasuring the rich spiritual history of the past. One of the greatest Christian thinkers and cultural...2020-01-1432 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 95: "Your Sexuality Is Not Who You Are" with Christopher YuanBecause all of us have been created by God and given the good gift of our gender and sexuality, we all live out what can be called our personal sex story. How we choose to live out our gender and sexuality hinges on what larger narrative we choose for our lives. In today’s world, the culture tells us that we should live within a narrative focused on self-fulfillment and individual choice. But the creator of sex invites us to find true freedom in the story He has written for us. Christopher Yuan calls this Holy Sexuality. Join us as...2019-12-241h 13Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 94: "Building Resilient Disciples" with Mark MatlockIf there’s been a rising chorus of lament over young people in the church, it’s been the rate at which young people are graduating from high school and leaving the church. For several years now, research projects have identified this post high school exodus as a growing concern. But in their recently released book, David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock share research that helps us understand why those who stay, decide to stay. What are the youth ministry practices that build resilient disciples of Jesus Christ? What can we do to turn tide on this discouraging trend? We’ll tal...2019-12-111h 06Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 93: "Christian Teens and Sexual Practices" with David AyersIf there’s one thing I’ve learned about Christian parents and youth workers over the years, it’s that they want the best for their kids. One area where many of us have struggled to teach God’s best is in the area of God’s grand and glorious gift of sex and sexuality. That struggle has played out in the church in a variety of ways, including the fact that for our evangelical teens and young adults, sex outside of marriage has become increasingly morally acceptable. What is the extent of premarital sexual activity among our unmarried young peop...2019-11-2154 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 92: "Recovering a Proper Understanding of Work" with Luke BoboDo you remember the old 1981 song from the band Loverboy? "Everybody’s working for the weekend" is how the familiar chorus goes. If you think about it, that chorus really captures how we’ve come to think about and engage in work. In today’s world, work is functionally seen as drudgery, or even as an unpleasant activity that’s necessary for no other purpose than to fund our leisure activities. But that is not what work is intended to be. In the larger Grand Story of the bible, our work matters. And if we fail to understand and teach a...2019-11-0750 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 91: "Concussions and Youth Sports" with Tyler Maland and Sheila MuellerIf you’ve been watching NFL games this fall, you’ve no doubt noticed the amount of attention being paid to hits on defenseless players, helmet-to-helmet tackles, and dangerous blows to the head. It seems like a growing number of fines and suspensions are being dished out. This is all part of our growing knowledge regarding the dangers of sub-concussive impacts and concussions. Thanks to the work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, awareness is growing regarding our need to reduce blows to the head, particularly at the level of youth sports. In fact, the Concussion Legacy Foundation recently released a PS...2019-10-2254 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 90: "Radical Forgiveness" with Jonas Beiler and Joel KimeIn recent weeks, the news cycle has been filled with conversations about forgiveness. These conversations were started when the 18 year old brother of Botham Jean forgave the woman who killed his brother, convicted policewoman Amber Guyger and embraced her in the courtroom. What is forgiveness? And how and when should we forgive? Here in our local community, we continually see and hear stories of how our Amish neighbors choose and keep choosing to forgive. There’s much that we can learn from our Amish brothers and sisters that we need to be embracing in our own lives, and teaching ou...2019-10-1158 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 89: "Beyond 7-11 Songs: Raising the Bar on Youth Group Worship"If you attended church this week, you no doubt sang. If you are running a youth group, you most likely get your students singing. And maybe your time at home or in the car is time spent listening to what is called worship music. In recent years, there have been mounting debates about what music is the best worship music. Are the new songs too shallow? Are the old hymns irrelevant and out of date? Does music teach and us and form us as followers of Christ? Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of music, along...2019-09-271h 11Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 88: What Youth Culture Did On Summer VacationThe summer of 2019 has come to an end. If you’re like most, you were able to take some time off and enjoy a vacation. But youth culture didn’t take a break over the summer. What are some of the summer youth culture trends we should be aware of, track , and respond to? Do any of these developments offer us insights into our kids, what they believe, and how they behave? Stick with us as we look at what youth culture did over summer vacation, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.
2019-09-111h 06Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 87: "Navigating LGBTQ Issues" with Rosaria ButterfieldWhen it comes to our calling to love God and love neighbor, one of the most heated discussions taking place in the culture at large and in the church these days is how to fulfill this calling in response to the LGBTQ issue. If you’re like me, you wonder about how to navigate these unfolding realities in our homes, our youth groups, and our relationships. And, as with all issues, we run the risk of listening more to the Spirit of the times than we listen to the Word of God. What does it mean to remain faithful to...2019-08-011h 02Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 86: "Self Promotion in Youth Ministry" with Mark Matlock and Derry PrenkertSince the advent of YouTube, I’ve met several teenagers who are engaging in self-promotion in order to develop their celebrity-presence and build a growing following. In recent months, there’s been growing conversation about the potential pitfalls related to pastors and youth workers who self-promote and pursue celebrity status. What is self-promotion and is it something that a Christian leader should pursue? Does self-promotion derail us from the pursuit of practices that are good, true, right, and honorable? And how does pride play into our tendency to seek the stage and spotlight in order to build a following? We’l...2019-07-121h 13Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 85: "Designing Our Youth Rooms with Intentionality" with Bill McAlpineWhen was the last time that you pondered, if ever, the architecture and layout of your church building or youth room? And, does architecture and layout even matter? Should our spaces be purely utilitarian in nature? Or, should they serve an even greater purpose? Winston Churchill once said, “First we shape our buildings, and then our buildings shape us.” The fact is that space does speak. And space can shape us in ways that lead to our spiritual flourishing, or space can undermine our spiritual growth and development. Dr. Bill McAlpine has studied and written on the power of sacr...2019-06-181h 08Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 84: "Insecurity" with John PerrittInsecurity is a painful reality that all human beings struggle with. In today’s social media saturated world, the ever-present insecurities gnawing away at our teens are amplified. According to author and youth worker John Perritt, there is a healthy and greater fear that can drown out this lesser fear that we call insecurity. It is by living in the fear of the Lord that insecurity can be defeated. In fact, the pain of our insecurities is there to point us to Jesus. We’ll be talking with John Perritt about his new book, Insecure: Fighting our Lesser Fears with...2019-05-301h 00Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 83: "Understanding Transgender in a Changing Culture" with Peter LynasIt wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the term Transgender was first coined and used. In today’s world, the word sits front and center on our collective cultural consciousness as more and more people are referring to themselves as transgender, and as transgender activism intensifies. The reality is, more and more gender dysphoric kids are showing up in our youth groups. For those of us doing ministry in the church, we should be thinking about how to minister with grace, truth, and compassion to those who identify as transgender. Peter Lynas is approaching the issu...2019-05-1351 minYouth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 82: "Girls, Worldviews, and Contradictions" with Heather ZeigerIn her book, American Girls, Nancy Jo Sales writes these sobering words regarding what it’s like to grow up as a girl in today’s youth culture: “The constant seeking of likes and attention on social media seems for many girls to feel like being a contestant in a never-ending beauty pageant in which they forever performing to be please the judges.” Navigating life in our appearance-obsessed world is dangerous business for girls and boys, young and old alike. What are the messages our girls are hearing regarding their identity? How do these messages undermine their flourishing? And what can...2019-05-021h 07Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 81: "Where Have All The Good Men Gone?" with Chris WalkerWhere have all the good men gone? We’re hearing more and more young women lament the lack of mature Godly men. One says, “The guys I dated were more like the kids I babysat than the dads who drove me home.” Research and observation increasingly point to the fact that it is taking longer and longer for our boys to mature into responsible, Godly manhood. What are the factors that contribute to this reality? Are our current youth ministry and parenting strategies working to remedy the situation? And what can we do in our churches and homes to help p...2019-04-181h 19
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 80: "Millennials, Evangelism and Faith Formation" with David KinnamanA recent headline from the Barna Group reads, “Almost half of practicing Christian millennials say evangelism is wrong.” The Barna group has been conducting research on the faith-sharing experiences and expectations of Christians and non-Christians alike. And it seems that many millennials now believe that it’s wrong to share their faith. Join us as we dig into the data, talk through the implications, and think forward about the implications for the church, as we talk with Barna’s David Kinnaman, on this episode of youth culture matters.
2019-03-2549 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 79: "Life, Sexuality, and a Christian Worldview" with Nancy PearceyIf you’re active on social media, you know that not a day goes by without someone posting an article or news story which sparks sometimes heated disagreement and discussion over one of the many issues related to life and sexuality. Discussions center on topics like abortion, euthanasia, gender, and marriage. The reality is that even in the church disagreements and divides are on the rise. How can we build a strong biblical foundation that serves us well as we seek to respond according to a Christian world and life view? Do world views even matter? And what’s at s...2019-03-071h 05
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 78: "Changing Youth Sports" with Brandon DayOur youth sports culture is broken. That was the headline for a recent op-ed piece in the Port Huron Michigan Times Herald. Written by a highly-respected high school wrestling coach, the article has gone viral, drawing accolades from educators, coaches, parents, and youth workers. Even though we all live in this sports-worshiping North American culture, we are seeing clear signs that our obsessions and pushiness are not serving kids, families, communities, and the culture at large well at all. What damage are we doing to our kids as they get involved in youth sports? And what can we do...2019-02-2152 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 77: "Engaging Disability in Youth Ministry and Beyond" with Ashley BelknapThe Scriptures tell us with great clarity that all human beings have been made by God, in the image of God, and for a relationship with God. But the reality of life in our post-fall world has left everything broken, including all human beings. This brokenness touches us all deeply, but in a variety of different ways. This includes the many types of physical and cognitive disabilities in our world. This means that our churches and youth groups must be places sensitive to the unique needs of those among us who are disabled. How can we best minister to...2019-02-061h 12
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 76: "Evangelism - Gospelizing Your Youth Ministry" with Greg StierBefore he ascended into heaven, Jesus issued what is now known as the Great Commission. He commanded his followers in all times and all places to go into the world and make disciples. That task follows our efforts to communicate the good news of the Gospel. Do our youth ministry efforts reflect a commitment to obedience to this command of Christ? What does it mean to do evangelism and discipleship with the emerging generations? How can we fuel our passions and abilities at evangelism and discipleship? We’ll talk about these issues and more with our friend, Dare 2 Share’s Gr...2019-01-2556 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 75: "Stressed Out" a Conversation about Anxiety with Walt MuellerFour years ago, the band Twenty-One Pilots released a hit song focusing on the pressures of adulthood and a yearning to return back to the relatively easy years of childhood. Title Stressed Out, the song went to number one on the mainstream music charts. But judging from what we’re hearing from researchers, parents, youth workers, educators, and kids themselves, stress and anxiety is increasingly common among our children and teens. What is anxiety? How is it manifesting itself in the lives of our kids? What are its causes? And how does the Gospel speak to this new epidemic of...2019-01-1559 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 74: "Scripture and Popular Music" with Steve TurnerPlato once said that “music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” While you might argue with the particulars of Plato’s words, you have to agree that music has power. And there’s no question that Scripture has influenced music since the first ever song was penned. Poet, author, and rock music critic Steve Turner knows this to be the case. And in his new book, “Turn, Turn Turn: Popular Songs and Music Inspired By The Bible,” Steve Turner takes an in-depth look at the lyrics and cultural con...2019-01-041h 04
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 73: "Eighth Grade" Film: A Youthworker Round Table DiscussionEvery now and then, a film comes along that offers a helpful, realistic, and compelling peek into the world of contemporary adolescence. The recent film, Eighth Grade, is a movie follows the last week of middle school before thirteen-year-old Kayla graduates and moves on to high school. It’s a good one that covers all kinds of issues including identity, family, social media, friendships, and sexuality. We recently sat with a group of youth workers to view and discuss the film. Does Eighth Grade accurately capture what its like to be a kid in today’s world? Are there issu...2018-12-181h 03
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 72: "Why Youth Stay in Church When They Grow Up" with Jon NielsonOver the course of the last few years, youth workers and parents have been increasingly lamenting the exodus of kids from the church once they graduate from high school and launch into the next phase of life. A growing volume of research is offering ideas on why this is happening, and solutions designed to reverse this trend. Why is it that our kids are leaving the church in droves after they grow up? Have we come to a clear understanding of the reasons? And what steps can we take to prepare kids for a lifetime of spiritual growth and...2018-11-2848 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 71: "Navigating Advertising and Marketing" with Walt MuellerWe live in a marketing saturated world. When we engage with an average of 4,000 to 10,000 marketing messages a day, we become unaware of both the presence of marketing in our lives, and the power of marketing to shape our beliefs and behaviors. And for our vulnerable kids who are in the midst of growth and change, marketing is an especially powerful force. What would it look like to disciple our kids into thinking consciously, critically and Christianly about the thousands of marketing messages they encounter over the course of a day? Can we shape the way they engage with...2018-11-1546 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 70: "Loving Kids Well in our #metoo Culture" with Marv PennerYouth ministry has always needed to adapt and adjust to changes in the mainstream culture. With the advent of the metoo movement and our growing knowledge of the nature and extent of sexual abuse, youth workers must be thinking about how to best engage with students in ways that lead to healthy relationship building. Is it ever proper to give a student a hug? What about car rides, lunches, or having one-on-one meetings with kids? What are the borders and boundaries we need to enlist to insure that none of us or our volunteers cross lines that would thrill...2018-11-021h 17
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 69: "Hope" with Cameron and Lauren ColeThomas Chisholm wrote the classic hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness, as a testimony to God’s enduring love. The hymn calls to mind the words of the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations 3: "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” How does one have hope like this? And how can pa...2018-10-241h 00
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 68: "Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria" with Walt Mueller and Jason SoucinekIt seems that you can’t watch the news or go online these days without encountering stories related to matters of gender and sexual identity. The conversations on these matters are progressing into unmarked territory that can leave parents and youth workers confused, and even paralyzed in terms of how to respond. In recent weeks, a new study has emerged that has opened the door for conversations about what’s being called rapid onset gender dysphoria that’s becoming more and more prevalent in the teen population. We’ll be talking about our need for knowledge, careful posturing, and a distin...2018-10-041h 22
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 67: "Effective Ministry Planning" with Erickson, Kauffman, Trunfio, and YiSummer’s over and a new youth ministry season is here. If you’re a youth worker, your youth group schedule is ramping up and you’ve no doubt been planning. . . or should be planning. . . your teaching and ministry schedule for the coming school year. So let me ask you, have you done your youth ministry planning? What goals, objectives, and priorities have guided your planning? What do you hope to see happen in the lives of your students and their families this year? Effective ministry requires a combination of faithful prayer and careful planning. Stick with us as we tal...2018-09-111h 15Youth Ministry for the Longer Haul PodcastTLH072: Be Soberly RemindedOver the years we've heard people say that we're only one bad decision away from disqualifying ourselves from ministry. Over and over again throughout the years we've heard of friends and peers have to quit serving in the church because of immoral decisions they've made.
We admit that this podcast topic is not as fun as a podcast episode on the latest and greatest games, but this one is good reminder for all of us serving in ministry to be alert and stay on guard.
Walt Mueller has been working with teenagers, equipping parents and leading youth pastors for long...2018-08-301h 16
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 66: "Youth, Sports, and Ministry" with John PerrittIt’s that time of year when the fall sports season is heating up, everywhere from the pre-school soccer fields to the NFL gridiron. Our sports-obsessed culture will be in full gear as we do everything from playing to spectating. If all of a Christian’s life is to be an act of worship, how can we engage in our playing, sports-parenting, and spectating to the glory of God? How do we push back on a culture that encourages us to idolize sport, winning, and sports stars? And how can we shift our priorities so that youth sports don’t ecli...2018-08-171h 16
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 65: "Teaching Daughters About Sex and Sexuality" with Tim GeigerWhat did you learn about sex and how did you learn about it when you were growing up? Christian parents, with assistance from youth leaders and the church, are given the responsibility to bring up their children in the nurture and instruction of the Lord. This includes talking about God’s order and design for sexuality.
And because we live in a hyper-sexualized world that’s providing its own narrative on gender and sexuality, taking on this responsibility to instruct our kids about God’s design is non-negotiable. It’s especially important that we correct the erroneous narrative the cult...2018-08-0258 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 64: "Suffering" with Dave RipperSomewhere along the way, many of us came to believe that if you are a follower of Jesus, you are promised a happy and carefree life. But when you read the Scriptures, you see that to follow Jesus means that you are also called to take up your cross. For most of us, it doesn’t take long to figure out that living life in a broken and fallen world means that you will encounter suffering and hardship. And, for the Christian living in this broken world, the Scriptures tell us to be prepared for additional difficulty and persecution be...2018-07-201h 12
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 63: "Youth Ministry Networking" with Travis DeansThe poet John Donne once wrote that “no man is an island.” Donne was stating a basic truth about life. . . that is that human beings tend to do things not so well when we are isolated from others. We need community to thrive. That’s certainly what the Scriptures teach from Genesis to Revelation. If we’re in youth ministry, community is vital to our flourishing both personally and in ministry. Youth workers who have run the youth ministry race effectively for a long time are always networked and working with other youth workers. While we’ve encountered countless effective...2018-07-061h 01
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 62: "Disordered Eating" with Susie Broms, Nick Mance, and Julie LoweI was a twenty-one year-old college student when I first heard the term anorexia nervosa. I scratched my head for a moment, and then asked, “What’s that?” Yes, eating disorders and disordered eating were present in our culture forty years ago. But they were largely unknown and misunderstood. Today, the pressure to be thin and perfect is an ever-present part of our lives. Consequently, virtually all of our young middle school students are familiar with the names of these eating disorders. Many struggle with disordered eating themselves. As people who care for and love kids, what do we need t...2018-06-181h 08
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 61: "'13 Reasons Why' Season 2" A Round Table DiscussionOne of the most controversial and often discussed Netflix series of all time is 13 Reasons Why. When season 2 of the series was released two weeks ago, our curious kids began binge-watching, just like they did last year with the release of season 1. Because of the shows controversial content and concerns about the influence on children and teens, 13 Reasons Why has been a hot topic for discussion and even disagreement among parents, counselors, teachers, youth workers, and media critics. Should we be watching 13 Reasons Why? How about our kids? Should we be letting them watch the show? What are the...2018-05-311h 18
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 60: "Sacrificing Truth on the Altar of Relevance?" with Duffy Robbins and Marv PennerWith the culture changing at breakneck speed, we need to know the culture so that we can contextualize the unchanging Good news of the Gospel in ways that can be heard by a changing world. As a result, we talk a lot about the need for relevance in our churches and youth ministries. Is it possible that our commitment to relevance can lead us to focus too much on forms, with the result that we forfeit our knowledge of the Gospel? And, can we become so committed to relevance that we find ourselves falling into theological compromise and relativism...2018-05-141h 00
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 59: "U2 and the Preach Jockey" with Steve StockmanYou can argue that if there is one band that’s been significant and enduring over the last thirty-plus years, it would be Ireland’s U2. Their story, their music, and their message has vaulted them to this place, making them one of the most beloved rock and roll bands of all time. What is it about U2 that makes them so provocative and compelling? How has the Christian faith played into the ethos of the band? And how should we be interpreting and processing the band’s music? Belfast native, pastor, and music critic Steve Stockman has written about...2018-05-031h 04
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 58: "Posture, Theology, Sexuality and The Church" with Preston SprinkleOne way our culture has changed is the growing openness to new beliefs and behaviors related to sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender. Because we minister and parent on this changing landscape, we find ourselves engaged in all kinds of conversations with young people who express different beliefs and practices. As Christians work to be faithful to the Scriptures, we will encounter a variety of interpretations of the passages dealing with sex, sexuality and gender. How are we to look at and interpret these passages? What should we believe regarding God's order and design? And what posture should we assume...2018-04-1050 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 57: "Deep Youth Ministry" with Cameron Cole, Mike McGarry, and Kevin YiResearch and experience point way too often to the fact that our youth ministries and churches are failing at equipping kids to leave our youth groups with a deep, significant, and lasting faith. Too many kids graduate from high school and into the next phase of life seemingly pushing the pause or stop button on their Christian faith. Consequently, they aren’t ready to faithfully navigate the difficulties they are bound to face in life. How can we begin to take kids deeper into the Gospel? What are the steps we can take to promote spiritual maturity in our st...2018-03-291h 20
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 56: "The Benefits and Blessings of Christian Camping" with Rob Ribbe, Greg Anderson, and Andy NeedhamAs parents and youth workers, we are eager to see our kids come to faith in Christ, and to grow in maturity in Christ. Research and experience are pointing to the fact that some of the greatest strides kids make in their faith happen in the camp setting. What happens to kids when they go to a Christian camp? How has Christian camping changed over the course of the last few years? And what can parents and youth workers do to encourage a positive camping experience that yields real life change in the kids they know and love? With...2018-03-201h 12
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 55: "Mentoring The Next Generations of Youth Workers" with Marv Penner, Sid Koop and Sarah StanleyWhen youth workers ask me about the qualities they should seek to develop in their lives and ministries, there are three that I’m always sure to mention: humility, teachability, and cooperation. Pride kills ministry. Without a determination to learn we get horribly stale. And if we aren’t working with others we forfeit the great benefits of ministering together as part of the body of Christ. How can we intentionally position ourselves to serve Christ, kids, and families most effectively? What does it look like to be a part of a ministry team where all generations learn from each...2018-03-071h 07
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 54: "A Fifty Shades Conversation" with Jodi Chung and Jessica GreaserWhenever Valentine’s Day rolls around our culture is prompted to think about romance, love, and sex. It’s no fluke that the latest installment in the Fifty Shades of Gray film series was released just a few days before Valentines Day. As followers of the one who created romance, love, and sex, we need to follow Christ by understanding and experiencing romance, love and sex in ways that bring honor and glory to God, rather than in ways that are broken and sinful expressions of sex and sexuality. This means that we have to consciously guide our kids thro...2018-02-141h 09
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 53: "Suicide Intervention" with Dr. Marv PennerWe don’t like to talk about it, but we must. The spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of our kids hangs in the balance. That’s why we need to be thinking about and strategizing for how to best push back and minister to kids in the midst of the growing epidemic of teen suicide. What are the signs? What are the myths? How can youth workers and parents intervene in a moment of crisis? Join us for a practical and hope-filled conversation with Dr. Marv Penner about teens and suicide, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.
2018-02-091h 04
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 52: "A Youth Ministry Conversation" with Walt Mueller, Duffy Robbins, Marv Penner, and Chap ClarkOver the course of Walt Mueller's years of youth ministry, he's developed some wonderful friendships with a variety of youth ministry peers. Some of the most significant relationships have resulted in sometimes fun, sometimes serious, and always profitable conversation about their personal lives and ministry matters. They don't always agree, but they always work to sharpen one another. All of us need these kind of relationships where iron sharpens iron as we love each other and serve together. We invite you to listen in on one of these conversations among youth ministry friends, Walt Mueller, Duffy Robbins, Marv Penner...2018-01-231h 19
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 51: "Supporting Parents" with Walt MuellerOne of the biggest mistakes we make in youth ministry is assuming that we are the ones primarily responsible for the spiritual nurture of teenagers. A second and related mistake is making the assumption that as youth workers, we can actually do a better job of nurturing kids than their clueless parents. Sure, parents might sometimes be not well-equipped to nurture their children in the faith, but they are still called to be the ones primarily responsible for the nurture of their children and teens. How can youth workers properly support and help parents as they fulfill this high...2018-01-0554 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 50: "Intergenerational Ministry through Prayer" with Tony SouderPrayer is essential to the Christian life. As followers of Jesus, we must make the same request as one of His early disciples: Lord, teach us to pray. Once we learn how to pray, what should we be praying for? In today's incredibly confusing world, one of our primary prayers subjects must be our children and teens. What would happen if as individuals and churches we would begin to engage in daily prayer for each and every young person in our congregation? We'll be talking to Tony Souder about the Pray For Me campaign and how we can build...2017-12-221h 00
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 49: "Identity in Christ in the Midst of Snaps and Selfies" with Kristen HattonWhere are we to find our identity? Our current and powerful cultural narrative is convincing children, teens, and adults alike that we are to create, maintain, and find our identity in what we look like on social media. Consequently, we pour our time and energy into practices and habits that destroy us. It’s feeding the epidemics of anxiety, depression, and disordered eating. The path to hope, healing, and fullness is found in a different narrative, the biblical narrative, which leads us to find redemption and identity in Jesus Christ. How can we help our kids hear and follow th...2017-12-131h 12
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 48: "The Weinstein Effect, Matt Lauer, and Teachable Moments" with Walt Mueller and Jason SoucinekUnless you’ve been asleep, you know that the last few weeks have been flooded with news stories about a growing number of political and celebrity figures and allegations regarding sexual abuse and assault. What’s now known as the Weinstein Effect was front and center again this week with the firing of NBC Today Show Host, Matt Lauer. Should we be shocked? Should we be surprised? We believe that this cultural moment provides us with the opportunity to look inward, to talk to ourselves, and to talk to our kids about a host of issues from a biblical pers...2017-12-011h 03
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 47: "The Opioid Epidemic and Parenting Addicts" with Allen JacksonDrug and alcohol abuse is nothing new to youth culture. Sadly, it's been a part of the teenage experience for a long time. While anti-drug efforts have yielded a decline in the use of some drugs, the usage number on way too many drugs are on the rise. And not a day goes by when we don't read another sobering statistic or sad story related to the abuse of opioids or heroin. Today, kids are engaging with drugs and alcohol for a host of reasons. What is it like to work with a young person who is addicted? How...2017-11-151h 13
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 46: "Should We Use Someone Else's Talk Or Sermon?" with Scott GibsonYouth workers and pastors are busy people. With the pace of life getting faster, we get busier and then have to prioritize the tasks of ministry. Sometimes we let certain tasks slip. In recent years, more and more of us have dropped the important task of study and preparation time. Some have even gone so far as to purchase, download, cut and paste, or even plagiarize talks and sermons prepared by others. This increasingly accepted practice can not only raise ethical concerns, but by moving us out of study and preparation, it can stunt our spiritual growth, lead to...2017-10-3155 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 45: "Emotional Affairs," with Ellen DykasBecause we live as broken people with other broken people in a horribly broken world, we all face the temptation to take certain friendships over the line into the unhealthy world of emotional affairs. Once there, our tendency is to justify and downplay the seriousness of these relationships as no big deal. But even though emotional affairs might never lead to a sexual affair, they do cross a line. Emotional affairs are one of the most deadly obstacles facing us in life and ministry. They destroy marriages, families, ministries. and lives. They're especially prevalent in the church and in...2017-10-1759 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 44: "Bullying" with Julie LoweWere you ever bullied? Or, were you ever a bully? In today's world, bullying has reached epidemic proportions. Social media has created a landscape where bullying is now a 24/7 reality that for some, never ends. What can we do to build resilience in the bullied, and stop the bullies? This episode is a practical, gospel-centered conversation on bullying and what we can do about it, with counselor Julie Lowe.
2017-10-0557 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 43: "Struck with Affliction" with Russ RamseyWe live in a broken world that is desperately groaning and longing to be fixed. As Christians we realize that the pain and suffering of life will exist until the day when Jesus ushers in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Until that day when things will finally be restored to the way they're supposed to be, we will experience pain and suffering in our lives. The cultural narrative works to convince us of a different perspective, that pain should be avoided at all costs and that we should only pursue pleasure. But God invites us into the...2017-08-3058 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 42: "Dating and Relationships" with Debra FiletaWhen it comes to dating and relationships, the rules have changed. The cultural narrative on dating, love, sex, and marriage has eclipsed the biblical narrative on relationships. Consequently, our kids oftentimes pursue a relationship path that is dangerous and destructive, and they don't even know it. How can we point them to an understanding and practice of dating that leads to their flourishing? What should we tell them about pursuing healthy relationships? There is a lot at stake, and the way we answer these questions will potentially shape or mis-shape our kids for the rest of their lives. Author...2017-08-111h 08
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 41: "How Is Your Phone Changing You?" with Tony ReinkeIt's been over fifty years since media theorist Marshall McLuhan said that "First we shape our tools, and then our tools shape us." McLuhan had push back as folks wondered at the time if what he was saying was true. But time has proven McLuhan's theory to be correct. Now that we've hit the ten year anniversary of the launch of the iPhone, we're beginning to see how much our smartphones are shaping and changing our lives. How do our devices shape our beliefs and behaviors? What do they reflect about what's most important in our lives? And how...2017-07-191h 12
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 40: "Longevity in Youth Ministry" with Mike Flavin and Ted JordanWhen I started out in youth ministry, there were two time-related realities that some seasoned youth workers shared with me. First, it takes three years to establish yourself in a new youth ministry setting. And second, the average youth minister stays in a youth ministry position for eighteen months. That math doesn’t speak well for youth ministry longevity and effectiveness. Fortunately, more and more youth workers are committing themselves to serving Christ through long-term youth ministry that allows them to build solid relationships with kids and parents. What are the secrets to longevity in youth ministry? And what pr...2017-07-071h 11
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 39: "Anxiety" with Dr. Phil MonroeLate last year, Time Magazine ran a cover story on the current epidemic of anxiety among America’s adolescents. The story reports on what all of us who work with kids already know: that the pressures on today’s teenagers are so great that they are trying to navigate their lives while, as one teen says, "feeling like they are climbing Mount Everest in high heels." What is anxiety? What is feeding the anxiety epidemic? How does anxiety manifest itself in kids? And how can we provide Gospel-centered hope and healing for our anxious kids. We’ll be talking about...2017-06-1557 min
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 37: "Social Media and Happiness" with Donna FreitasIf you spend any time at all on social media, you know just how important the "likes" are. Getting "likes" and positive feedback on your posts in money in the bank. It's a sign of social media success. But does the pursuit of online attention and a growing number of followers cause us to compromise ourselves? Researcher Donna Freitas has found that our engagement with technology has led to what she calls the Happiness Effect. What this means is that we are very easily driven to appear perfect at any cost, including our ability to be vulnerable, honest and...2017-05-161h 03
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 36: "'13 Reasons Why': A Discussion" with Amy Flavin and Kara TwiningThe recently released Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" is getting a ton of attention from kids, parents, teachers and counselors. The show has sparked conversations about all sorts of adolescent issues, including suicide. But the show has also ignited controversy, as experts are divided over whether or not "13 Reasons Why" is motivating teenagers toward positive or negative behaviors. One thing is for sure: this is NOT a show to ignore. Our kids ARE watching it, they ARE thinking and talking about it, and they ARE allowing "13 Reasons Why" to shape their lives. We'll talk about these things and appropriate ways...2017-04-281h 10
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 35: "Christian Parenting Myths" with Leslie Leyland FieldsSome would have us believe that if we find parenting difficult, we must not be following the right plan. They might also say that parenting well always results in Godly children. If you're like most parents, believing these lies can result in a heavy dose of guilt and shame. Because we live in a broken world as broken parents with broken kids, life is never easy. What we need is a heavy dose of realistic theology and good sense to help us navigate the difficult journey of parenting in ways that help us understand that there is no such...2017-04-181h 20
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 34: "Transgenderism and Gender Bending" with Ellen Dykas and Dan WilsonIt's as if the landscape of our culture has changed overnight. The issue of transgenderism has moved front and center in our culture, our school, our churches, our youth groups, and in many of our homes. It's safe to say that this new gender landscape is one that we must understand, respond to and navigate. But as parents, how can we do so? What names do we use when addressing transgendered kids? And how do we handle the complex web of logistical issues including bathrooms and sleeping arrangements? We'll start the difficult process of tackling these questions and more...2017-04-031h 11
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 33: "Youth, Family, Grandparents and Ministry" with Wayne RiceAnybody who has ever worked as youth minister or youth ministry volunteer owes a debt of gratitude to Wayne Rice. One of the co-founders of Youth Specialities, Wayne has worked to equip and resource youth workers for almost fifty years. Over the course of that time he’s experienced a lot, rethought how we do youth ministry, and is now working to resource grandparents in their efforts to lead their grandchildren to Jesus. We’re thrilled to be chatting with our friend and hero, Wayne Rice, about youth ministry, grand-parenting, and a whole lot more, on this episode of Yout...2017-03-211h 22
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 32: "Connecting College Students with Christian Community" with Sherri NeeStudies say up to 65-80 percent of people who grow up in the church drop out of church when they become college-aged. It's not intentional. It just happens. But why is this happening? And what can we do as parents, grandparents, pastors, and youth workers to be sure our kids get plugged into a campus fellowship group and church when they arrive on the college campus? We’ll be talking to Sherri Nee, the co-founder of the College Church Connection service, about steps to take to make it easy to find Christian community right away.
To open th...2017-03-081h 08
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 31: "Hope for Wounded Hearts" with Denise GaterWalt and Jason begin the podcast with a discussion about gun violence in movies, body image and photo-editing, Russell Wilson ans Ciara, sports specialization, Millennials in the workplace, and heavy alcohol use and brain development.
Research reveals the alarming fact that far too many of our boys and girls are being victimized by sexual abuse. It’s our belief that loosened sexual standards and the growing pervasiveness of pornography will only lead to a rise in sexual absue. And, whether you know it or not, the abusers and the abused are living in our midst. Sexual abuse is...2017-02-201h 31
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 30: "Love of Self" with Walt Mueller and Jason SoucinekIn recent years, researchers have sounded the warning that narcissism is on the rise in our culture, particularly among the emerging generations. If this is true, the tendency towards following self rather than following God will thwart our spiritual growth and development. Where does this focus on self come from? How is it being manifested in our lives? And what can we do to lead ourselves and our kids into a lifestyle of allegiance to God and service to others, when the world encourages us to look out for number one? We’ll be talking about the tendency towards to...2017-02-091h 19
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 29: "Prayer, God's Story, and Preaching the Gospel To Yourself" with Scotty SmithIn the Gospel of Luke we read about a time when one of the the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Lord, teach us to pray." In a day and age where distractions are many and times of concentrated silence are disappearing, we'd do well to voice this same request. Here at CPYU, our prayer lives have been greatly enhanced through several books of written prayers, including books written by Scotty Smith. We're engaging with Scotty Smith in a lively and entertaining conversation about faith, culture, prayer and a whole lot more in this episode of Youth Culture Matters.2017-02-011h 23
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 15: "Media Discernment, 'M.I.L.F. $,' and Mindful Critique" with Walt Mueller and Jason SoucinekWalt and Jason discuss the latest in youth culture including stories about a new dating app for teens, Miss Teen USA, children, teens and resiliency, Draymond Green and naughty photos, Pokemon Go and trampoline parks. The rest of the podcast focuses on CPYU's most popular resource, "How to Use Your Head to Guard Your Heart: A 3(D) Guide to Making Responsible Media Choices." Walt talks about how the resource came about and provides a brief overview of the 3(D) steps and the role media discernment should play in student's lives. In the final segment, Walt uses the 3(D) review...2016-08-171h 25
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 06: "Digital Kids and Social Media" with Walt MuellerWalt and Jason discuss the latest news in youth culture, such new definitions surrounding gender identity, the death of Prince, substance abuse, masculinity and school shootings, suicide rates, generational parenting differences and more. Then Jason interviews Walt about the work CPYU is doing through the Digital Kids Initiative. Walt shares some of the blessings and curses this new digital frontier has brought and then discusses some best practices we can all use as we interact through social media.
2016-05-031h 26
Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU PodcastEpisode 01 - "Five Non-Negotiables When It Comes to Talking to Kids About Sexuality"In this premiere episode of Youth Culture Matters - A CPYU Podcast, Walt and Jason discuss substance abuse, youth sports and concussions, sexual violence and coercion, as well as "Five Non-Negotiables When It Comes to Talking to Kids About Sexuality."
2016-03-081h 06