Growing as a NextGen Leader with Rev. Kyrell Newell
NextGen Conversations
While we give a lot of attention to cultivating the faith of our students, NextGen ministry leaders need to tend to their own faith and leadership skills, too. Rev. Kyrell Newell shares about his ministry journey and what has helped him grow as a leader. Whether you’re new to ministry or a seasoned leader, there’s something for everyone in this episode full of resource recommendations for personal development. About Rev. Kyrell Newell Rev. Kyrell Newell currently serves as the Associate Pastor at First UMC in Jefferson City, Missouri. While attending seminary, Kyrell felt God’s call on...
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Mental Health and Ministry With Caroline Oas
NextGen Conversations
The church can be the first place someone turns to when they’re seeking mental health help. Yet, the Church isn’t usually equipped to handle the challenges and nuances of this tricky topic. Caroline Oas, a licensed professional counselor with a background in youth ministry, offers practical advice for pastors, leaders and parents on how to support the next generation’s mental health. Together tackle tough questions like recognizing when it's time to seek professional help, breaking down the stigma around mental health, and how church leaders can better equip themselves to offer support....
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Recognizing and Recovering From Burnout With Krista Gonzalez
NextGen Conversations
Krista Gonzalez, a youth leader turned professional counselor, shares personal stories from her ministry experience and explores the realities of burnout for nextgen workers. Krista offers expert insight into what burnout looks like, how to recognize the warning signs, and practical tips for recovery and prevention. Whether it's dealing with compassion fatigue or learning to set boundaries, this episode delivers valuable advice for those in ministry struggling to balance their personal well-being with their passion for serving others. About Krista Gomes Gonzalez Krista is passionate about...
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Creating Meaningful Family Christmas Experiences with Shelly Nall
NextGen Conversations
Shelly Nall, nextgen director at First UMC in Blue Springs, joins us to discuss how to plan meaningful and engaging Christmas events for families. Shelly shares her wisdom on adapting to the needs of different generations, fostering community through creative programming, and the importance of keeping the holiday season stress-free for leaders and volunteers. Related Resources About NextGen Conversations NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a...
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Outreach for the Next Generation with Rev. Po'ese Vatikani
NextGen Conversations
Every community – both big and small – has young people. Rev. Po’ese Vatikani, currently the pastor of Carrollton UMC, has a track record for multiplying the next generation ministry wherever he serves. He shares his why and how in this episode of NextGen Conversations. About Rev. Po’ese Vatikani Po’ese Vatikani was born and raised in the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific as the son of a schoolteacher and a stay-at-home mom. He grew up with the compassion to make a difference in people's lives and to impact the lives of others by sharing Jesus. He attended Hawaii Pacific...
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eSports and Evangelism with Tom Keller
NextGen Conversations
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t understand esports. Yet at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, adding an esports center to their youth room has totally leveled up their ministry. Tom Keller, director of youth ministries at Ashland UMC, shares about the success and how other churches can make an impact with their context’s esports. About Tom Keller Tom serves as the Director of Youth Ministries and Contemporary Worship at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, Missouri. He received his Bachelor of Music from Missouri Western State University in May 2014. Tom has served in various ministry capacities over...
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Let's Build a Youth Ministry with Jessica Sachs
NextGen Conversations
Imagine this: You’ve been hired part-time by a small, aging congregation to start a youth group and attract younger people to the church. What would you do? Former youth leader Jessica Sachs, who you might remember from the morning sessions of UNITE, weighs in. About Jessica Sachs Jessica is a lifelong Methodist with almost a decade of student and small group ministry experience and continues to serve as a lay member with an MDiv. She finds home in Kansas City with her partner in crime, The Cat, and their many plants. She is on a mission to visit all 50 states, loves to dance, play with her...
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Let's Build a Kids Ministry with Stephanie Caro
NextGen Conversations
Imagine this: You’re the new volunteer children’s ministry leader starting the ministry from scratch. What would you do? We kick off this season of NextGen Conversations by role-playing this scenario with ’ Stephanie Caro. About Stephanie Caro Stephanie Caro has been involved in ministry to children, youth and adults in the local church (both large and small) since … a long time ago. Her humorous, straightforward style keeps her busy presenting and coaching at conferences, training events, camps, mission trips, retreats, churches, etc. She is a Veteran Lead Consultant (since 2008!) and...
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Innovative Kids Ministry with Westside Church in Kearney
NextGen Conversations
At Westside Church, a two-year-old satellite campus of First UMC (Kearney), a little grant money and creativity took the kid's ministry to the next level. Through digital mediums and activity box deliveries, the church kept connecting with families despite the strange circumstances of 2020. Listen as Children's Director Nicolle Downing and Site Pastor Mitch Buhman share what worked, what didn't and what they'll keep doing as we enter into a new season of ministry.
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Meet the Staff with Maggie Lohmeyer
NextGen Conversations
In our final episode of Season 1, we’re in conversation with Maggie Lohmeyer, NextGen youth specialist at the Missouri Conference. Maggie shares a little about her background in ministry and how through her work with NextGen she aims to connect youth leaders and youth. This episode highlights some of the networking events, youth group programs and resources NextGen makes available to local churches in Missouri.
info_outlineLet’s be honest, most of us don’t understand esports. Yet at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, adding an esports center to their youth room has totally leveled up their ministry. Tom Keller, director of youth ministries at Ashland UMC, shares about the success and how other churches can make an impact with their context’s esports.
About Tom Keller
Tom serves as the Director of Youth Ministries and Contemporary Worship at Ashland UMC in St. Joseph, Missouri. He received his Bachelor of Music from Missouri Western State University in May 2014. Tom has served in various ministry capacities over the past 10+ years but found his calling in youth and worship ministries. In his spare time, Tom likes to hike, eat tacos, play the occasional video game and spend time with his family.
Related Resources
- eSports in Ashland (from The Missouri Methodists magazine)
- Video about Tom’s ministry
- Missouri Conference Ministry Grants
- Missouri United Methodist Foundation Ministry Grants
- Safe Gatherings resources
- Grow app game generator
- Follow Ashland eSports:
About NextGen Conversations
NextGen Conversations is a podcast that seeks to empower children’s, family, youth and college-aged leaders to create dynamic, Christ-centered ministries. Every episode features a conversation with a ministry leader and covers innovative solutions to common problems faced in churches today. We want to give you practical steps to transform the way you do ministry. It’s time to get in on the conversation!