4 Traits Every Unshakable Leader Needs: Humility, Empathy, Poise… and the One Most Forget
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
What separates good leaders from great ones? It’s not charisma. It’s not popularity. It’s not even experience. In this deeply inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks the 4 leadership traits that every ministry leader, parent, and pastor needs to lead in today's chaotic world—and only one of them is commonly talked about in church. 💡 Whether you’re guiding middle schoolers, discipling high schoolers, mentoring college students, or parenting teens, this episode is your spiritual leadership masterclass. 🔥 You’ll discover: - Why humility is your superpower...
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Don't Quit Today, QUIT TOMORROW: What Burnout and Spiritual Grit Teach Us About Not Giving Up
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Are you on the edge of burnout? Feeling overwhelmed by spiritual battles, lack of support, or sheer exhaustion? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, host Doug Edwards draws unexpected inspiration from a Navy SEAL Team 6 operator, billionaire entrepreneurs, and everyday ministry struggles to share one unforgettable message: "Don’t quit today—quit tomorrow." Learn how elite warriors, missionaries, and ministry leaders all battle the same emotional and spiritual challenges—and why perseverance is the secret weapon. From Romans 8 to Philippians 4:13, this episode is packed...
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You’re Never Alone in Youth Ministry: Angels, Spiritual Warfare, and the Power of Showing Up
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Feeling overwhelmed in youth ministry? You're not alone—and you're not without help. In this powerful episode of Youth Worker On Fire, host Doug Edwards shares a moving voicemail from youth leader Jim Halstead, recounting an incredible story of near-death experiences, angelic encounters, and how God's presence can change everything—even when your plans fall apart. Inspired by Imagine Heaven by John Burke and the testimony of Howard Storm, this episode is a raw reminder that behind every frustrated youth pastor, late-night volunteer, and unprepared lesson... there’s a spiritual...
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You Were Not Meant To Do This Alone: The Hidden Team Behind Every Youth Worker
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Youth ministry isn’t meant to be done alone—especially in today’s world. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks how building strong ministry teams, embracing spiritual support, and trusting God’s angel armies can transform how we lead and protect the next generation. You might feel like you’re carrying your ministry alone—but you're not. Not even close! In this eye-opening episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares the unseen truth behind powerful youth ministries: they're never built solo. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes prayer warrior, an...
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THIS IS WAR: Why Youth Ministry and Parenting Is More Than Just Fun and Games
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
It’s summer—students are piling onto buses, heading to camps and conferences that could change their lives forever. But while they chase freedom and fun, there’s a bigger battle happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards reminds us that youth ministry isn’t just fun games and late-night pizza—it’s spiritual warfare. Drawing from Ephesians 6:12, Doug challenges youth pastors, leaders, volunteers, and parents to see the unseen: the spiritual fight for the hearts of our students. Doug shares his own story of finding Christ at 15 and...
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Too Good to Be True? What the Gospel Really Means for Broken People
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Do you or your students ever feel like the Gospel is just too good to be true? In this powerful episode, Doug Edwards shares a redemptive story of faith, transformation, and hope, inspired by the real-life testimony of Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty). From stories of addiction, family dysfunction, and doubt, to the simple truth of salvation through Jesus. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re “not good enough” for grace. This message is a must-listen for anyone serving in ministry or leading others (especially students) through seasons of doubt and brokenness. Doug dives into...
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Power to the Weak: Finding Strength When You’re Running on Empty
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Feeling burned out in ministry or your parenting life? This short, but powerful episode dives into Isaiah 40:29–31, reminding us that God gives power to the weak and strength to the exhausted. Host Doug Edwards reflects on the challenges of leadership, answered prayers, and the unseen impact of staying faithful. Plus, hear a behind-the-scenes story about a life-changing event sparked by this very podcast. Whether you're a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, or parent, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a spiritual recharge. 🎧 Topics Covered: How to endure when you feel...
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How Bradley Blake Blends Faith, Family, Tech & Soccer to Build a Legacy of Impact
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
From Student Ministry to Tech Leader & Soccer Devotional Author | Bradley Blake’s Inspiring Journey ⚽💻✝️ Meet Bradley Blake – once a passionate student in our youth ministry, now a dynamic IT expert and the author of the weekly Soccer Devotional 👉 🆕 You may remember his dad from – now it's time to hear Bradley’s journey of faith, leadership, and purpose. From a young age, Bradley stood out. He loved to create, lead, laugh, and inspire. Whether organizing events, inviting friends to church, or participating in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), he led with...
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From Youth Pastor to Children's Author: The Inspiring Journey of David Forbes - The Golden King Chronicles
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
What happens when a former youth pastor follows a divine calling to write stories for children? In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with David Forbes, a gifted musician, devoted father of three, and debut Christian fantasy author of "Spring of Deception" — the thrilling first book in The Golden King Chronicles. 👑✨ Once deep in theological study with a Master’s Degree in Apologetics, David felt led to trade academic pages for enchanted kingdoms and powerful allegories — delivering biblical truths in a form kids (and parents) will never forget. His story is one of obedience,...
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Clark Blake - Recon Marine - Soldiers Remembering Heroes
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
I was asked to watch the Memorial Day celebration in Washington, DC on saturday night. It was very moving and the stories of sacrifice and loss of loved ones for the sake of our Nation was sobering at the very least. I proceeded today on Memorial Day to watch another Memorial Day celebration of sacrifice at Arlington National Cemetery where the President and Vice President of the United States gave very moving speeches and recognized many families who had lost loved ones. In student ministry, these soldiers are mostly still in our wheelhouse of ministry between the ages of 18 to 25 years of...
info_outlineThe Truth is always the right thing to talk about and believe. The Truth is not what society usually wants to hear. Real Truth usually goes against the grain of society. So... it has to be delivered in Love, Compassion, and Power through God's spirit. Not by our own self-righteous power.
Students (and humans in general) are drawn to God's conviction and driven away by human condemnation. This episode will provide you guidelines on delivering Truth with God's Power.
Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy
Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq
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EPISODE CREDITS
Email us at: [email protected]
Hosted by: Doug Edwards
Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ
Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy
Edited by: Secret Roots Music House