The Season to Give: Teaching Students Generosity, Stewardship, and Eternal Impact
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
How do you teach teenagers to give, serve, and see beyond themselves—especially during the holidays? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards breaks down practical, biblical, and transformational ways to lead students into a lifestyle of generosity. From serving homeless families to partnering with local agencies and government programs, Doug shares real, field-tested ideas you can use right now in your youth ministry, small group, classroom, or family. Drawing from Proverbs 3:9–10, Doug unpacks six timeless principles that help students understand: ✅ God owns...
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Unseen Miracles In Filmmaking: Julie Castro on Obedience, Faith, and Creating I Am Life—Wonderment in the Womb
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
What happens when God gives you a vision that no one else understands? In this powerful interview episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards talks with author, producer, and filmmaker , whose radical obedience to God’s call led her to create the unique and spiritually moving film—. Julie shares her incredible faith journey, from writing her first book to producing the TV series —and now stepping into the world of filmmaking to celebrate life through interpretive dance, music, and divine dialogue. In this inspiring conversation, Julie and Doug discuss: ✅ How God turns obedience...
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Pressure Is a Privilege: How God Uses Challenges to Prepare and Empower You
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Pressure isn’t punishment — it’s purpose. In this inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks what it means when God allows pressure in your life and ministry. Drawing lessons from Steve Irwin’s family, Luke’s precision as a gospel writer, and James 1:2–4, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that pressure is evidence of God’s trust in you—not His disappointment. From the early struggles of student ministry to discovering God’s power in weakness, Doug shares how to: ✅ Recognize pressure as preparation, not failure ✅ Stay faithful when...
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Standing in the Gap: The Hidden Legacy of Youth Workers
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
You may never see the full impact of your ministry—but heaven does. In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks what it means to stand in the gap for students, families, and communities. Drawing from Ezekiel 22:30 and Galatians 6:9, Doug reminds every youth pastor, volunteer, and parent that faithful, unseen ministry is holy work—the kind that changes generations. Through personal stories of students who became pastors, thriving churches, and spiritual legacies years in the making, Doug shares how: ✅ Your influence outlasts your season of ministry ✅ “Standing...
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When You Feel Like Quitting: Finding God’s Vision to Keep Going
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Ever feel like walking away from your calling altogether? You’re not alone. In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards shares a raw, heartfelt message for every youth pastor, volunteer, and parent who’s ever thought, “I can’t do this anymore.” Drawing from Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 29:18, and Ephesians 2:10, Doug unpacks how God restores vision, renews strength, and keeps His leaders moving forward—even when quitting feels easier. Through stories of personal burnout, ministry resistance, and divine encouragement, you’ll learn: ✅ Why “Don’t quit today—quit...
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Who’s Keeping Score? Measuring Success God’s Way in Youth Ministry
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Everyone’s keeping score — but are you counting what really matters? In this challenging and inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards reminds youth pastors, ministry volunteers, and parents that Jesus was never afraid of numbers — He just measured differently. From feeding the 5,000 to discipling the few, Jesus cared about people more than programs. Doug shares lessons from decades of ministry experience, revealing how to balance faithfulness with growth, reach your community with purpose, and avoid the traps of comparison and burnout. You’ll learn: ✅ Why Jesus...
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Teens Are Like Sheep
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Teenagers are like sheep—they need a shepherd who leads with vision, purpose, and love. In this inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks what it really means to shepherd students like Jesus did. Drawing from John 10:14–15 and 1 Peter 5:2–4, Doug challenges youth pastors, volunteers, and parents to lead with clarity, excitement, and authenticity—because students follow leaders who know where they are going. Through personal stories from decades in youth ministry, Doug shares how to: ✅ Lead students with vision and energy that draws them in ✅ Build a volunteer...
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You Are Not Alone: Overcoming Isolation in Youth Ministry
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Do you ever feel alone in youth ministry? In this encouraging episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards shares personal stories—from skiing in the Colorado mountains to facing the pressures of student ministry—that reveal the difference between healthy solitude and the enemy’s weapon of isolation. Through the scriptures of Matthew 28:20 and Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that: ✅ God’s presence is always with you—even in the loneliest seasons ✅ Ministry was never meant to be done alone ✅ Why youth pastors need a trusted circle of...
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Running With Purpose and Endurance
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Youth ministry isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks the biblical call to run with endurance in ministry, drawing from Hebrews 12:1–2, Isaiah 40:31, and Matthew 11. Through personal stories from 35+ years in student ministry and the inspiring tale of Cliff Young—the 61-year-old farmer who shocked the world by winning an ultramarathon—Doug reminds youth workers that God has already marked out the race before you. You’ll discover: ✅ Why youth ministry is an ultramarathon, not a quick sprint ✅ How to avoid burnout by...
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Planting Seeds That Last: Why Your Youth Ministry Work Matters More Than You See
Youth Worker On Fire Podcast
Do you ever wonder if your work in youth ministry is making a difference? In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug reminds youth pastors, volunteers, and parents that every late-night prayer and every tear shed is planting eternal seeds—even when you don’t see the results right away. Drawing from Galatians 6:9 and 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Doug shares stories from his Campus Life days with Youth for Christ, where students came to faith years later from seeds planted long before. Just like farmers wait patiently for the harvest, youth workers must trust that God brings the...
info_outlineLooking 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: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com
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