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!
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Growing as a NextGen Leader with Rev. Kyrell Newell
11/21/2024
Growing as a NextGen Leader with Rev. Kyrell Newell
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 his life to serve in some form of ministry. Kyrell believes the work we are doing right now will help the children and youth form stronger more authentic relationships with the adults – thereby fulfilling the Christ’s mission for the church body. In his free time, Kyrell enjoys reading, writing poetry, athletics and board games with friends. He’s also a huge Marvel fan! Yet, his top joy though is spending time with his wife, Michaela. Related Resources by Mark DeVries by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy by Will Hutcherson and Dr. Chinwé Williams by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin Connect with Kyrell at 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!
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Mental Health and Ministry With Caroline Oas
11/14/2024
Mental Health and Ministry With Caroline Oas
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. About Caroline Oas Caroline is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Kansas specializing in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). She works with children aged 4-10 in a welcoming and accepting environment. CCPT is a great fit for children undergoing mental health issues, children who have experienced loss or major changes, or children who have experienced trauma. Caroline also works with teenagers and young adults using a person-centered approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. She is passionate about working with young people and helping them find inner healing and purpose. Caroline received her Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University and holds a Certificate in Play Therapy from MNU. Related Resources by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. by Dr. Becky Kennedy by Will Hutcherson and Dr. Chinwé Williams and 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!
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Recognizing and Recovering From Burnout With Krista Gonzalez
10/24/2024
Recognizing and Recovering From Burnout With Krista Gonzalez
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 walking alongside others in their journey to unlocking and embracing their authentic self. Krista graduated with her master’s in counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health from University of Central Missouri. In counseling, Krista works alongside her clients to aid them in reaching their goals and uncover the tools and solutions they already possess. Krista sees the counseling relationship as transformative and seeks to fully understand her clients. She is gifted in creating a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment that allows people to explore their fears and pain, develop their strengths, try out new behaviors, and experience healing and integration. She is also passionate about supporting people as they navigate body image issues, relationship challenges, and spiritual and religious trauma. Related Resources – Applications for 2025 cohort close on Nov. 8 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!
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Creating Meaningful Family Christmas Experiences with Shelly Nall
10/17/2024
Creating Meaningful Family Christmas Experiences with Shelly Nall
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 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!
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Outreach for the Next Generation with Rev. Po'ese Vatikani
10/10/2024
Outreach for the Next Generation with Rev. Po'ese Vatikani
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 University in Honolulu where he met his wife, Doris. In 2013, they moved to Missouri to plant a Pacific Islander’s ministry in Kansas City. He graduated from Saint Paul School of Theology was ordained an elder in full connection in the Missouri Conference in 2022. Rev. Vatikani will graduate with an MBA from Dakota Wesleyan University. He currently serves as senior pastor at Carrollton and in 11 years in full-time ministry has worked at First (Independence), Saint Paul (Independence), Christ (Independence), Archie and Church of Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He is a motivational speaker, life coach, culture coach, the 2023 Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient, a member of Conference Values Team, revivalist, youth and children’s magnet, and die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. 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 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!
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eSports and Evangelism with Tom Keller
10/03/2024
eSports and Evangelism with Tom Keller
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 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 (from The Missouri Methodists magazine) 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!
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Let's Build a Youth Ministry with Jessica Sachs
09/26/2024
Let's Build a Youth Ministry with Jessica Sachs
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 nieces, ask all the questions and dreams all the dreams. Related Resources – Available until Oct. 1, 2024 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!
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Let's Build a Kids Ministry with Stephanie Caro
09/19/2024
Let's Build a Kids Ministry with Stephanie Caro
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 Small Church Specialist, drawing on her years of experience to help churches assess, vision and formulate their ministry game plans. All her books, blogs, articles, videos, and other printed/digital resources support small church leaders and ministries. She, her hubby (Steve) and their two dogs live in Katy, Texas. Related Resources by Mark DeVries by Annette Safstrom by Stephanie Caro – Available until Oct. 1, 2024 Contact Stephanie Caro at The recording from our September events titled Building a NextGen Ministry That Lasts with Ministry Architects is available for purchase through Friday, Oct. 25. Contact Josh Schaller at for more information. 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!
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Innovative Kids Ministry with Westside Church in Kearney
04/27/2021
Innovative Kids Ministry with Westside Church in Kearney
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
10/27/2020
Meet the Staff with Maggie Lohmeyer
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.
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Discipling Children with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff
10/20/2020
Discipling Children with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff
This week we’re in conversation with Rev. Tadd Kruithoff to discuss how Trinity UMC in Piedmont, Missouri, does discipleship. Instead of focusing on facts alone, Kruithoff and his team lean into the relational aspect of discipleship through Holy Listening. This method allows kids to lead the conversation while volunteers guide the discussion, teaching children to see God in everyday life.
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The Awakened Life with Rev. Angie Olsen
10/13/2020
The Awakened Life with Rev. Angie Olsen
Social life, schoolwork, family drama and social media: Even without a pandemic, students and leaders have a lot on their plates. The Awakened Life, written by Rev. Angie Olsen and Sarah Bollinger, offers an invitation to peace and silence amid the chaos of life. This week we’re in conversation with one of the book’s authors, Angie Olsen, to discuss the importance of silence and meditation.
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Youth Mentoring with Becca Boren
10/06/2020
Youth Mentoring with Becca Boren
Becca Boren, director of youth and young adult ministries at Good Shepherd in Kansas City, shows us how to turn the standard youth ministry model on its head and allow youth to mentor youth in a meaningful way.
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Teaching During COVID-19
09/29/2020
Teaching During COVID-19
This week we’re in conversation with a panel of elementary teachers from all over Missouri to discuss what it’s like to teach during COVID-19. Pandemic life is hard enough for everyone but being a teacher may be one of the most difficult professions right now. This conversation will definitely hit home for anyone that has children or works with them and will make you appreciate the teachers a whole lot more.
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Family Life During COVID-19
09/22/2020
Family Life During COVID-19
Life during COVID is challenging right now. This week we sit down with a panel of four families with elementary-aged children to discuss what life has been like navigating quarantine, mask culture and school as it continues evolve. This honest and real insight into their lives will help shape how churches view ministry right now and why family ministry still holds incredible value. These families share what works for them and how churches can step up to the plate in their lives to make a real difference.
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Family Outreach with Mona Candea
09/15/2020
Family Outreach with Mona Candea
This week we’re in conversation with Mona Candea, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Grace UMC in Olathe, Kansas. Mona walks us through the challenging world of COVID-era family ministry. She and her team have evolved the way that they do ministry over the last year, and Mona has a lot of great ideas to share with churches that are struggling with where to start. Through use of new digital media and innovative outreach, there’s a little something for every church to learn.
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Family Ministry with Sarah DeClue
09/03/2020
Family Ministry with Sarah DeClue
With the world the way that it is right now, connecting with kids and families outside of church walls is increasingly important. Sarah chats about the importance of including the whole family in a children’s ministry program and offers some great places to get started at your own church, regardless of size.
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