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!

Choosing Curriculum with Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips 05/01/2025

Choosing Curriculum with Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips Who really has time to wade through all the available curriculums out there or even write your own curriculum? In this episode of NextGen Conversations, Janessa Aston and Mandy Phillips, youth and children’s leaders from Platte Woods UMC, share practical tips for finding resources that engage kids, equip leaders and reflect United Methodist values — without overloading already-stretched ministry schedules. Whether you’re full-time, part-time or a volunteer, this conversation will help you rethink how curriculum can serve your mission, not the other way around. About Janessa Janessa Aston is the Director of Student Ministry at Platte Woods Church, which is a fancy way of saying she works with students in grades 6-12. Student ministry is her jam! After working in student ministry for close to a decade, Janessa knows that working with teenagers is her life’s calling. Her favorite part of her job is seeing students have those “ah-ha” moments when it comes to faith as well as helping students see that church is fun through various special events like retreats, camps and hype nights. In her free time Janessa loves to road trip with her husband, Ty, to national parks and different NHL arenas (Go Kraken!). One of her life goals is to see every national park (so far, she has been to over 20). Janessa’s other hobbies include reading and hand embroidery. Janessa and Ty have two cats, Nimbus and Morticia, who complete their family. About Mandy Mandy Phillips is the director of Platte Woods Kids and provides programming for kids from birth through 5th grade. She has worked at Platte Woods Church for well over a decade. She absolutely loves working with kiddos, it is a dream come true! Seeing life through the eyes of kids is the best, even just for a minute or two. Mandy and her husband, Otis, have been married for many years happily. They have two adult children, one son-in-law, and a Black Lab named Lucy. Mandy lived in Omaha, Nebraska, from the time she was born until she was 18 years old. She greatly dislikes coconut, mushrooms, and, worst of all, being cold! Mandy loves to be outside taking walks or training for a triathlon – she has completed several. She also enjoys sewing, reading and family time in general. 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! /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/36382995

Safer Sanctuaries with Rev. Shea James 04/17/2025

Marking Ministry Milestones with Morgan Scott and Rachel Whitmire-Griffith 04/03/2025

Intentional Discipleship with Chris Wilterdink 03/20/2025

Getting Started in Intergenerational Ministry with Rev. Arden Ratcliff-Mann 03/06/2025

The Volunteer Playbook with Annette Safstrom 02/20/2025

Easter Without the Egg Hunt with Allie Hillman 02/06/2025

Impactful Summer Experiences for the Next Generation 01/23/2025

Chatting About Culture of Call with Brian Valentine 01/09/2025

Chatting About Culture of Call with Brian Valentine Explore what it means to create a Culture of Call, an environment where people can discern their God-given gifts and discover their purpose in ministry and beyond. Missouri Conference Recruitment Specialist Brian shares stories of impactful relationships and practical steps to foster meaningful connections in ministry, no matter what age group you work with. About Brian Valentine Brian serves as Recruitment Specialist for the Missouri Annual Conference where he works closely with other Conference leaders in building a system to aid people in discovering their call. His work regularly places him out on the open road in his impeccable but decidedly “vintage” wagon visiting colleges, universities, seminaries, and national youth and college-age events to establish more connections with the Missouri Conference. He recently led work to create a Culture of Call, a sermon series designed to help local churches create an intentional culture of call within their church and build strategies around I-C-N-U conversations. He works closely with the Office of Next Generation Ministries around young adult internships and exploration of vocation events and programming. Brian spent much of his career in the nonprofit sector focusing on community health outcomes, leadership development and grant management. He has a gift for teaching, facilitating and coaching. Brian and his wife and four children live in Jefferson City. Related Resources , including how to have an I-C-N-U conversation by Parker Palmer By Will Guidara 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! /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/34742075

Celebrating 2024 in NextGen Ministries 12/12/2024

Discipleship Pathways for All Generations with Kyle Kranes-Rutz 12/05/2024

Growing as a NextGen Leader with Rev. Kyrell Newell 11/21/2024

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! /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/33481827

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! /episode/index/show/nextgenconversations/id/33481792