ETCH with Chuck Peters

Lifeway Podcasts
Lifeway Podcasts
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The ETCH NextGen Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, practical advice, and spiritual encouragement tailored specifically for those leading the next generation. Whether you're a pastor, youth leader, Children's Ministry director, or a volunteer passionately investing in young lives, this podcast is designed to equip and empower you for impactful ministry to kids, students, and families. Each episode features insightful conversations with seasoned leaders, experts, and influencers who share their wisdom on relevant topics. Join us as we explore how to navigate the enormous needs of Gen Z and Alpha, and the unique challenges and opportunities of next-generation ministry leaders. 

  1. 1d ago

    57. AI, Discipleship, and the Future of the Next Generation with Dr. Josh Straub

    Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, communicate, and relate to one another. But what does it mean for discipleship? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Josh Straub to explore how AI is shaping the next generation and what ministry leaders and parents need to understand as technology continues to transform everyday life. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents, the importance of authentic relationships in a digital world, and why spiritual formation must remain deeply personal. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into the lives of children and students, this conversation offers practical wisdom for helping the next generation develop discernment, pursue meaningful relationships, and build a faith that remains rooted in Christ rather than shaped by algorithms. Whether you're a parent, pastor, kids ministry leader, or student ministry leader, this conversation will equip you to think biblically about technology while keeping discipleship centered on relationships and the life-changing hope of the gospel. Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that help church leaders disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom, cultural awareness, and practical ministry insight. SHOW LINKS:  Connect with Dr. Josh Straub Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  2. Jul 20

    56. Why Personal Holiness Matters in Ministry with Tasha Calvert

    Healthy ministry begins with a healthy heart. In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters welcomes Tasha Calvert for a thoughtful conversation about the importance of personal holiness in the life of every ministry leader. Together, they explore why spiritual formation isn't just preparation for ministry—it is the foundation of faithful leadership. Tasha shares practical encouragement for cultivating daily habits that draw leaders closer to Christ, emphasizing that holiness is not about perfection or performance but about becoming more like Jesus. The conversation also highlights the biblical call to live set apart, how our private walk with God shapes our public ministry, and why heart transformation ultimately impacts every relationship, decision, and leadership opportunity. Whether you're serving in kids ministry, student ministry, or leading the next generation in any capacity, this episode is a timely reminder that the most significant investment you can make in your ministry is your own walk with Christ. If you're longing to lead from a place of spiritual health and authentic faith, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to pursue Christ above everything else. Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with biblical wisdom and practical ministry insights. SHOW LINKS:  Set Apart For More  Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  3. Jul 13

    55. Preparing the Next Generation to Stand Strong in a Changing Culture with Doug Hankins

    Why are so many young people walking away from their faith, and what can churches and families do to change that? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Pastor Doug Hankins to discuss the realities facing today's students and the opportunities the church has to equip them for lifelong faith. Together, they explore the cultural shifts shaping the next generation, why faith retention is becoming increasingly difficult, and how intentional discipleship can help young people develop resilient, lasting faith. Rather than responding with fear, Doug encourages ministry leaders and parents to embrace the moment with confidence, creating environments where students can ask honest questions, build authentic relationships, and discover a faith that endures. Whether you serve in kids ministry, student ministry, or lead families in your church, this conversation offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom for helping the next generation follow Christ with confidence. Subscribe to the ETCH Next Gen Podcast for more conversations that equip church leaders to disciple the next generation with truth, wisdom, and hope. SHOW LINKS:  Still Single, Still Called Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  4. Jul 6

    54. Living Beyond Offense with Yana Jenay Conner

    Somebody will hurt you in ministry. Sometimes it’s loud criticism, sometimes it’s quiet silence, and sometimes it’s the kind of misunderstanding that makes you wonder if leading is worth it. We sit down with Bible teacher, ministry leader, and author Yana Jenay Conner to talk about what to do when offense shows up inside the church and how to keep your heart soft when you’ve been wounded. Yana frames forgiveness as an act of faith and a spiritual battle for unity, drawing from Scripture to show why God calls us to release the debt and refuse retaliation. We dig into the hard questions ministry leaders actually face: How do I forgive when the other person never apologizes? How do I stop bitterness from becoming background noise that colors every relationship? How do I tell the difference between real sin and unmet expectations, personality clashes, or my own idols getting challenged? We also get practical and careful about safety. Forgiveness is not pretending you weren’t hurt, and it’s not the same as reconciliation or rebuilt trust. If you lead students, volunteers, or families, this conversation will give you language, clarity, and next steps for church conflict and reconciliation. Subscribe for more, share this with a teammate, and leave a review so more ministry leaders can find it. SHOW LINKS:  Living Beyond Offense by Yana Jenay Conner  Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  5. Jun 30

    53. Building A Safer Church with Kris Buckman

    One background check can make us feel responsible, but it cannot make our church safe. We sit down with Kris Buckman to talk plainly about sexual abuse prevention and what Next Gen leaders can actually implement in kids ministry and student ministry without getting overwhelmed. We unpack why training has to come first, how awareness changes culture, and what grooming patterns and offender behaviors can look like in trusted environments. Kris explains why churches often miss the bigger picture when they treat prevention as a one-time checkbox, and he shares a simple framework built around five essentials: training, screening, protecting, reporting, and caring. We also point you to free resources at SBCabuseprevention.com, including templates and an Essentials Curriculum designed to give teams step-by-step next actions. Share this with a ministry teammate and leave a review so more churches build safer systems for kids and teens.  What is the first policy or practice you need to update this month? Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  6. Jun 22

    52. How To Build A Disciple Making Movement In Next Gen Ministry with Vick Greene

    You can run every event on the calendar and still feel like discipleship is slipping through your fingers. That tension is at the heart of this conversation with Vic Green, co-author of Movement Ready Church.  Chuck and Vick dig into a hard but freeing idea: disciple making is not a button you press, and it is not a program you tack on. A disciple-making movement starts with spiritual renewal. Vic explains why “every movement starts by not moving,” and we unpack what it looks like to step off the treadmill, trade self-reliance for prayerful dependence, and lead from the overflow of your relationship with Jesus. If you care about Gen Z ministry and Generation Alpha ministry, this is the foundation you cannot skip. If you’re ready to rebuild your discipleship plan around renewal, culture, and clarity, listen now, then subscribe, share this with a fellow next gen leader, and leave a review so more churches can find it. What’s one ministry “scoreboard” you’re ready to change? SHOW LINKS:  The Movement-Ready Church Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  7. Jun 15

    51. Leading with Presence: How Emotional Safety Transforms Next Gen Ministry with Dr. Kimberly Holmes and Dr. Joe Beam

    What if one of the most powerful leadership tools you have isn't a strategy, curriculum, or program, but simply your presence? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Dr. Kimberly and Dr. Joe Beam share practical wisdom from years of ministry and leadership, exploring how intentionally showing up for others can transform your relationships, your team, and your ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of emotional safety, healthy communication, and team dynamics, offering actionable insights for leaders who serve kids, students, and families. Whether you're leading volunteers, partnering with parents, or building a ministry team, this conversation will challenge you to create environments where trust grows, people feel valued, and discipleship can flourish. You'll walk away with practical tools for leading with greater empathy, fostering stronger connections, and cultivating a ministry culture that reflects the heart of Christ. Tune in and discover how showing up intentionally may be the leadership shift your ministry needs most. Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

  8. Jun 8

    50. Resisting Cultural Lies: Helping the Next Generation Find Their Identity in Christ with Elizabeth Woodson

    How can we help the next generation stand firm in a culture constantly shaping their beliefs, values, and identity? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with author and Bible teacher Elizabeth Woodson to discuss her book, The Seven Habits of Resistance. Together, they explore the cultural pressures facing young people today—from social media-driven identity formation to the rise of individualism and self-centered definitions of truth, love, and success. Elizabeth shares practical insights on helping students and young adults recognize and resist the cultural lies surrounding identity, relationships, justice, joy, hope, and the pursuit of the good life. She emphasizes the importance of rooting identity in Christ rather than achievement, embracing self-sacrificial love, and finding true belonging within the local church. The conversation also examines spiritual practices such as fasting, meditation on Scripture, and meaningful community that can help believers develop resilience and faithfulness in a challenging cultural moment. SHOW LINKS: The Seven Habits of Resistance by Elizabeth Woodson Register for ETCH Conference Register for ETCH Conference 2026 Connect with Lifeway Next Gen Ministry

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The ETCH NextGen Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiration, practical advice, and spiritual encouragement tailored specifically for those leading the next generation. Whether you're a pastor, youth leader, Children's Ministry director, or a volunteer passionately investing in young lives, this podcast is designed to equip and empower you for impactful ministry to kids, students, and families. Each episode features insightful conversations with seasoned leaders, experts, and influencers who share their wisdom on relevant topics. Join us as we explore how to navigate the enormous needs of Gen Z and Alpha, and the unique challenges and opportunities of next-generation ministry leaders. 

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