The Young Adult Ministry Podcast

YAMcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity

Everything you need to know as a church of any size for failing forward in young adult ministry efforts. And a few things you don’t... YAMcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NCYAMN

  1. "Jesus Meets Gamers Online" w/ Pastor Nfluence

    May 9

    "Jesus Meets Gamers Online" w/ Pastor Nfluence

    1.3 billion of global online gamers are young adults (18-34yrs). That's quite the mission field, eh? Meet Tony: he is a Community Pastor with ⁠XP Church⁠ , a ⁠digital missionary⁠ among online gamers , and hosts a local in-person gaming ministry space in Salem, OR. "As of early 2026, there are approximately 3.6 billion active video game players globally, with over 90% of them engaging in online, internet-connected gameplay. The average age of a gamer is 36 years old, with the largest age demographic being 18-34 years old (36-38% of players), and roughly 80% of all gamers are adults." (SQ Magazine) 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:47 Journey to Salem, Oregon 04:59 Growing Up in Missouri 07:26 Faith and Early Experiences with God 09:45 Call to Ministry and Influences 14:37 College Experience and Challenges 19:31 Involvement with Potter's House 24:03 Transformative Experiences in Ministry 27:09 Exploring the Potter's House and Personal Connections 28:01 Journey into Marriage and Community Service 30:35 Transitioning into Ministry Roles 32:39 From Springfield to Salem: A New Chapter 43:37 The Role of a Digital Missionary in Gaming Ministry 50:11 The Evolution of Communication Tools 51:01 Meeting People Where They Are 51:59 Building Community Through Gaming 53:58 The Support System Behind Jesus 55:04 The Role of a Digital Missionary 56:38 Connecting Through Online Worlds 58:50 Intentionality in Digital Relationships 01:02:43 Challenges and Joys of Digital Ministry 01:05:22 Future Goals and Community Engagement

    1h 14m
  2. The Starr*s of Mt. Sterling: A Young Adult "Parental" Perspective

    12/20/2025

    The Starr*s of Mt. Sterling: A Young Adult "Parental" Perspective

    In this conversation, Kenny interviews Katie and Phil Starr about their experiences with the Shepherd Community Center (Indianapolis) internship program. Katie shares her journey to Shepherd, her responsibilities as an intern, and the personal growth she experienced during her time there. Phil (Dad) provides insights from a parent's perspective, discussing safety concerns and the values of community service they instilled in their children. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, leadership, and the supportive community at Shepherd, along with advice for future interns. For questions email: kennyw@shepherdcommunity.org Those interested in applying for an 8 week summer internship, as a bridge-student, or 1 year fellowship can begin here. Takeaways Katie felt called to serve at Shepherd after a strong sense of nudging from God. Phil and Melanie Starr prioritize exposing their children to various ministry contexts. Safety concerns were minimal for the Starr family regarding Katie's internship. Katie's experience at Shepherd helped her develop confidence and leadership skills. The internship provided Katie with valuable classroom experience relevant to her education major. Katie learned the importance of setting boundaries while building relationships with children. The community life at Shepherd fostered friendships and spontaneous adventures among interns. Phil emphasized the importance of trusting young adults to navigate their experiences. Katie's personal growth included recognizing her extroverted nature and handling challenges. Both parents and interns should approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to serve. #Shepherd #internship #collegeexperience #communityservice #parentalguidance #personal growth #safety #education #leadership #youth ministry #youngadults #urbanministry #parentingwithyoungadults #indianapolis

    41 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    "Hugs, Handshakes, & High-fives" with Dr. Bethany Morford / Chief Education Officer of Shepherd Community Academy Indianapolis

    It was a delight to interview Bethany, discover her journey to Shepherd, the passion she has for teaching elementary students, leading her team, and welcoming young adults to opportunities to serve with them in the Academy as Bridge-Students (full-time online college & part-time fellow), 1 Year Fellows. #education #teachers #fellowshep #yamcast #genz #internship #shalom #urbanministry #compassionateministry #loveyourneighbor #indianapolis #discipleship #collegestudents #educationmajors #reneighboringthehood #Indy #hugs #handshakes #highfives To apply for a Shepherd summer internship, become a bridge-student, or explore a 1 year fellowship of urban ministry start, here. Episode Chapter Timeline 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bethany Morford 02:30 Journey to Educational Leadership 05:11 Role at Shepherd Community Academy 07:40 Teaching in a Diverse Neighborhood 10:21 Educational Milestones and Challenges 12:47 Support Systems for Students 15:23 Engaging with Families 18:10 Challenges Faced by Families 19:14 Mental Health Awareness in Education 28:04 The Rewards of Education Leadership 30:56 The Role of Young Adults in Education 32:48 Fellows as Teacher Assistants 36:13 Investing in Future Educators 39:43 Benefits of Serving as a Fellow 42:53 The Impact of Fellows on the Community 45:06 Joy and Heartbreak in Education 48:56 Inspiration and Hope in Leadership 52:00 Embracing New Opportunities

    55 min
  4. 21. The XYZ of Young Adult Ministry (July 2021)

    10/11/2025

    21. The XYZ of Young Adult Ministry (July 2021)

    Kenny (GenX) caught up with Jeff (GenY - aka: "millennial") and Chris (GenZ) on the Virginia District (http://virginianyi.com) to discover what's working for them with young adult ministry. There is a secret sauce to this conversation and OH YES there will be a PART 2...oh YES there WILL! #genx #geny #genz #YAMcast #youngadultminstrypodcast #secretsauce #nazareneyoungadults #wecandothisthingtogether #pathwayforyoungadults #yamcast #youngadultministry #emergingadults #millennials #virginadistrictnyiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_adult_ministry_podcast/YouTube BONUS Content & Alt. Intro: https://youtu.be/NvM-kSJHq2APodcast: https://anchor.fm/yamcast

    1h 7m

  5. 08/20/2025

    Bekah's Shepherd Summer Internship with an emphasis in Counseling

    Bekah served as a summer intern with Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis May 26-July 22, 2025. She shares about how she discerned her decision to become an intern, her rewarding experiences, and how Shepherd staff worked with her to curate an academic emphasis for her counseling major requirements. #summerinternship #counseling #fellowshep #yamcast #genz #internship #shalom #urbanministry #compassionateministry #loveyourneighbor #indianapolis #gracecollege #discipleship #reneighboringthehood #Indy To apply for a Shepherd summer internship, as a bridge-student, or 1 year fellowship of urban ministry start ⁠here⁠.

    19 min

  6. 08/08/2025

    Strat & Stat with Stephanie

    Stephanie Lobdell is appointed by USA/Canada NYI to lead a collaborative conversation among selected field leaders of young adult ministry on the region with NYI (Nazarene Youth International). She shares some updates on strategies and status of the convo with insights, gleanings, and leanings.

    23 min

  7. 07/21/2025

    "Taking Up Space" with Ronnie

    Summary In this conversation, Roneisha Jackson from Chicago shares her experiences and insights gained during her fellowship at Shepherd Community Center. She discusses her background, the roles she has taken on, and the lessons learned about personal growth, working with others, and her spiritual journey. Roneisha emphasizes the importance of taking up space, managing expectations in teamwork, and the transformative impact of working with youth. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of serving in a community that is both familiar and culturally different, and offers advice for future fellows considering joining Shepherd. Young Adults can apply here. Takeaways Roneisha emphasizes the importance of taking up space in conversations and environments. She learned to manage her expectations of others and appreciate diverse perspectives. The students at Shepherd have taught her valuable lessons about curiosity and self-advocacy. Roneisha reflects on the significance of spiritual growth and trusting God's timing. She highlights the privilege of being a mentor and the impact it has on her life. Roneisha encourages future fellows to ask questions and seek their own understanding of Shepherd. She believes that transformation is possible for those who engage fully in the community. Roneisha acknowledges the challenges of living in a communal setting post-college. She shares memorable experiences that have shaped her understanding of faith and resilience. Roneisha expresses her aspirations for the future, including potential roles in higher education. Sound bites "Take up space." "You can always be better." "You have to see it yourself." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Camp Experience 02:43 Background and Connection to Shepherd Community Center 05:36 Roles and Responsibilities at Shepherd 08:28 Transitioning from College to Shepherd 11:32 Lessons Learned About Taking Up Space 14:18 Working with Others and Managing Expectations 17:18 Spiritual Growth and Relationship with God 19:56 Memorable Experiences and Impactful Moments 23:35 Influential People at Shepherd 26:37 Contributions to Shepherd Community 28:07 Advice for Future Fellows 30:03 Reasons to Join or Avoid Shepherd 32:32 Future Aspirations and Parting Thoughts Keywords Shepherd Community Center, Roneisha Jay, personal growth, mentorship, youth development, faith, community service, life lessons, fellowship, spiritual journey

    38 min

  8. 06/17/2025

    Audrey's Pivotal Season of Change @ Shepherd

    Audrey needed to finish her education and wanted to serve the Lord on mission. She was led to ⁠⁠Shepherd Community Center⁠⁠⁠⁠'s bridge-student opportunity to finish school online with a partner university. In this interview she shares about her journey as a bridge-fellow for 1 year (at the time of this interview). Audrey's growth, insights, and dependence on the Lord shine through this interview and we hope encourage you today! Interested in serving with Shepherd? ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider joining the mission to break the cycle of poverty and ⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠ for an 8 week summer internship, as a bridge-student (1-4yrs), or a 1 year fellowship with Shepherd.

    39 min
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Everything you need to know as a church of any size for failing forward in young adult ministry efforts. And a few things you don’t... YAMcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NCYAMN

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