Vitals for Youth Ministry

Eran Holt & Caleb Leake
  • 5.0 (73)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the Vitals for Youth Ministry Podcast. Vitals for youth ministry is a biblical framework based out of Acts 2:42-46, developed by Lead The Generation that trains youth leaders to build a local church youth ministry focused on developing students into healthy disciples. In this podcast we will focus on the topics and issues most relevant to leadership in Youth Ministry. The Vitals for Youth Ministry Podcast is hosted by Eran Holt, founder of Lead The Generation & Caleb Leake, Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, Pa. 

  1. Preparing for Gen Alpha, Discipling Digital Natives, & Quiet Revival in Youth Ministry

    3D AGO

    Preparing for Gen Alpha, Discipling Digital Natives, & Quiet Revival in Youth Ministry

    In this episode, we sit down with Sam McCollough from Feed.Bible to explore hopeful trends in youth ministry and equip next generation leaders to guide students toward lasting faith. We unpack what it means to be “emerging committed,” identify markers of spiritual formation, and share strategies for discipling students in a world shaped by AI and digital culture. Discover how to close the gap between nominal faith and resilient belief through authentic youth discipleship, including: Trends in Gen Z engagement and the quiet revivalUnderstanding Gen Alpha as digital natives navigating an AI-driven worldDefining and spotting emerging committed ChristiansThe 65% Christian claim vs. the 16% committed corePractical ways for next generation leaders to move students from nominal to resilient faithUsing AI as a tool for growth, not a replacement for pastoral responsibilityModeling wise tech use for students and parentsConcrete next steps for sermons, small groups, and leader trainingWhether you lead a youth ministry, mentor student leaders, or are passionate about spiritual formation, this episode with Sam McCollough equips you with insights and strategies to disciple the next generation with wisdom and courage. Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    1h 5m
  2. Why Intimacy with God Gets Lost in Ministry w/ John Zick

    JAN 21

    Why Intimacy with God Gets Lost in Ministry w/ John Zick

    A heart-first kickoff to season two on the power of abiding in Jesus, why confidence flows from intimacy with God, and how to diagnose fruit to find the root. We talk with John Zick about honest stories, simple rhythms, and practical boundaries to guard your heart and lead from overflow. • Defining abiding as ongoing relationship with God • Rival mentality versus true fulfillment • Fruit diagnostics from Galatians to locate your roots • Anointing versus approval and the danger of autopilot • Practical boundaries and calendar blocks for health • Integrating prayer into ordinary moments • Resetting vision for ministry by guarding your heart • Resources from the Called Initiative and how to connect Connect with John Zick! ✉️  Jzick@ag.org  Check out the CALLED free resources at called.ag.org Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    59 min
  3. Finding Leaders in Any Church, the Playbook for Leader Development, & the Third Voice

    12/17/2025

    Finding Leaders in Any Church, the Playbook for Leader Development, & the Third Voice

    We share a field-tested playbook for building a healthy youth leadership team, from recruiting people who care to training them with simple rhythms that last. Ashton Peters unpacks “The Third Voice,” showing how mentors help students from unchurched homes grow with steady guidance. • Leadership development as the engine of sustainable youth ministry • Recruiting seasoned adults and diverse voices beyond “cool factor” • Practical sources for volunteers, including the church secretary and lobby time • Clear onboarding with expectations, shadowing, and a simple booklet • Support roles that prevent burnout and let small group leaders focus • Weekly huddles, monthly meetings, and an annual retreat as core rhythm • Spiritual parenting and mentoring for students from unchurched homes • Gritty realities of youth ministry and how teams walk through hard things • Tools and resources for content, training, and consistency Buy “The Third Voice” by Ashton Peters on Amazon or MyHealthy Church to grab the book today! Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    38 min
  4. Long-Game Leadership & Building a Ministry That Can Sustain Growth

    12/03/2025

    Long-Game Leadership & Building a Ministry That Can Sustain Growth

    We pull back the curtain on youth ministry insecurity, comparison, and the pressure to make every Wednesday hinge on one person, then map a better way—equipping leaders, planning with purpose, and building systems that last. Gabby O’Rourke shares candid stories and a practical framework to turn vision into sustained growth. • Naming insecurity and resisting comparison • Equipping volunteers over owning the night • Character, calling, culture, competency as a framework • Prayer-led recruiting of multi-generational teams • Yearly scope and sequence for content planning • Small group prep and response culture that disciple • Assessing ratios, roles, and Wednesday flow • Fixing foundations before cosmetic changes • Opening feedback loops and receiving input well Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    51 min
  5. Making the Gospel Tangible, Turning Moments into Eternal Impact, & Inspiring Everyday Faith

    11/12/2025

    Making the Gospel Tangible, Turning Moments into Eternal Impact, & Inspiring Everyday Faith

    We sit down with Reggie Dabbs to explore how presence, scripture, and bold invitations move students from passive listeners to active disciples. From back-row handshakes to altar calls, we unpack a simple, focused path to help students live on mission every day. • Making mission normal in daily life • Earning trust with presence and integrity • Using scripture as the engine of change • Writing messages backward from response • Leading clear, bold altar moments • Staying tender by avoiding green rooms • Modeling testimony without losing depth • Encouraging discouraged leaders as tag changers • Practical tips for prayerful preparation Give us a review, give us a like, give us a share on any of the platforms you’re watching. Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    42 min
  6. A Blueprint for Small Groups, Practical Leader Habits, & Creating a Culture of Belonging

    10/29/2025

    A Blueprint for Small Groups, Practical Leader Habits, & Creating a Culture of Belonging

    We talk with Carrie Brooks about building a safe, Jesus-centered community where students can belong while they figure out what they believe. From a hilarious living-room play to a practical playbook for small groups, this is a master class in culture, habits, and care. • Why belonging is the on-ramp to belief • Five measurable habits for small-group leaders • Structuring grade and gender groups that move up together • Leading discussions where students talk more than leaders • Using labs to practice Bible reading, prayer and evangelism • Showing up at student events and building camaraderie • Recruiting and retaining leaders through care and vision • Creating low-cost, high-impact group events • Why consistency and a three-month test matter Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    47 min
  7. Why the Church's Future Isn't Innovation & How to Reclaim Biblical Depth

    10/15/2025

    Why the Church's Future Isn't Innovation & How to Reclaim Biblical Depth

    We explore how authority from God creates confidence without ego and why rebuilding Bible literacy is the safest path back to health in youth ministry. John Rush shares stories, practical tools, and a call to play the long game: disciple deeply and watch evangelism grow. • Authority that produces humility and courage • Candid youth ministry stories and lessons learned • Celebrating innovation without losing formation • Assessing Bible literacy with simple AI tools • Measuring fruit of the Spirit, not just attendance • Keeping the found as a pastoral priority • Shifting preaching from clever to substantive • Gen Z’s hunger for stability and doctrine • Relational ministry beyond the stage • Ethical, effective use of AI in prep • Discipleship as the engine of evangelism • Student-led movements built over time If you love the podcast, give it a like, give it a subscribe, give it a share, give it a review, whatever platform you’re on Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    51 min
  8. Igniting Evangelism, Modeling the Call, and Cultivating a Missional Culture

    10/01/2025

    Igniting Evangelism, Modeling the Call, and Cultivating a Missional Culture

    Phil Johnson shares how to create a youth ministry culture centered on missional living by modeling authentic evangelism and celebrating students who live out the Great Commission in their daily lives. • Discipleship and evangelism should be integrated, not treated as separate ministry focuses • Creating a missional culture starts with what we celebrate in our youth ministry • Students often focus on their unique calling while neglecting the broader mission of sharing Jesus • What gets celebrated gets remembered, gets repeated, and gets replicated • Personal stories of life transformation carry more weight than theoretical teaching • The priority should be falling in love with the mission before pursuing specific assignments • Gen Alpha seeks adults who will slow down and walk with them through their questions • Building a missional culture takes years of consistent modeling and intentional celebration • Ministry leaders should not only share the gospel from stage but model evangelism in daily life • Practical elements like mission trips and campus outreach reinforce missional values Utilize the Vitals for Youth Ministry assessment tool with 25 questions that will give you a health score on each of the five vitals. Lead the Generation Conference is back and bigger than ever!  Join thousands of NextGen leaders from across the country — Kids Ministry Leaders, Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Student Leaders — for a one-day experience designed to equip and inspire everyone who shapes the next generation. Click HERE to register! Support the show Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry. https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals Connect with the hosts! Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation 📸 @eranholt Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church 📸 @calebmleake This episode is sponsored by: World Serve International 🔗 Click Here! Allison Park leadership Academy 🔗 Click Here!

    50 min
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5
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Vitals for Youth Ministry Podcast. Vitals for youth ministry is a biblical framework based out of Acts 2:42-46, developed by Lead The Generation that trains youth leaders to build a local church youth ministry focused on developing students into healthy disciples. In this podcast we will focus on the topics and issues most relevant to leadership in Youth Ministry. The Vitals for Youth Ministry Podcast is hosted by Eran Holt, founder of Lead The Generation & Caleb Leake, Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Information

  • Creator
    Eran Holt & Caleb Leake
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Vitals for Youth Ministry
  • Show Website
    Vitals for Youth Ministry

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