The YDisciple Podcast

YDisciple Podcast
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to a space where curiosity meets mission. In this podcast, we explore the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it really means to walk with young people in faith today. Whether you’re a youth minister, teacher, pastor, volunteer, or simply someone who cares about the next generation — you’ll find insight, encouragement, and community here. We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But through years of experience (and conversations with incredible ministry leaders in the trenches), we’ve gathered stories, lessons, and honest reflections worth sharing. This is a space to stay curious, spark new ideas, and learn together as we serve young people and help them encounter Christ in a rapidly changing world. We’re learners and leaders on the same journey — and we’re so glad you’re here.

  1. 2d ago

    EP36: Work-Life Balance is Possible in Ministry with Bobby Moren

    About this Episode Can you build a thriving youth ministry without sacrificing your family, your evenings, or your own well-being? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds sit down with Bobby Moren, youth minister at St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing ministry leaders today: work-life balance. Bobby shares how he went from spending countless hours planning programs for a handful of students to leading a flourishing small group ministry that now reaches dozens of teens through empowered adult mentors. Together, they explore why ministry leaders often struggle to say "no," how properly ordering our vocations leads to greater joy, and why investing in adult leaders creates healthier, more sustainable discipleship. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of ministry, this conversation offers practical encouragement—and a hopeful vision for doing more by trying to do less. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I trying to do ministry for people instead of equipping people to do ministry with me? Are my priorities rightly ordered, with my relationship with God and my vocation leading the way? What's one responsibility I could begin sharing with another leader instead of carrying it alone? Prayer Jesus, thank You for calling me to serve Your Church. Give me the wisdom to embrace the mission You've entrusted to me without neglecting the people You've entrusted to my care. Help me invest in others, trust You with what I cannot control, and find lasting joy in a ministry that's rooted in Your design rather than my striving. Amen.

  2. Aug 10

    EP35: Stop Watching Videos

    About this Episode Video studies have become a staple of youth ministry—but can we accidentally rely on them too much? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds unpack a surprising conviction at the heart of YDisciple: sometimes the best thing your small group can do is stop watching videos. While quality video content can introduce important topics and equip new leaders, it should never replace the relationships where discipleship actually happens. Annie and Pete share practical alternatives to video-based meetings, including Scripture studies, Lectio Divina, Visio Divina, book discussions, service projects, and prayer experiences. They also explain how to evaluate teaching resources through the lens of focus, human dignity, and Christian charity so every tool serves the ultimate goal—helping young people encounter Jesus and grow as disciples. Whether you lead a parish youth group, a Bible study, or a small group of teens, this conversation will help you think differently about the role content should—and shouldn't—play in discipleship. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I using content to support relationships—or to replace them? How could I create more opportunities for my small group to pray, discuss, and grow together without relying on a screen? What's one practical way I can help young people take greater ownership of their faith this week? Prayer Jesus, thank You for inviting us into relationship with You, not simply information about You. Give me the wisdom to use every resource well while never losing sight of the people You've entrusted to me. Help me create spaces where Your Word is encountered, Your love is experienced, and true disciples are formed. Amen.

  3. Aug 3

    EP34: When Faith Becomes Action

    About this Episode Small groups are great places to learn about the faith—but discipleship was never meant to stay inside the meeting room. In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why serving together can become one of the most transformative experiences for a small group. Drawing from years of ministry experience, they discuss how service helps teenagers move beyond themselves, strengthens relationships within the group, and creates natural opportunities to live out the Gospel in tangible ways. They also share practical ideas for helping students take ownership of service, from adopting a parish ministry to planning student-led projects that meet real needs in their community. Along the way, they unpack research showing why service resonates so deeply with today's young people and why putting faith into action is an essential part of lifelong discipleship. Whether you're leading a youth group, confirmation program, or discipleship small group, this episode will challenge you to think beyond curriculum and create opportunities for young people to become the hands and feet of Christ. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: How is my small group putting our faith into action—not just talking about it? What gifts and passions has God given our group that could bless our parish or local community? What's one act of service we could plan together in the next month? Prayer Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Help me follow Your example by loving my neighbor with generosity and joy. Show me where You're inviting me to step beyond my comfort zone so that others may encounter Your love through my life. Amen.

  4. Jul 27

    EP33: The Discipleship Practice We Skip Too Often

    About this Episode Accountability often gets a bad reputation. It can sound intimidating, uncomfortable, or even legalistic. But what if we've misunderstood it? In this episode, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds explore why accountability is one of the most important tools in discipleship—and why it's about far more than simply checking whether someone completed a challenge. True accountability creates a safe space where young people can grow, fail, be encouraged, and continue taking their next step toward Christ. Together they discuss why habit formation takes time, how mentors can ask meaningful questions without creating shame, and why discipleship is built on relationships rather than checklists. Drawing from practical experience, YDisciple's Five S's framework, and insights on identity-based habits, Annie and Pete offer a vision of accountability rooted in love, trust, and the patient work of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're leading a small group, mentoring young people, or simply seeking to grow in your own faith, this conversation offers practical wisdom for helping discipleship become a way of life rather than another program to complete. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. # Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Where in my own life do I need someone to lovingly hold me accountable? What's one small habit God may be inviting me to begin or strengthen this week? How can I create an environment where the people I disciple feel both challenged and deeply loved? Prayer Jesus, thank You for Your patience as You continue to shape me into Your disciple. Give me the humility to receive accountability with gratitude and the wisdom to offer it with love. Help me trust that lasting transformation happens one faithful step at a time. Amen.

  5. Jul 20

    EP32: From Programs to Discipleship: Stories from the Field with Nick Scanlan & Makenzie Conner (Live Podcast Recording)

    About this Episode Talking about small group discipleship is one thing. Actually implementing it is another. Recorded live at the Youth Discipleship Sprint, Annie Grandell welcomes ministry leaders Makenzie Connor and Nick Scanlan to share what happened when they moved beyond traditional youth ministry models and embraced small group discipleship in their own parishes. From casting vision with pastors and parents to recruiting mentors, organizing groups, and navigating the inevitable growing pains, they offer an honest look at what it really takes to make discipleship work. Throughout the conversation, they unpack practical strategies for building healthy mentor teams, creating flexible discipleship environments, and allowing the needs of students—not rigid programming—to shape the journey. They also discuss the importance of explaining the "why" behind every change, empowering volunteers to become mentors, and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide conversations beyond the lesson plan. Whether you're just beginning to explore small group discipleship or looking to strengthen what you've already started, this episode is filled with practical encouragement from leaders who have walked the road themselves. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: What's one step I could take to move from running programs to building relationships? Who in my parish might already be waiting for an invitation to become a mentor? Where might God be asking me to trust the process instead of trying to control every outcome? Pray for the courage to take the next faithful step in your ministry, trusting that God often works most powerfully through simple relationships and ordinary people who say "yes."

  6. Jul 13

    EP31: Are Our Efforts Paying Off?

    About this Episode Every ministry leader has asked it: How do we keep young people Catholic? But what if that isn't actually the right question? In this follow-up episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell continue reflecting on their conversation with Father Chad VanHoose, exploring why so many ministry leaders and parents carry this question—and what it reveals about our hopes, fears, and assumptions. Together they examine how fear and anxiety can subtly shape the way we approach evangelization, and why Jesus consistently invites us into a posture of freedom rather than control. Instead of focusing on keeping people in the Church, Pete and Annie challenge listeners to ask a better question: How do we faithfully accompany people toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ? The conversation also explores the tension between celebrating encouraging signs of renewal in the Church while recognizing the continued need for intentional discipleship. They discuss why baptisms and growing participation are worth celebrating—but why they are only the beginning of the journey. Finally, Pete and Annie reflect on one of the hardest realities of ministry: watching young people walk away from the faith. They share practical wisdom for responding with compassion instead of panic, asking better questions instead of rushing to correction, and trusting the freedom God gives every person to respond to His invitation. Whether you're a youth minister, parent, pastor, teacher, or volunteer, this episode offers a hopeful vision for ministering with confidence, compassion, and a deeper trust in the work of the Holy Spirit. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I leading from trust in Jesus—or from fear about outcomes I can't control? How can I become more curious before offering correction when someone shares their story? Who in my ministry simply needs faithful accompaniment right now instead of a quick solution? Pray for the grace to trust God with the people He's entrusted to you, to love them without fear, and to faithfully walk beside them as He continues His work in their hearts.

  7. Jul 6

    EP30: The Real Reason You Can't Find a Youth Minister with Chris Wesley

    # About this Episode Why is it becoming harder to find—and keep—great youth ministers? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Annie Grandell welcomes Chris Wesley, founder of Marathon Youth Ministry and longtime youth ministry coach, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing the Church today: developing healthy, sustainable ministry leaders. Drawing from more than two decades of ministry experience, Chris shares why the current staffing shortage isn't simply about recruiting more people—it's about rethinking how we define, support, and invest in ministry leadership. Together, they explore why so many youth ministry positions remain unfilled, how unclear expectations and unrealistic workloads contribute to burnout, and why churches need to stop treating youth ministry as "just another program." Instead, Chris argues that healthy ministry begins with clear vision, meaningful mentorship, professional development, and long-term investment in people. The conversation also highlights the importance of building leadership pipelines through internships, apprenticeships, coaching, and intentional formation. Annie and Chris discuss how mentorship shaped their own ministry journeys and why the future of youth ministry depends on creating pathways that help new leaders thrive—not just survive. Most importantly, this episode is filled with hope. Across the Church, organizations, dioceses, and ministry leaders are collaborating in new ways to equip the next generation of discipleship leaders. As more conversations happen around healthy ministry culture, Chris believes we're moving toward a stronger and more sustainable future for youth ministry. Whether you're a pastor, youth minister, volunteer, diocesan leader, or someone discerning a call to ministry, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building ministries—and leaders—that last for the long haul. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Am I investing in the people who are leading ministry around me? What expectations do I have of ministry leaders, and are they realistic? Who mentored me, and who am I mentoring now? How can my parish or ministry become a place where leaders grow instead of burn out? What would it look like to build a leadership pipeline instead of simply filling positions? Pray for the men and women serving in ministry today, and ask God to raise up the next generation of leaders who will joyfully accompany young people in faith for years to come.

  8. Jun 29

    EP29: Affinity Groups– Is this the future of Small Group Ministry? with John Zimmer from FOCUS

    # About this Episode What if effective discipleship begins by paying attention to the friendships that already exist? In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell welcome John Zimmer, Vice President of Apostolic Development at FOCUS. With nearly three decades of experience in evangelization and discipleship, John shares lessons learned from serving thousands of college students across the country and how those lessons apply directly to youth ministry today. Together, they explore why today's young people are experiencing a profound hunger for authentic friendship and meaningful relationships in an increasingly screen-shaped culture. John explains how FOCUS discovered the power of "affinity groups"—existing friend groups, teams, clubs, and communities—and why discipleship often flourishes when faith is introduced into relationships that already exist rather than trying to manufacture new ones. The conversation also dives into the concept of incarnational evangelization: entering into another person's world before inviting them into your own. Through practical stories from both college ministry and parish youth ministry, Pete, Annie, and John discuss how discipleship becomes more effective when leaders prioritize presence, trust, and authentic witness over programs and presentations. Most importantly, John reflects on a lesson that has shaped FOCUS since its earliest days: who we are in Christ matters more than what we do for Him. The fruitfulness of ministry begins not with strategy but with personal transformation, prayer, and a deep commitment to walking closely with Jesus. Whether you're a youth minister, volunteer, parent, teacher, or parish leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink how discipleship happens and encourage you to invest more deeply in the relationships already around you. Connect with Us Have questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org Book your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching Please take a moment to rate & review on Apple Podcasts. Visit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast. Reflection for This Week Ask yourself: Who are the natural affinity groups in my ministry? Am I trying to create relationships or strengthen existing ones? Where can I enter into a young person's world before asking them to enter mine? What aspects of my faith are being caught through my witness, not just taught through my words? How am I prioritizing my own relationship with Christ as the foundation of ministry? Pray for the grace to see the relationships God has already placed around you and for the wisdom to accompany others through authentic friendship and faithful witness.

See All (37)

5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Welcome to a space where curiosity meets mission. In this podcast, we explore the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it really means to walk with young people in faith today. Whether you’re a youth minister, teacher, pastor, volunteer, or simply someone who cares about the next generation — you’ll find insight, encouragement, and community here. We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But through years of experience (and conversations with incredible ministry leaders in the trenches), we’ve gathered stories, lessons, and honest reflections worth sharing. This is a space to stay curious, spark new ideas, and learn together as we serve young people and help them encounter Christ in a rapidly changing world. We’re learners and leaders on the same journey — and we’re so glad you’re here.

Information

  • Creator
    YDisciple Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NET Ministries
  • Show Website
    The YDisciple Podcast