Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

Doug Edwards
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Today's youth need youth pastors, mentors, teachers, volunteers, and most of all, they need YOU! Youth Worker On Fire is designed to give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to be the best youth worker possible. Youth Worker On Fire podcast is full of valuable information from people who work with youth on a daily basis. It is also packed with interviews with former students (years later) in their adult life and how student ministry, or the lack of it, effected their future. Many are are changing their world and the world at large because of the influence of youth workers in their adolescent years. Listen as they share their stories of mentoring and positively influencing adolescents in today's world.

  1. Justin Terry: Remember Your Calling and Trust the Process

    1d ago

    Justin Terry: Remember Your Calling and Trust the Process

    What do you do when ministry gets heavy, life gets complicated, and your calling feels harder than you expected? In this interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards talks with Justin Terry, Experience Pastor at Journey Church in Colorado, for a powerful conversation about discipleship, calling, ministry leadership, burnout, family, and the faithfulness of God. Justin shares how God met him as an angry middle school student after his parents' divorce, how intentional discipleship changed the direction of his life, and how mentors like Scotty Priest, Hugh Kirby, and his dad helped shape his faith and future. In this episode, you'll hear about: • How Justin came to faith in middle school • Why discipleship and accountability changed everything • His journey from wanting to be a sports broadcaster to serving in ministry • What it was like serving in Alaska and later moving to Colorado • How ministry, parenting, church leadership, a house fire, and the pandemic nearly emptied his tank • Why leaders need spiritual disciplines, counseling, rest, and honest support • How the book of Jonah reveals God's grace, pursuit, second chances, and patience • Why Justin still carries a heart for Alaska, the UK, and spiritual renewal in America Justin also shares a phrase that has helped him through difficult seasons: Remember your calling and trust the process. Whether you are a youth pastor, student ministry volunteer, church leader, Christian educator, parent, or someone trying to stay faithful through a hard season, this episode will encourage you to keep walking with God one step at a time. ✨ God is still working in the silence, the unknown, and the process. _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Justin Terry, Youth Ministry, Christian Leadership, Ministry Calling, Trust the Process, Remember Your Calling, Student Ministry Leadership, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Ministry Burnout, Discipleship, Journey Church Colorado, Christian Parenting, Faith and Family, Jonah Bible Study, Spiritual Growth, Church Leadership, Alaska Ministry, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Christian Interview

    35 min
  2. Before God Elevates You, He Clears the Room: Trusting Your Wilderness Season

    Jun 3

    Before God Elevates You, He Clears the Room: Trusting Your Wilderness Season

    What if the separation you're feeling is not rejection... but preparation? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message about calling, wilderness seasons, spiritual preparation, and trusting God when people, opportunities, or familiar places seem to disappear from your life. After hearing a simple but profound statement, "Before God elevates you, He clears the room", Doug reflects on how God often prepares leaders by creating space, removing distractions, and drawing them closer before the next assignment. In this episode, Doug unpacks: • Why God sometimes separates you before He elevates you. • How Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness prepared Him for ministry. • Why David had to spend time in hiding before becoming king. • How seasons of loss, transition, and confusion can become preparation. • Why seeking God's kingdom first changes everything. • How God can redirect your life into a calling you never saw coming. • Why wilderness seasons are often where leaders are formed. Doug also shares from his own journey—how a music career path suddenly disappeared, how that season felt confusing and painful, and how God used it to prepare him for decades of student ministry. Whether you are a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, Christian educator, parent, or leader walking through transition, this episode will encourage you to trust that God may be doing more in the quiet than you realize. ✨ Sometimes God clears the room not to punish you—but to prepare you for what He has already planned. _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: God's Calling, Wilderness Season, Christian Leadership, Youth Ministry, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Student Ministry, Ministry Encouragement, Spiritual Preparation, Purpose and Calling, Trust God's Timing, Before God Elevates You, God Clears the Room, Christian Devotional Podcast, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Faith in Transition, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:18, Matthew 6:33

    10 min
  3. Kids Learn More From What We Do Than What We Say: Teaching Faith That Lasts

    May 27

    Kids Learn More From What We Do Than What We Say: Teaching Faith That Lasts

    What are students and children actually learning from us? It may not be our sermons. It may not be our advice. It might simply be the way we live. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a simple but powerful story from dinner with his grandchildren and a reminder that faith is often caught before it is taught. After inviting his family to pray over a meal, Doug watched something unexpected happen: His grandchildren stepped forward and wanted to pray. Not because they were asked. Not because they were prepared. But because prayer had become natural to them. That moment became a powerful reminder: Students and children are watching us more closely than we realize. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: • Why children respond more to what we live than what we say. • How everyday moments shape lifelong faith. • Why prayer should become natural—not performative. • How parents and youth leaders create environments where faith grows. • What Jesus meant when He said to let the children come. • Practical ways to build authentic faith into ordinary life. Doug also reflects on powerful biblical truths from: • Philippians 4:13 — Strength through Christ • Ephesians 2:10 — God prepared good works in advance • Joshua 1:9 — Be strong and courageous • Jeremiah 29:11 — Hope and a future This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ Youth pastors ✔ Student ministry volunteers ✔ Parents and grandparents ✔ Christian educators ✔ Anyone investing in the next generation One of the biggest reminders from this conversation: 👉 Children don't need perfect examples. They need real people who love Jesus and make room for faith to grow naturally. ✨ Teach truth. Live truth. Give truth away. 💭 Reflection Question What are the students and children around you learning from your life this week? _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Youth Ministry, Christian Parenting, Passing Faith to Children, Student Ministry Leadership, Teaching Faith at Home, Raising Christian Kids, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Discipleship, Family Faith, Christian Leadership Podcast, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Prayer with Children, Spiritual Legacy, Authentic Faith, Christian Family Values, Biblical Parenting, Faith That Lasts

    9 min
  4. Lance Kramer: From Survival to Revival - Reaching the Next Generation in Alaska (Part 2)

    May 20

    Lance Kramer: From Survival to Revival - Reaching the Next Generation in Alaska (Part 2)

    What happens after revival fades? How do you rebuild faith in a place where generations know about God, but fewer truly follow Him? In Part 2 of this special interview series on Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards continues his conversation with Lance Kramer, missionary, and ministry leader serving near the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska. After exploring the spiritual history of Alaska in Part 1, this conversation shifts to something even more personal: Lance's own journey of faith. From surviving a near-fatal hunting accident… to discovering Christ… to planting churches, discipling students, launching youth camps, and building sustainable ministry models in one of the most remote places in North America—this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone reaching the next generation. 🎯 In Part 2, you'll discover: • Lance's powerful story of coming to faith in Christ. • How one life-changing moment redirected his future. • Why discipleship—not attendance—is the key to lasting faith. • What youth ministry can learn from the early church. • How house churches and relational ministry create deeper impact. • Creative ways churches can become sustainable and mission-focused. • Why reaching students early changes entire communities. Lance also shares: • How youth camps became a major ministry strategy • His vision for reaching rural Alaska and the circumpolar north • Lessons from church planting and indigenous leadership • Why ministry must move beyond programs and toward disciple-making This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ Youth pastors and student ministry leaders ✔ Mission-minded church leaders ✔ Parents discipling students at home ✔ Volunteers investing in the next generation ✔ Anyone passionate about revival and discipleship One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation: 👉 Revival may start with one generation… …but discipleship is what helps faith endure. 🎧 If you missed Part 1, start there first: Lance Kramer: Ministry Near the Arctic Circle & The Rise and Fall of Faith (Part 1) Then come back to hear how the story continues. ✨ Real ministry isn't built through comfort—it grows through faith, relationships, and multiplying disciples. _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Lance Kramer, Alaska Missions, Arctic Circle Ministry, Youth Ministry Leadership, Christian Missions Podcast, Discipleship, Church Planting, Youth Camps Ministry, Student Ministry Leadership, Christian Leadership, Next Generation Ministry, Indigenous Ministry Alaska, Christian Testimony, House Church Movement, Revival and Discipleship, Mission Strategy, Evangelism and Discipleship, Remote Ministry, Part 2 Interview

    44 min
  5. Lance Kramer: Ministry Near the Arctic Circle & The Rise and Fall of Faith (Part 1)

    May 13

    Lance Kramer: Ministry Near the Arctic Circle & The Rise and Fall of Faith (Part 1)

    What does ministry look like 36 miles above the Arctic Circle and what happens when an entire region moves from revival… to spiritual decline? In this powerful Part 1 interview of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with missionary Lance Kramer, who serves in Kotzebue, Alaska—a remote hub city surrounded by isolated villages and accessible only by air. From breathtaking landscapes filled with whales, polar bears, and endless wilderness… to a deeply spiritual story of faith, prophecy, and cultural transformation—this episode reveals a side of ministry most people have never seen. 🎯 In Part 1, you'll discover: • What life and ministry are like near the Arctic Circle. • The fascinating history of how Christianity first reached this region. • The story of an indigenous man who foretold missionaries carrying the "black box" (the Bible). • How faith once spread rapidly across Alaska—transforming entire communities. • Why early revival did not lead to lasting discipleship. • How a region that was once 90% Christian is now experiencing deep spiritual decline. Lance shares the powerful reality that: 👉 Knowing about God is not the same as following Him. And highlights one of the biggest challenges facing the next generation: 👉 A lack of true discipleship. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ Youth pastors and student ministry leaders ✔ Mission-minded leaders and global thinkers ✔ Parents raising the next generation in faith ✔ Anyone interested in revival, culture, and discipleship ✨ This is more than a story about Alaska—it's a warning and a lesson for every generation. 🎧 Be sure to listen to Part 2, where Lance dives deeper into the current reality of ministry and what it will take to reach the next generation. _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Lance Kramer, Alaska Missions, Arctic Circle Ministry, Youth Ministry Leadership, Christian Missions Podcast, Discipleship Crisis, Faith Decline, Revival and Discipleship, Student Ministry, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Indigenous Ministry Alaska, Christian Leadership, Global Missions, Evangelism and Discipleship, Faith and Culture, Church Decline, Remote Ministry, Interviews

    27 min
  6. Trust the Rope: How Faith Overcomes Fear When Life Gets Uncertain

    May 6

    Trust the Rope: How Faith Overcomes Fear When Life Gets Uncertain

    What do you do when life feels uncertain, uncomfortable, or even overwhelming? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message on trusting God in the middle of fear, failure, and life's unexpected challenges—using real-life stories, Scripture, and lessons from extreme situations. From watching Bear Grylls and Matthew McConaughey survive the harsh Norwegian wilderness, to personal experiences in ministry, missions, and life, this episode challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and trust what God is doing—even when you don't feel in control. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: • Why fear is often part of God's process—not a sign to quit • What it means to "trust the rope" when you can't see the outcome • How faith grows through uncomfortable and uncertain moments • Why staying safe can actually cause you to miss God's purpose • The power of trusting God instead of relying on control • How setbacks, failure, and fear can lead to growth and purpose Doug also shares: • Personal stories of fear and faith in missions and ministry • Lessons from Scripture including Joshua 1:9 and Jeremiah 29:11 • Why even the strongest leaders need reminders to be courageous • A powerful truth: you are never truly in control—but God always is This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ Youth pastors and ministry leaders ✔ Student ministry volunteers ✔ Parents guiding students through fear and uncertainty ✔ Anyone facing difficult decisions or feeling stuck ✨ The greatest growth in your life often happens just outside your comfort zone—when you choose faith over fear. 💭 Reflection Question 👉 Are you trying to stay safe… or are you willing to trust God with the unknown? _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:   Faith Over Fear, Trust God, Youth Ministry Leadership, Christian Leadership Podcast, Overcoming Fear Christian, Trusting God in Uncertainty, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Student Ministry, Spiritual Growth Christian, Courage and Faith, Joshua 1 9, Jeremiah 29 11, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Christian Motivation, Fear and Faith, Trust the Process Christian, Purpose and Calling

    12 min
  7. Don't Wait for Perfection: How God Uses Failure, Faith, and Obedience for Growth

    Apr 29

    Don't Wait for Perfection: How God Uses Failure, Faith, and Obedience for Growth

    What if your failures aren't the end of your story, but the beginning of how God grows your faith? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful and personal message about faith, failure, obedience, and learning to move forward even when life isn't perfect. Drawing from Scripture, real-life ministry experience, and everyday moments with his family, Doug challenges leaders, parents, and believers to stop waiting for the "perfect moment" and start living out their faith right where they are. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: • Why God doesn't wait for perfection and neither should you • How failure can actually strengthen your faith • The importance of getting back up and trying again • Why consistent obedience matters more than flawless performance • How everyday life becomes a "laboratory" for spiritual growth • What the life of Peter teaches us about failure and restoration Doug also shares: • Lessons from decades in student ministry and leadership • The story behind launching this podcast (and why he didn't wait to be ready) • Reflections on parenting, grandparenting, and investing in the next generation • A personal moment of failure and a prayer to do better next time This episode is especially meaningful for: ✔ Youth pastors and ministry leaders ✔ Student ministry volunteers ✔ Parents and grandparents ✔ Anyone struggling with failure or feeling "not good enough" ✨ God isn't looking for perfection—He's looking for faith, obedience, and a willingness to get back up again. 💭 A Question to Reflect On 👉 Are you waiting to be perfect… or are you willing to take the next step in faith? _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Youth Ministry, Faith and Failure, Christian Leadership Podcast, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Spiritual Growth Christian, Obedience to God, Don't Wait for Perfection, Faith Over Fear, Student Ministry Leadership, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Next Generation Ministry, Christian Parenting, Failure and Growth, Biblical Leadership, Life Lessons Christian, Faith Journey, God's Grace and Forgiveness, Perseverance in Faith

    12 min
  8. George Warren: Faith, Family, and Building a Business That Lasts Generations

    Apr 22

    George Warren: Faith, Family, and Building a Business That Lasts Generations

    What does it take to build a business, a family, and a life that lasts for generations? In this interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with George Warren, owner of a multi-generational family pharmacy business, to talk about faith, leadership, perseverance, and what it means to truly take care of people. With over 60 years of family legacy and a team of more than 50 employees, George shares the real story behind building something that lasts—and the principles that have guided him through both success and challenge. 🎯 In this episode, you'll discover: • How faith shapes leadership in both business and family life • Why showing up consistently matters more than quick success • The importance of taking care of people first • How multi-generational families stay united through purpose and values • Why perseverance—not perfection—is the key to long-term success • How God uses unexpected paths to shape your calling George also opens up about his personal journey, including: • Living with a voice condition (spasmodic dysphonia) and how it changed his perspective • Growing up in a faith-centered home and raising his own family with those values • Learning leadership from his parents—hard work, resilience, and vision • Adapting through challenges in business while staying committed to serving others This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ Anyone trying to build something that lasts ✔ Business owners and leaders ✔ Parents and grandparents discipling the next generation ✔ Youth pastors and student ministry leaders Doug reminds us throughout this conversation: 👉 If you are influencing students, raising kids, or leading a family—you are in ministry. ✨ Legacy isn't built overnight—it's built through faith, consistency, and caring for people over time. _________________________________________________________________________________ 📬 Stay connected: Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: George Warren, Faith and Business, Christian Leadership, Family Business Success, Youth Ministry Leadership, Student Ministry, Christian Parenting, Next Generation Leadership, Building a Legacy, Faith Driven Leadership, Business Leadership Christian, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Multi Generational Business, Perseverance and Faith, Leadership Principles, Christian Influence, Serving People First, Ministry Through Work

    29 min
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4.9
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About

Today's youth need youth pastors, mentors, teachers, volunteers, and most of all, they need YOU! Youth Worker On Fire is designed to give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to be the best youth worker possible. Youth Worker On Fire podcast is full of valuable information from people who work with youth on a daily basis. It is also packed with interviews with former students (years later) in their adult life and how student ministry, or the lack of it, effected their future. Many are are changing their world and the world at large because of the influence of youth workers in their adolescent years. Listen as they share their stories of mentoring and positively influencing adolescents in today's world.

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