The GenSend Podcast

The next generation is the now generation. They're not just the future of the church, but they're the church today. So what will it take to reach them with the gospel? The GenSend Podcast is a podcast designed to equip you to reach, disciple and mobilize the next generation.

  1. 4D AGO

    Likes, Views, and Revival: When Influence Isn’t Anointing

    In episode 6 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor help next-gen leaders discern what truly matters in a digital world where influence is measured in likes and views. They unpack the tension between platform and anointing, and why viral doesn’t always mean faithful. Discover the dangers of equating online popularity with spiritual authority as well as practical guidance for leading students with discernment. Be challenged to rethink success, guard your heart from comparison, and anchor your ministry in Scripture instead of algorithms. Listen in to be equipped to shepherd students through digital noise while staying grounded in real, relational discipleship.    What You'll Learn: Why confidence does not equal competence in online teaching  How to help students test everything against Scripture  Why faithfulness is the biblical measure of success, not visibility How to shepherd students influenced by online voices  The difference between discernment and cynicism when evaluating teachers Helpful Resources: GenSend Webinar: Reaching Gen Alpha (May 7, 2026) Three Habits for Everyday Evangelism, eBook by Paul Worcester (releases April 27, 2026) Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges FM72 GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareable Quotes: “Gifts and talents can build a crowd, but only the Holy Spirit can build the Church.” —Shane Pruitt   “Students often assume that if it has a lot of views, it must be true.” —Lacey Villasenor   “It’s a snare to compare. Just put out truth and trust the Lord with it.” —Shane Pruitt “Social media is a mission field, but it should never replace real discipleship.” —Paul Worcester    “The metric of success you choose will shape the ministry you build.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  2. MAR 31

    Bivocational Ministry: Faithful Leadership in a Changing Church

    In episode 5 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor offer a clear vision for how bivocational and covocational ministry is a strategic advantage for reaching your campus and community, especially if you’re a leader who’s navigating ministry alongside school, work, or life. Discover practical rhythms for managing your time, avoiding burnout, and leading from a place of spiritual health. Be challenged to rethink calling, not as a single lane, but as a life lived on mission wherever God has placed you. This conversation will equip you to lead faithfully right where you are, with what you have.   What You'll Learn: How to define and distinguish bivocational and covocational ministry Why bivocational ministry is becoming a key strategy for the future of the church The difference between striving for “balance” and living in “harmony” The evangelistic advantage of being in the marketplace and everyday environments How your current job or major can become a mission field, not a distraction Helpful Resources: “The 5 Hour Sermon: A Covo Preacher’s Guide” article at NewChurches.com Discovering Covocational Church Planting, by Send Network Not My Jesus (Bible Study Book with Video Access) GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareable Quotes: “See it all as a marathon. If you sprint in every area, you’ll burn out and not be great for anyone.” —Shane Pruitt   “Your goal isn’t how much ministry you can do; it’s how much you can empower others to do.” —Paul Worcester    “When students see someone with a marketplace job teaching the Bible, it expands their vision of calling.” —Lacey Villasenor   “If you're covocational, you're in good company—Jesus was a carpenter, and Paul was a tentmaker.” —Shane Pruitt “As a covocational leader, you get to model the lifestyle you’re trying to reproduce.” —Paul Worcester    “When you meet real needs, people start asking, ‘Why are you here?’—and that opens the door for the gospel.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
  3. MAR 17

    Why Young Men Are Returning—and Young Women Are Leaving the Church

    In episode 4 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Catherine Renfro as they discuss the data behind the growing church engagement gap and offer practical insight into why college-aged women are disengaging from weekly church attendance and spiritual habits. You’ll be equipped to disciple young women in a culture shaped by social media, political polarization, and mistrust of institutions. Discover proactive strategies to empower women as laborers in the harvest, strengthen relational discipleship, and address difficult topics like leadership, purpose, and church hurt with both truth and compassion. Listen in to gather help in building ministries that mobilize both young men and young women for the mission of God. What You'll Learn: The recent data that shows a growing engagement gap between genders—and what that means for your ministry. Why safety, belonging, and authenticity are critical for engaging Gen Z women in the local church. How to evaluate whether your ministry culture unintentionally sidelines or overlooks young women. Why disciple-making—not programming—is the long-term solution to engagement gaps. How to create pathways for both young men and young women to live on mission together.   Helpful Resources: Dream Big: The Henrietta Mears Story The Other Half of Church Women in the Mission of God Gospel Conversation Starters for Women Living Sent Barna Research GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “If we say we want our ministries to be a hospital for souls, then we shouldn’t push people away who are hurting.” —Shane Pruitt “Relational connection is one of the highest values for Gen Z, especially women.” —Paul Worcester  “If we’re going to reach this world, it’s going to take every single one of us.” —Catherine Renfro “It’s really easy to train your mind to have a bad view of the church if you’re constantly fed negative stories.” —Lacey Villasenor “We define God by our circumstances instead of letting God define our circumstances.” —Catherine Renfro “We’re in a God moment where young men are being reached with the gospel.” —Shane Pruitt “If they don’t see the church as a safe place, they’re just not going to show up.” —Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min
  4. MAR 3

    A False View of Sanctification: Why the Christian Life Is a Lifelong Journey

    In episode 3 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor unpack the difference between justification and sanctification and why understanding both matters for next-gen leaders. Discover why sanctification is not instant perfection but a lifelong, grace-filled process of becoming who you already are in Christ. Gain clarity on distorted theology, shame-driven discipleship, and “quick fix” spirituality, as well as biblical and practical encouragement for leaders and the students in their ministries. Ultimately, be reminded that the process itself is the reward. Walking with Jesus on the journey is the victory.   What You'll Learn: Teach students the clear distinction between justification and sanctification How to normalize struggle in the Christian life without normalizing sin The importance of building discipleship environments that include accountability, Scripture memory, and honest confession Specific biblical passages to teach students a framework for understanding freedom, struggle, and victory Reasons to guard against “higher life” or perfectionist models that create shame or false expectations Helpful Resources: The Pursuit of Holiness The Pilgrim’s Progress The Hole in Our Holiness GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “The process is the reward. The reward is walking with Jesus.” —Shane Pruitt  “Work out your salvation—not work for it.” —Paul Worcester  “Sanctification is empowered by the Spirit, shaped by the Word, supported by community, and lived out in obedience.” —Lacey Villasenor “If you feel like you’re in the middle of a war, that’s not a bad thing.” —Shane Pruitt  “It’s not let go and let God. It’s trust God and get going.” —Paul Worcester  “Sanctification is this lifelong journey of becoming like Christ.” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    45 min
  5. FEB 17

    Calling, Chemistry, and Commitment: Dating as a Young Ministry Leader

    In episode 2 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor discuss how complicated dating can be to single leaders called to ministry, especially when it feels like their life, leadership, and future are already under a microscope. Listen in as the hosts offer practical biblical wisdom to help you navigate dating with clarity, integrity, and mission-first conviction. You’ll learn how calling, chemistry, and commitment work together, and what happens when one is out of alignment. From avoiding casual dating to setting wise boundaries, this conversation equips you to pursue relationships that strengthen your walk with Christ rather than distract from it. Whether you’re single, dating, or discerning next steps, this episode will help you honor Jesus, the church, and your future.  Also in This Episode, Learn: Why commitment to Christ and the mission must come before chemistryHow to discern calling without becoming overly rigid or overly casualWhy casual dating is especially dangerous for ministry leadersRed flags to watch for when dating with a call to ministryHow to pace relationships wisely while trusting God’s timingHelpful Resources: You Can’t Talk About That Youth Leader Coaching Network GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “A healthy Christian relationship is two complete people in Christ already that Christ brings together and He's the center of.” —Shane Pruitt  “Singleness is not an obstacle to overcome—it’s an opportunity to embrace.” —Paul Worcester  “Who you marry will either be your greatest help or your greatest hindrance in ministry.” —Lacey Villasenor “What example would you want set before your kids one day? That’s what you are right now for someone else’s kids.” —Shane Pruitt  “If you idolize a dating relationship, you’ll make the same mistake in marriage.” —Paul Worcester  “Specific boundaries help everyone know what questions to ask.” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  6. FEB 3

    Holding Strong Convictions Without Becoming Cynical

    In the season 7 premiere of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor address how growing polarization has fueled cynicism, legalism, and unnecessary division within the church, and especially among young leaders. As a next-gen or collegiate leader, listen in to help students hold biblical convictions with humility and grace. Learn practical frameworks to keep unity in your ministry without compromising truth, and discover the antidote to criticism and spiritual arrogance. This episode will remind you of the mission and give you the fuel to carry it out with convictional kindness and collaborative kingdom work. Also in This Episode, Learn: The importance of modeling humility, especially when addressing disagreements on social media or cultural issuesHow to train students to differentiate conviction from preferenceTo anchor students in Scripture, not just podcasts, influencers, or theological personalitiesWhy evangelism must remain front and center, remembering that winning souls reorients ministries toward what matters mostTo address cynicism early, especially when students fixate on niche theological debates instead of prayer, Scripture, and mission  Helpful Resources: Messiology, George VerwerGenSend Youth Leader Coaching NetworkGenSend SummerGenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “I don’t want to be a jerk for Jesus, but I can’t be a coward for Christ either.” —Shane Pruitt  “Pride, jealousy, and competition may be one of the greatest hindrances to revival.” —Paul Worcester  “Young people are tired of seeing church leaders act just like the culture.” —Lacey Villasenor “If learning theology makes you more arrogant, then you don’t understand good theology.” —Shane Pruitt  “What we do in moderation, our students will do in excess.” —Paul Worcester  “Convictional kindness is what this generation is longing to see.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  7. 12/02/2025

    The GenSend Podcast LIVE: Cultural Jesus vs. Biblical Jesus—How Misunderstanding Christ Impacts Faith

    In Episode 7 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Lacey Villasenor, and Paul Worcester unpack why getting Jesus right is essential for every ministry leader and every student we shepherd. Hear the most common cultural distortions of Jesus and how to help students rediscover the biblical Jesus revealed in Scripture. Be equipped with tools for teaching repentance, lordship, the exclusivity of Christ, and the urgency of evangelism with clarity and compassion. Take away practical strategies such as gospel appointments, three evangelism habits, and how to correct false views of Jesus without shame or fear. Be encouraged to preach the real Jesus boldly and train your students to do the same. Also in This Episode, Learn: To identify and dismantle cultural “false Jesus” narratives using Scripture, not opinion.The importance of teaching a full biblical gospel every time you present Jesus.To equip students to normalize hard conversations about hell, eternity, and exclusivity, topics Jesus spoke about often.How essential it is to model tears and compassion for the lost, showing students that passion flows from understanding the gospel.To prioritize gospel appointments with new students and train them to do the same with others. Helpful Resources: Not My Jesus - Teen Bible Study Book: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols Not My Jesus - Bible Study Book with Video Access: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols Life on Mission App Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Youth Leaders Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Collegiate Leaders GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right—evangelism, discipleship, missions.” —Shane Pruitt  “What this generation wants more than anything else is for you to open the Bible and explain it clearly and boldly.” —Paul Worcester  “Those with the greatest grasp of the gospel have the greatest compassion for the lost.” —Paul Worcester  “The longer someone talks about their Jesus, the less he sounds like the Jesus of the Bible.” —Shane Pruitt    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 15m
  8. 11/18/2025

    Your Favorite Influencer Is Not Your Pastor: Loving the Local Church in a Digital Age

    In Episode 6 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with speaker, comedian, and K-LOVE radio host Lacy Abercrombie to talk about a topic every student leader needs to think through: how Christian-influencer culture shapes your faith. Be equipped to help your students discern truth online, stay rooted in the local church, and use their influence for the glory of God—not personal brand-building. Walk away ready to lead students to engage the digital world with wisdom, guard their hearts from comparison, and lead others toward authentic discipleship that happens face-to-face, not just through screens. Also in This Episode, Learn: How to use social media as a tool for evangelism and encouragement without losing your focus on the gospelThe difference between being discipled and simply consuming Christian contentWhy online influence should supplement, not replace, local church communityHow to stay rooted in biblical truth when loud voices online sound convincing but lack depthPractical guardrails for pastors, ministry leaders, and students using digital platformsHelpful Resources: GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “We can replace time with God by consuming content about God. And that’s dangerous.”  —Lacy Abercrombie  “An influencer can’t replace your church. We were made to be known and known in community.” —Lacy Abercrombie “Look down at your two feet. Right there is your mission field. Even your digital footprint is ground God can use.” —Shane Pruitt  “There’s an idolatry of cool in our culture. We’ve started equating influence with wisdom.” —Paul Worcester  “There’s a difference between being inspired by someone online and being discipled by someone who knows you.” —Lacey Villasenor “There’s so much beauty in being shepherded, known, and held accountable.” —Lacy Abercrombie   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min
4.9
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

The next generation is the now generation. They're not just the future of the church, but they're the church today. So what will it take to reach them with the gospel? The GenSend Podcast is a podcast designed to equip you to reach, disciple and mobilize the next generation.

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