NextGen Matters

Rich Brown
  • 5.0(9개의 평가)
  • 직업
  • 매주 업데이트

Those leading in Next Generation ministries are navigating a complex landscape of relational, emotional, and organizational pressures that demand resilience, creativity, and deep community connection to sustain impactful ministry in a rapidly changing world.  Does this sound like you?  Then we're glad you're here! NextGen Matters and this podcast are here to guide you through the complexity by providing you with Biblically sound solutions to meet your ministry needs. Why this podcast? Our show helps NextGen ministry leaders overcome the stress of ministry by covering topics that matter for leaders that matter.  With over forty years of continual practical youth ministry experience, Rich understands the journey of where student ministry has been, the challenges facing ministry leaders today, as we prepare another generation to follow Jesus into tomorrow.  His desire is to see this podcast be a resource for those who are professional NextGen Ministry leaders, volunteer NextGen Ministry leaders, and anyone who cares about the Next Generation.   "If we are going to have spiritually healthy students, we must have spiritually healthy local church student ministry cultures, which must come from a place of spiritually healthy ministry leaders.  This podcast exists for that reason!  I want to come alongside you by engaging with you, encouraging you, equipping you, and empowering you to fulfill the God-given calling He has placed on you in your ministry to this current generation of adolescents."  ~ Rich Brown Each episode deals with the real issues today's youth leaders are facing with real solutions based on the timeless truth of God's Word.  And that is a promise! About our Host Rich grew up in a small town in central New York, which featured one stop light and two gas stations. Born into a godly ministry family and consistently seeing and hearing the gospel, Rich gave his life over to Jesus as a young age. During college, he met the young lady of his dreams! Rich says, "Jesus and Janet were the two best decisions I’ve ever made!” They have been married since 1985. Rich and Janet have three adult children (two married), and five grandchildren. His two sons are ordained pastors in ministry, and his daughter owns her own salon. Most important, they all love Jesus! While in college, God called him to student ministries and Rich has been working with students ever since, even now volunteering in his church’s high school ministry. With over 20 years as a student pastor in the local church followed by over 20 years in teaching student ministry in higher education, he loves students and student ministry leaders. In 2019 God called him to begin his own ministry, NextGenMatters, where he seeks to “relationally equip today’s leaders for tomorrow’s generation.” While his primary ministry is now ministering to adults, it all centers back to seeing teenagers be fully mature lifelong disciples of Jesus. He avidly follows baseball, loves landscaping on his two acres, is a history nerd, and doesn't know a day without coffee. His lifelong desire is to live out Colossians 1:28-29.

  1. #15: The Subtle Trap of Ministry Comparison

    3일 전 · 비디오

    #15: The Subtle Trap of Ministry Comparison

    Episode Overview Comparison is one of the most exhausting and unspoken pressures in ministry. In this father–son conversation, Rich and Ryan Brown unpack how comparison sneaks into our leadership—through social media, ministry highlight reels, church metrics, and even well‑meaning comments from others. Together they explore the roots of comparison, the ways it can be both healthy and destructive, and how ministry leaders can approach it with a godly, grounded perspective and can guard their hearts while celebrating others and staying faithful to their unique calling. This episode invites leaders to slow down, name the pressure, and remember that God never asked us to run someone else’s race. He called us to be faithful with the people, gifts, and opportunities He has entrusted to us—right where we are. Key Themes - What Comparison Looks Like in Ministry - Why Comparison Is So Common- Healthy Comparison - Unhealthy Comparison - Biblical Patterns of Comparison Resources Mentioned • NextGen Matters – https://www.nextgenmatters.com/• The Bible (Scripture references in order: Genesis 4; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 11:1; John 21) Links • Email for Rich Brown (NGM): rich@nextgenmatters.com• Subscribe for NGM Thursday Tools email• Watch this episode on YouTube Timestamps  • 00:00–03:30 – The pressure of comparison in ministry leadership • 03:30–08:30 – Defining comparison and generational perspectives • 08:30–15:30 – Healthy vs. unhealthy comparison and biblical foundations • 15:30–22:30 – The root of comparison: envy, coveting, and insecurity • 22:30–29:30 – Social media, metrics, and the hidden cost of comparison • 29:30–34:30 – Calling vs. competence: staying in your lane • 34:30–39:07 – Practical action steps: celebrate others, celebrate your wins, and remain faithful

    39분
  2. #14: When NextGen Ministries Unite (interview with Cody Mummau regarding Episode 2026)

    시즌1 에피소드14 예고편 · 비디오

    #14: When NextGen Ministries Unite (interview with Cody Mummau regarding Episode 2026)

    In this powerful conversation, Rich sits down with longtime friend Cody Mummau, high school pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church, to unpack the heart, vision, and behind-the-scenes journey of transforming a long-standing single-church winter retreat into a citywide, multi-church movement called Episode. What began as one church’s long‑standing winter retreat has transformed into a multi‑church, kingdom‑minded movement—one marked by humility, collaboration, and a shared desire to reach the next generation. Cody shares how God prepared him years earlier through ministry partnerships in North Carolina, where he learned the impact of churches working together rather than competing. Now serving in his hometown, he’s bringing that same vision to the 434 area code—inviting churches of all sizes and backgrounds to unite students around the gospel. As Rich says in the episode, “I want you to be motivated to ask yourself, what can I do to be a part of something greater than just me?” And as Cody reflects, “There’s no possible way that even as large as our student ministry is, we can’t do it alone… The church has to reach the city.” This conversation is a behind‑the‑scenes look at humility, collaboration, and the kind of leadership that builds a culture of “we, not me.” Links Episode Sessions (student gathering hosted by Thomas Road Baptist Church)• Episode Recap• Session 1• Session 2• Session 3 • Email for Cody Mummau (TRBC): cody.mummau@trbc.org• Email for Rich Brown (NGM): rich@nextgenmatters.com• Subscribe for NGM Thursday Tools email• Watch this episode on YouTube Timestamps • 00:00–02:00  – The mission of Next Gen Matters and introducing Cody Mumaw• 02:00–07:30   – From North Carolina to Lynchburg: Cody’s ministry journey• 07:30–15:30    – The early days of collaboration: The 460 Project and multi-church retreats• 15:30–23:30    – 180 Weekend: Scaling a shared student event across 30+ churches• 23:30–30:30   – Returning home and reimagining “Episode” as a kingdom-centered gathering• 30:30–36:30   – Building trust among churches and creating a culture of shared leadership• 36:30–42:30   – Practical steps for leaders: Finding your people and starting small• 42:30–End      – Don’t quit: Longevity, community, and a 24-hour action plan for collaboration

    40분
  3. #13: From Resisting to Redeemed (Interview with Ryan Brown)

    2월 10일 · 비디오

    #13: From Resisting to Redeemed (Interview with Ryan Brown)

    Episode Show Notes In this deeply personal and joy‑filled conversation, Rich sits down with his youngest son, Ryan Brown—now a student pastor at Waymaker.Church—to explore the long, winding, grace‑saturated journey of a student who once resisted God but is now leading others toward Him. The episode opens with a reminder that “spiritually healthy students come from spiritually healthy ministry systems… and these systems only come from and through healthy ministry leaders” From there, Rich and Ryan trace Ryan’s story from his adolescence filled with misplaced worship and identity struggles to the slow, steady pursuit of God through prayer, caring parents and leaders, and God’s providence. This episode is a deeply personal conversation as together they explore Ryan’s journey from being that resisting student to answering God’s call into salvation and then ministry, offering hope and perspective for leaders and parents loving students whose stories are still being written. Resources Mentioned • Episode (student gathering hosted by Thomas Road Baptist Church)• The Bible (Scripture references in order: Titus 2:11–12) Links Email for Rich Brown (NGM): rich@nextgenmatters.com Subscribe for NGM Thursday Tools email Watch this episode on YouTube Timestamps • 00:00–02:00 – The mission of Next Gen Matters and introducing Ryan Brown• 02:00–06:30 – The power of city-wide unity through the Episode gathering• 06:30–12:00 – Growing up in church while resisting God• 12:00–18:30 – Misplaced worship, loss, and God getting Ryan’s attention• 18:30–27:45 – Godly friendships, surrender, and authentic joy in Christ• 27:45–35:45 – Calling into ministry and learning leadership through humility• 35:45–41:45 – Grace that saves and grace that trains• 41:45–48:00 – Encouragement for leaders loving resistant students

    47분
  4. #12: Loving Students Who Don't Love You Back

    2월 5일 · 비디오

    #12: Loving Students Who Don't Love You Back

    Episode Show Notes Loving Students Who Don’t Love You Back Every NextGen leader knows the sting of pouring into a student who doesn’t respond—or suddenly pulls away. In this episode, Rich Brown unpacks why this hurts so deeply, what might really be going on beneath the surface, and how to navigate the spiritual tension of loving without reciprocity. Drawing from Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians and Jesus’ own experience with rejection, Rich offers practical, emotionally healthy strategies as this episode equips ministry leaders to remain faithful, consistent, and emotionally mature—even when relationships feel one-sided. Resources Mentioned • The Bible (Scripture references in order: 2 Corinthians 6:11–13; Luke 13:34; Matthew 23:37; Matthew 11:28–30; Philippians 1:6) Links Email for Rich Brown (NGM): rich@nextgenmatters.com Subscribe for NGM Thursday Tools email Watch this episode on YouTube Timestamps • 0:00–2:12 – Introducing the pain of relational rejection in NextGen ministry• 2:12–7:02 – Biblical examples of rejection: Paul and Jesus• 7:02–9:48 – The struggle: why rejection hurts more than we admit• 9:48–19:22 – The situation: understanding what may be going on beneath the surface• 19:22–22:14 – When rejection is partly our responsibility: a personal ministry failure• 22:14–29:56 – The spiritual tension: loving without reciprocity, reflecting the heart of God• 29:56–35:14 – The strategy: healthy, practical ways to love students who pull away• 35:14–41:24 – Faithfulness over approval: why your love and consistency still matter• 41:24–43:07 – Call to action, encouragement, and closing

    43분
  5. #11: Never Underestimate the Seeds You're Planting (interview with Janet Brown)

    1월 27일 · 비디오

    #11: Never Underestimate the Seeds You're Planting (interview with Janet Brown)

    In this episode, Rich Brown welcomes his very first guest—his wife of more than 40 years, Dr. Janet Kay Brown—for a heartfelt and deeply practical conversation about family, faith, and the quiet power of showing up for kids who may feel on the margins.  In sharing her story, Janet traces God’s faithfulness from a childhood shaped by a local church bus ministry to a life spent empowering families, students, and future leaders. She then shares how her early experiences—growing up in a non‑Christian home, finding Christ through a friend’s invitation to church as a second grader, and eventually being shaped by caring adults—now fuel her passion for equipping the next generation. This episode encourages every children’s, youth, and family ministry leader to keep showing up, keep leaning in, and never underestimate the long-term impact of consistent love in a child’s life.Links Email for Rich Brown (NGM): rich@nextgenmatters.comSubscribe for NGM Thursday Tools emailWatch this episode on YouTube Timestamps• 00:00–03:30 – Introduction to the podcast and meeting Dr. Janet Kay Brown • 03:31–07:30 – Personal life, hobbies, vocation, and passion for education • 07:31–12:15 – Family “one” and family “two”: marriage, children, and grandchildren • 12:16–16:20 – Janet’s faith story: coming to Christ as a child without Christian parents • 16:21–20:30 – The role of faithful adults, bus ministry, and unseen seeds of impact • 20:31–24:50 – Developing a passion for family ministry and spiritual formation • 24:51–28:40 – Encouragement to children’s and student ministry leaders • 28:41–34:00 – Call to action: identifying and leaning into the “one foot in” students • 34:01–End – Closing encouragement, resources, and next steps for leaders

    36분
  6. #10: Stronger Together: The Power of Ministry Peer Relationships

    1월 21일 · 비디오

    #10: Stronger Together: The Power of Ministry Peer Relationships

    Ministry can feel isolating even when you're surrounded by people. In this episode, Rich Brown unpacks why ministry peer relationships are essential for healthy, sustainable leadership. Drawing from his own journey and from Paul’s ministry relationships in Colossians 4, Rich explains how peer connections combat isolation, strengthen resilience, and provide spiritual, emotional, and practical support for NextGen ministry leaders. If you’ve ever felt alone in leadership, this episode will encourage you, ground you, and remind you that you don’t have to lead by yourself. Discount Code for the Northeast Youth Ministry Summit (if registered by Feb. 1, 2026)NGM40 Resources Mentioned • NextGen Matters – https://nextgenmatters.com/ • National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) – https://nnym.org/ • Center for Parent and Youth Understanding (CPYU) – https://cpyu.org/ • Youth Culture Matters Podcast – https://cpyu.org/podcast/ • Northeast Youth Ministry Summit – https://northeastyouthministrysummit.com/ • LeaderTreks – https://leadertreks.org/ • The Bible (Scripture references in order: Colossians 4:7-11; 1:16)Email AddressesRich Brown (NGM) rich@nextgenmatters.comDoug Clark (NNYM) dclark@nnym.org Timestamps • 0:00–2:30 – Welcome, podcast milestone, and episode promise • 2:30–6:00 – Rich’s personal ministry journey and the shift into isolation • 6:00–12:15 – Paul’s ministry peers in Colossians 4 and biblical foundations • 12:15–18:30 – Five reasons ministry peer relationships matter • 18:30–26:30 – Five benefits of healthy ministry peer relationships • 26:30–36:45 – Five practical ways to build and sustain peer relationships • 36:45–40:15 – Call to action, encouragement, and closing challenge

    40분
  7. #9: Build That Reading List!

    1월 14일 · 비디오

    #9: Build That Reading List!

    Start Your 2026 Reading With Purpose — How to Build a List That Builds You The first episode of the year drops with energy, honesty, and a whole lot of encouragement for ministry leaders who want to grow with intention in 2026. Rich kicks off the conversation with a confession that sets the tone — he’s a full‑blown book nerd. From Civil War collections to the BookBuddy app to custom bookplates, he’s all in on reading. But this episode isn’t about collecting books. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who is shaped shapedby what they read. In this extended conversation, Rich invites listeners to rethink their relationship with reading. Not as a hobby. Not as a luxury. But as a spiritual, personal, and leadership discipline that forms us over time. He shares candid stories from his early ministry years, the seasons when reading fell off the radar, and the turning point that brought intentional reading back into his life — leading to 32 growth‑focused books read in 2025. This episode explores two major themes: 1. Why reading matters more than ever2. How to build a reading list — and a reading habit — that actually sticks Whether you’re a seasoned reader, someone who used to read but drifted, or a leader who wants to grow but feels stuck, this episode will give you the clarity, motivation, and structure you need to build a reading list that truly builds you. If you’re ready to step into 2026 with purpose, depth, and a renewed commitment to your own growth, this conversation is the perfect place to begin. Resources Mentioned · BookBuddy App – https://www.kimicoapps.com/bookbuddy/ · Full Focus Planner (Michael Hyatt & Company) – https://fullfocus.co/ · The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel – https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books · YouVersion Bible App – https://www.youversion.com/ · The Bible (Scripture references in order: Daniel 1:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:13) Timestamps • 0:00–5:45 – Confessions of a book nerd & why books matter personally• 5:46–12:30 – The vision: building a reading list that builds you• 12:31–19:55 – Five reasons why reading matters for leaders• 19:56–24:45 – Reading as discipline, growth, and spiritual formation• 24:46–27:35 – Biblical foundations: Paul, Daniel, and lifelong learning• 27:36–33:45 – Five practical tips to build a reading habit that sticks• 33:46–38:20 – Systems, scheduling, and making reading visible• 38:21–40:55 – Call to action & closing encouragement

    41분
  8. #8: Why Does My Perseverance Matter?

    2025. 12. 24. · 비디오

    #8: Why Does My Perseverance Matter?

    Episode Show Notes Perseverance is more than pushing through hard seasons—it’s the sacred ground where God shapes character, strengthens faith, and writes a deeper story than comfort ever could. In this episode of the NextGen Matters Podcast, Rich Brown closes out the opening series, Why It Matters, by exploring why perseverance is essential for ministry leaders and followers of Christ. We’ll define perseverance, trace its biblical roots, and look at how God uses it to transform both leaders and the people they serve. You’ll hear powerful examples from Scripture—Joseph, Moses, Hannah, David, Nehemiah, Job, Paul, and Jesus—that reveal how endurance through trials becomes testimony. Together, we’ll uncover practical ways to guard against losing perseverance: staying rooted in God’s Word, cultivating rhythms of rest, surrounding yourself with encouragers, remembering your calling, celebrating small victories, and fixing your eyes on Jesus. Finally, we’ll reflect on the rewards perseverance brings—deeper character, enduring hope, strengthened faith, credibility in ministry, compassion for others, a godly legacy, and eternal reward. This episode is an invitation to see perseverance not as a burden, but as a gift. Because your perseverance matters—for your story, your ministry, and the gospel itself. Resources Mentioned • https://www.nextgenmatters.com/contact • The NextGen Matters Podcast on YouTube · The Bible (Scripture references in order: 1 Peter 5:6-11; Hebrews 12:1-4; Romans 5:3–54; James 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Proverbs 22:1; James 1:12) Timestamps • 00:00–01:30 – Introduction and series wrap-up: Why perseverance matters • 01:30–04:30 – The danger of walking away from ministry and faith • 04:30–07:20 – Defining perseverance and why difficulty can be sacred ground • 07:20–10:45 – Perseverance vs. struggle: understanding the difference • 10:45–20:55 – Biblical examples of perseverance (Joseph, Moses, Hannah, David, Nehemiah, Job, Paul, Jesus) • 20:55–26:20 – A biblical pattern of perseverance from 1 Peter 5 • 26:20–35:50 – Guarding against losing perseverance (six practical practices) • 35:50–40:20 – The rewards of a life marked by perseverance • 40:20–43:40 – Final encouragements, call to action, and what’s next for the podcast

    43분
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Those leading in Next Generation ministries are navigating a complex landscape of relational, emotional, and organizational pressures that demand resilience, creativity, and deep community connection to sustain impactful ministry in a rapidly changing world.  Does this sound like you?  Then we're glad you're here! NextGen Matters and this podcast are here to guide you through the complexity by providing you with Biblically sound solutions to meet your ministry needs. Why this podcast? Our show helps NextGen ministry leaders overcome the stress of ministry by covering topics that matter for leaders that matter.  With over forty years of continual practical youth ministry experience, Rich understands the journey of where student ministry has been, the challenges facing ministry leaders today, as we prepare another generation to follow Jesus into tomorrow.  His desire is to see this podcast be a resource for those who are professional NextGen Ministry leaders, volunteer NextGen Ministry leaders, and anyone who cares about the Next Generation.   "If we are going to have spiritually healthy students, we must have spiritually healthy local church student ministry cultures, which must come from a place of spiritually healthy ministry leaders.  This podcast exists for that reason!  I want to come alongside you by engaging with you, encouraging you, equipping you, and empowering you to fulfill the God-given calling He has placed on you in your ministry to this current generation of adolescents."  ~ Rich Brown Each episode deals with the real issues today's youth leaders are facing with real solutions based on the timeless truth of God's Word.  And that is a promise! About our Host Rich grew up in a small town in central New York, which featured one stop light and two gas stations. Born into a godly ministry family and consistently seeing and hearing the gospel, Rich gave his life over to Jesus as a young age. During college, he met the young lady of his dreams! Rich says, "Jesus and Janet were the two best decisions I’ve ever made!” They have been married since 1985. Rich and Janet have three adult children (two married), and five grandchildren. His two sons are ordained pastors in ministry, and his daughter owns her own salon. Most important, they all love Jesus! While in college, God called him to student ministries and Rich has been working with students ever since, even now volunteering in his church’s high school ministry. With over 20 years as a student pastor in the local church followed by over 20 years in teaching student ministry in higher education, he loves students and student ministry leaders. In 2019 God called him to begin his own ministry, NextGenMatters, where he seeks to “relationally equip today’s leaders for tomorrow’s generation.” While his primary ministry is now ministering to adults, it all centers back to seeing teenagers be fully mature lifelong disciples of Jesus. He avidly follows baseball, loves landscaping on his two acres, is a history nerd, and doesn't know a day without coffee. His lifelong desire is to live out Colossians 1:28-29.

정보

  • 제작진
    Rich Brown
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    16
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © 2025
  • 웹사이트 보기
    NextGen Matters