Shaping Student Ministry Podcast

The One about Apologetics in Student Ministry

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Jon Beazley—apologist, church planter, and fitness coach—to discuss a crucial topic: incorporating apologetics into student ministry. Jon brings a wealth of experience in defending the faith and equipping young believers, offering valuable insights on how to address tough questions in today’s culture.
Together, we explore practical ways to introduce apologetics, helping students understand why their faith matters and how to engage with challenging conversations. From building a foundation in biblical truth to empowering students to articulate their beliefs confidently, Jon shares strategies that make apologetics approachable and meaningful for young audiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just getting started in youth ministry, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable steps to help students navigate their faith with clarity and conviction. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation!
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The One where Youth Pastors Create Better Curriculum than They Can Buy

In this episode, John and Ian sit down with special guest Joshua Villars, the Student Pastor at Southcrest Church in LaGrange, Georgia, to dive deep into the art of curating and creating curriculum for student ministry. Joshua shares his passion for designing resources that resonate with today’s students, unpacking the importance of customized content that speaks directly to the unique challenges and needs of a youth group.
Together, they discuss the beauty of building curriculum from scratch, the joy of seeing students grow through thoughtfully crafted material, and how creating tailored resources can make a lasting impact on young hearts and minds. If you’re in youth ministry or simply interested in how to make discipleship more meaningful for the next generation, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.
Tune in to discover:
 • Why creating your own curriculum can elevate your ministry • Tips for balancing curated and original content • Practical advice for crafting lessons that connect deeply with students • How Joshua and his team at Southcrest Church approach curriculum with purpose and intentionality
Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to take your student ministry to the next level! 🙌
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The One About Small Church Superpowers

In this episode, John Oliver and Ian Dunaway dive into the unique “superpowers” small churches bring to student ministry. Far from seeing size as a limitation, they uncover how smaller congregations have distinct advantages in nurturing deep, personal discipleship that can powerfully impact students’ lives.
As pastors with experience in a range of church sizes, John and Ian explore the particular strengths small churches can leverage to meet the unique needs of their communities.

The One Where We Stop Entertaining and Start Discipling

In Episode 1 of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John Oliver and Ian Dunaway dive into the critical need for student ministries to move beyond entertainment-driven approaches and prioritize authentic discipleship. They explore practical strategies for fostering spiritual growth and developing lasting faith in students while addressing the challenges of modern ministry.