Best Youth Leader Podcasts (2024)

1
The criteria for leadership | Philippians 4:9 9:42

10d ago9:42

9:42

In this week's episode Andy Castle explores an important question that rarely gets asked when we build our youth teams. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. You can also wat…

1
Following God's Plans | Zechariah 4:41-10 10:36

17d ago10:36

10:36

How do you go about developing a new scheme or plan and how do you keep in step with the Lord in developing the plan? This is what Andy talks about in this week's episode. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & …

1
How to pass on the baton of faith | Psalm 145:4-7 10:03

28d ago10:03

10:03

Many of us are concerned with how few young people attend our churches, but how can we make sure we are sharing our faith effectively with young people? 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Y…

1
Too busy to notice? | Genesis 18:1-5 8:04

1M ago8:04

8:04

This week, Andy Castle thinks about the importance of giving yourself space and time so you can see what God is doing. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. You can also watc…

1
How are you influenced? | 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 10:26

1M ago10:26

10:26

In this episode Andy Castle considers the challenges of those who influence us and how we might influence others. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. You can also watch thi…

1
What are the essentials of a healthy youth group? 10:55

2M ago10:55

10:55

In this episode Andy Castle asks what the essential elements to a healthy youth ministry are and how we can build our youth groups on firm foundations. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Yo…

1
What are your plans for the year ahead? | 1 Chronicles 28:2-7 9:44

2M ago9:44

9:44

In this first episode of a new season of the podcast, Andy Castle thinks about how we can set goals for the year ahead and to keep in step with what God is doing both in us and through us. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by An…

1
REPLAY episode: The goodness of God 8:26

2M ago8:26

8:26

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy recounts a day where the Lord blesses him by answering his prayer. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a c…

1
REPLAY episode: Do you love me? 9:04

2M ago9:04

9:04

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy tells you about his favourite resurrection story. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Ea…

1
REPLAY episode: Being part of a team 10:55

3M ago10:55

10:55

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy thinks about what makes a team and how we need to work together well. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in …

1
REPLAY episode: Jesus the youthworker 10:14

3M ago10:14

10:14

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy thinks about what we are called to do. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode …

1
REPLAY episode: Imitate me as I imitate Christ 8:42

3M ago8:42

8:42

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy talks about the essential part of being a youth worker that is being a role model and pointing young people towards Jesus through our lifestyle and actions. 'The Heart of a Youth Lea…

1
REPLAY episode: Hopeful and weary 9:50

3M ago9:50

9:50

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy reflects on on conversations he had had with local youth workers, and uses Matthew 11:28-30 to offer hope and comfort. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all …

1
REPLAY episode: Is the main thing actually the main thing? 10:30

4M ago10:30

10:30

For the next few weeks we are trawling the Heart of a Youth Leader archive to bring some of the best of our older episodes, which you might have missed. This week Andy thinks about making sure we get our priorities right and suggests how we might go about doing this in our youth ministry. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at a…

1
Young people set the example | 1 Timothy 4:12 10:36

4M ago10:36

10:36

In this episode, Andy shares the Bible verse that the Lord used to lead him into youth ministry full time and he talks about how it can shape our youth work into the year ahead. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, …

1
What to do when you are worn out | Isaiah 40:28-31 9:39

4M ago9:39

9:39

Youthwork is hard work, and can be draining at times. What can you do to keep your energy levels sustained and not burn out? In this episode, we explore the power of allowing God to refresh you. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented…

1
Creating regular rhythms | Psalm 92:1-5 9:44

4M ago9:44

9:44

Don't let work distract you from focusing on God. This week, Andy looks at this challenge and suggests some easy ways to stay connected to God each day. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Y…

1
Make time to worship | Psalm 89:1-2 10:11

4M ago10:11

10:11

As a youth or children's leader, it can be hard to find time to join in with sung worship at your church, because you are busy doing the youthwork! In this episode, Andy discusses this challenge and what we can do to rectify it. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church …

1
Good vs fertile soil | Ezekiel 17:1-10 10:13

5M ago10:13

10:13

Does your church have fertile soil when it comes to providing an environment that is conducive to helping young people come and grow in faith? 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Minis…

1
What would you rather do? | Psalm 73:1-3 9:13

5M ago9:13

9:13

Without wanting to encourage us to change, Andy asks the challenging question of what would you be doing if you weren't in youthwork?! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. Y…

1
Fully relying on God | 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 9:24

5M ago9:24

9:24

What does it take to rely on God rather than yourself? This is the challenge for all Christians and in this episode Andy looks at what the Apostle Paul's experience was. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Fo…

1
Hearing God in your sleep | Job 33:14-15 9:37

6M ago9:37

9:37

How can God speak to you? In this episode Andy Castle looks at the many ways God communicates with people, and particularly through dreams. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministri…

1
Stay refreshed | Jeremiah 31:25-26 11:33

6M ago11:33

11:33

What can we do as leaders to stay refreshed? In this episode, Andy Castle explores the importance of our daily, weekly and termly refreshment moments. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive You…

1
Overcoming anxiety | Psalm 37:1-7 10:06

6M ago10:06

10:06

Anxiety is increasing amongst our young people. This episode explores how Psalm 37 shows us ways to distract ourselves from our fears and to focus our attention on God. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Fou…

1
Out of control | Mark 9:14-29 8:43

6M ago8:43

8:43

If only one person can be in control at any one time, what if the choice was between you being in control and God being so? That's what Andy Castle wrestles with in this week's episode. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy …

1
Time to retreat | Psalm 27:4 10:32

7M ago10:32

10:32

Purposefully taking time out to retreat and to focus on our own relationship with God is essential if we want to lead healthy, leadership lives. Yet so many of us find this hard to do. Andy encourages us to set times aside to do this, regardless of whether we think we can find the time! He also mentions TallTrees, a wonderful retreat house in the M…

1
How do you want to see your youth ministry grow? | Jeremiah 18:2-6 10:17

7M ago10:17

10:17

How would you answer this question? What do you want God to do most in your ministry? Andy Castle explores this issue in this week's episode and encourages us to reframe the question. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Ca…

1
Does God tell dad jokes? | Jeremiah 1:11-14 9:51

7M ago9:51

9:51

As someone accused of too many dad jokes, this week Andy considers whether it might be possible that God tells Jeremiah one! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. You can als…

1
Teach us to pray | Luke 11:1-4 9:38

8M ago9:38

9:38

In this week's episode, we explore the importance of teaching our young people how to pray, just as the disciples asked the same of Jesus. Andy Castle explores how this needs to start with us, as leaders, continuing to learn how to pray as well. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young pe…

1
Loving your church | 1 Peter 2:9 10:09

8M ago10:09

10:09

In this episode we think about the importance of honouring and loving our own church fellowship, the good bits and the bad! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries. You can also…

1
The necessity of practice and obedience | Matthew 5:17-20 10:13

8M ago10:13

10:13

This week, Andy Castle, founder & CEO of Thrive Youth Ministries, thinks about role models and how it is essential that we not only teach well but that we practice all that we teach, and the importance of keeping the Law. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context…

1
Hanging onto every word | Luke 19:45-48 9:36

9M ago9:36

9:36

A new season and a new focus! In this week's episode, Andy Castle asks what you would do if your church service was disrupted and what our first priority should be. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder…

1
An Example of Purposeful Living - A Conversation with Derby Chukwudi, Miss New Jersey 2023 44:04

9M ago44:04

44:04

In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Miss NewJerey 2023, Derby Chukwudi. She is an example of living life with a sense of purpose. This conversation would inspire and educate us as parents, caregivers and business leaders on how we can help the young women in our care to live purposeful lives. “Winning is the cherry on top, it’s who yo…

1
Parenting Teens with Royette Williams-James 57:17

10M ago57:17

57:17

I love working with teenagers! However, parenting teens is no easy task. In this episode, I speak with Royette Williams-James a school guidance counselor and expert consultant to parents, teachers and leaders. We cover three topics from her recently held parenting course. You would be educated and inspiredabout how to communicate with your child, p…

1
The Importance of Mentoring Children With Leah Okimoto 27:21

10M ago27:21

27:21

Mentorship has been proven to be a very useful tool for creating positive change in children’s lives. In this episode I spoke with Leah Okimoto Founder and Executive Director of Aaron’s Presents. Her organization provides mentorship to children between 4th and 8th grade. They have directly impacted 3000 children over the last 10 years. You can reac…

1
Conversations with God | Exodus 33:12-17 10:59

11M ago10:59

10:59

This week, Andy Castle thinks about the partnership Moses had with God and how his prayer life seemed more of a conversation than anything else. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Min…

1
The Challenge of Integrity | Proverbs 5:21 9:27

12M ago9:27

9:27

What if we realised that God's eye is always watching over us? Would it make a difference. In this episode, Andy Castle explores the issue of integrity and living a focused life. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle,…

1
Loving the Word | Jeremiah 23:29 10:05

12M ago10:05

10:05

Most Christians would say they are Bible believers but in this episode Andy Castle asks, are you a Bible reader? If the Bible is God's word to us, surely we have to make sure to actually read it! 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presente…

1
Extravagant generosity | 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 9:59

1y ago9:59

9:59

In this episode, Andy Castle explores the fifth and final core value of Thrive Youth Ministries: extravagant generosity. He thinks about the importance of being generous in all things as we follow an extravagant God. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Eac…

1
Purposefully encouraging & building others up | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 8:33

1y ago8:33

8:33

In week four of our series exploring Thrive's core values, Andy Castle thinks about how we need to be intentional in encouraging those around us and how we can help them look to Jesus to keep on growing. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is …

1
Dynamic & life-giving | John 10:10 7:23

1y ago7:23

7:23

Continuing our short series, exploring Thrive's core values, this week Andy Castle looks at the importance of being Dynamic and Life-giving. Are you a radiator or a drain? 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & …

1
Making a Kingdom difference | Matthew 28:19-20 9:58

1y ago9:58

9:58

Thrive's second core value is 'making a Kingdom difference' and in this episode, Andy Castle explores what this means and what it might look like for each of us in our day to day ministries. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by …

1
Courageous dependence on the Spirit | Galatians 5:13-25 8:49

1y ago8:49

8:49

In this episode, Andy Castle reflects on the first of five core values that Thrive holds. What does courageous dependence on the Spirit look like and why is it important? What impact might it have on your life and ministry? 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church conte…

1
The 4 Money Scripts: Help for Parents to Develop Financially Healthy Adolescents 1:11:43

1y ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Money is one of the top sources of stress! In this episode, I spoke with Certified Financial Planner Righetti Joseph about the ‘4 money scripts’. The money scripts are 4 concepts in behavioral finance that explain our attitude towards money and how it impacts the decisions that we make regarding money. The goal is to correct our attitude regarding …

1
Guard your heart | Matthew 12:34 9:03

1y ago9:03

9:03

This week we think about the importance of integrity and how we need to protect what influences our heart so that we can confident that we are speaking well and communicating safely. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context. Each episode is presented by Andy Cas…

1
Parenting A Child With A Disability 50:05

1y ago50:05

50:05

In this episode, I sat down with Anthony & Jessica Cicali to learn how they parent their daughter, Abbigail who has been diagnosed with Angelman syndrome. It is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. It results in delayed development, challenges with their speech, balance and intellectual disability. There is no cure. However, the Cica…

1
Keep smiling! | Romans 15:5-6 9:36

1y ago9:36

9:36

It's a new term and a new season! In this episode, Thrive's Andy Castle talks about how little changes can make a big difference and how we need to looking out for ways to encourage and support the young people we work with. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church cont…

1
Advice for Adolescents Joining the Trinidad & Tobago Public Service 40:47

1y ago40:47

40:47

Hey friends it's been almost a year! I took a break after the birth of my third blessing, Amiko! On this episode I interviewed my mother, a retired public/civil servant from Trinidad and Tobago. I hope that if you are a parent or adolescent in or entering public/civil service that you are able to find some nuggets in this episode to empower you. In…

1
What are your hopes for the year ahead 9:09

1y ago9:09

9:09

Over the summer, we are listening back to some of our older episodes and reminding ourselves of God's goodness. This week's episode was originally released in January'22. In it, Andy thinks about the year ahead and explores what your hopes and dreams might be. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with childr…

1
Entertaining angels 8:02

1y ago8:02

8:02

Over the summer, we are listening back to some of our older episodes and reminding ourselves of God's goodness. This week's episode was originally released in December'21. In it, Andy thinks about the importance of being honest, live with integrity and to put God first in all that we do. 'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at al…

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