Most student pastors focus on students—but what if the real key to a thriving youth ministry is partnering with their parents?

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, Steve John from The Youth Pastor Conference joins us to talk about why parent ministry isn’t optional—it’s essential. Youth pastors often see parents as obstacles, but when we equip, communicate with, and build trust with them, student retention and spiritual growth skyrocket.

What We’re Covering:

✅ Why parent ministry fuels church growth—students stay plugged in when parents are engaged.

✅ How small acts of communication build massive trust—parents appreciate being informed!

✅ Why empowering parents = empowering students—discipleship doesn’t stop at the church doors.

✅ How multiple touchpoints keep students connected to church—parents play a key role in retention.

✅ Why youth pastors must stop treating parents like the opposition—they’re your greatest allies.

👉 Want to grow alongside other leaders who get it?

Join the Shaping Student Ministry community today: https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-checkout

📌 Connect with Steve John:

• Facebook: facebook.com/stevejohn

• Twitter: twitter.com/imstevejohn

• Instagram: instagram.com/stevejohn

• TikTok: tiktok.com/@imstevejohn

• YouTube: youtube.com/@steve_john

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

✅ Like, subscribe, and share to help more leaders make parent ministry a priority!

Student ministry camps can be incredible moments—but are they actually launching students into lasting faith, or just creating short-lived emotional highs? This week on The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, Ian Dunaway and Mark Santana sit down on the way to the airport to talk about rethinking how we approach camps. Instead of treating them as the ultimate goal, what if we made them a starting point for real, ongoing discipleship?

What We’re Covering:

✅ The problem with “big moment” ministry—why emotional experiences don’t always lead to lasting faith.

✅ How to make your camp a launchpad for discipleship, not just a one-time event.

✅ The value of small, intentional gatherings vs. massive camp productions.

✅ Why running your own camp might be the best move for your student ministry.

✅ Practical steps to rethink, rework, and refocus your student ministry events.

👉 Want to grow alongside other leaders who get it?

Join the Shaping Student Ministry community today: https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-ch...

📺 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 listen wherever you get your podcasts!

✅ Like, subscribe, and share to help more leaders rethink the way they do ministry!

#StudentMinistry #YouthMinistry #CampsWithPurpose #ShapingStudentMinistries #Discipleship #NextGenMinistry

In this episode, Ian, John, and special guest Jon Rush dive into one of the most unexpected ministry conversations yet—how gaming and discipleship intersect in today’s culture. From Fortnite streams to the bold (and hilarious) idea of starting a “church” in Grand Theft Auto, they explore how student pastors can meet students where they are—yes, even in digital worlds.

But this isn’t just about video games. The conversation expands into why relational ministry beats event-driven strategies, how student pastors can build meaningful connections beyond Sunday mornings, and why showing up at a student’s football game might be more impactful than your next big event. Jon also shares his story of growing up in a broken home, finding community in gaming, and how relational youth ministry changed his life.

They also tackle the real struggles student pastors face, from the short tenure crisis in youth ministry to why so many churches don’t know how to develop and retain student leaders. Plus, Jon offers practical insights on why Gen Z and Gen Alpha will go where they feel wanted—not where we try to entertain them.

🚀 If you’ve ever wondered how to engage students without gimmicks—or you just want to hear about the time John Oliver was actually in an NCAA video game—this one’s for you.

📲 Follow Jon Rush: 🎮 Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/jonrush/home 📷 Instagram: /jonwrush

👉 Want to grow alongside other leaders who get it? Join the Shaping Student Ministry community today: https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-ch...

🔊 Subscribe, hit play, and let’s talk about discipleship… with a side of Grand Theft Auto. 🎧