Claim OwnershipThe Heart of a Youth Leader
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This is for anyone working with children or young people in a church context, and will help you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you invest in the next generations. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thriveyouthmin Created by Thrive Youth Ministries in UK.
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In a world of constant distraction, Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 land with fresh urgency: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In this episode of The Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy reflects on attention, focus, and authenticity — both in our own lives and in the lives of the young people we serve. Drawing on Jesus’ teaching about treasure, the eyes as the lamp of the body, and the subtle ways our hearts drift, this episode invites a gentle but honest self-reflection. What trul...
In youth ministry it’s easy to carry the weight of everything ourselves — decisions, pressure, responsibility, expectations. But Isaiah 41 reminds us that God never intended it to work that way. In this episode, Andy reflects on ten powerful truths God speaks over his people — truths that are easy to forget when ministry feels heavy, but vital if we’re going to serve young people from a healthy place. This short reflection invites you to slow down, choose one promise you need today, and allow...
There’s something quietly shaping the way we lead, respond, and even pray in youth ministry—and most of us barely notice it. In this episode, Andy explores the hidden filter that sits beneath our decisions and our emotions, affecting how we see the young people we serve and how we see ourselves. Rather than trying harder or carrying more, what if the real shift begins with paying attention to the lens we’re looking through? Join Andy for a short, honest reflection that invites you to slow dow...
In this episode, Andy explores why numbers alone can’t tell the real story of a youth ministry. Instead of focusing on size, he invites us to look for signs of genuine growth—numerical, spiritual, and lifestyle. When we measure what truly matters, we shift from chasing attendance to cultivating transformation, both in young people and in the life of the church.
In the busy seasons of youth and children’s ministry, it’s so easy to keep our heads down, push through the to-do list, and forget to lift our eyes to Jesus. But when life gets full, our need for his presence becomes even greater. In this episode, Andy reflects on Psalm 63 and the life-giving difference between serving for God and serving with God. He explores how worship, Scripture, and simple moments in God’s presence can re-energise us when we feel tired, stretched, or spiritually dry. Whe...
This week, Andy explores the surprising truth that young people are shaped far more by who we are than by what we do. Drawing from Hebrews 4, he challenges youth leaders to keep the Word of God alive and active in their own lives — because our greatest influence comes from how we model faith, not from slick sessions or clever content. Practical, grounding, and full of gentle challenge.
This week, Andy reflects on how God uses every part of our story — our jobs, experiences, and even frustrations — to prepare us for His work. Through the story of David and a real-life example from the Thrive team, Andy reminds us that our skills and experiences are never wasted when our hearts remain open and obedient to God.
Most churches want to see young people come to faith—but often don’t know where to start. In this episode, Andy shares why prayer is the most powerful and practical foundation for youth ministry, and offers five simple ways your church can grow in prayer for the next generation.
In this week’s Heart of a Youth Leader episode, Andy reflects on the story of Jonah — not just his disobedience, but his sleep in the middle of a storm. It’s a powerful reminder of how easy it can be to drift through ministry on autopilot, doing what we’ve always done, while missing what God is really saying. Andy invites us to stop coasting, to seek the Lord afresh, and to make obedience to Him our top priority once again. If you’ve lost some of your first love for ministry, this episode is ...
In this week’s episode of The Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy explores what it really means to live courageously dependent on the Spirit. Too often, Christians underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit within us — the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Andy challenges us to move beyond comfortable routines and to invite the Spirit to work actively through us, shaping our hearts, transforming our youth ministries, and breathing life into our daily walk with God. It’s an invitatio...
Should parents be leaders in the same youth group their teenagers attend? It’s a question many youth leaders wrestle with. In this episode, Andy shares his own experiences of leading all three of his children in youth ministry and unpacks 10 lessons he learned along the way. From avoiding embarrassment to building trust, encouraging independence, and creating healthy boundaries—this episode will help you think through the benefits and challenges of parents leading their own teenagers.
In a world obsessed with individuality and “my way” living, what’s the real purpose of our youth groups? Andy Castle explores Hebrews 10 and challenges us to build gatherings that put community over competition—places where teenagers know they belong, are encouraged, and are cheered on in their walk with Jesus. This week’s episode will help you refocus your ministry on worshipping together, loving each other, and spurring one another on toward Christ.
In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle unpacks the story of Samuel’s calling in 1 Samuel 3 and draws out a surprising detail about Eli: his failing eyesight. Could Eli’s weakness actually have positioned him to recognise God’s work in Samuel’s life? Andy explores how the limitations, frustrations, and challenges in our own lives might not be obstacles to ministry but invitations to slow down, listen, and notice what God is doing—both in us and in the young people we serve. Be...
What does it really mean to have a steadfast heart before God? In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle reflects on Psalm 108 and the challenge of living faithfully with all our hearts in a world that tells us to put ourselves first. Andy unpacks what it means to be able to say, “God, you can trust me” — and how this transforms not only our own walk with Jesus but also the way we model faith to the young people we serve. Take a few moments with Andy to pause, reflect, and invit...
When it comes time to hand over the baton of leadership, what words of advice would you want to pass on? In this episode, Andy reflects on Moses commissioning Joshua in Deuteronomy 31 and the timeless reminder that “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.” Whether you’re stepping into a new season of ministry or simply needing fresh encouragement, this short reflection will help you remember that you’re not doing youth work for God, but with Him.
Replay Episode – The Father Who Delights in You Off the back of a touching Father’s Day moment with his sons, Andy reflects on how our heavenly Father longs to be with us, delights in us, and pays the cost for that relationship—just like a loving parent. Drawing from Zephaniah 3:17, this episode is a gentle reminder that God doesn’t just tolerate us—he rejoices over us with singing. Especially when we feel dry, overworked or distant, this truth matters most: your Father delights in you. Take ...
Replay Episode – A New Way to Pray: Rejoice, Request, Give Thanks In this reflective episode, Andy revisits 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and unpacks how rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances can transform our prayer life and mental health. He shares a simple but powerful three-step prayer model—Rejoice, Request, Thank—that has refreshed his own walk with God and could help young people pray more confidently too. Could this be a tool your youth ministry needs right now? Try it,...
Replay Episode – Always Be Ready: Talking About Faith Naturally Inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of faithfulness and service, Andy reflects on how we model faith in everyday life. Why is it so hard for Christians—even leaders—to talk about Jesus outside of “have to” moments? Drawing from 1 Peter 3, this episode challenges us to normalise spiritual conversations and make space daily to share the hope we have. Let’s stop waiting for permission and start living faith out loud—with gentleness...
Replay Episode – Coffee with God: Modelling a Life of Presence In this heartfelt replay, Andy challenges us to consider what kind of example we’re really setting for the young people we lead. Are we modelling spiritual rhythms—or screen time habits? Drawing from Jesus’ desire for solitude in Matthew 14, this episode is a call to reclaim intentional space with God in a distracted world. Make time. Find your place. And let your first coffee be a meeting with the Lord.
Replay Episode – Live for the Audience of One In this powerful replay, Andy shares the story of Stephen in Acts and the striking moment Jesus stands at the right hand of God—cheering him on. It's a call to youth leaders everywhere to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, not the crowd. Be encouraged to live and lead with boldness, not for approval from others, but for the “well done” of your heavenly Father. Let this episode recalibrate your motivation, your perspective, and your purpose in ministry.
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