ETCH with Chuck Peters

What happens when the ministry role you thought you’d have for years suddenly changes?

Chuck Peters sits down with David Reed and Jay Barbier for an honest and encouraging conversation about ministry transitions, unexpected change, and discovering that a new season doesn’t mean your calling is over.

David and Jay share their personal experiences of navigating significant transitions in ministry, including the emotional challenges, uncertainty, and questions that can come when a familiar role comes to an end. But their stories also reveal how God can use change to open new doors, provide new...

Ministry leadership can feel like there is always one more meeting, one more email, one more need, and one more thing demanding your attention. But how do you manage the demands of ministry without allowing your schedule to manage you?

Chuck Peters sits down with Matt Flanagan to talk about the realities of an overwhelming ministry schedule and how leaders can develop healthier, more sustainable rhythms for the long haul. Together, they explore practical ways to prioritize what matters most, manage competing demands, and create margin for the things that truly deserve your time and attention.

What does it look like to keep the gospel at the center of everything we do in kids and student ministry?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Aaron Wilson to talk about the importance of building ministry around the gospel rather than simply teaching good lessons or helping kids and students become better people. Aaron shares why every Bible story points us to Jesus and how ministry leaders can help the next generation see Scripture through the lens of the gospel.

You’ll discover practical wa...

What do Americans really believe about God, truth, and Jesus, and how are those beliefs shaping the next generation? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research to unpack the latest findings from the State of Theology. Together, they explore how cultural shifts, biblical literacy, and personal views of truth influence discipleship and next gen ministry.

From changing perspectives on morality to the growing influence of secular culture, this conversation offers important insights for anyone seeking to help children and students develop a strong biblical worldview...

What if cultivating joy isn't just about changing your circumstances, but changing the way you lead, think, and respond? In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters talks with Nicole Zasowski about the connection between Scripture, neuroscience, and emotional health. 

Discover how understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions can help you navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and lead the next generation with greater joy and intentionality. Whether you're serving in ministry or seeking to grow personally, this conversation offers practical encouragement to help you cultivate a hopeful, gratitude-filled culture.

In t...

What does it take to help the next generation develop a faith that endures long after they leave home?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters is joined by Paul Worcester for a practical and encouraging conversation about preparing students for lifelong discipleship. Together, they explore what it means to build a faith that remains rooted in Christ through the transitions of high school, college, and adulthood.

Paul shares insights on helping young people establish their identity in Christ, navigate seasons of doubt with confidence, pursue personal holiness, and...

Generation Alpha is growing up in a world unlike any generation before them. From artificial intelligence to constant digital connection, today's kids are being shaped by technology in ways that present both incredible opportunities and significant discipleship challenges.

In this special crossover episode, Chuck Peters from the ETCH Next Gen Podcast joins Jana Magruder from Kids Ministry Calling for a timely conversation about understanding and discipling Generation Alpha. Along with Dr. Shelly Melia and Shane Pruitt, they explore what makes this generation unique, how technology and AI are influencing...

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Zac Workun to talk about the value of pursuing formal education in ministry and why lifelong learning matters for leaders who want to serve the next generation well.

Zac shares practical wisdom on balancing school, ministry, work, and family while pursuing continued education. Together, Chuck and Zac explore how formal education can strengthen a leader’s ministry skills, deepen theological understanding, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re considering going back to school, currently working towa...

How can the church faithfully respond to questions of gender and sexual identity with both biblical truth and Christlike compassion?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Kyla Gillespie to hear her powerful story of discovering her true identity in Christ. Through her personal journey, Kyla offers hope for anyone wrestling with questions of identity while equipping ministry leaders and parents to engage these conversations with wisdom, grace, and conviction.

Together, Chuck and Kyla discuss the importance of building genuine relationships, leading with compassion, and speaking...

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, communicate, and relate to one another. But what does it mean for discipleship?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Josh Straub to explore how AI is shaping the next generation and what ministry leaders and parents need to understand as technology continues to transform everyday life. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents, the importance of authentic relationships in a digital world, and why spiritual formation must remain deeply personal.

As technology becomes increasingly...

Healthy ministry begins with a healthy heart.

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters welcomes Tasha Calvert for a thoughtful conversation about the importance of personal holiness in the life of every ministry leader. Together, they explore why spiritual formation isn't just preparation for ministry—it is the foundation of faithful leadership.

Tasha shares practical encouragement for cultivating daily habits that draw leaders closer to Christ, emphasizing that holiness is not about perfection or performance but about becoming more like Jesus. The conversation also highlights the biblical call to li...

Why are so many young people walking away from their faith, and what can churches and families do to change that?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with Pastor Doug Hankins to discuss the realities facing today's students and the opportunities the church has to equip them for lifelong faith. Together, they explore the cultural shifts shaping the next generation, why faith retention is becoming increasingly difficult, and how intentional discipleship can help young people develop resilient, lasting faith.

Rather than responding with fear, Doug encourages...

Somebody will hurt you in ministry. Sometimes it’s loud criticism, sometimes it’s quiet silence, and sometimes it’s the kind of misunderstanding that makes you wonder if leading is worth it. We sit down with Bible teacher, ministry leader, and author Yana Jenay Conner to talk about what to do when offense shows up inside the church and how to keep your heart soft when you’ve been wounded.

Yana frames forgiveness as an act of faith and a spiritual battle for unity, drawing from Scripture to show why God calls us to release the debt and...

One background check can make us feel responsible, but it cannot make our church safe. We sit down with Kris Buckman to talk plainly about sexual abuse prevention and what Next Gen leaders can actually implement in kids ministry and student ministry without getting overwhelmed.

We unpack why training has to come first, how awareness changes culture, and what grooming patterns and offender behaviors can look like in trusted environments. Kris explains why churches often miss the bigger picture when they treat prevention as a one-time checkbox, and he shares a simple framework built around five essentials...

You can run every event on the calendar and still feel like discipleship is slipping through your fingers. That tension is at the heart of this conversation with Vic Green, co-author of Movement Ready Church. 

Chuck and Vick dig into a hard but freeing idea: disciple making is not a button you press, and it is not a program you tack on. A disciple-making movement starts with spiritual renewal. Vic explains why “every movement starts by not moving,” and we unpack what it looks like to step off the treadmill, trade self-reliance for prayerful dependence, and lead from...

What if one of the most powerful leadership tools you have isn't a strategy, curriculum, or program, but simply your presence?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Dr. Kimberly and Dr. Joe Beam share practical wisdom from years of ministry and leadership, exploring how intentionally showing up for others can transform your relationships, your team, and your ministry. Together, they discuss the importance of emotional safety, healthy communication, and team dynamics, offering actionable insights for leaders who serve kids, students, and families.

Whether you're leading volunteers, partnering with parents, or...

How can we help the next generation stand firm in a culture constantly shaping their beliefs, values, and identity?

In this episode of the ETCH Next Gen Podcast, Chuck Peters sits down with author and Bible teacher Elizabeth Woodson to discuss her book, The Seven Habits of Resistance. Together, they explore the cultural pressures facing young people today—from social media-driven identity formation to the rise of individualism and self-centered definitions of truth, love, and success.

Elizabeth shares practical insights on helping students and young adults recognize and resist the cultural lies surrounding identity, relationships, ju...

Want to grow as a leader? Pick up a book! In a world filled with quick clips and shallow content, the leaders who rise are the ones who learn deeply — page by page.

In this rich and energizing episode, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the transformative power of reading for leadership development. They explore the timeless wisdom found in classic leadership books, share their personal reading rhythms, and highlight why deep, intentional learning will always outperform short-form consumption when it comes to shaping effective, grounded leaders.

Whether you're new to leadership or building a lo...

Screens are everywhere, but sacred spaces are disappearing. In a world where digital noise dominates our attention, how do we help the next generation hear the voice of God?

In this powerful episode Jesse and Sarah Siegand dive deep into the challenges and strategies of discipling students in a digital world. The speakers unpack what it looks like to guide kids and teens toward meaningful faith formation in an age of endless scrolling, where attention is the new currency and discipleship must be both intentional and countercultural.

This episode isn’t about hating technology,  it’s abo...

What happens when ministry leaders see their schools, neighborhoods, and everyday rhythms not as obstacles — but as mission fields?

In this live episode recorded at the ETCH Next Gen Ministry Conference, Justin Holcomb shares powerful, practical wisdom on what it really means to love your community and connect with students in meaningful ways. From engaging with schools to supporting families, this conversation cuts through the noise and brings leaders back to the heart of relational ministry: showing up, staying consistent, and loving people well.

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of ET...

What happens when ministry leaders see their schools, neighborhoods, and everyday rhythms not as obstacles — but as mission fields?

In this live episode recorded at the ETCH Next Gen Ministry Conference, Justin Holcomb shares powerful, practical wisdom on what it really means to love your community and connect with students in meaningful ways. From engaging with schools to supporting families, this conversation cuts through the noise and brings leaders back to the heart of relational ministry: showing up, staying consistent, and loving people well.

Thanks so much for listening to this episode of ET...

What separates leaders who maintain ministries from those who multiply them? 

In this episode, Jeff Wallace joins Chuck Peters for an honest and insightful conversation on the habits that define effective leadership. From leading with vision to choosing growth over comfort, Jeff unpacks the disciplines that develop both your character and your capacity.

Whether you’re leading a team, a ministry, or the next generation itself — this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead deeper, and invest in people who will outlast your platform.

Share this episode with your ministry team or leade...

What if the most spiritually transformative thing happening in your church isn’t on stage, but in a classroom, holding a goldfish cracker?

In this episode, Chuck Peters and Steve Hample unpack the real impact of volunteering in children’s and family ministry — not just for kids, but for the adults who serve them. From personal growth and discipleship to leadership development and prayerful investment in future leaders, this conversation will inspire every Next Gen leader to see volunteering as more than a task… it’s a calling that changes lives.

Encourage your team to listen tog...

Stepping into ministry can feel like being handed a map… with no directions. Whether you’re a brand-new leader or guiding others who are, the early stages of ministry are filled with both calling and chaos. In this episode, Chuck Peters is joined with Amanda Mejias and Delanee Williams, and together they unpack what it really takes to equip, support, and sustain new ministry leaders so they can thrive, not just survive, in their roles.

From volunteer training and team culture to safety, mentorship, and personal soul care, this conversation will help every Next Gen leader build heal...

Who do your students really believe Jesus is? In a culture filled with half-truths, memes, and mixed theology, even well-meaning young people can end up following a version of Jesus that doesn’t actually exist. In this episode, Shane Pruitt brings a timely and passionate conversation about rediscovering the real Jesus -the one revealed in Scripture, not reshaped by culture.

If you’re leading Gen Z or Gen Alpha, this conversation will help you cut through cultural noise, clarify biblical truth, and point the next generation to the Savior who transforms everything.

Shan...

If ministry is starting to feel heavy, it’s probably because you’re carrying what God never designed you to hold alone. In this episode, we tackle one of the most difficult growth barriers for any leader: delegation. If you’ve ever struggled to trust others, release control, build a team you can depend on, or step away from doing everything yourself, this conversation will speak directly to you. What if delegation isn’t just a leadership skill… but a discipleship strategy?

If you’re ready to stop carrying everything yourself and start empowering the people God has already...

Healthy ministry doesn’t happen by accident, and neither do healthy teams. In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to build, lead, and sustain a thriving ministry team. Whether you lead staff, volunteers, or a mix of both, this conversation will equip you with practical tools and a biblical foundation for team leadership that lasts.

Chuck Peters and Lee Hotchkiss unpack the dynamics of effective teams and discuss how to assess team health, navigate dysfunction, and cultivate trust. You’ll learn how social science and scripture work together to shape stronger leadership, deepen relationships, and crea...

Every leader knows the power of vision. But in the busyness of ministry, it’s easy for vision to drift, blur, or get lost in the noise of daily demands. Without clarity, leaders risk aiming at the wrong targets, making decisions that miss the mark, and losing momentum in their mission.

In this episode, Jana Magruder and Chuck Peters unpack the critical role of vision in leadership, especially within the context of ministry. They share personal stories and practical wisdom that will inspire you to revisit and refine your own leadership vision. 

Highlights include:<...

Ministry is full of incredible moments of joy and impact—but it also comes with challenges we don’t always anticipate. Today, Chuck and Kevin Jones dive deep into the reality of spiritual warfare, exploring how the enemy seeks to distract, discourage, and divide ministry leaders. Far from being a reason to despair, these struggles remind us of our dependence on God’s strength and the power of His promises.

Highlights from this episode:

Leadership in ministry rarely looks like a straight path. More often, it feels like walking forward with limited clarity, unexpected turns, and a constant call to trust God’s leading. The story of Gideon reminds us that even the most hesitant leaders can be used mightily when they surrender fear, embrace faith, and trust the One who holds the mission steady, no matter the circumstances.

In this episode you’ll discover five key takeaways designed to encourage and equip leaders to adapt when circumstances shift, remain faithful to God’s mission, and lead with boldness rooted in trust...

In a rapidly changing culture where ministry strategies come and go, some methods continue to stand the test of time. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of those deeply rooted traditions that still holds transformative power for the church. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at how VBS remains a cornerstone of next gen ministry—bridging generations, strengthening community ties, and inviting kids and families to encounter the Gospel in meaningful ways.

 This conversation explores the enduring relevance and spiritual impact of Vacation Bible School in today’s church landscape. The hosts unpack how VBS conti...

Preteens are standing on the edge of two worlds—no longer children, but not yet teenagers. They’re asking big questions, feeling deeply, and shaping a worldview that will guide them into adulthood. For those of us in next generation ministry, this season can be both exhilarating and challenging. How we show up in these years matters. It’s in this transitional phase that faith can either become personal and enduring or drift into the background.

 In today's episode, Chuck Peters and Kayla Stevens dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of preteen ministry. Together, we explore how to...

Preteens are in one of the most complex seasons of life. They’re not quite kids anymore, but not yet teenagers. Too old for the playground, too young for youth group. And often, this “in-between” stage can leave them feeling like they don’t fully belong anywhere—not at school, not in culture, and sometimes, not even at church. In this episode, we pause to consider: What if our ministries could be the place where preteens feel most seen, most known, and most valued? What if we could help them move from feeling like outsiders to becoming confident insiders in both fa...

In the world of next generation ministry, it’s easy to focus all our energy on the kids and students who show up week after week. We pour into them, plan for them, and pray over them. But what if the greatest impact we can make isn’t just in the classroom or the youth room - but around the dinner table at home?

This episode invites ministry leaders to pause and reflect on a foundational truth: parents are the primary disciplers of their children. When we as church leaders shift from programming for families to partnering with...

In ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s next. The next event, next age group, next building phase. But what if we slowed down long enough to truly see the opportunities God has placed right in front of us? What if collaboration wasn’t just a logistical necessity but a spiritual discipline? And what if contentment wasn’t complacency, but a deep trust in God’s perfect timing?

This episode invites leaders to pause and reflect on how we’re serving not just in strategy, but in spirit. It's a reminder that faithful ministry isn...

As ministry leaders, we’re not just teaching lessons - we’re shaping lives. And the way we teach matters just as much as what we teach. From coloring sheets and object lessons to small group discussions and personal reflection, kids and students engage with truth in very different ways. If we’re not intentional, the transition from children’s to student ministry can feel like a jarring leap rather than a natural step.

In this episode, we pause to consider a vital question: How can we better bridge the methodological gap between ministries to ensure continuity, connecti...

It’s easy for ministries within a church to drift into silos, each one focusing on its own age group, calendar, and curriculum. But when we forget that kids and student ministries are part of a larger discipleship journey, we risk creating disjointed spiritual experiences for the very families we're called to serve. True transformation in the lives of young people happens when ministry teams are united by a clear, gospel-centered vision that transcends age brackets and stage-specific programming.

In this insightful conversation, Chuck Peters and Jay Barbier dive into the critical topic of alignment across kids an...

Every child’s faith journey is a story in progress, but far too often, our ministry strategies treat it like a series of disconnected chapters. When there’s no alignment between kids and student ministries, we risk losing spiritual momentum at the very moments when children are ready to grow deeper. 

In today’s conversation, Chuck Peters and Pastor Jay Strother step into the critical work of closing educational gaps in the church, ensuring that from preschool to high school graduation, our ministries are not just passing the baton, but running the race together. This powerful episode explore...

In ministry, calendars fill up fast. Between planning events, training volunteers, and caring for families, the pressure to “just get it all done” can pull ministry leaders in different directions. And when kids and student ministries aren’t aligned, the result isn’t just double-booked spaces - it’s missed opportunities for unity, shared vision, and sustainable impact. What if we saw scheduling not just as logistics, but as ministry in itself? What if collaboration wasn’t a burden, but a blessing that strengthens our teams and better serves the families we lead?

In this episode, we pause to ref...

Ministry to the next generation isn’t just about meeting kids where they are, it’s also about helping them get where they’re going. As children grow, they encounter major shifts: socially, emotionally, spiritually, and developmentally. These transitions, from preschool to elementary, elementary to middle school, and so on, can be defining moments in their spiritual journeys. But if we’re not intentional, these sacred transitions can become a physical gap they metaphorically fall through. In today’s conversation, we’re reminded that the church has an opportunity, and a responsibility, to walk with kids and their families every step o...