Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Talking Youth Ministry - A Youthscape Podcast

This week Rachel and Lucy are joined by Robson Dodd, Senior Researcher at Youthscape’s Centre for Research. Together they dive into the UK Government’s independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism - and what this might mean for us working with young people. The trio then reprioritise Organised Fun in which one of the team manages to slip in the extravagant use of the word ‘Ecuadorian’.

Link to the report: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism

Link to the BBC article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqzrz0z4plk1o

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.

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Rachel and Lucy chat through the government’s recent announcement of investing in 1000 more youth workers and the opportunities this might present for youth ministry. They also delve back into the role of grandparents in young people’s faith, before finishing off with a bizarre cacophony of sounds in this week’s Organised Fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel, Martin and Lucy discuss the theme for this year’s NYMW, ‘With Great Power’, a listener asks whether we effectively equip young people to live a life of faith outside of church and Rachel attempts to redeem herself in Organised Fun.

Get your NYMW tickets here: nymw.info

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Jeronne Rudder, founder of Uhambo and Youthscape trustee, to discuss why youth groups should engage with Black History Month. We also answer a question around how to engage with your own teenager’s school without embarrassing them. Then Martin introduces a new version of inspired Organised Fun which will test your memory!

Shownotes

Book recommendations:

• ‘How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind’ by Thomas C Oden
• ‘We need to talk about Race’ by Ben Lindsay
• ‘Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope’ by Esau McCaulley
• ‘The Black Christ’ by Kelly Brown Douglas
• 'God and Gangs' by Dr Robert Beckford
• ‘Sexuality and the Black Church: A Womanist Perspective’ by Kelly Brown Douglas

Anti-Racism Conversations: https://www.youthscape.co.uk/store/product/anti-racism-conversations

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now a month has passed, the team debrief this year’s Satellites event and discuss what elements can make a youth festival great. Lucy also brings to the table some brilliant research from Scripture Union around the role that grandparents play in the faith formation of young people and we tackle the least organised fun we’ve ever had…

Shownotes

Research - https://scriptureunion.org/blog-post-bringing-faith-home/

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel and Lucy are joined by Jemimah Allen, Director of Resources and Youth Work at Youthscape, to talk about how one of Youthscape’s most popular resources - ‘Unfold’ - came to be. Jemimah also brings her wisdom to the team around tackling the ‘Trad Wife’ trend that seems to be infiltrating young women’s algorithms.

Unfold - Series 3: www.youthscape.co.uk/store/product/unfold-s3

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate the National Day of Prayer for Schools (9th September 2026), Rachel interviews Pete Baker, co-founder, about the importance of schools ministry and why we should get involved in praying for our schools.

Find out more: www.message.org.uk/prayforschools/ 

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Martin, Rachel and Lucy discuss the tragic incident at Big Church Festival and how we might navigate the question of suffering with the young people we work with.

Plus, it’s the start of a new academic year and an age old question of when we begin youth groups resurfaces…

Amy Orr-Ewing's substack article: https://amyorrewing.substack.com/p/when-disaster-strikes?r=89poqa&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&fbclid=PAT01DUAUCi6dwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp6JIr-HkWS0XFBtqyX-yeTbRSUGBwCgQpST99lQ8tZkeYVRre4MnqwgC8Vjh_aem_orceUYwJkbJPn8H1Z2I-OQ

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the summer we’re doing things a little bit differently: shorter episodes, and the agenda set by you! Join Rachel, Lucy and Martin as they tackle your burning questions. Subjects this week include whether ‘hit’n’run’ youth work works in schools and how to set up and begin a new youth group.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the summer we’re doing things a little bit differently: shorter episodes, and the agenda set by you! Join Rachel, Lucy and Martin as they tackle your burning questions. Subjects this week include whether we should set young people homework and how to navigate ecumenical spaces.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the summer we’re doing things a little bit differently: shorter episodes, and the agenda set by you! Join Rachel, Lucy and Martin as they tackle your burning questions. Subjects this week include how to engage parents who want nothing to do with your youth group and the best practice for young people becoming young leaders post-education.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the summer we’re doing things a little bit differently: shorter episodes, and the agenda set by you! Join Rachel, Lucy and Martin as they tackle your burning questions. Subjects this week include concerns and advice around how we help young people through the ‘talking’ phase of relationships and why we should tackle the tricky bits of the Old Testament with young people.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team explore how a recent focus on toxic masculinity and issues facing young men might have caused us to take our eyes off what’s happening for teenage girls. They also discuss the tricky issue of a youth group that never wants to move beyond the surface, and enjoy a game that helps them process the trauma of England’s World Cup Exit.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy, Rachel and Martin tackle a listener question about using the Bible with a mixed age group, an Ask Us Anything on youth ministry regrets, and news of a major injection of funding into statutory youth services. Plus in our new ‘Rachel’s Rambles’ segment, we ask: has the voice of Hagbane’s Doom really been touring Korea?

Shownotes:

BBC article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8j2mv0zw82o

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two crucially important questions are getting Martin worked up this week. Is it possible to combine very different groups and needs in one youth work? And should Britain’s motorists take a long hard look at themselves when it comes to lane discipline? Rachel also ponders how culture is shaping young people’s ability to find belief in God plausible… and then shifts gear to host a quick fire round of organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel and Martin anticipate the end of term by asking if a summer break is the right thing for youth ministry. What’s the right time - and way - to end your youth work year in a manner that doesn’t short-change your young people… or your hard-working team? They’re also on uncertain ground as they debate the question of a north/south divide in youth ministry - and just in case that doesn’t upset everyone… there’s also a game.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy and Martin chat to Jenny Hammill, Creative Director at Scripture Union Scotland, about changes in the spiritual temperature, a growing youth festival and an amazing suite of free youth ministry resources. Plus they consider the impact of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as British Prime Minister on young people, and engage in a topsy-turvy bout of organised nuf.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the light of the stunning announcement of the UK Government’s social media ban for under 16s, Martin and Lucy return to a popular topic and ask: what will the impact be, and how can youth ministers respond? And as the football World Cup rolls on, we discuss whether the behaviour of a host nation should change the way we approach the tournament with young people.

Shownotes:

Pray As They Play: World Cup Footie Cards by Open Doors - https://youth.opendoorsuk.org/product/pray-as-they-play-world-cup-footie-cards/

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team dive in to the complex world of teenage skincare influencers, and the potential impact that a heavy focus on achieving a flawless look could be having on our teen girls… and boys. There’s a preview of this November’s National Youth Ministry Weekend and its theme – ‘With Great Power’ – and World Cup Fever descends with a timely edition of Organised Fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team respond to the recent government-commissioned report around young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training. What are the headlines- and how can Christians and churches support and respond? We’re also looking into the broadening out of a trend, as young people overwhelmed by choice find themselves “sliding, not deciding.” Which also gave us a great idea for a game…

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy, Rachel and Martin explore two big topics today- the youth culture phenomenon known as ‘maxxing’, and the question of how we best support young people as they navigate exams. Should we be their revision buddies, or their safe space to escape the constant demands of the school system? Martin and Rachel disagree- and Lucy referees!

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

List of 30 games other than mix ups

1. Mafia
2. Werewolf
3. Sardines
4. Capture the Flag
5. Dodge ball
6. Wink Murder
7. Charades
8. Pictionary
9. Turn the raft
10. Ninja
11. Balloon Stomp
12. Egg and Spoon Race
13. Scavenger Hunt
14. Ultimate Frisbee
15. Crab football
16. Limbo
17. Musical Chairs
18. Heads Up
19. Hot Potato
20. Duck Duck Goose
21. Balloon Volleyball
22. Slip ’N Slide 
23. Pass the Orange
24. German Spotlight
25. Murder in the Dark
26. The Floor Is Lava
27. Lip Sync Battle
28. Rock Paper Scissors
29. Hunt the Thimble
30. Chubby bunnies

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Rachel and Martin are joined by Jeronne Rudder to debrief this week’s Youthscape & St Mellitus Annual Lecture: Radical Hope. As well as reflecting on the events of the evening, they talk through some of the audience questions that didn’t quite get asked… and after all that highbrow activity, there’s still plenty of space for a totally appropriate round of Organised Fun…

Shownotes

Huambo: https://www.uhambo.co/

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team discuss the recent local Government election results which saw a surge in support for Reform, and ask what the impact might be on young people. There’s an Ask Us Anything question about how to manage volunteers who also happen to be your friends, and amongst the continued deluge of Night Hike feedback, Rachel and Martin search for Lucy’s long-trailed organised fun spectacular.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Our mailbag runneth over, after what appeared to be a series of utterly uncontroversial discussions on night hikes, 1-to-1 mentoring, and bedtime reading. Martin and Rachel will be revisiting all three subjects, and diving in to an honest conversation about how we disciple others when we're not quite 'feeling it' ourselves. Plus: organised, and entirely replicable fun... just not the one that was advertised.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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The sun is out, and so Martin and Lucy are getting excited about capturing moments of awe and wonder with young people. They also respond to a great listener question about getting the best out of student volunteers, and there’s a very replicable edition of Organised Fun, illustrated with some top-notch Biblical knowledge from our hosts…

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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With Martin off the roster this week, Rachel and Lucy take the reins for today's episode. We're asking whether youth leaders should be reading more (and what’s actually worth your time), and exploring our top tips and practical wisdom on one-to-one ministry with young people. We also revisit the fallout from the Quiet Revival research being withdrawn, and dig into what it means for how we handle data, faith, and headlines. And of course, it wouldn’t be Talking Youth Ministry without a dose of slightly chaotic, organized fun to finish things off. 

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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The team take a well-earned break over Easter, but over the next two weeks, we will be sharing some incredible talks from the Satellites summer event for young people. This week, we hear from Jeronne Rudder. Jeronne is a pastor, theologian, speaker, and all-around Bible nerd who is passionateabout seeing people live lives shaped by love and justice. He is the founder of Uhambo The Journey, an online video Bible study resource aimed at helping individuals understand the Bible for themselves and become confident followers of Jesus, bringing ancient truths to life and applying them to modern-day situations. Additionally, Jeronne is a team member of Sankofa Collective, an ecumenical racialjustice and reconciliation community for Christians. Jeronne holds a Master's in Theology and Transformative Practice and is dedicated tod eveloping resources that deepen the discipleship journey, making the inaccessible accessible for all people. If you want to check out Satellites, head to https://www.youthscape.co.uk/satellites/home and new youth groups get 5 free tickets for young people.

Keep sending your feedback and questions in and the team will pick them up when normal service resumes.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team take a well-earned break over Easter, but over the next two weeks, we will be sharing some incredible talks from the Satellites summer event for young people. This week, we hear from American author and activist Shane Claiborne. If you want to check out Satellites, head to https://www.youthscape.co.uk/satellites/home and new youth groups get 5 free tickets for young people.

Keep sending your feedback and questions in and the team will pick them up when normal service resumes.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel and Martin respond to a deluge of listener emails, including a question about how to manage upwards, and another about their luxuriant lifestyles as international speakers. Also, Rachel reveals her past as a Wetherspoons barmaid, and the team embark on their most self-indulgent organised fun ever.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Lucie and Martin discuss Louis Theroux’s new Netflix documentary, in which the ever-curious interviewer meets some of the most controversial male influencers in the world. How do we help young people, and particularly young men, to process these kinds of voices? And if left unchecked, what might their influence be on adolescent development- and Christian discipleship?

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Rachel meets Bekah Legg from the charity Restored, to explore how we can talk to young people about relationships, boundaries and spotting the signs of coercive behaviour. Plus - in our longest episode ever - we’re answering some of your big questions, including one around what to do when your church and your young people are in theological dispute.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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As the UK Government launches a consultation on the impact of technology on young people, the team revisit questions around how social media intersects with youth ministry. They respond to a listener question around succession when there’s no obvious successor, and there’s a calamitous attempt to marry serious apologetics with organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Martin sets sail for the coast with able shipmate Dr Hannah Bowden and special guest Thea Smith. They’re having a big conversation about an often-overlooked demographic: young people in coastal communities. With some staggering stats and deep insights from Thea’s experience working in this context, this is an episode not to miss.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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It’s the beginning of Lent, and Rachel, Martin and Lucy pack away the crisps and biscuits to ask: do we sometimes get this moment in the church calendar all wrong? Are there better ways to talk about and practice Lent with young people, and how do we make sure we’re not just dishing out a Christianised version of popular self-help? Plus there’s a discussion around how we handle healing, and the emergence of a new kind of super hero…

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Martin sits down with David Howell to talk about whether meeting in homes is still a safe and effective way of doing youth ministry in 2026 after concerns from the NYA. The team are divided over the best way to get a group of noisy lads’ attention and give grace to a listener’s feeling of just plodding on. And of course Organised Fun descends into chaos… or should that be Fuganised Orn?

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Lucy, Rachel and Martin discuss recent stories alleging that American charismatic minister Shawn Bolz used information from social media to inform 'prophetic words'. How does this challenging conversation help inform better charismatic youth ministry practice, and does it suggest that we need a better model than 'words from the stage'? There's an Ask Us Anything question about finishing well, and a renewed commitment from the team to make the 'organised fun' section genuinely useful in your youth work. Time will tell.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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It’s a packed pod today, as Youthscape CEO Chris Curtis makes his Talking Youth Ministry debut to discuss the organisation’s new ‘Troubling Jesus’ research. Martin, Lucy and Rachel ask how you can get parents on board with your youth work- wherever they’re coming from- and there’s some anarchic IKEA-based organised fun. Eclectic.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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This week Martin and Rachel explore how our youth work values and principles can change and evolve over time. Why did we once embrace purity culture? What’s the correct order of “believe, belong and behave”? And should we have ever wanted to be History Makers? Plus there’s a discussion- and vaguely linked game- around what makes for a great youth-led church service.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin and Rachel discuss two apparently-contradictory struggles for youth ministers: believing it’s all on us, and worrying we’re not even worthy of doing it. They also discuss their unlikely starts in youth ministry, share a few surprise revelations, and end up in a brain-twisting, time-travelling challenge, in organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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To kick off the new term, Rachel, Lucy and Martin share the things they think we should all be thinking about as we focus on the year ahead. There will be predictions; there will be controversy; there may even be some unwarranted singing. And as always, we’ll share lots of your feedback and engage in a particularly well-researched bout of organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

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Happy New Year! Today we present a special treat to kick off 2026- the live recording of our special ‘Talking Youth Ministry’ event at November’s National Youth Ministry Weekend. If you’re looking for serious youth ministry content, maybe give this one a miss; if you’re in the mood for silly games and a dramatised reading from Hagbane’s Doom… listen in!

Charles Merritt's 'The Anxious Man' - listen here https://open.spotify.com/album/3LyCv99SCt2nZzAx9qG1V5?si=8ddKZ6KeSDqj13mc49lyqw

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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Merry Christmas! The return of a now-annual tradition as the team invite Dr Hannah Bowden from the Youthscape Centre for Research to share some reports and statistics that are tangentially related to both the time of year and (in some cases) youth ministry! Join us as we work our way through Chris in the first half, and Tmas in the second- and round off 2025 with a very festive edition of organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy, Rachel and Martin discuss the implications of the recent ban on social media for under 16s in Australia. Is it a good idea? Could it work here- and should we want something similar? Plus with £500m of new funding announced for the UK youth sector, should Christian youth workers feel excited? As ever there’s some organised fun- this time featuring some of the weirdest Christmas Carol lyrics ever written. Festive.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin and Rachel look ahead through Advent with some tips for leading others when you’re not quite feeling the Christmas spirit yourself. They also present our first full year of listening stats with some surprising revelations from around the globe. Plus we’ve got a bumper mailbag full of your feedback and of course, a little side order of organised fun.

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Rachel and Lucy discuss the decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap, how we can change worship culture in our churches and how to approach social media with young people. Find out which host has the bougiest Advent calendar and wait with expectation to hear what’s been planned for Organised Fun...

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined by not one but two special guests this week as we unpack the latest edition of The Children’s Society’s annual Good Childhood Report. Dr Gemma Madle from the Youthscape Centre for Research shares some of the key findings, and Headstrong’s Laura Haddow helps us to think about how Christian youth work can respond. Plus all the usuals, and a stunning revelation about a dark secret from Martin’s past…

Shownotes

Good Childhood report - https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/good-childhood-report-2025

Headstrong - https://www.beheadstrong.uk

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our National Youth Ministry Weekend review episode. Relive the UK’s biggest youth work gathering, or if you didn’t manage to get along, hear some of the main insights. Plus we’ve got a larger than normal amount of Hagbane’s Doom content, and to balance out the silliness, some amazing testimonies.

Shownotes

Nick Perrin's 'Hagbane's Doom' musical: https://www.starshine.co.uk/products?p=/hagbanes-doom

Youtube playlist of the songs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_loYJcP8Tr-MEqu9ouxMUCZp0BYLtHyFi0

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel, Lucy and Martin are joined by a very special guest for the podcast's 50th episode. Dame Rachel de Souza is the Children's Commissioner for England, making her the most senior advocate for children and young people in the nation. She shares some sobering reflections from recent research into young people's experience of poverty, and encourages the Christian youth work community on their vital role in community transformation. Plus we have all the usual feedback, mayhem and (dis)organised fun. We really hope you enjoy listening to this one as much as we loved making it!

Do get in touch with us by emailing us podcast@youthscape.co.uk or commenting on individual Spotify episodes.

To hear more episodes like this, search for Talking Youth Ministry: A Youthscape Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

For more content from Youthscape, find us on Instagram and Facebook.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.