You've heard it before: Great leaders never stop learning.
But what if the key to your next level of growth isn't learning more—it's UNLEARNING what’s holding you back?

In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we dive deep into leadership transformation, exploring why unlearning is essential for your spiritual formation, emotional health, and long-term leadership effectiveness.

What you’ll discover:

• The top 5 things leaders need to unlearn now
• Why unlearning is critical for Christian leaders
• A practical 4-step framework to start your unlearning journey

What you may need to unlearn:

• Toxic independence masked as strength
• Performance-based identity that drives burnout
• Controlling leadership styles rooted in fear
• The hustle mentality that robs your rest
• A ministry culture that confuses ego with influence

If you’re a Christian leader, pastor, or urban youth worker looking to grow in integrity, character, and calling—this episode is for you.

True growth isn't just about gaining knowledge—it's about letting go of what no longer serves your purpose.

👉 Subscribe now, hit the 🔔, and join the journey of becoming the leader God is forming you to be.

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In this Christian leadership podcast, we dive into the dangers of role conflation—when pastors, mentors, and ministry leaders lose clarity in their relationships and decision-making.

But when leadership roles become conflated, it can lead to poor decision-making, relational strain, and serious leadership blind spots.

In this episode, we explore how leaders can avoid the pitfalls of conflated leadership by learning to switch roles with clarity—without losing relational depth. You’ll discover the 7 essentials for healthy, role-aware leadership that protects trust, fosters growth, and models Jesus’ example of leading with love, not confusion.

If you’ve ever struggled to balance being a pastor, leader, and friend, this episode is for you.

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In today's podcast, Robert Aboites sits down with Amy Williams, author of Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes. With 30 years of experience serving youth involved in gangs, incarceration, probation, and parole, Amy shares her profound insights and leadership principles for working with urban youth on the margins of society.

Amy recounts the impactful story of a former gang member helped by Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, who poignantly said, “I was used to being watched, but not seen.” This sentiment is echoed in her book and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truly seeing and valuing each individual. Amy discusses her life as a youth worker in Chicago and offers practical advice for anyone dedicated to serving urban youth, guiding them out of darkness and into the light of the Gospel.

This episode is a must-listen for youth workers, educators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of marginalized young people. Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring interviews and insights into effective leadership and youth development.

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Time management has challenged leaders for centuries. As William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia, said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” In today’s episode of The Future Is Here Leadership Podcast, Robert & Tommy delve into effective time prioritization, starting not with your calendar, but with your “why.” Prioritizing means focusing on what truly matters by clearly defining the problems you're addressing and targeting tasks that directly tackle those challenges. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial; it helps you allocate your efforts where they’ll have the most impact. Robert & Tommy simplify the process of prioritizing tasks by teaching you how to allocate your efforts wisely, using percentages, and deciding what you can remove or delegate to free up time for the most important tasks. Maintaining a sustainable pace and regularly reviewing your priorities are key to effective time management. If you're struggling with managing your time, this episode could be transformative for you!

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As leaders, we've all faced team members who aren't meeting expectations. How do you guide these individuals without jumping straight to reprimands? In our latest podcast episode, Robert & Tommy explore how to handle underperformance by creating a culture of support and growth. Learn how to navigate tough conversations with grace and empathy, recognizing that external factors often contribute to performance issues. Discover the importance of early detection, root cause analysis, and the "Moment of Truth" framework for constructive dialogue. Whether it involves restructuring, clarifying expectations, or making tough decisions, gain insights and strategies for managing performance with compassion and wisdom.

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Ever faced challenges in getting your team on board with major changes, ideas, or direction? Struggling to reach consensus? In this episode, Robert & Tommy dive into how to lead your team through a consensus-driven approach. Discover how to achieve collective agreement by considering diverse viewpoints and landing on the best solution—what we call "Best Idea Wins." 

Learn the key elements for fostering inclusion and cooperation, and why shared responsibility and ownership are crucial for building trust. Get a step-by-step guide to the consensus-building process, from problem identification to decision-making and communication. Harness your team's collective creativity to drive innovation and shape organizational culture.

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At UYWI we frequently connect with leaders who are either teetering on the brink of burnout or already engulfed in its flames. Sadly, it seems that burning out has become all too common in ministry circles, almost glorified as a badge of honor that says “if you’re not burnt out, are you even doing anything?!’. But is this truly what God desires for us? And how can we break free from this destructive cycle of overexertion and exhaustion?

In today's podcast, Robert and Tommy dive deep into the pressing challenges confronting Christian leaders, exploring the underlying causes of burnout. From sky-high expectations to the relentless emotional and spiritual demands, financial strains, feelings of isolation, and systemic issues, they uncover why burnout is rampant in our circles.

Robert and Tommy share actionable strategies for both personal and organizational pacing. From establishing healthy spiritual routines and prioritizing rest to crafting strategic plans and fostering a supportive community, they reveal how pacing can be the antidote to burnout.

Tune in to discover the power of pacing, not only as a means of avoiding burnout but also as a pathway to long-term significance and success. Don't overlook the Genius of Pacing—it's an indispensable tool for leading with purpose and sustainability in urban youth ministry, and beyond.

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When you hear the word "Sacrifice," what comes to mind? For us, it immediately brings to mind Jesus, the ultimate Sacrificial Leader who gave everything, even his life, for us. But as leaders in youth ministry, what does sacrificial leadership really look like for us?

In this episode, Robert and Tommy are diving deep into the heart of Sacrificial Leadership. We're debunking some common misconceptions about sacrifice—because it's not just about what we give up, but what we gain in return!

Sacrificial Leadership isn't about losing out; it's about gaining trust, influence, and intimacy with those we lead. So, let's flip the script and explore what God truly asks us to sacrifice versus what we must protect and hold sacred in our ministry journey.

Join us on this enlightening conversation as we walk down the conversational path toward sacrificial leadership. Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this journey!

Let's dive in together and discover the true essence of sacrificial leadership!

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As leaders we've all faced our fair share of challenges and pushback, am I right? In our latest podcast episode, Robert and Tommy are here to unwrap the "Gift of Resistance" and show us how to turn those hurdles into stepping stones.

Join us as we dive into the why behind embracing, rather than fighting, the resistance that comes our way. From cultural and organizational barriers to emotional and spiritual opposition, we'll explore it all. Ever wonder why we react the way we do to resistance? We've got insights on that too!

Discover practical strategies for handling resistance with grace and love, and learn how embracing it can actually lead to personal growth, resilience, and spiritual maturity.

So, settle in and get ready for an empowering conversation that reframes resistance as a gift and an opportunity for profound development. This is a good one, ya’ll!

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Connecting with our team is like uncovering hidden treasures! It's all about digging deeper to understand their unique stories, backgrounds, values, cultures, talents, and dreams. This lays the groundwork for a vibrant organizational culture where everyone can flourish. When we truly know our team members, magic happens—retention rates soar, productivity levels skyrocket, and both individuals and the organization thrive!

Join Robert and Tommy in our latest episode of The Future is Here as we dive into practical strategies for getting to know your squad better. From sparking curiosity to having heart-to-heart conversations about values, we cover it all. We'll even explore the power of keen observation and tapping into divine insight through prayer to unlock their full potential.

We'll also tackle the nitty-gritty stuff, like using assessment tools and crafting performance development plans. However, we'll warn you about the dangers of relying too heavily on these tools, like mistaking skills for character and blurring the lines between work and personal relationships.

Strap in as we embark on a journey to truly understand and uplift our team members. Let's unlock their potential together, both personally and professionally!

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In a recent Gallup poll, clergy's trustworthiness hit a concerning low, prompting much needed discussions about the trust we have - or don’t have, in leadership. Join us on "The Future Is Here" as we dive into the vital topic of trust.

With trust levels declining, it's crucial for leaders to grasp how to build trust effectively. By prioritizing care, reliability, sincerity, accountability, transparency, and competency, leaders can nurture trust within their teams and communities. In the challenging landscapes of modern ministry and trauma-informed discipleship, trust becomes even more vital for effective leadership.

Remember, trust forms the foundation of impactful leadership. Through deliberate actions and authentic behaviors, we can cultivate and sustain trust, empowering us to lead with authenticity and effectiveness in urban and youth ministry contexts.

Walk away from this episode knowing the six building blocks of trust that you can implement and start practicing now!

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In today's episode, we're diving into the world of leadership vision and how leaders shape the future of their organizations. We'll introduce three distinct leadership types: the "Then and Now" leader, the "Now and Next" leader, and the "Near and New" leader. Each type offers a unique take on scalability, innovation, and organizational growth.

The "Then and Now" leader sticks to tradition, preferring comfort over change. Decisions are centralized, empowerment is limited, and innovation is rare.

On the other hand, the "Now and Next" leader focuses on immediate results and gradual growth, prioritizing current initiatives. While somewhat scalable, this approach might lack innovation.

Finally, the "Near and New" leader is all about vision, seeking big growth and embracing innovation. Strategic planning is key as they navigate towards a future state with clarity and purpose.

Join us as we explore these leadership types, their strengths, weaknesses, and how they fit into today's evolving leadership landscape.

Tune in to gain insights into effective leadership vision and learn how to tackle tomorrow's challenges with confidence and foresight.

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In the final episode of our “How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis” series, we go deeper into what it means to lead with wisdom, faith, and emotional resilience when everything is on the line. A crisis doesn’t just challenge your leadership—it reveals your character.

This episode focuses on the heart-level challenges of leadership in crisis and offers practical, faith-rooted guidance for navigating what comes next.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✅ Centering compassion and allowing space for grief
 ✅ Validating hurt, confusion, and loss without getting stuck in it
 ✅ Casting hope beyond the crisis—with honesty and biblical truth
 ✅ Leading through opposition without losing clarity or courage
 ✅ Building a support system to avoid isolation in leadership
 ✅ Moving beyond survival to transformation
 ✅ How to lead with a renewed vision after the storm

You’ll walk away with practical tools, spiritual insight, and real-life stories to help you stay grounded, lead with integrity, and offer hope—even when the future feels uncertain.

🎧 Missed Part 1? Go back and listen for foundational principles on crisis leadership.

 🙏 Thanks for joining us for this powerful 2-part series on Christian leadership through crisis.

🔔 Subscribe for more content on spiritual formation, emotional resilience, and leading with faith.

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Are You Just Keeping Busy or Making Real Change Happen? Ever wonder what makes some leaders truly strategic? It's all about knowing the difference between just doing stuff and actually making a plan.

A lot of leaders are used to being busy bees, but they might not be thinking strategically. Sure, it looks good to be super active, but is anything actually changing? Are you moving closer to your big goals, or just spinning your wheels to keep folks occupied?

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of strategic leadership. Find out how strategic thinking and planning can take your leadership to the next level. We'll show you why having a strategic mindset is key for leading beyond the day-to-day tasks.

Get ready to learn how strategic thinking can help you tackle challenges and lead your people with purpose. Plus, we'll take you through the step-by-step process that's helped tons of leaders reshape their missions and visions for a bigger impact.

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In our journey working with leaders, especially in churches and ministries, we’ve noticed "empowerment" is a hot topic. You've probably seen it thrown around a lot – but how often does it really happen?

In today's episode, we're diving deep into what empowerment truly means. We'll chat about the difference between empowerment and just passing off tasks. Turns out, confusing the two can really affect how we see others in our organization.

We'll also check out how our views on delegation might bump into our biblical values. Ever heard of Philippians 2:3? It's all about putting others first – something to think about when we're handing out responsibilities.

And let's not forget about ownership and accountability. When things go wrong, who's to blame? We'll chat about how leaders can create a culture where failure isn't the end of the world but a chance for growth and empowerment.

Join us for a candid conversation about leadership and how to lead with humility, empowerment, and a whole lot of grace.

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What does it really mean to be a leader? Is it something anyone can do, or is it reserved for a special few? And what does the Bible have to say about all this? In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of leadership with Tommy and Robert.

We'll be taking a look at 1 Peter 5:2-3 to get some insight into the essence of leadership, particularly the role of shepherding God's flock.

We're also shining a light on a topic that often gets overlooked: leadership development. Balancing our own leadership responsibilities with helping others grow can be a real challenge. But if we want to leave a legacy of strong leadership, it's crucial to invest in developing others who can carry the torch long after we're gone.

So, how exactly do we intentionally develop others in leadership, you ask? Robert and Tommy have got you covered with five key principles that'll help shape healthier, more effective leaders.

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Feel like you are doing a whole lot of work, but instead of being impactful, you just feel BUSY??? Sometimes being a leader - especially in ministry, feels like we have multiple jobs… And for some of us, it actually IS something we do voluntarily in addition to our 9 to 5. 

If that’s you (or if it’s not but you don’t want it to be), check out our latest episode with Robert and Tommy as they unpack Mark 11 and the fig tree story. They've got warnings for leaders about getting too busy and missing the fruit.

Tommy and Robert connect the fig tree's leaves to distracting activities, reminding us that busyness doesn't always equal impact. Pursuing success can cost us and our loved ones: and our cycle of constant activity is unhealthy – always gearing up for the next big thing, burning out, and starting over.

Tune in to hear Robert and Tommy talk about intentional pacing for fruitful outcomes and keeping leaders and families in good shape, while exploring how some organizational systems unintentionally hinder diversity. Gain practical insights on fostering diversity and understanding its purpose in shaping us as leaders.

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Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of leading the next generation in a world that's rapidly transforming? Join Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites in this game-changing episode as they kick off an exciting series of leadership conversations.

As young leaders coming up in spaces that have never been navigated before, how can we adapt to the evolving landscape of a young, urban, and multi-ethnic reality? This episode is your compass to understanding the pivotal changes required for effective leadership in today's complicated world.

Explore the nuances of the leadership journey and discover practical insights that will empower you to thrive in the contemporary world. Join us on this transformative quest every week by subscribing to our channel, and stay up to date with everything UYWI at www.uywi.org

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We are at a time and point in history where there are white power structures and because of this we have a demographic shift. 

Don’t look at it as a loss, but rather as the most Christian thing to do because that’s what Jesus did. We can actually lay down our power for the benefit of others. It’s a dub. 

We need to create a new leadership for a new world. Even if power shifts and nothing changes with the distribution of power, we become our oppressors. How do we break the cycle?

Let’s talk about How To Give Power Away in Episode 8 of The Future Is Here Podcast - Radical Middle Edition

Are You Listening? 

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Is Social Justice a Sin?

We have seen our Urban Brothers and Sisters go through social justice issues like abortion, immigration, racism, but we fail to wrestle with this tension because we care more about being on the “right side.”

So what happens when we embody the values of others as opposed to that of Scripture? We miss the mark. We can’t be a witness when we play the victim. We need to show what the Kingdom of God is really like.

Why are we called, as Believers, to engage in social sin?

Let’s dialogue with Tommy Nixon and Fredy Romero in Episode 7: Is Social Justice a Sin? of The Future is Here Podcast: Radical Middle Edition

Are you listening???

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Is The Church Full Of Hypocrites?

The answer may shock you.

It’s important that we recognize our hypocrisy and come with a posture of “I do not always live out what I believe.”The most Christian thing you can say is “I was wrong.” Why is it so hard to accept this?

When we allow idolatry to play a part in our lives, of course it’s going to be hard to acknowledge our own hypocrisy. We need to embody the values that have been laid out for us through Christ so that we can continue in the work God has called us into.

Let’s take the log out of our eyes before we tell someone there’s a speck in theirs. Let’s confront our own hypocrisy. 

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We have experienced a tremendous amount of suffering these past couple of years, but with this comes polarization. As followers of Christ, how can we learn to share the suffering of others? 

And how can we learn how to do this well?  What if suffering is imposed? Can we change the “they” narrative of suffering to a “we” narrative?  

Join Tommy Nixon & Fredy Romero on A Shared Suffering | The Future is Here Podcast: Radical Middle Edition  

Are you listening?!!!

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Time and time again, we have seen “whoever controls the Book, holds the Power.” This leads to a toxic Church AND Christian Leadership.

We are going through the tension of how we read scripture and how we use it as a weapon to control people.

How do we control the narrative when Pastors and Church Leaders are controlling the narrative to fit the Gospel to their beliefs?

There are many mini Kingdoms that these leaders are creating about themselves because they hold power.

Who does the power belong to?

Tune in and let's dialogue to find the radical middle.

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In Part 1 of our “How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis” podcast, we explore how great leaders rise above chaos with clarity, compassion, and courage. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or community, a crisis doesn’t just test your skills—it reveals your character.

In this video, we’ll cover:

✅ How to lead with wisdom and spiritual resilience
 ✅ Centering compassion while facing pressure
 ✅ Seeking divine guidance in uncertainty
 ✅ Hope-casting when the future feels unclear
 ✅ Building a strong emotional and spiritual foundation
 ✅ Navigating grief and loss with grace
 ✅ Creating a clear path forward—even in the storm

This episode is packed with real stories, leadership insights, and practical tools to help you lead with faith and focus when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart.

👉 Don’t miss Part 2—Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode in the series.

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“Who am I?”

You might’ve asked yourself this question once, twice, maybe more. We have lost the piece that makes us who we are. 

As leaders, we have a crisis. We are called to serve the marginalized, but the color of our skin disqualifies us. 

What happens when your Christian Community is not fighting for the injustices within our country? Do you lean into the color of your skin and fight? 

What comes into mind when you hear that you are a Child of God? Is there a hierarchy of how we are to identify? 

How do you stick to Biblical Principles without losing your identity? 

It can be easy to self-segregate, but if you don’t identify yourself in Christ first, you can be missing out on the Kingdom of God.  Let’s dialogue together… "Identity" is OUT NOW!

This FREE resource has been made available by Urban Ally donors. Would you consider supporting UYWI?

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How much of American Nationalism has seeped into the Church?

We as Christians are in a spiritual battle against the evil forces of this world. When you add American nationalism to this battle, it creates enemies out of other people, and reality is, those people are created in the Image of God. In this current reality we see key groups of people who profess Christ but don’t care about the suffering of others. How are we being that light in this dark world?

The next generation is rejecting boxes and conformity and is desperately looking for leaders who express a different way of being. The Radical Middle is for the leaders who are tired of a reactive church and are ready to build the church we dream of now.  Let’s dialogue together… The Army of God? is OUT NOW!

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What would it cost for the church to abandon its position on the left and the right?

What if you didn't have to choose sides? What if the gray is actually where Jesus led from?

Jesus was a paradox and wasn’t afraid to embrace the tension.

In The Future Is Here Podcast | Radical Middle Edition Tommy Nixon and Co-Host Fredy Romero break down the fundamental principles of the Radical Middle. They’ll discuss how to live the Christian life outside of the toxic box of black and white... and move into the gray. 

Relationships need a lot of room to grow and conformity is not a safe place to learn. The next generation is rejecting boxes and conformity and is desperately looking for leaders who express a different way of being. The Radical Middle is for the leaders who are tired of a reactive church and are ready to build the church we dream of now.  Let’s dialogue together… The Gray Of Relationships is OUT NOW!

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In the Season 2 Finale of The Future Is Here #Podcast titled The Third Way: Navigating The Pitfalls of The Right and The Left, our esteemed host and CEO Tommy Nixon talks to Atlanta-based lawyer, political strategist, Co-Founder, President of the AND Campaign, Justin Giboney about what it looks like to live as a Christ-follower in the tension of our current context and culture. If you have ever struggled with what it means to be conservative or liberal as a Christian this conversation is for you. Just one question remains, however... #areyoulistening 

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The Israel-Palestine conflict has persisted through history for what seems like forever now, and with its ceaseless nature and the amount of information out there because of how long it has lasted, this issue is becoming an increasingly sensitive subject to approach, but for good reason. It must be approached with nuance and consideration of lenses, and that’s what we’re here to do today for you on the latest episode of The Future Is Here Podcast titled “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” ft. Eli Bonilla Jr. and his wife Alexis Qumsieh Bonilla, a second-generation Palestinian American. Hear our guests chop it up about the current events in Gaza, with a nuanced approach to this complex conflict that explores the way of Christ in the midst of the suffering being experienced right now.

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Last year after the presidential election, we got to talk to Sho Baraka of the And Campaign about the importance of Christians being nvolved in the political arena. We loved our discussion so much, we invited him back for The Future Is Here #podcast to talk to him about what he sees as the future of #evangelicalism and why the Black Church is central to it.

Listen on as our host Tommy Nixon also talks to Sho about his new book, "He Saw That it Was Good" and how we can frame this next iteration of the Church in a healthier way. 

Sho Baraka's book is out May 18 but is now available to preorder.

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In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, we are bringing into focus our  #pursuethemillion campaign. So we invited a talented and inspirational individual who decided to leave the Church, not once but twice. Her name is Alma Lizzette Cardenas-Rodriguez and her ever-evolving story must be heard. 

Alma is a Mexican-American-born author and poet, raised in the San Fernando Valley.  Alma holds a Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, an Urban Youth Workers Certificate from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor in Christian Ministry from Facultad de Teología. She is also  the author of a book titled “Groanings from the Desert.” This book "holds a collection of English & Spanish teo-poemas, prayers, and thoughts that invite you into her pain, joy, hopes, and dreams."

Listen to why Alma left the church, and how she developed a counter-cultural response to her experience of navigating toxic mindsets and systems of her faith community and culture. 

This episode will bring life, truth, healing, and freedom!

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More than any other generation, Millennials are some of the most misunderstood and misconstrued individuals within the context of human history, yes even as a new generation — Gen Z’s — continue to rise to the forefront as society’s new leaders. Gen Z’s represent a beacon of hope as we slowly emerge from a history-altering pandemic. But millennials are being prematurely put on the backburner as the new “lost generation,” swept aside as lazy and at worst, nihilistic. But they have as much to offer to society and the work of the Kingdom of God than we’ve been led to believe. Grant Skeldon, Next Gen Director at Q Ideas, is an expert on his generation—the Millennial generation. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, Skeldon talks to our host Tommy Nixon about harnessing the power of Millennials, while also discussing what each generation needs to do to support the work of the Kingdom in reaching this next generation of leaders coming up.

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Episode 14 marks the first time we’ve had 3 Guests on our podcast, at once, and we’re so excited for you to hear this conversation. In this episode, our wise and forward-thinking host Tommy Nixon talks to three amazing and diverse Latino leaders, Eli Bonilla, Sammy Rodriguez, Manny Dominguez, about what the future of the Latino/a Church could look like, and how important the #BrownChurch is in the Kingdom of God. As is customary, The Future Is Here is available on ALL your favorite streaming services, including #spotify and #applepodcasts. So please leave a rating or review wherever you listen. 

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As youth leaders, you probably already know from personal experience that the youth pastor is one of the most, if not, the most underappreciated individuals within the church. Not only does UYWI believe this to be the case, but so does the person who runs the largest youth group in America, Vince Parker, the Central Ministry Leader for Switch at Life.Church. In our latest episode of The Future Is Here Church, Parker joins our host Tommy Nixon to give us insight into reaching this next generation and the strategy he uses to support fellow youth leaders in doing so.

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Mistakes are inevitable—we all make them. But great leaders know how to break the cycle of repeated missteps and grow from both their own mistakes and those of others. In this episode, Robert and Tommy explore some of the critical mistakes leaders often fall into, especially in high-pressure urban environments.

We discuss the risks of relying too heavily on tactical responses without developing a clear, long-term strategy. Leadership is not just about what you can accomplish—it’s about how effectively you empower and leverage your team’s strengths. Misusing or overlooking the potential of your people can create friction and hinder progress toward your vision.

Our conversation also focuses on:

• The importance of self-awareness: How understanding your blind spots can prevent repeated mistakes.
• Taking ownership: Recognizing that leadership means accepting responsibility, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Overcoming comparison traps: How worrying about the actions of others can distract from your mission and derail progress.
• Shifting from self-centered leadership to team-centered leadership: Building a culture of trust by valuing your team's input and expertise.

This episode equips you with practical strategies to avoid common leadership pitfalls. You’ll walk away with fresh insights on how to lead with humility, develop strategic foresight, and harness the power of collaboration to drive your organization forward.

Avoid the landmines that keep leaders stuck. Tune in now to learn how to become a more intentional and self-aware leader—one who leads with clarity, purpose, and the ability to adapt when mistakes happen.

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The second season of The Future Is Here #Podcast has finally arrived! In episode 12 titled "Women Are the Future," we talk with Nicole Smithee, CEO and Co-Founder of Iridescent Women, a digital media company and membership program committed to awakening and championing the brilliance of every woman through honest conversations and authentic connections. Nicole sits down with our host Tommy Nixon to explore the continued barriers for women in ministry and how to overcome them.

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We invited our good friend and expert of many things,  Eugene Cho, to talk about the importance of being involved within the sphere of #politicaldiscussion now more than ever, even after the election season has passed us by. Needless to say, he talks about how we must engage with grace—without being a jerk—hence the title of his new book titled “Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk.” ⁣ It was so good we are closing the season of The Future Is Here Podcast with this incredible conversation.⁣ We hope you enjoy this episode and the 10 other released this season. Blessings fam!


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Micah 6:8

"The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God."

Have you ever wondered how to create change in your city through grassroots community organizing? Have you ever wondered if there is a biblical framework for how to impact public policy in a just & merciful way?

So much of what we deal with as youth workers are directly connected to how our cities, schools, and communities are governed. Each community has its own unique set up policy issues that affect the way our kids learn, live, and develop. As you live in proximity with your students, your heart may feel burdened to create a more just society where youth can safely grow up and thrive.

There's hope. You can be a part of organizing & bringing change to your community.

In this episode of The Future Is Here Podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon sits down with guest Alexia Salvatierra (Professor at Fuller Seminary) to take you through a biblical framework for why & how you can create a grassroots movement & impact policy change in your city.

Join us!

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Our Kingdom citizenship doesn’t allow us to be content with injustice, and neither does the future of the Church. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon sits down with pastor, author, speaker, activist, racial justice educator, Dominique Gilliard to discuss why we must remember incarcerated people the way scripture does. This is an episode you DO NOT want to miss.

Dominique is the Director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation for the Love Mercy Do Justice (LMDJ) initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). He is the author of Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice that Restores, which won the 2018 Book of the Year Award for InterVarsity Press. Gilliard also serves on the board of directors for the Christian Community Development Association and Evangelicals for Justice. In 2015, he was selected as one of the ECC’s “40 Under 40” leaders to watch, and the Huffington Post named him one of the “Black Christian Leaders Changing the World.”

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In a world where "Evangelical" has become a dirty word, we as believers in the future of The Church must ask ourselves, "How do we reclaim evangelism?" UYWI believes we must lead this next generation to be on fire for Jesus, and excited about sharing the beautiful and powerful truth of Christ. But what does that look like and how do we separate it from the increasingly notorious connotation of the mere word, "evangelical." In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon speaks to Erica Schimelpfenig, Executive Director of YouthWorks in Minneapolis, about including all kids of color in living on mission and what that movement looks like for the future. 

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UYWI believes some of the best art comes from suffering and pain—that it is most affecting when created from the margins of the urban contexts that we are involved with. It is no coincidence then that Christian tradition was birthed out of suffering, that spirituals and many worship songs come from slavery. Even modern music, such as rock & roll and hip hop—for the most part—comes from a place of expressive pain. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, our host and CEO Tommy Nixon speaks to Thomas Terry, spoken word artists and founder of label and art collective Humble Beast, to go beyond the surface, to the underground, and bring up the beauty that will shift our perspective on art and the gospel.

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The evangelical industry is a $1.2 trillion dollar industry that includes megachurches, book deals, television deals, movies, music, and curriculum—all put together. With an institution this large and flowing with dollar signs, we've got to be critical of the things we've built. We must open up this conversation to uncover what needs to be corrected for the future of the church to thrive. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, we’ve invited our Creative Director Shuree Rivera and Jam The Hype’s George Moss—both who are very familiar with the industry—to discuss the above with critical eyes that look to the future.

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Peacemaking is not just a good idea, it’s the mission of God and the vocation of God’s people. So what would the world look like if the Church took seriously, our call to be peacemakers? In pursuit of the answer, our guest Jon Huckins from The Global Immersion Project talks to our host Tommy Nixon about how he immerses himself into conflicts around the globe. In this episode of The Future Is Here podcast, learn how peacemaking is central to our faith, for it is an actual way of life and the very adventure that we've been saved into.

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In this episode, our guest Dr. Efrem Smith breaks down how the Evangelical Church has orphaned reconciliation away from repentance and restorative justice. Everything changes when we understand that there's no reconciliation, unity, nor right relationship with God and others without repentance and restorative justice. It's a great cost to be a reconciler, to truly repent and say yes to the work of restorative justice. Though it is part of the gospel, people may call you a Marxist, a Socialist, and exile you from Christian orthodoxy just for doing what is biblical!  But God calls us into this great work. Now more than ever, we need individuals to lead in this manner. It's time to build a new church with the theology of repentance, reconciliation & justice at its core.

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The Church of the future must be trauma-informed. The World Health Organization has found that approximately 70% of individuals worldwide have been exposed to some type of traumatic event in their lifetime. This figure is even more pronounced in urban populations. In fact, one study found that nearly 90% of individuals who reside in low-income urban areas have experienced many types and combinations of trauma. With this evidence, church leaders must operate from a place of healing. You can't give what you don't have. When church leaders are operating from unresolved trauma, it is possible to do more harm than good. We must address these underlining issues as leaders. Episode 3, featuring Dr. David Wang, is an invitation to deep healing. Dr. Wang is a licensed psychologist, pastor, and associate professor of psychology and pastoral counseling. He is also the editor of the Journal of Psychology and Theology and serves on the editorial board for Spirituality in Clinical Practice (an APA journal).

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of decision-making in leadership, focusing on what it means to lead with intention in the fast-paced and dynamic environments of today’s world. As leaders, you know the importance of not just making decisions but making the right ones—decisions that align with your mission, values, and the communities you serve.

Throughout the episode, we provide actionable strategies to strengthen your decision-making framework. Whether you're managing a small team or leading a large initiative, we break down critical elements such as:
• Future-oriented decision-making: How to think long-term, anticipating challenges and ensuring your actions today lay a solid foundation for tomorrow.

• Value-based choices: Aligning decisions with your core principles and organizational values to create authentic, meaningful impact.

• Incorporating faith through the "triangle of God's will": Finding clarity and direction by integrating spiritual guidance into leadership choices.

• Data-driven leadership: Harnessing the power of data and analytics to make informed decisions in today’s evolving landscape.

• Collaborative leadership through consensus: Balancing team input with decisive leadership to build trust and achieve collective goals.

• Redefining failure as growth: Viewing missteps as opportunities for learning and transformation on your leadership journey.

This episode is packed with insights designed to help young leaders thrive, even in the messy middle of uncertainty. Our goal is to equip you with the mindset and tools to navigate complexity with purpose, clarity, and conviction.

Tune in to learn how embracing both strategy and spirit can elevate your leadership and create a lasting impact in your communities.


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In this episode, Tommy Nixon speaks with UCLA Professor, Pastor, and author of “The  Brown Church,” Robert Chao Romero to unravel the multi-ethnic reality of the Kingdom of God and discuss why it is so important to have the WHOLE body of Christ contribute to the Church and Kingdom. This means embracing the beautiful inevitability of the future of the church being brown. 

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Our host Tommy Nixon speaks to Steve Carter, pastor, author, and co-host of The Home Team Podcast, about what the future of church-going looks like and how megachurches who are not embracing this new normal through the digital age, will suffer heading into #thefuture, a future that is young, urban, & multi-ethnic.

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We can no longer hold on to old paradigms while millions leave and disengage with the Church. The future is young, urban, and multi-ethnic. Jesus challenged the power structures of religion while on Earth and instituted the movement of the Church using a band of young radicals that were so moved by their experience with Christ that they died telling the world. Imagine a vibrant movement of passionate urban youth that are living out the Gospel in cities around the world and leading the next revival and iteration of the Church. The time for that is now. We welcome you to The Future Is Here podcast where UYWI's CEO Tommy Nixon, along with many relevant leading voices, dive deep into what the future of the church looks like—future that is here, young, multi-ethnic and a reflection of God's Kingdom.

Listen to The Future Is Here podcast Trailer to hear CEO, Tommy Nixon, and Creative Director, Shuree Rivera chop it up about UYWI's #TheFutureisHere vision.

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Everyone strives to be a more productive leader, but finding the right strategies to enhance efficiency can be challenging. In our latest podcast episode, we explore five essential leadership hacks that can transform the way you lead, helping you to become more focused, effective, and impactful in your daily work.

The first key to productivity is learning to say “no” more often. Leaders tend to take on far too many tasks that may seem important but don’t align with the bigger picture or long-term vision. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stretched too thin, preventing real progress on what truly matters. By mastering the art of saying “no,” you create space for deeper focus on activities that move the needle toward your most important goals. Remember, saying "no" to the unimportant means saying "yes" to what drives meaningful progress.

Another powerful strategy we dive into is the practice of setting aside time each day for introspection and envisioning your future. Leadership isn't just about action; it’s about thoughtful reflection on where you are headed and how you plan to get there. By dedicating time to assess your priorities, you'll gain clarity on your direction and ensure that your daily actions are aligned with your long-term vision. Leaders who regularly engage in this practice find themselves more connected to their purpose and better equipped to make decisions that support their growth.

Embracing the natural rhythms and seasons of life is another leadership hack that can greatly improve productivity. Rather than pushing against the flow of your energy or external demands, learn to recognize the best times for certain tasks and leverage those windows to get the most out of your workday. Whether it's setting aside quiet moments for deep thinking or capitalizing on periods of high energy to tackle demanding tasks, syncing your work with the natural ebb and flow of life will help you be more effective.

Daily goal-setting is a well-known productivity tool, but did you know that despite 70% of people setting goals, only 41% actually complete their tasks? This gap is often due to distractions that pull us away from what’s most important. In this episode, we explore how to create a focused environment and develop habits that keep distractions at bay, allowing you to follow through on your goals with greater consistency.

Incorporating these five leadership hacks can have a profound impact on your productivity, helping you lead with greater clarity and purpose. Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with actionable insights that will help you take your leadership to the next level.

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