Best RMD CMA Podcasts (2026)

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Year End Wrap Up 38:18

Play Pause

7d ago38:18

38:18

As the year winds down, what’s actually shaping you as a leader? In this Year-End Wrap Up episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, our team shares something we read, something we listened to, and something we learned over the past year—and how each has influenced our leadership, faith, and ministry. From books and podcasts that stretched our thinking…

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Holiday Ministry Ideas 31:19

1M ago31:19

31:19

The holidays are coming—so how do you make the most of Thanksgiving and Christmas in your student ministry? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we share practical, meaningful, and fun ways to leverage the holiday season for discipleship, connection, service, and spiritual formation. From Advent teaching ideas to family-friendly events, f…

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Discipleship (Part 2) 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

So we get “God’s part” and “our part” in discipleship—but what does that actually look like in real life? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we explore how to lead with both intentionality and dependence—doing our part to disciple students while leaving space for the Holy Spirit to do His. You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own wal…

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Discipleship (Part 1) 36:18

3M ago36:18

36:18

What drives discipleship—our plans or God’s Spirit? The answer: both. God moves supernaturally in salvation, yet Scripture is filled with calls for our active participation in discipleship. In this episode, we talk about prayer as the bridge between God’s work and our part. We’ll also share practical ways to begin interceding for your students and …

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LIFE Conference Recap 40:03

4M ago40:03

40:03

What happens when thousands of students gather to worship, learn, and respond to God? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we recap the 2025 LIFE Conference—a week full of joy, challenge, and transformation. From the contagious energy that filled the arena, to the breakout sessions that stretched students’ thinking, to the powerful moment…

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A Purposeful Pause 1:16

6M ago1:16

1:16

We’re hitting pause this month—for a purpose. With many of our leaders at the LIFE Conference, we’re taking space to listen, reflect, and process what God is doing. There’s no new episode this month—but that doesn’t mean the work is on hold. As you return from LIFE (or any big event), take a moment to revisit last month’s episode: “Getting the Most…

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Getting The Most Out Of An Event 38:25

7M ago38:25

38:25

Heading to a conference or event with your students? Don’t just survive it—lead through it. In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we talk about how to get the most out of any ministry event by showing up with intentionality, spiritual awareness, and a leader’s heart. You’ll learn how to prepare before you ever arrive, how to stay fully pre…

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Community vs. Community 41:02

8M ago41:02

41:02

We all want community—but are we building the kind God designed? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we break down the key differences between worldly and biblicalcommunity—and why it matters more than you think. You’ll learn how true community is formed, what makes it last, and how to build it with your students and leaders. Stop aiming…

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How To Prepare A Talk 38:06

9M ago38:06

38:06

Ever feel stuck when it’s time to prepare a talk for students? You’ve got a message in your heart—but how do you make sure it actually connects? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben Mcentee and Chris Tweedy break down a clear and practical framework for crafting talks that stick. Whether you’re sharing a devotional, leading a message,…

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Ministry Beyond the Church Walls 45:43

10M ago45:43

45:43

Youth group night is awesome—but is that the only way to connect with students? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we dive into why reaching students beyond the walls of the church is more important than ever. We’ll talk about the theological and practical reasons for stepping outside our comfort zones, the power of parachurch partnersh…

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Dealing with Discouragement 32:22

10M ago32:22

32:22

Discouragement—it’s real, it’s heavy, and at some point, we all face it. But how do we respond when it creeps in? In this episode of The Third Thursday Podcast, Chris Tweedy and Ben McEntee dig into the brutal roots of discouragement—why it happens and how we can navigate it with faith and resilience. Whether you’re in a season of discouragement or…

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Distractions, Disrespect, and Difficult Students 32:55

12M ago32:55

32:55

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy dive into strategies for managing challenging classroom dynamics while fostering a culture of love, respect, and accountability with special guest, Scott Palin. Learn how to lay the foundation by ensuring students feel genuinely cared for, walk through practical steps to se…

1
Year End Resources 27:54

1y ago27:54

27:54

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy share their favorite 2024 resources—Christian books, podcasts, and even secular tools—that have enriched their ministry this year. Join them as they reflect on the power of intentional learning and being mindful of the content we consume. Don’t forget to check out the show …

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Missions Engagement in Student Ministry 39:55

1y ago39:55

39:55

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben is joined by Cassandra who serves with Envision (a missions structure of the Alliance) in Indonesia to discuss how youth leaders can integrate missions into student ministry. Cassandra shares advice on helping students discern God’s call to missions, emphasizing the need to ask thoughtful questions…

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The Role of Camp in Student Ministry 42:13

1y ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of the Third Thursday podcast, Ben is joined by special guests Alex Hickinbotham from Yellowstone Alliance Adventures and Zach Zirbel from Dickey Lake Bible Camp. Together, they explore the unique strengths of camp ministry, including its ability to engage students and provide focused discipleship, while also discussing the limitati…

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Policies, Procedures, & Good Practices 53:20

1+ y ago53:20

53:20

Let's face it, you probably didn't imagine hours of administration, policies, and procedures when you signed up to do youth ministry. I mean, we have verbally communicated expectations and our practices, that's enough... right? Join Ben and Harry as they share the 90/10 principle and how important it is that when we communicate and create clear pol…

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Favorite Fun Activities 45:17

1+ y ago45:17

45:17

Yep, summer is going by already, but we have more fun ahead! How do we find the right balance between fun and serious? When does summer youth ministry begin? What might it look like? How do we look beyond summer and develop yearly rhythms and activities throughout the year? Join Ben and Harry as they share some of their ministry experience and top …

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LIFE Conference 2025 50:51

1+ y ago50:51

50:51

Ben and Harry have two special guests this month! RMD Assistant Superintendent Chris Tweedy and C&MA National Co-Youth Director Charles Amoh join in to talk about next summer's LIFE Conference. Everything from what is the LIFE Conference to big details, initial pro tips, and how the RMD is helping individuals go is discussed. Show notes If you've g…

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Youth Graduate, What Now? 46:40

1+ y ago46:40

46:40

Ben and Harry start the episode with guest speaker, Julie Hunter, chat through what family ministries look like in her context in Helena, MT, and then work their way through the "What Now?" of youth graduation season. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected].…

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Youth Leader Weekend Recap 30:32

1+ y ago30:32

30:32

Ben and Harry recap the Youth Leader Weekend at YAA. They share laughs, Uno stories, and how important it is to help your church live on Deuteronomy 6. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Curriculum or Hard Pass? 34:09

2y ago34:09

34:09

Ben and Harry chat through some of the numerous types of curricula to choose from. There are subscription-based curriculums, shorter series that run 4-8 weeks or longer, video series, and more! They share some pros & cons of each, how to discern and choose with wisdom, and then give some points for how to develop one yourself for your youth ministr…

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Discipleship That Sticks (feat. Ken Castor) 43:14

2y ago43:14

43:14

Special guest, Ken Castor, joins Harry and Ben in a round of get-to-know-you and talking about the upcoming Youth Leader Weekend. Plus a bonus quick round of 3 areas to help youth grow to hold us over until then! Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected].…

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A Look Ahead to 2024 18:34

2y ago18:34

18:34

Harry and Ben chat about the Third Thursday vision for 22024 with special guest, Chris Tweedy. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Having Difficult Conversations 41:38

2y ago41:38

41:38

How do we navigate the turbulent waters of meaningful conversation around volitle topics? Ben and Harry tackle this question and hope to offer some encouragement and guidance on how to have difficult conversations like Jesus did. Show Notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected].…

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Connecting With Your Community 28:10

2y ago28:10

28:10

We know the challenge of doing in the trench ministry and how sometimes we forget the call to go outside the building walls. Ben and Harry remind us that we are called to people outside the building and share ways to make a difference as we go about our normal day-to-day. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ct…

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Redefining Success 38:24

2y ago38:24

38:24

What defines true success? You can't run a race always looking sideways. Ben and Harry share 4 key points to help you process through redefining it. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Creating a Volunteer Team 44:27

2+ y ago44:27

44:27

It can be challenging to find the right volunteers for the youth ministry without coming across as... desperate. Harry and Ben share 4 key points of how to create a volunteer team. Show notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Discovering Core Values Part 3: How Do You Carry On What You’ve Established? 26:21

2+ y ago26:21

26:21

Harry and Ben wrap up their 3-week series on discovering core values. They ask how do to present core values and what do you do with them once you've established them? Ben says that, "Creating core values without living them out is like living with a bazooka without a trigger." So, how do we live them out? Show notes If you've got questions or want…

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Discovering Core Values Part 2: How Do You Establish Core Values? 37:50

2+ y ago37:50

37:50

Harry and Ben enter into part 2 of their three-episode discussion on core values. We’ve established that core values are important, but how do you identify and establish them? They share three key steps to establish as well as practical tips for establishing them without having a team and as a team. Show notes If you've got questions or want access…

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Discovering Core Values Part 1: Why Are They Essential? 27:31

2+ y ago27:31

27:31

Harry and Ben start a three-episode discussion on core values. What are core values? Why are they essential? They share how core values provide the direction of your ministry, the protection of your yes and no, and clarify what you are about. The reality is that we as youth leaders have a limit on ourselves amidst serving a limitless God. Show note…

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Preparing for Fall Launch 52:02

2+ y ago52:02

52:02

Summer’s racing to an end and the back to school season is about to start – how to plan well for re-entry. Harry and Ben ask the question, "How do my fall plans advance our ministry goals and lead our group into the winter and through the school year?" Show Notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected].…

1
Gearing Up for Graduations and Summer 40:00

2+ y ago40:00

40:00

The last few weeks with your seniors and an entire summer of no-school-ministry ahead, are you ready? Show Notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Thriving in the Winter Doldrums 18:10

3y ago18:10

18:10

The holidays are over, the nights are long, and emotions are low. How do we lead through a season that is often discouraging? Show Notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA

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Leading Through the Holiday Season 26:20

3y ago26:20

26:20

How do we navigate the busyness and opportunities of the holidays and still lead our students well? Show Notes If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email [email protected] RMD CMA