Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

What happens when the pressure’s on, the critics are loud, and the easy thing to do is stay silent? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards dives deep into the question every youth pastor, ministry volunteer, and student leader must ask: “Who am I—really—when no one’s watching but God?” Through Scripture (Romans 12:2), personal leadership battles, and real-life ministry stories—including an encounter with Dr. Charles Stanley and a youth pastor’s redemption story—you’ll uncover: ✅ Why your core character is the most powerful message you preach ✅ How to handle unfair criticism without losing your soul ✅ What it takes to lead students when church politics and power dynamics collide ✅ Why integrity practiced under pressure creates leaders worth following ✅ What it looks like to be transformed by God, not conformed by culture ✅ The truth about calling—and why sometimes doing the right thing will cost you everything Whether you’re burned out, fired up, or somewhere in between—this episode rem

What separates good leaders from great ones? It’s not charisma. It’s not popularity. It’s not even experience. In this deeply inspiring episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks the 4 leadership traits that every ministry leader, parent, and pastor needs to lead in today's chaotic world—and only one of them is commonly talked about in church.

Are you on the edge of burnout? Feeling overwhelmed by spiritual battles, lack of support, or sheer exhaustion? In this powerful episode of Youth Worker on Fire, host Doug Edwards draws unexpected inspiration from a Navy SEAL Team 6 operator, billionaire entrepreneurs, and everyday ministry struggles to share one unforgettable message: "Don’t quit today—quit tomorrow." Learn how elite warriors, missionaries, and ministry leaders all battle the same emotional and spiritual challenges—and why perseverance is the secret weapon. From Romans 8 to Philippians 4:13, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical wisdom, and gritty motivation for those who refuse to give up on faith or their calling.

Feeling overwhelmed in youth ministry? You're not alone—and you're not without help. In this powerful episode of Youth Worker On Fire, host Doug Edwards shares a moving voicemail from youth leader Jim Halstead, recounting an incredible story of near-death experiences, angelic encounters, and how God's presence can change everything—even when your plans fall apart. Inspired by Imagine Heaven by John Burke and the testimony of Howard Storm, this episode is a raw reminder that behind every frustrated youth pastor, late-night volunteer, and unprepared lesson... there’s a spiritual battle—and God is showing up. Whether you’re a youth pastor, student ministry volunteer, teacher, coach, or a parent of teenagers, this episode will reignite your passion, encourage your faith, and remind you that God fights for you—and often in ways you can't see. ✅ Real stories of youth leaders ✅ How spiritual warfare shows up in ministry ✅ The hidden angelic support behind every youth worker ✅ Encouragement for when you’re exhausted,

Youth ministry isn’t meant to be done alone—especially in today’s world. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks how building strong ministry teams, embracing spiritual support, and trusting God’s angel armies can transform how we lead and protect the next generation. You might feel like you’re carrying your ministry alone—but you're not. Not even close! In this eye-opening episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares the unseen truth behind powerful youth ministries: they're never built solo. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes prayer warrior, an organized army of volunteers, or even angels on divine assignment, real impact happens when we embrace the team God’s already given us. Doug weaves together stories of military precision from Navy SEALs, near-death encounters with angels, and his own decades in student ministry to show how youth workers are backed by a spiritual support system way bigger than they realize. ⚔️ You’re not just leading students—you’re fighting for their souls

It’s summer—students are piling onto buses, heading to camps and conferences that could change their lives forever. But while they chase freedom and fun, there’s a bigger battle happening behind the scenes. In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards reminds us that youth ministry isn’t just fun games and late-night pizza—it’s spiritual warfare. Drawing from Ephesians 6:12, Doug challenges youth pastors, leaders, volunteers, and parents to see the unseen: the spiritual fight for the hearts of our students. Doug shares his own story of finding Christ at 15 and encourages you to step boldly into the battlefield—not alone, but backed by the God of angel armies. Whether you’re leading a cabin full of kids, praying for your teen, or just exhausted from the weight of it all—this episode will refuel your spirit and reframe your mission.

Do you or your students ever feel like the Gospel is just too good to be true? In this powerful episode, Doug Edwards shares a redemptive story of faith, transformation, and hope, inspired by the real-life testimony of Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty). From stories of addiction, family dysfunction, and doubt, to the simple truth of salvation through Jesus. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re “not good enough” for grace. This message is a must-listen for anyone serving in ministry or leading others (especially students) through seasons of doubt and brokenness. Doug dives into Romans 10, spiritual rebirth, imposter syndrome, and what it means to lead others to faith - especially when you feel unqualified.

Feeling burned out in ministry or your parenting life? This short, but powerful episode dives into Isaiah 40:29–31, reminding us that God gives power to the weak and strength to the exhausted. Host Doug Edwards reflects on the challenges of leadership, answered prayers, and the unseen impact of staying faithful. Plus, hear a behind-the-scenes story about a life-changing event sparked by this very podcast. Whether you're a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, or parent, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a spiritual recharge.

From Student Ministry to Tech Leader & Soccer Devotional Author | Bradley Blake’s Inspiring Journey ⚽

David Forbes was a youth pastor when I first met him. As life progressed, he took on many wonderful responsibilities. He finished his Masters Degree in Apologetics and felt God's calling to write a book for children instead of academics.   David has a wonderful wife and 3 children. He is a musician, as well as, an author. His debut novel "Spring of Deception" is his first book in "The Golden King Chronicles".   Order your copy here: https://tinyurl.com/et552d7t _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSo

I was asked to watch the Memorial Day celebration in Washington, DC on saturday night. It was very moving and the stories of sacrifice and loss of loved ones for the sake of our Nation was sobering at the very least. I proceeded today on Memorial Day to watch another Memorial Day celebration of sacrifice at Arlington National Cemetery where the President and Vice President of the United States gave very moving speeches and recognized many families who had lost loved ones. In student ministry, these soldiers are mostly still in our wheelhouse of ministry between the ages of 18 to 25 years of age, which is still adolescence.   I felt God's move in me saying, "Get in touch with those you know whose life were almost lost serving our nation" and I was able to reach one of them. Clark Blake was a Recon Marine that served in Vietnam. This means he was the toughest of the tough! I asked Clark to tell his story and he graciously did thouroughly in this interview. Clark and his family are true national and heavenly tre

THE SALT NETWORK's mission, goal, and objective is to plant churches in every major university city around the USA. Greg and Amy Larson are about as good a fit as it gets for this calling!   Greg Larson was a Fellowship Of Christian Athletes full time missionary after 2 years in Major League Baseball. Greg met Amy, they married, and then were onto full time missions in Central Mexico. Since coming back to the states, Greg has been an associate pastor for several  years in Florida and now God is leading he and his family to start a church in Colorado near Colorado State University.   Want to support a family who is on the move to fulfill their part in the Great Commission? Enjoy listening to Greg's Interview and share this episode with your friends and family who are wanting to support the good news about Jesus Christ, especially to university students.   LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SALT NETWORK AT www.thesaltnetwork.com   _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my

"...As far as East is from West..." (Psalm 103:12) That's how far God separates our sins from us. He gives us MERCY when we deserve punishment. He Gives us GRACE when we deserve to be chewed up and left in our misery... or worse.   Billy's (one of my former youth students) story is a humbling one for a senior in high school. I hope his story helps you to see one of your young teenage students the way God sees them. God has personally shown me plenty of MERCY and GRACE that I do not deserve. I hope as you listen in to this episode that you see how God is speaking through you. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : L

Character changes lives before talent. God will lift up the humble to confound the wise of this world. The old saying is this... "God does not choose the qualified, He qualifies the chosen."   Even the National Football League (NFL) understands that great character trumps great skills. Listen in and find out how they identify this in the recent draft. Also, find out how a young lady whose character was so great that the Oval Office chose this small town girl to serve in the White House for two Terms. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms

Rainy days can be challenging, but it's all in how we look at them. In this episode, I refer to Elijah praying 3 times, but instead he prayed 7 times in 1 Kings 18:43-46. Often we will pray once or twice for something and decide that God is not going to do what we asking.   Jim Halstead (who has 2 interviews on this podcast), prayed for me and my ministry every week for more than 10 years. It kept our student ministry on task and gaining spiritual ground in our church and community. It was almost 20 years before I knew about that and those prayers, but it made spiritual sense. There was a spiritual rainfall in our student ministry for almost 3 decades and Jim had something to do with that awakening in our community through our student ministry.   Enjoy The Rain! God's Blessing over a dry and burned up land. The rain is on its way! Get out there and plant the seeds of faith before it comes, so you will be ready for the rain. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You

You have a life license to Create! God created in advance good works for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We are limited by our desire and trust that God is for us, not against us. The passion inside you can be nurtured or it can be crushed. You must decide!   I spoke at a funeral for a 75 year old relative a few weeks ago. Then this week I heard a podcast about a famous rock star who at 75 is doing more for music and business than he has ever done. He is so excited that he automatically wakes up at 5:00AM to start his day from pure excitement.   The power to create greater works, be more excited, and passionate about achieving life should be astronomically greater, because you have a heavenly Father that has created you to do so! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq ____

Easter is our anchor! Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection is what distinguishes from everyone else. This season can be and should be a fun and exciting time for our students and family. Especially if we lead them and teach them well. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq _______________________________ EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms : https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House

Eat 10,000 Calories... 365 Days A Year! That's Right... You read the title correctly.   But there is always an "IF" thrown somewhere in there... IF you want to work out like the greatest Olympian Of All Time, Michael Phelps. The greatest body builders use to wake up at 2:00AM to drink a protein shake. One of those guys said by the time the competition for Mr. Universe rolled around, we were exhausted from eating.   What IF we devoured the word of God and prayed 365 Days a year like we were preparing for the Olympics? What IF we told people about the good news of Jesus Christ with the enthusiasm of a trained Olympian Athlete?   How would it look if we believed that God had made us, the students, volunteers, staff, our friends and family to do great things, bigger than we ever believed that we were capable of? Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father" - John 14:12   What IF? ________

Same Page Ministries is Mark Donohue’s ministry. Mark helps to guide CEO’s, business owners, coaches, pastors, and more on a journey of becoming as successful in their family life as they are in their business life and/or ministry.  Mark was responsible for leading 50 of his peers in high school to Jesus while being mentored in a student ministry by his youth pastor. When that happens in a small community, even the surrounding communities hear about it... and we heard about his reputation as a life changer through out our county! Now years later, Mark is a husband, a father, a business man, and a ministry leader. There is much to be learned in this episode by a humble man who just wants to be on the right path of life that leads to building the kingdom of God. _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast

Graduation Commencements happen all over the world at several educational levels. Some are even remember as some of the greatest speeches rememered for generations. The speech I am referring to in this episode is one of those memorable commencement speeches by Rick Warren. I felt compelled to tell you about it, so that you can see and hear for yourself as to whether or not it will inspire you in how you treat and inspire the students you are mentoring.   Galatians 5:6 is the key verse expressed, but with a power that demands attention to the details. It affects all areas of life and is expressed by a man who God has used as a pastor, husband, dad, mentor and Global communicator. I hope after this episode you will look up his Commencement Speech and share it with others.   Happy Graduation season to you and your family! _______________________________ Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book “Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder’s Guidebook” here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy