My New Favorite Podcast and My Least Favorite Statistic

My Favorite Podcast

Today with my good friends Ryan and Hunter we launch my new favorite podcast Cross Formed Kidmin. A podcast dedicated to the development of kidmin leaders and the teams they lead. I love this podcast because it is another way to be to other kids’ ministry leaders, which I wish I had had when I started ministry. The combined experience of myself and my two fellow podcasters adds up to over 60 years of combined experience.

Our desire was twofold in the creation of the podcast. To create something unique in regards to the topics, as well as addressing these topics from a specific framework. We will look at issues you will face week in and week out. Not from a ministry-to-children perspective but from a child discipleship framework.

I have found in many years of ministry to different-sized churches that every church struggles with our most basic command. Making disciples. This is beginning to change. For that I give thanks. Discipleship can not be something we do. It has got to be the main focus that we spend our time money and energy on.

My least favorite statistic.

Our first episode deals with the widely cited statistic that 75% of Christian youth walk away from their faith after graduating high school. This alarming figure raises questions about why young people are leaving their religious beliefs behind and what can be done to prevent it.

Some of the ideas we discuss in our first episode are:

Are we preparing our kids for the world that exists or are we using old models?

Are we preparing our kids morally, theologically, and practically for the challenges to their faith they will encounter? In college, they will encounter new ideas and perspectives that challenge their beliefs or struggle to reconcile their faith with the pressures and demands of the modern world.

Another factor is that many young people may not have a strong foundation in their faith to begin with. We have to ask ourselves difficult questions like, are we raising church attenders or are we rasing lifelong disciples? If they have not been exposed to thoughtful, engaging teaching and experiences that help them develop a deep and personal relationship with God, they may find it difficult to maintain their faith in the face of competing priorities.

So what can be done to address this issue? One approach is to prioritize faith formation and discipleship from an early age. This means providing children and youth with opportunities to learn about and engage with their faith in meaningful ways, such as through Bible study, prayer, worship, and service to others.

It also means equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate the challenges they will face in the wider world. This may include providing them with access to resources and mentors who can help them explore their faith and answer their questions, as well as fostering a sense of community and belonging within their faith communities.

Ultimately, preventing the loss of faith among young people requires a concerted effort from parents, pastors, educators, and other leaders in the Christian community. By prioritizing faith formation and equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of modern life, we can help to ensure that future generations remain deeply rooted in their faith and committed to living out its values in the world.

There is more to be discussed, and we do that on the podcast. I hope you stop by and add your thoughts, ideas and concerns.

Cross Formed Kidmin Podcast will be on Spotify, Apple, and all your favorite streaming platforms. Hope you find it helpful.