Is summer where student ministry goes to die or is it the secret weapon for a better fall?

In this episode, John and Ian dive into the reality of summer chaos:

camp injuries, mission trip fails, and the pressure to “keep things going.”

But what if summer isn’t about just surviving? What if it’s your best shot at building real momentum for the fall?

We talk:

• Why some families (and staff) expect you to vanish for the summer, and how to push back

• Creative rhythms that help students thrive, not just attend • How to lead smarter, not harder

• Practical ways to leverage slower weeks for deeper discipleship and connection

• Why NOW is the best time to build your fall plan, recruit volunteers, and prepare your leaders

PLUS: If you’re a member behind the wall, we’ve got a bonus segment full of practical tools—calendar templates, planning sheets, and a fall ministry roadmap. Not a member? You can jump in today and get your first two weeks free.

Start your Free Trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=0a047568-f6b2-49c0-9cd2-c0f19c847bdf

This is the episode that changes everything.

Shaping Student Ministry (SSM) and Youth Pastor Central (YPC) have merged into one unified network.

Why? Because student pastors need more than content—they need connection, coaching, and community. And now, you’ll get it all in one place.

In this episode, John, Ian, and Christopher walk through:

• Why we’re merging: What brought SSM and YPC together

• What changes for you (and what doesn’t): Access, content, cohorts, and more

• The new platform: A first look at our all-in-one coaching and resource ecosystem

• What’s coming next: Podcast expansions, resource drops, regional meetups, and a packed fall lineup.

Whether you’ve followed SSM for years or you’re a longtime member of YPC, this is the beginning of something brand new for all of us.

What you’ll get:

• A redesigned member experience

• One subscription that includes everything (yes, including Games on Games)

• National and regional cohorts

• A growing podcast network

• Access to exclusive curriculum and tools We’re not just joining forces. We’re building the future of student ministry leadership together.

Start your free trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=d303b5ac-f322-4161-adc3-c73cda5fe9e3

What do you wish someone told you when you started in ministry?

In this episode, John Oliver is joined by Mark Santana from First Baptist Statesboro to reflect on the early days of leadership in the local church. From building trust with parents and volunteers to navigating expectations, they share honest lessons and encouragement for anyone just getting started or anyone guiding the next generation of leaders.

Whether you are leading students, adults, or your entire congregation, this conversation offers wisdom that reaches beyond youth ministry. Topics include:

• Why relational leadership always wins over performance pressure • What to prioritize in your first year that will actually last • The leadership rhythms that help you stay grounded • Real talk about failure, growth, and long term faithfulness

Watch now on YouTube Listen wherever you get your podcasts Connect with our growing community of leaders: https://shapingstudentministry.com