ETCH with Chuck Peters

Every child’s faith journey is a story in progress, but far too often, our ministry strategies treat it like a series of disconnected chapters. When there’s no alignment between kids and student ministries, we risk losing spiritual momentum at the very moments when children are ready to grow deeper. 

In today’s conversation, Chuck Peters and Pastor Jay Strother step into the critical work of closing educational gaps in the church, e...

In ministry, calendars fill up fast. Between planning events, training volunteers, and caring for families, the pressure to “just get it all done” can pull ministry leaders in different directions. And when kids and student ministries aren’t aligned, the result isn’t just double-booked spaces - it’s missed opportunities for unity, shared vision, and sustainable impact. What if we saw scheduling not just as logistics, but as ministr...

Ministry to the next generation isn’t just about meeting kids where they are, it’s also about helping them get where they’re going. As children grow, they encounter major shifts: socially, emotionally, spiritually, and developmentally. These transitions, from preschool to elementary, elementary to middle school, and so on, can be defining moments in their spiritual journeys. But if we’re not intentional, these sacred transitions ca...

In ministry, we often talk about strategy, curriculum, and programming - but beneath all of it is something even more essential: relationships. Without trust and connection between leaders, even the best ministry plans can fall flat. As children grow and transition through the stages of church life, the strength of our relationships behind the scenes profoundly shapes the spiritual experiences they have in front of them.

This week, ...

One of the most pivotal seasons in a young person’s spiritual journey is the transition from kids ministry to student ministry. It’s a season filled with excitement, change—and often, challenges. As ministry leaders, we want to see continuity and connection, not confusion and inconsistency. But how do we intentionally bridge the gaps that naturally exist between age-specific ministries?

In this episode, Chuck Peters, along with Jana...

Ministry is a calling filled with joy, purpose, and deep meaning—but it can also carry a heavy weight. Behind every sermon, every program, and every conversation is a leader who is pouring out their heart, often while carrying their own unseen burdens. In a world that doesn’t slow down, and in a church culture that can unintentionally glorify overworking, it’s no wonder so many pastors and leaders are walking through burnout, anxie...

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What could ministry look like if we truly worked together across every age and stage?” In many churches, kids and student ministries operate in silos—running strong but disconnected. But what if we intentionally bridged those gaps and created a unified approach that served the whole family? What if collaboration replaced competition, and trust shaped every decision?

In this episode, we invite yo...

Have you ever thought about how your childhood dreams shaped the person you are today? For many of us, the journey from our early aspirations to our current calling in ministry is filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and lessons learned. Yet, each step prepares us for the work God has set before us. In this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of embracing diverse family structures in ministry. What if we cou...

Have you ever paused to consider what’s really going on beneath the surface in the lives of the kids and students you serve? So often, we see behaviors that confuse or frustrate us, but behind many of those actions is a story—sometimes one marked by pain, trauma, or stress they don’t yet have the words to explain.

In this episode, Chuck Peters and Stephanie Shivers invite you to slow down and reflect on the reality that many childre...

Have you ever stopped to think about how different generations view the world, the church, and even the gospel? In kids ministry, we often focus on reaching the next generation—but understanding where they've come from and who’s come before them is just as important. Every generation brings its own values, challenges, and perspectives to the table, and as ministry leaders, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to bridge t...

In this impactful episode, Chuck Peters sits down with Dr. Shelly Melia to discuss one of the most critical issues facing today’s kids and students: worldview formation.

As ministry leaders and parents, we have a short window to help shape how the next generation sees God, truth, and the world around them. Dr. Melia unpacks the importance of establishing a biblical worldview early and offers practical insight into how families and c...

How can we equip students to engage with God’s Word in a way that transforms their lives? In this episode, Chuck Peters, Brett Buckland, and Chris Brown explore the importance of biblical literacy and introduce the Seven Arrows method, a practical framework designed to help students study and apply scripture effectively.

This conversation highlights the necessity of intentional Bible study, teaching students not only to gain knowled...

Technology is shaping the way Gen Z and Gen Alpha think, interact, and even define their identity. In this episode, we dive into the profound impact of smartphones, AI, and social media on the next generation’s mental health, social dynamics, and spiritual growth.

Tony Bianco joins us to explore the challenges and opportunities technology presents for today’s youth. From screen addiction to academic integrity, from social media pres...

What if the next generation isn’t rejecting the gospel—they just haven’t heard it clearly?

As ministry leaders, we have the greatest message in the world, but are we communicating it in a way that truly connects with Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Are we equipping them not just to hear the gospel but to share it boldly with their peers?

In this episode, we’re wrapping up our four-part series on the gospel and the next generation with Shane Pru...

As ministry leaders, how can we ensure that the next generation remains deeply rooted in God’s Word? Are we modeling the kind of Bible engagement we hope to see in the kids and students we lead? In this episode, we dive into the heart of Next Gen ministry and the vital role Scripture plays in shaping young hearts and minds.

In this engaging conversation, Chuck Peters and Dr. Kevin Jones discuss the foundational importance of keeping...

Welcome back to another great episode of ETCH Next Gen Ministry Podcast with Chuck Peters! In this truth-packed episode, we sit down with the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board, Shane Pruitt, to talk about the Revival Generation!  Gen Z and Generation Alpha are experiencing a spiritual awakening, and it’s time for ministry leaders to step up, lean in, and disciple with boldness!

Shane dives deep into the...

Welcome back to another great season of ETCH with Chuck Peters! 

Are you keeping the gospel at the center of your ministry to the next generation? As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in programs and distractions, but Gen Z and Generation Alpha need authentic gospel conversations now more than ever. 

In today's episode, Chuck Peters and Dr. Kevin Jones explore the vital role of next-generation ministry in reaching Ge...

What if one week could transform your church and community for eternity? Could a summer tradition become your most powerful tool for outreach and evangelism? YES! We believe that Vacation Bible School (VBS) is more than just an event—it’s a ministry strategy with lasting impact!

In this episode, we dive deep into why VBS is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a game-changing outreach and evangelism opportunity for your ...

Is simply knowing about Jesus enough for the next generation? Or are they missing the deeper relationship they need?

In part 2 of this important conversation, Chuck Peters and Jeremy Echols unpack the essential difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him. They emphasize the need for leaders to guide students toward a personal, relational connection with Jesus—one that goes beyond facts and transforms their daily liv...