Stacking Chairs #92 – Pizza Shop to Bible College: Gideon's Journey & Why Youth Ministry Matters

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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stacking Chairs, Josh and Kyle welcome Gideon Kohls—a former podcast listener turned Bible Institute student, camp counselor, and future youth ministry leader.

Gideon shares his story of growing up in church without a youth pastor, discovering the impact of intentional discipleship, and how Word of Life camp and the Bible Institute helped solidify his calling. From working at a pizza shop to leading campers through real-life conversations, Gideon reflects on lessons learned, habits formed, and how to stir a hunger for God’s Word that lasts.

This episode is a powerful reminder that youth ministry is not about programs—it’s about people, discipleship, and pointing the next generation toward Jesus.

Key Talking Points:
✅ Going from podcast listener to podcast guest
✅ Growing up without a youth pastor—and the difference when one finally arrived
✅ How COVID shaped Gideon’s journey and led him to Florida
✅ The role of camp ministry and drama team in reaching students
✅ Why daily disciplines like quiet time and Scripture memory are essential
✅ How youth leaders can model growth that sparks hunger in students
✅ Reaching students where they are without leaving them there
✅ Building intentional programs that let the Holy Spirit do the real work

Great Youth Ministry Resources:
✅ Youth Ministry Curriculum & Tools (start free): https://multiply.life
✅ Free 4-Part Series Giveaway: https://landing.ym.wol.org/series-giveaway-fifty1-quiettime
✅ Learn more about the Bible Institute: https://wordoflife.edu/

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🌐 Website: youthministry.wol.org

About Stacking Chairs:
Welcome to Stacking Chairs: A Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We’re here to equip and inspire youth leaders—whether you lead a youth group, run a camp, or serve in any ministry that reaches students for Christ. With practical insights and real-life stories, we celebrate those who show up early, stay late, and literally stack the chairs. Join us as we encourage one another to lead well and impact the next generation. Keep stacking those chairs!

Special Thanks:
This episode is brought to you by Word of Life Youth Ministries. We help churches build strong, engaging youth ministries through coaching, curriculum, and Gospel-centered events. Our mission is clear: Every Student, Everywhere, Growing in Christ.