First a Follower Podcast

Join us as we sit down with co-author of the book, Slow Theology, Nijay Gupta, and friend of YFC USA's Leader Formation team, Myron Bernard, to chat about building resilient faith.

Myron Bernard currently serves as Deputy Director at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, where he oversees operations and works to advance holistic support for individuals experiencing homelessness. He previously served with Youth For Christ USA on the Leader ...

We're joined by Dr. Todd Korpi and YFC USA's HyunJin Fisher to chat about how A.I. is already affecting our ministry to the next generation and how it will continue to do so in the future.

Dr. Korpi (https://www.toddkorpi.com/) has served with his wife Tara in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years. Together they lead a ministry that resources and provides strategic consultation to churches and Christian ministries using their uniqu...

Cory is joined by Fuller Youth Institute's Brad Griffin and YFC USA's Dr. Jessi Sigander to discuss what's important to Generation Alpha and how we can engage with them on the topic of faith. Brad Griffin is the Senior Director of Content & Research for the Fuller Youth Institute, where he develops research-based resources for youth ministry leaders & families. A speaker, writer, and volunteer pastor, Brad is th...

Cory chats with author and pastor Dr. Derwin Gray and YFC USA's COO Ali King about unity in the body of Christ live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026.

Dr. Gray (https://www.derwinlgray.com/) is the co-founding and Lead Pastor of Transformation church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community, just outside of Charlotte, NC. He is also the author of several books including ...

Cory chats with author and pastor Drew Hyun, and Miami/Broward Youth For Christ staff member Angel Terrero about Emotionally Healthy Spirituality live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026.

Drew Hyun is the founder and lead pastor of Hope Church NYC (https://www.hopechurchnyc.org/), a diverse church with three locations in New York City. He is also the Executive Director of Emotionally Healthy Dis...

Cory chats with author and apologist Lisa Fields and Central Minnesota YFC Ministry Director Matt Hebert on the nuances of apologetics live at YFC USA's National Leadership Conference (NLC) in January of 2026.

Lisa Fields (https://lisavfields.com/) is the founder and CEO of Jude 3 Project (https://jude3project.org/), producer of two documentaries: "Unspoken," and "Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom," as well as t...

What does it mean to be "First a Follower" and why did we pick that name for this podcast? Nina Edwards came up with it, so let's ask her! We also have youth ministry legend, Lynn Ziegenfuss, joining us to unpack why abiding is not only incredibly important, but crucial to thriving in ministry.

Nina Edwards has served in Youth for Christ For almost 38 years, both as part of a local chapter and YFC USA the National Serv...

Cory Huffman, Megan Packard and Chip Pierce discuss what they are noticing about the mental health of youth ministry leaders and the young people they encounter. They share challenges faced by different generations in working with today's youth and how people of any age can best come alongside young people by slowing down and paying attention to their own mental health as a leader.

Megan Packard holds a bachelor’s degree from T...

Cory Huffman chats with Author, Professor, and Pastor, Dr. A.J. Swoboda, and Youth For Christ USA President, Jake Bland, about what it looks like to be teachable as followers of Christ, touching on topics raised in Dr. Swoboda's new book: "A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone."

Visit https://ajswoboda.com/ to subscribe to A.J.'s writings and purchase his books.

Fo...

Check out this teaser to learn more about our new podcast and get excited for our first episode dropping on January 30th, 2026.  Hear from the show's host Cory Huffman as he connects with YFC USA President, Jake Bland to hear why he is excited about the new show!

Youth For Christ USA's First a Follower Podcast aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities youth ministry leaders face today. We aim to provide practic...