The Heart of a Youth Leader
This is for anyone working with children or young people in a church context, and will help you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus as you invest in the next generations. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thriveyouthmin Created by Thrive Youth Ministries in UK.
Episodes
This week, Andy reflects on how God uses every part of our story — our jobs, experiences, and even frustrations — to prepare us for His work.
Through the story of David and a real-life example from the Thrive team, Andy reminds us that our skills and experiences are never wasted when our hearts remain open and obedient to God.
Most churches want to see young people come to faith—but often don’t know where to start. In this episode, Andy shares why prayer is the most powerful and practical foundation for youth ministry, and offers five simple ways your church can grow in prayer for the next generation.
In this week’s Heart of a Youth Leader episode, Andy reflects on the story of Jonah — not just his disobedience, but his sleep in the middle of a storm.
It’s a powerful reminder of how easy it can be to drift through ministry on autopilot, doing what we’ve always done, while missing what God is really saying. Andy invites us to stop coasting, to seek the Lord afresh, and to make obedience to Him our top priority once again.
If you’ve...
In this week’s episode of The Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy explores what it really means to live courageously dependent on the Spirit.
Too often, Christians underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit within us — the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Andy challenges us to move beyond comfortable routines and to invite the Spirit to work actively through us, shaping our hearts, transforming our youth ministries, and b...
Should parents be leaders in the same youth group their teenagers attend? It’s a question many youth leaders wrestle with. In this episode, Andy shares his own experiences of leading all three of his children in youth ministry and unpacks 10 lessons he learned along the way. From avoiding embarrassment to building trust, encouraging independence, and creating healthy boundaries—this episode will help you think through the benefits ...
In a world obsessed with individuality and “my way” living, what’s the real purpose of our youth groups?
Andy Castle explores Hebrews 10 and challenges us to build gatherings that put community over competition—places where teenagers know they belong, are encouraged, and are cheered on in their walk with Jesus.
This week’s episode will help you refocus your ministry on worshipping together, loving each other, and spurring o...
In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle unpacks the story of Samuel’s calling in 1 Samuel 3 and draws out a surprising detail about Eli: his failing eyesight. Could Eli’s weakness actually have positioned him to recognise God’s work in Samuel’s life?
Andy explores how the limitations, frustrations, and challenges in our own lives might not be obstacles to ministry but invitations to slow down, listen, and notice what...
What does it really mean to have a steadfast heart before God? In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle reflects on Psalm 108 and the challenge of living faithfully with all our hearts in a world that tells us to put ourselves first.
Andy unpacks what it means to be able to say, “God, you can trust me” — and how this transforms not only our own walk with Jesus but also the way we model faith to the young people we ser...
When it comes time to hand over the baton of leadership, what words of advice would you want to pass on? In this episode, Andy reflects on Moses commissioning Joshua in Deuteronomy 31 and the timeless reminder that “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.”
Whether you’re stepping into a new season of ministry or simply needing fresh encouragement, this short reflection will help you remember that you’re not doing yout...
Replay Episode – The Father Who Delights in You
Off the back of a touching Father’s Day moment with his sons, Andy reflects on how our heavenly Father longs to be with us, delights in us, and pays the cost for that relationship—just like a loving parent.
Drawing from Zephaniah 3:17, this episode is a gentle reminder that God doesn’t just tolerate us—he rejoices over us with singing. Especially when we feel dry, overworked or dis...
Replay Episode – A New Way to Pray: Rejoice, Request, Give Thanks
In this reflective episode, Andy revisits 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and unpacks how rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances can transform our prayer life and mental health.
He shares a simple but powerful three-step prayer model—Rejoice, Request, Thank—that has refreshed his own walk with God and could help young people pray more confidently too.
C...
Replay Episode – Always Be Ready: Talking About Faith Naturally
Inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of faithfulness and service, Andy reflects on how we model faith in everyday life. Why is it so hard for Christians—even leaders—to talk about Jesus outside of “have to” moments?
Drawing from 1 Peter 3, this episode challenges us to normalise spiritual conversations and make space daily to share the hope we have.
Let’s stop w...
Replay Episode – Coffee with God: Modelling a Life of Presence
In this heartfelt replay, Andy challenges us to consider what kind of example we’re really setting for the young people we lead. Are we modelling spiritual rhythms—or screen time habits? Drawing from Jesus’ desire for solitude in Matthew 14, this episode is a call to reclaim intentional space with God in a distracted world.
Make time. Find your place. And let your fi...
Replay Episode – Live for the Audience of One
In this powerful replay, Andy shares the story of Stephen in Acts and the striking moment Jesus stands at the right hand of God—cheering him on. It's a call to youth leaders everywhere to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, not the crowd. Be encouraged to live and lead with boldness, not for approval from others, but for the “well done” of your heavenly Father.
Let this episode...
Replay Episode – Real Comfort, Real Faith
In this classic episode, Andy reflects on Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1 about the God of all comfort. It’s a powerful reminder that true comfort doesn’t come from escaping pressure—but from encountering God in the middle of it. Whether you’re overwhelmed, stretched, or tempted to rely on your own strength, this episode will re-centre your heart.
Let it encourage you to stop strivi...
Replay Episode – A Word in Season
In this classic replay, Andy Castle reflects on the essential role of worship in the life of a youth leader. Often the ones who miss corporate worship in church, youth and children's leaders need to find ways to reconnect with God in personal, intentional ways. From Psalm 89, Andy challenges us to sing of the Lord’s great love forever—not just for our own sake, but to inspire the next gene...
Welcome to a special summer replay from Heart of a Youth Leader.
This episode revisits a powerful reflection from Andy Castle on how to keep your soul healthy when youth ministry gets overwhelming. Are you working for God or with God?
Drawing from Psalm 92, Andy encourages us to begin the day in God’s love, pause at midday to reconnect, and end by recognising His faithfulness. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or volunteering, thi...
Do you ever find yourself working for people more than working with God? This week, Andy Castle asks youth leaders: what if our priorities were shaped not by urgency or expectations—but by obedience? Reflecting on Proverbs 29:25, Andy challenges us to identify and act on the one thing God wants us to do each day in ministry.
You can also watch this episode on YouTube.
Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk
In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle reflects on the rise of anxiety and attention challenges in young people and how our fast-paced, screen-saturated world is impacting their ability to focus on God. Drawing from Psalm 8, Andy shares the power of worship—especially among children—and the importance of helping young people sit in God’s presence, not strive harder but “try softer.” Encouraging and practical, this ...
When someone asks, “What can I pray for you?”—how do you respond? This week, Andy explores how we can shift the focus of our prayers from surface-level concerns to life-changing transformation. Whether you’re a youth leader or a young person, learn how to ask for prayer that helps you become more like Jesus and how to guide young people to do the same.
'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those wh...
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