Third Thursday Podcast

5 Things Every Youth Leader Needs, Part 1: The Anchor

What anchors everything we do as youth workers and ministers? In this episode, Ben kicks off a new series by returning us to the foundation of all healthy ministry: Jesus at the center.Through personal testimony, honest questions, and practical reflection, we explore what it looks like to lead students from a place of spiritual depth—not just activity. You’ll be invited to reflect on: * When you last shared your testimony—and why it still matters * What you’re collecting to do the work of ministry (and what truly holds it together) * Why culture matters, prayer comes first, and unity in Christ changes everything * How anchoring your ministry in Jesus impacts you, your leaders, and your students This episode is short, practical, and grounding—perfect for youth leaders who want ministry that flows from intimacy with Christ, not burnout. Listen in, use the Show Notes [https://rmdcma.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/S4-Episode-7-Show-Notes.pdf], and re-center on the Anchor that holds it all together.   Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com [ctweedy@rmdcma.com?subject=Third%20Thursday%20Podcast].

Praying for Students

A new year has begun—so what if prayer set the tone for everything that follows? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we focus on praying for students as we step into a new year of ministry. We’ll talk about why prayer matters so deeply at the start of the year, who we’re praying for (every kind of student God has entrusted to us), and how to build sustainable prayer rhythms that last beyond January. From praying for students by name, to engaging leaders, parents, and volunteers, this episode is full of simple, practical ways to depend on God and invite Him to move in the lives of students. 🎧 Listen now with the Show Notes [https://rmdcma.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/On-Praying-for-Students-Show-Notes.pdf] and begin the year grounded in prayer, dependence, and hope for what God will do. Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com [ctweedy@rmdcma.com?subject=Third%20Thursday%20Podcast].

Year End Wrap Up

As the year winds down, what’s actually shaping you as a leader? In this Year-End Wrap Up episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, our team shares something we read, something we listened to, and something we learned over the past year—and how each has influenced our leadership, faith, and ministry. From books and podcasts that stretched our thinking, to lessons God has been teaching us about prayer, influence, and stability, this conversation is both reflective and practical. We’ll also share a few honorable mentions you might want to carry into the new year. Whether you’re already planning ahead or simply catching your breath, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: How is what I’m taking in shaping me—and those I lead? 🎧 Listen now and use the Show Notes [https://rmdcma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.12.18-2.Show-Notes.pdf] to help you consider what you want to carry forward into the next year. Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com [ctweedy@rmdcma.com?subject=Third%20Thursday%20Podcast].

Holiday Ministry Ideas

The holidays are coming—so how do you make the most of Thanksgiving and Christmas in your student ministry? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we share practical, meaningful, and fun ways to leverage the holiday season for discipleship, connection, service, and spiritual formation. From Advent teaching ideas to family-friendly events, from creative service projects to shepherding students through the emotional highs and lows of the season—you’ll walk away with a full toolbox to finish the year strong. We’ll also explore how to keep margin for families, how to minister to students who struggle during the holidays, and how to invite your leaders into intentional, relational ministry this season. 🎧 Listen now and get inspired with fresh ideas to help your students experience Jesus—our Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—this holiday season. Go deeper by using the Show Notes. [https://rmdcma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025.11.20-2.Show-Notes.pdf] Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com [ctweedy@rmdcma.com?subject=Third%20Thursday%20Podcast].

Discipleship (Part 2)

So we get “God’s part” and “our part” in discipleship—but what does that actually look like in real life? In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we explore how to lead with both intentionality and dependence—doing our part to disciple students while leaving space for the Holy Spirit to do His. You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own walk with Christ, evaluate what you’re modeling for your students, and ask tough questions about where God might be calling you to surrender control. It’s practical, honest, and rooted in the reminder that discipleship isn’t a program—it’s partnership with the Spirit. 🎧 Listen now and go deeper in the Show Notes [https://rmdcma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025.10.16-2.Show-Notes.pdf] to be encouraged to reframe how you disciple with both faithfulness and freedom. Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com [ctweedy@rmdcma.com?subject=Third%20Thursday%20Podcast].