Episode 12: Congregation Spotlight - St. James Santiago Apóstol

Faith Listens Season Two Trailer

Welcome to Season 2 of Faith Listens, the podcast of the Formation Co-Op. This season highlights stories of experiments from congregations across the country who have been part of the Co-Op process — what they have tried, what they have learned, and how the Co-Op has supported them as they explore new ways of rooting young people in a lifelong, transformative faith in Jesus Christ. Through honest conversations about faith, leadership, listening, and community, this season will offer encouragement and inspiration for anyone curious about what becomes possible when we make space to listen deeply and try something new together.

Episode 12: Congregation Spotlight - St. James Santiago Apóstol

Meet Jasmine Fiscal and Andrea Olguin-Ledezma, members of the young adult leadership team guiding the children and youth ministry programs at St. James Santiago Apóstol Lutheran Church in Houston, TX. In this episode you'll hear how the care and accompaniment of their Guide Sal helped them grow in their confidence as leaders and how they used new skills to reflect on their ministry with youth, providing deeper connections and engagement. They also share what makes shared leadership work between younger leaders and more established leaders. Referenced in the podcast is Camp Hope, a ministry of LEAD. You can find more information at https://leadconnects.org/camphope/ [https://leadconnects.org/camphope/].

Episode 11: Congregation Spotlight - St. Andrew's Lutheran Church

Meet members of the Formation Co-Op Team from St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina: Paige Gibbons, Deacon Sandra Holland, and Maya. Learn how the Formation Co-Op helped them take the pause they needed to help them get clear on their mission and vision, and how listening has reoriented them to prioritize the voice of young people.

Episode 10: Congregation Spotlight - Iglesia Santa Cruz

Meet Yamileth Escobedo and Alejandro Martinez, volunteer leaders at Iglesia Santa Cruz in Chicago, IL, as they share the power of invitation in ministry and being in communities of acceptance. Their listening has opened up space for youth to wrestle with questions of faith and connect their faith to daily life.

Episode 9: Congregation Spotlight - Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Meet Ben Buss, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH, and volunteer leader Mark Keller, as they share how listening deeply to young people and their families is reshaping their approach—from confirmation curriculum redesign to involving youth in music and community outreach. You’ll hear them talk about the necessity of adapting to cultural changes, fostering community, and the importance of spiritual practices.