Deep Roots Leadership

Camp and Conversations that Matter

For teenagers, it’s conversation. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with student minister Ford Rigney to talk about why summer is such a strategic season for student ministry. From camps and mission trips to pool parties and late-night conversations, Ford explains how intentional time together helps students build friendships, grow in vulnerability, and deepen their walk with Christ. The conversation also offers practical encouragement for parents and leaders who want to create meaningful spiritual conversations at home and make the most of the summer months through intentional connection and discipleship.

Summer Discipleship for Kids and Families

Summer isn’t just a break from school — it can be a beautiful opportunity for kids to grow deeper in their faith. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with Gretchen Mahan about why summer is such an important season for spiritual development in kids ministry. They discuss upcoming opportunities like Kids Camp, Vacation Bible School, Day Camp, Kindergarten Kickoff, Move Up Sunday, and summer Wednesday nights — along with practical encouragement for parents and volunteers to use the slower rhythms of summer for discipleship, relationships, and lasting spiritual investment.

Summer Ministry & New Beginnings

Sometimes the biggest ministry moments happen in the middle of playground conversations, long preschool stories, and ordinary summer days. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch sits down with preschool minister Emily Barber to talk about why summer matters so much in the spiritual development of preschoolers. From camping-themed Wednesday nights and space-inspired music camp to simple “play days” for moms and kids, Emily shares how meaningful discipleship often happens through connection, conversation, and everyday moments. The conversation also takes a heartfelt turn as Emily shares about her transition from Colonial Heights to a new role at Harbor Day School — a ministry serving preschoolers with unique needs through free Christian education. She reflects on seven and a half years of loving families, building trust with little ones, and walking alongside parents during one of life’s most formative seasons.

Adults - Caring Well

Caring for people isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up.   In this episode, Jerry Welch sits down with Drew Baum to explore the real, everyday needs of adults in the church — from spiritual encouragement to emotional support and practical care. From the “ministry of presence” to building a culture of shared responsibility in life groups, this episode offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to care deeply without burning out. It’s a reminder that real ministry happens not just in teaching, but in walking alongside others.

Students - Caring Well

Students do not need more noise — they need relationships strong enough to hold real questions, real struggles, and real growth. In this episode of the Deep Roots Leadership Podcast, Jerry Welch talks with student minister Ford Rigney about what it really looks like to care well for students and their families. From the importance of meaningful relationships to the growing need for emotional and spiritual support, this conversation highlights how student ministry goes far beyond programming. Ford shares why trust, presence, and intentional discipleship matter so deeply in the lives of middle school, high school, and college students — and how the church can come alongside families in ways that are personal, practical, and rooted in Christ.