Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson

In this episode, we're joined by Lauren Wilson and Ryan Anderson to discuss mental health awareness and resources related to suicide prevention in young people today. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/]). Please note: This episode shares a variety of helpful intervention resources. As you consider how to use them, please be mindful of and follow your organization’s specific policies, including any required reporting or documentation after an intervention. In addition, some examples shared reflect clinical counseling techniques, which are best practiced by licensed professionals. Lauren Wilson, founder and executive director of We Are Speak Out (https://wearespeakout.com/ [https://wearespeakout.com/]), a Christian nonprofit committed to breaking the stigma of mental health in the local Church by coming alongside organizations and churches, and equipping them to address mental health challenges with compassion and understanding. Ryan Anderson serves as the Senior National Ministry Specialist for Youth for Christ USA, where he equips and supports leaders across the organization’s six ministry models: Campus Life, City Life, Juvenile Justice Ministry, Campus Life Military, Deaf Teen Quest, and Parent Life. He is passionate about relational ministry, leadership development, and helping leaders engage the next generation with authenticity, hope, and purpose. Follow us on Instagram: * Youth For Christ USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yfcusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/] * Cory Huffman - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chuffman57⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/] * Lauren Wilson - @wearespeakout [https://www.instagram.com/wearespeakout/] Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://yfc.net/⁠⁠⁠. First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation. This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast. The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. Permission requests may be directed to: Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155 https://www.yfc.net

Listening to Gen Z and Gen Alpha with Dr. Josh Packard and Drew Curiel

Join us as we discuss the power of listening to the next generation with Dr. Josh Packard and Siouxland YFC staff member Drew Curiel. Josh Packard, Ph.D., is one of the foremost experts in the spiritual lives of modern American youth and an accomplished researcher in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. He has authored numerous books and articles in both popular and academic outlets. His most recent publication is "Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Emerging Generations." Learn more about Josh at: https://joshpackard.com Josh is also the co-founder of Future of Faith, an organization that develops and curates resources to help connect current and future generations with their faith. Learn more at: https://www.futureoffaith.org/ Drew Curiel is a former YFC student whose life was impacted by the gospel, and now is on staff with Siouxland YFC , helping reach the next generation with that same message. Drew's favorite quote is, “more about the Man than the mission.” because she seek to know Jesus first and pour out from that by living John 15 type of life.   Follow us on Instagram: * Youth For Christ USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yfcusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/] * Cory Huffman - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chuffman57⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/] * Josh Packard - ⁠⁠⁠@futureoffaith [https://www.instagram.com/futureoffaith/] * Drew Curiel - @drew_curiel22 [https://www.instagram.com/drew_curiel22/] Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://yfc.net/⁠⁠⁠. First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation. This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast. The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. Permission requests may be directed to: Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155 https://www.yfc.net

Slow Theology with Nijay Gupta and Myron Bernard

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 Formation team, investing in the development of leaders nationwide. Myron also contributed to the YFC USA National City Life Team, helping shape ministry strategy and impact in urban communities. He is passionate about building systems and relationships that create lasting transformation in people and communities. Nijay Gupta (DPhil) has written several academic books including A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, 15 New Testament Words of Life, and Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church. He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies. Nijay co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research and serves as a senior translator for the New Living Translation.  Check out Nijay's most recent book, published May 12, 2026: Paul for the World: A Grounded Vision for Finding Meaning in This Life―Not Just the Next Nijay also blogs here [https://www.patheos.com/blogs/cruxsola/] and co-hosts the Slow Theology Podcast [https://ajswoboda.com/slow-theology-podcast/]. Follow us on Instagram: * Youth For Christ USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yfcusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/] * Cory Huffman - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chuffman57⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/] * Nijay Gupta - ⁠⁠@nijay.gupta [https://www.instagram.com/nijay.gupta/] Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://yfc.net/⁠⁠⁠. First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation. This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast. The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. Permission requests may be directed to: Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155 https://www.yfc.net

Thinking about A.I. in Youth Ministry with Dr. Todd Korpi and Hyunjin Fisher

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/ [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 unique blending of missiology and theo-semiotics with their years of pastoral experience. Todd currently serves as Missiologist in Residence at OneHope and Director of the Digital Mission Consortia at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. He is Assistant Professor of Christian Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary and Dean of Digital Ministry programs at Ascent College. His work has been featured in publications such as Outreach Magazine and Churchleaders.com and has contributed to numerous white papers and book projects. Todd is the author of A.I. Goes to Church, Your Daughters Shall Prophesy, and The Life-Giving Spirit. He is passionate about empowering the local church to live as mobilized missionaries where they live and work. HyunJin Fisher serves as the Juvenile Justice Ministry National Specialist with Youth For Christ USA, where he supports and equips leaders reaching system-involved youth across the country. With over a decade of ministry experience, his work centers on relational discipleship, leadership development, and building meaningful connections with young people in communities, courts, and corrections. He is passionate about helping others experience authentic relationship and the hope found in Jesus. Follow us on Instagram: * Youth For Christ USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yfcusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/] * Cory Huffman - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@chuffman57⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/] * Todd Korpi - ⁠@toddkorpi [https://www.instagram.com/toddkorpi/] Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://yfc.net/⁠⁠⁠. First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation. This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast. The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. Permission requests may be directed to: Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155 https://www.yfc.net

Gen Alpha and Faith with Brad Griffin and Jessi Sigander

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 the coauthor of over fifteen books, including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager, and Sticky Faith. Download the FYI Report on Gen Alpha and Faith: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/gen-alpha Dr. Jessi Sigander is an educator, leadership developer, and lifelong learner. With over 20 years of experience in education, training, and supporting neurodivergent learners, she is passionate about helping people grow into who they’re called to be. She currently serves as the national Director of Leader Formation for Youth For Christ USA, where she equips and develops leaders across the country. Follow us on Instagram: * Youth For Christ USA - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@yfcusa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yfcusa/] * Cory Huffman - ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chuffman57⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/chuffman57/] * Brad Griffin - @bgriffinfyi⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/bgriffinfyi/] Youth For Christ/USA , Inc. is a founding charter member of Youth For Christ International, and one of more than 100 member nations in the global Youth For Christ movement. For more information or to get connected with Youth For Christ USA, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://yfc.net/⁠⁠⁠. First a Follower is a podcast created and produced by Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. (“YFC”). It exists to support youth ministry leaders by offering practical guidance, relevant resources, and conversations designed to strengthen the spiritual formation of those discipling the next generation. This podcast is provided for entertainment, educational, and general informational purposes only. It does not offer or constitute legal, medical, mental health, counseling, financial, or theological advice. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, or referenced third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies, positions, or doctrinal stances of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., Youth For Christ International, any local YFC chapter, or any church, denomination, or faith community. YFC does not endorse or certify any products, services, organizations, or external content mentioned during the podcast. The entire contents, branding, and design of this podcast are the property of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc., and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except for personal or non-commercial educational use, no part of this podcast may be reproduced, retransmitted, distributed, or edited without the prior written permission of Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. Permission requests may be directed to: Youth For Christ/USA, Inc. P.O. Box 4478Englewood, CO 80155 https://www.yfc.net