youngadults.today

Shane serves as the National Next Gen Evangelism Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi, reside in Rockwall, TX with their five children – Raygen, Harper, Titus, Elliot, & Glory. He has been in ministry for over 18 years as a denominational worker, church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, a Master’s Degree in History, and a PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year he speaks to tens of thousands about the good news of Jesus Christ. Shane is also the author of a popular blog, which has over 3 million views. Shane is the author of the book 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better.

Tom Truszinski is the Center Director for MN Adult & Teen Challenge in Rochester, MN. Tom started drinking alcohol at a young age, barely graduating high school. Even though his alcohol usage increased during his young adult years, he found identity through success in college and in the corporate world. At 28 years old, Tom was the V.P. of a large financial firm in St. Paul, MN. He was even featured in the Wall Street Journal. At the same time, he was a raging alcoholic, suicidal and had a falling marriage. Tom was then involved in a serious motorcycle accident which set him on a journey to find is real purpose and calling in life. For more information on MN Teen & Adult Teen Challenge go to www.mntc.org

PAUL ANGONE is the best-selling author of a number of books including 25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing: How to Get Unstuck and Own Your Defining Decade a sought-after national keynote speaker for corporations and keynote speaker for colleges and universities, and the creator of AllGroanUp.com, which has been read by millions of people in 190 countries. Paul is also an organizational consultant, trainer, and Millennial influencer who specializes in helping companies attract, retain, develop, and harness the best strengths of the Millennial and Gen Z generations. Paul has been honored to work with amazing companies like Intel Security, Wells Fargo, and Aflac through speaking engagements and Millennial influencer branding and awareness campaigns. Paul is a frequent media speaker on Gen Z and Millennial generations, and has done hundreds of radio, TV, and podcast interviews.

Pastor Rod Carlson and his wife Melody are the Senior Pastors at Oak Hills Church in Eagan, Minnesota. They planted this church 30 years ago! Rod has his doctorate and focused his dissertation efforts on preaching to the unchurched. www.oakhillschurch.net | Link to Pastor Rod's Doctoral Thesis we referenced in the conversation: https://digitalcommons.luthersem.edu/dmin_theses/14/ 

Josiah and Micah Kennealy dive into a conversation about launching a brand new young adult ministry as well as leading an existing young adult ministry with Clay Cooney!  Clay is the director of young adults at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. 

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. He is also a professor of apologetics at Biola University. AUTHOR, SPEAKER & BIOLA APOLOGETICS PROFESSOR  Also, his newest book is called Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships in a Confused Culture! 

Dr. Allen Griffin is the founder of Excellerate Youth- a program ministering to and mentoring young adults in foster care, equipping students with skills and training to provide brighter futures for tomorrow's leaders. He is also an author, evangelist, and traveling speaker! Allen has a Doctorate degree in Leadership from SEU.

Dr. Brian Pingel and his wife Kristi accepted the senior pastor position at Cedar Rapids First Assembly in 2016. They have served in various pastoral roles for over 25 years. Brian has also served as a college professor at North Central University where he oversaw the development of young pastors and led programs in Urban & Youth Development. They have been married since 1991 and have three sons.

We talk about transitioning students out of high school, off to college, and retaining them in the local church. We also dive into missions giving and going. And we want to be sure we have fun in ministry! 

We are joined today by #81 for the Green Bay Packers – Josiah Deguara! Josiah is an American football tight end for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League. He played college football at Cincinnati. Drafted 94th pick overall in the 2020 draft!