The GenSend Podcast

In Episode 3 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the increase of spirituality among Gen Z and how leaders can respond. They explore how today’s students are open to spiritual conversations but are also deeply influenced by new age practices, DIY spirituality, and false gospels. Gain practical tools to help students discern truth from error, anchor their faith in Scripture, and avoid the temptation to “add to Jesus.” Be better equipped to shepherd students toward the real Jesus in a culture full of counterfeits. Also in this episode:Recognize the rise of DIY spirituality and new age practices influencing Gen Z.Teach students that Jesus is enough and that faith is not “Jesus plus” anything.Discover how to leverage students’ hunger for spiritual experience by pointing them to the Bread of Life.Be encouraged to boldly call out false spirituality while modeling true prayer, worship, and Scripture engagement.Learn how to equip students to identify false gospels and cultural lies by comparing them with Scripture.Helpful Resources:GenSend Webinar, “Who is the Real Jesus?”Not My Jesus Bible StudyDiscovery Bible StudyGenSend on Instagram and YouTube★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareable Quotes:“If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right.”—Shane Pruitt “Two-thirds of Gen Z is moderately spiritually open … whoever gets to them first matters.”—Paul Worcester “So much of this DIY spirituality requires extra things to connect to God to get a spiritual high, but it doesn’t last. With the Holy Spirit, you’re connected to God 24/7.”—Lacey Villasenor“The test of true spirituality is: what does it say about Jesus?”—Paul Worcester   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 2 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor explore the hot topic of artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping the way the world thinks, plans, and communicates, but is it a tool pastors should leverage or a danger to be avoided? Next-gen leaders will gain insight into how to approach AI with wisdom, use it with integrity, and disciple students already engaging with it daily. Hear stories, practical examples, and biblical reminders to keep Christ at the center of the cultural AI conversation. Also in this episode:Discern how AI can assist in streamlining administrative tasks, planning trips, or creating resources—ultimately freeing leaders to focus more on the students they serve.Warn students about the dangers of relying on AI for truth, identity, or belonging, reminding them that only Christ can provide real hope.Address tough questions directly, like whether AI-generated pornography or avatars still fall under lust and sin, so students don’t look elsewhere for answers.Guard your own integrity as a leader by avoiding shortcuts in sermon prep and letting your teaching overflow from personal time with God’s Word.Discover how to use AI as a practice tool for evangelism by simulating gospel conversations that can help prepare students for real-life encounters.  Helpful Resources:ChapGPTWho’s Your One in a MillionYouth Leader Coaching NetworkCollegiate Coaching NetworkGenSend on Instagram and YouTube★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “We never want to call ChatGPT ‘Pastor Chat’ or ‘Counselor Chat.’ We have to encourage students and help them understand where they can go for real, actual help.”—Shane Pruitt  “People are already using AI as a pastor, a friend, even a significant other. That’s not real relationship.”—Lacey Villasenor “Let’s be wise and tread carefully into the waters of AI. But if we can use it with integrity for the glory of God, let's use it.”—Paul Worcester  “The best sermons are those that you've bled over the Scriptures yourself, when the Holy Spirit's worked out things in you rather than receiving a response back from ChatGPT in 10 seconds.”—Shane Pruitt  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast! Join hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor as they launch the new season with shortened episodes to serve you as you lead the next generation. Listen in to episode 1 as they discuss how to reach and disciple Gen Alpha, students born 2010–2025. Discover what makes Gen Alpha unique, how the church can minister to them in the areas of their greatest needs, and how you can help them leverage their strengths for the gospel. Also in this episode:Be equipped to disciple the digital generation by leaning into their online presence while helping them build stronger in-person relational skills.Recognize and respond to Gen Alpha’s awareness of brokenness with the hope of the gospel, pointing them to Jesus as the true Savior.Develop clarity in preaching and teaching, offering biblical depth that students are hungry for rather than relying on shallow entertainment.Model healthy family life within your church community to fill in the gaps many students experience in fractured or nontraditional homes.Adopt a missionary mindset by going to where students are, engaging their friend groups, and contextualizing ministry for their world. Helpful Resources:Theology Masterclass by New ChurchesGenSend on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission athttps://GenSend.org★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareable Quotes:“Students can get entertainment elsewhere. They just want the Word of God. They have a hunger for that.”—Paul Worcester  “As an evangelist, it excites me that Gen Alpha knows they’re messed up and that they’re already at a young age looking for more.” —Shane Pruitt  “This generation is all in on the few things they care about, especially their close friends. They’ll protect and advocate for them fiercely.”—Lacey Villasenor“Like missionaries, we need to contextualize ministry for this generation. Let’s stay focused on the basics and let God’s Word do the work.”—Paul Worcester “If we’re spending more time on developing bumper videos and planning games than we are in the Word and preparing to teach the Word, we’re missing it. And this generation will reject that.”—Shane Pruitt  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Stephenson, Next Gen pastor at First Baptist Woodstock, and Trace Hamiter, executive director at the Oaks Collaborative, share powerful insights on bridging the gap between youth and collegiate ministry. They discuss the importance of engaging college freshmen and building relationships even before college starts. Josh reveals his top strategies for youth-to-college ministry transitions, while Trace emphasizes community’s role in this journey. Together, they explore innovative ways to prepare high school seniors for a seamless shift into campus life, ensuring a strong faith foundation.

In Episode 7 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by guest Preston Perry, an apologist, evangelist, and poet. Tune in as they discuss the importance of evangelism for the growth of the Church and how to make it a natural part of daily life. Learn practical strategies and the spiritual disciplines needed to engage in more meaningful, Spirit-led gospel conversations. Find the courage to step out in evangelism with boldness and love even when you don’t have all the answers.Also in this episode:Discover the significance mentors play in training and modeling evangelism for the next generation Gain insights on why evangelism hasn’t been prioritized among believers in the Western Church and how to remedy these issuesLearn how the Holy Spirit equips and empowers believers to boldly speak the name of JesusBe reminded of how essential kindness is in evangelism since the gospel message is already offensive enough to the lostFind resources on how churches can create a culture of evangelism within the church and equip members to share the gospel   Helpful Resources:How to Tell the TruthEveryday EvangelismNAMB Evangelism KitConnect with Preston Perry:Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook,preston-perry.com★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission athttps://GenSend.org★     Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shareable Quotes:“Why am I doing evangelism? Am I doing this to look intelligent, like I’m better than the next man? Am I doing this to feel good about myself or because I have a savior complex? Or am I doing this to lead somebody to the Lord? Am I doing this to win a heart?”—Preston Perry“Let’s redefine the win. The win is not getting the person to pray to receive Christ on the spot. The win is just starting a spiritual conversation.”—Paul Worcester“Every heart has a cry. We must ask the right questions to hear it. A lot of times, we don't hear the cry because we’re so busy arguing. I try to ask the right questions so I can hear the cry. And then, once I hear the cry, I can serve.”—Preston Perry“Evangelism is not just going and telling people about your church. Telling people about your church is good marketing, but good evangelism is telling people about Jesus.”—Shane Pruitt“Trusting in the Holy Spirit and being led by the Lord will help us avoid arguments during spiritual conversations. I think we often get into arguments because we are trusting in our own knowledge.”—Preston Perry“We’re not talking about Jesus because we’re not excited about Him ourselves. The first step to evangelism is sitting at the feet of Jesus.”—Shane Pruitt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Listen in as middle schoolers share their perspectives on faith and outreach. They dive into their favorite memories from youth camps and sports, highlighting the joy of community. Discover how student-led initiatives, like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, can spark collective prayer in schools. The hosts explore creative Bible study methods and emphasize the importance of authentic living and mentorship in spiritual growth. This fresh take reveals how to effectively engage with today’s youth and equip them to share the gospel.

In Episode 5 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome guest Ellington Crabtree to the show. Ellington is a junior at the University of Kentucky and discusses how she is leveraging her life as a college student for the glory of God. Be encouraged as she shares how God is actively moving to ignite students with a passion for sharing the gospel and following Him fully in every aspect of their lives, on and off campus. Also in this episode:How to strategically reach college freshmen during their first weeks on campus The impact of intentionally training and equipping the next generationWhy mentorship and church community are vital for college students to live on mission and thriveHow youth and college pastors can collaborate to bridge the gap for incoming freshmenThe role of the Holy Spirit to work in both large-scale revival as well as in the mundane moments of obedienceHelpful Resources:GenSend Webinar: The HandoffPersonal Ministry Impact WorksheetSpiritual Leadership, J. Oswald SandersReplicate, Robby GallatySacred Fire, Ronald RolheiserNot a Fan, Kyle Idleman★     Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at GenSend.org★     Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shareable Quotes:“The most important thing that the Lord has been teaching me is to include Him in everything that I do and getting to see college students join in on that. It expands, and you see the brokenness on the campus and want to see Jesus make change in that.” —Ellington Crabtree“Shout out to our college ministries that are focused on reaching freshmen. I want to double down on the reminder that this is such a pivotal moment, maybe one of the most pivotal moments in someone’s entire life.” —Paul Worcester“Life change is walking day by day, moment by moment, discipleship, walking in holiness, in righteousness, in the right direction. Ministry is not a sprint; it's a marathon.” —Shane Pruitt“This is a revival generation where we're seeing the resurgence of a new passion for evangelism and for discipleship.” —Lacey Villasenor“College pastors have the opportunity to strategically help students think through their personal ministry, their spheres of influence. They can consider that their mission field.” —Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everett and Olivia Sinclair, GenSend alumni thriving in Boston, share their inspiring post-grad journey combining secular work with gospel ministry. They dive into the crucial role of the local church in equipping graduates to fulfill the Great Commission. Highlights include the significance of prayer in living missionally and how to effectively incorporate faith into daily professions. They also discuss building community through hospitality and the transformative impact of mentorship for young Christians stepping into the workforce.

In Episode 3 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor meet with pastor and licensed professional counselor, Dr. Shannon Thomas, to discuss the mental health crisis of the next generation and to answer the question, “Have we started to lean on therapy too much?” Join the GenSend team as they unpack the role of mental health resources in light of the victory found in the gospel. Discover the truths found in Scripture and what it looks like to live resiliently with the hope of Christ.Also in this episode:The impact of social media on our anxiety and lack of connectionHow to recognize the signs of a mental health crisisThe role of biblical community in times of struggleHow a right view of God’s sovereignty helps us in our sufferingThe ways we’ve allowed culture to sway our values as the churchHelpful Resources:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtBad Therapy by Abigail ShrierThe Calvary Road by Roy HessionWhy Revival Tarries by Leonard RavenhillGoing Higher with God in Prayer by A.W. TozerA Creative Minority by Jon Tyson and Heather Grizzle★   Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org★   Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.Shareable Quotes:“Students are living in a fear of missing out in real time. They’re aware of everything going on around them and what they’re being left out of. It drives up that fear and anxiety.” —Shane Pruitt“If my entire world is really in the palm of my hand, and if you take that away, what else do I have? There’s not much social connection or community when all community happens electronically.” —Dr. Shannon Thomas“When life gets hard, boredom hits, or you are getting anxious, you just turn to your phone to numb it out instead of learning to cope with your feelings or the situation you got yourself in.” —Lacey Villasenor“We’re almost building a community around how we label ourselves. There’s been a high focus on transparency and authenticity as core values for young people, and then we turned this cliche into a core value of the church when it really started in culture.” —Shane Pruitt“Part of what we have to do is teach ourselves and each other is, ‘Okay, when I’m experiencing anxiety, what is really going on? What am I anxious about? Or what is causing this anxiety?’” —Dr. Shannon Thomas“In terms of our relationship with Jesus Christ, we have victory, hope, and a deep sense of wellbeing—to know that no matter what my circumstances are, victory is on the other side of this.” —Dr. Shannon Thomas Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 2 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor meet with Brandon Gilbert and Cody Carroll, the residency director and college director of Redeemer Church in Lubbock, Texas. Tune in as the GenSend team unpacks the impact and inner workings of the residency program at Redeemer from those who have led, built out, and participated in the early days of the program. Be inspired to raise up the next generation of ministry leaders through a meaningful residency that can change lives—and leadership trajectories—for the gospel.Also in this episode:The benefits of support raising and how you can get started with confidenceWhy grittiness, creativity, hunger, accountability, and teachability are essentials for prospective residentsWhy seminary and residency training do not have to be at odds within your ministryHow you can effectively develop your program’s interview and pipeline processesWhy the freedom to fail is so vital for the next generation of ministry leadersHelpful Resources:Calling Out the Called by Scott Pace and Shane PruittReliant MissionThe Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan“Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline” by Paul Worcester and Wes SmithLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekCenter Church by Tim KellerGaining by Losing by J.D. GreearThe Making of a Leader by J. Robert ClintonThe Critical Journey by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich★   Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org★   Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Shareable Quotes:“The biggest thing I gained was the freedom to fail, to learn what does or doesn’t work, and to be really, really safe in the midst of figuring out if ministry was what God was calling me to.” —Cody Carroll“The skills you develop in raising support are the same kind of ministry skills that you develop when starting a new church or ministry.” —Paul Worcester“The people we want are hungry, faithful, available, and teachable. We’re not looking for perfect, polished people. We’re not looking for who has it all together.” —Brandon Gilbert“In college ministry, if you can create an almost staff-level, intern-level role, you can do a lot of good training and utilize their gifts through your college ministry.” —Paul Worcester“Is there a passion for the Lord and for spiritual disciplines? If we’re having to convince people to surrender to a calling to ministry leadership, then that hunger for the work is probably not there.” —Shane Pruitt“Both seminary and residency training can be super helpful in sharpening you for the kingdom and for the local church.” —Shane Pruitt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.