The GenSend Podcast

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.

Welcome to Season 5 of The GenSend Podcast! Join hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor as they launch the new season and are joined by special guest and friend of the podcast Mauricio Villasenor. Tune in as this campus-pastor-turned-church-planter shares his experiences in navigating his calling into vocational ministry. Discover your next steps in discerning where God is leading you to live on mission in leadership, as well as how you can move with confidence as you follow God’s calling upon your life.Also in this episode:The impact of mentorship and a deep prayer life as you navigate your callingKnowing when to transition from one role to the nextKey characteristics to develop within yourself as a prospective ministry leaderWhat you should ask from others as you discern your calling into ministryHelpful Resources:Calling Out the CalledYouth Leader Coaching NetworkThe Insanity of God by Nik RipkenDisappearing Church and Reappearing Church by Mark SayersThe Pastor’s Justification by Jared WilsonTactics by Greg Koukl★   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:“I’m so thankful for the leaders who discipled me and then even let me start serving, knowing that I was going to make a mess of things, but who also knew that serving would be a part of that journey.” – Shane Pruitt“It’s a combination of the Lord putting burdens and passions on your heart and then people speaking into your life, and doors of opportunity opening up.” - Lacey Villasenor“Your primary job is to focus on the depth of your ministry, sit at Jesus’ feet, and grow in godly maturity, character, wisdom, and integrity. Then, the Lord will take care of what the platforms look like.” – Shane Pruitt“God is a lot more likely to direct us if we’re moving full-speed towards His mission.” – Paul Worcester“God is not the changing God who changes His mind on things. He’s consistent. So, if He called you to something, He’s not going to call you out of that thing unless He releases you.” - Mauricio Villasenor“It's good to be patient. When you have a call to ministry, it doesn’t mean you’re going to be on stage rocking the mic right away. Sometimes, you grow into ministry; you don’t go into ministry.” – Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lee Strobel, a renowned author and apologist, shares his insights on engaging with diverse faiths through compassionate conversations. He discusses the biggest challenges young believers face in gospel sharing and emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Strobel stresses the importance of relational connections and offers effective questions to gauge spiritual openness. He encourages embracing awkward moments in discussions as transformative opportunities, highlighting how personal experiences can profoundly impact someone’s faith journey.

Dean Inserra, a pastor and author renowned for his book "The Unsaved Christian," joins the discussion on faith and politics. He highlights how Jeremiah 29 offers guidance for Christians as political exiles. The conversation delves into the need for active participation in cultural conversations and the importance of being loving in an affirming culture. Dean advocates for courage and compassion in addressing social issues like gender and abortion, urging the church to foster open dialogue and mission-driven engagement in a polarized world.

Keith Wieser, an experienced leader in collegiate ministry, joins the hosts to tackle the challenges of connecting with Generation Z. He sheds light on cultural shifts like anxiety and social media's impact on students' lives. The discussion emphasizes the need for relational evangelism and emotional intelligence in ministry. Wieser also shares strategies for identifying spiritually open students and the importance of empowering leaders for multiplication, ensuring a robust and supportive community amidst rapid changes.

In Episode 4 of Season 4, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor are joined by special guest Trevin Wax to explore the topic of cultural apologetics. They dive deep into ways that the next generation can engage with and navigate the prevailing ideologies of our time without being swayed by them. The discussion covers the most influential ideologies shaping the minds of young people today, including radical individualism, the quest for identity within groups, and the rise of pseudo-religions. Also in This Episode: How to communicate the truth and beauty of Christianity in a way that resonates with today’s culture The importance of listening to and understanding the deep longings of those we engage with in evangelism Practical advice on creating environments where students can ask tough questions and explore their faith deeply Helpful Resources: Reconstructing Faith Podcast: Trevin Wax offers perspective from church history and the church around the world to help listeners recommit to both removing the rot from the church and fortifying the foundations of unchanging truth. NAMB Apologetics: As you share the gospel with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and more, you may encounter questions about your faith and other religions. Find answers to the most common questions here. Shareable Quotes: “Whether it’s social media, sermons, podcasts, or conversations at a coffee shop, church service, or large-group gathering on campus, whatever way we can get the story out there is what we want to take advantage of. We have the greatest story of all time.” – Shane Pruitt “At some point when you cross the threshold of true conversion, you’re not simply saying, ‘This is true for me.’ You’re also saying, ‘I believe this is the truth about the world.’” – Trevin Wax “The best stories win the day, and there’s nothing more compelling than the story of 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.

Discover the vital role of forgotten spiritual disciplines like fasting, silence, and Sabbath in today's busy world. The hosts share personal stories that intertwine humor with practical insights on nurturing spiritual health. They highlight the importance of leading by example in ministry and stress the need for clarity in scripture against rising new-age trends. Dive into the tension between distractions and a deeper relationship with God, encouraging intentional practices that foster growth and connection in faith.

Evan Vela, a GenSend Journeyman, shares his journey into the world of mentorship, emphasizing its vital role in personal and spiritual growth. He discusses the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in developing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. Practical tips for weaving mentorship into busy lives are explored, along with the transformative power of storytelling in fostering faith. The conversation encourages ministry leaders and parents alike to pursue mentorship as a tool for personal development and strengthening community ties.

In the Season 4 premiere of The GenSend Podcast, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor dive into the five key principles of leadership and discipleship that are vital for collegiate ministry. This episode highlights the importance of creating a prayerful, evangelistic, and leadership-focused environment that encourages students to live missionally. Also in This Episode: Insights on how to identify, train, and empower student leaders The significance of embedding a multiplication mindset from the onset of students’ ministry involvement A structured leadership development pipeline is needed to equip students for ministry roles within and beyond their campus context Tips for ministries desiring to initiate or enhance a culture of student leadership and multiplication Helpful Resources: Essentials for Collegiate Ministry eBooks: Discover the new series of eBooks on leadership principles for collegiate ministry (available for free!) Life on Mission App: A practical tool for sharing the gospel using the “3 Circles” method Creating Your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline: A guide for developing a structured leadership development process NAMB Evangelism Kit for Youth Leaders: Create a culture of evangelism in your youth ministry. NAMB Evangelism Kit for Collegiate Leaders: Create a culture of evangelism in your collegiate ministry. Personal Ministry Impact Worksheet: A practical tool to help you evaluate how effectively you are creating disciples and building the kingdom. Creating your Collegiate Leadership Pipeline: Design a structured plan to create Christian leaders at your ministry or church. Shareable Quotes: “If we’re just befriending people and not pointing them to Jesus, then we’re friending people all the way to hell. We have to reach a point of pointing people to Him. The most loving thing we can do is say that Jesus is the only way. Silence is more unloving.” – Shane Pruitt “If people aren’t being obedient where they are now, what makes them think they’re going to be obedient in another country?” – Paul Worcester “It’s not our job to save people; it’s our job to point them to the One who can save them.” – Shane Pruitt “More time spent with fewer people can create greater results for the kingdom of God.” – Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.