In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian unpack why the school campus might be the most overlooked and most important mission field in your city. They talk practically and unscripted about:

• Why showing up at school might matter more than showing up on stage

• The difference between “felt needs” and “real needs” on campus

• How to build trust with administrators and become indispensable

• Why club ministry isn’t the finish line and what to do instead

• Real stories that will challenge your excuses and reignite your calling

Whether you’re just starting to think about campus engagement or you’ve been grinding it out for years, this one’s for you.

Need help equipping your students for this kind of ministry?

We’ve built a full year of biblically rich, gospel-centered curriculum to help your students grow and go. Sermon series, small group guides, graphics, and more. Check it out here: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/sermons

What does it really take to stay?

This week on The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian sit down with Roger Reid, who has been faithfully leading student ministry in New Brunswick, Canada, since 1994!

They talk about the hard seasons, the moments he almost walked away, and why long-term faithfulness matters more than we think.

If you’re in a place where you’re questioning your calling or wondering if staying put is still worth it, this one’s for you.

Fall is here, and with it comes packed calendars, high expectations, and the pressure to hit the ground running. But what if starting strong doesn’t mean doing more? What if the most important things for your ministry this fall are the ones that often get ignored?

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian unpack a better way to lead this season. Whether you’re full-time, bi-vocational, or volunteering, they’ll walk you through a practical, sustainable approach to fall that actually works.

You’ll walk away with: • A new framework for building momentum without burnout • A focus on foundational habits that strengthen your ministry • A reminder that faithfulness > flash • Real encouragement for whatever season you’re walking into

These aren’t flashy tricks. They’re field-tested strategies that will shape your ministry and your soul long after fall kickoff.

Part 2 is available "Behind the Wall," where we reveal the final two moves and give you the real-world tools to put them into action.

Start your free trial now and get instant access to the full episode, plus tools, templates, curriculum, and more: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=bc80a8e1-9b2b-41d0-985b-ac94b04a7f60