We talk honestly about Pastor Jeff Leake’s legacy and how spiritual fathering shapes a healthier way to lead in youth ministry. We share five lessons that move relationships from transactional to transformational so students and leaders grow with security, trust, and purpose.
• spiritual fathering as a core youth ministry calling and the “third voice” students need
• belonging before becoming, giving a secure place without performance
• shifting away from transactional ministry with students and leaders
• seeing potential early, speaking affirmation, and trusting people with opportunity
• protecting the person before the platform, including rest, therapy, and sabbatical wisdom
• measuring success by what others become rather than what we personally build
• carrying legacy forward without becoming clones, letting a mentor’s voice keep shaping how we lead
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Support the show

Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry.

https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals

Connect with the hosts!

Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation

📸 @eranholt

Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church

📸 @calebmleake

This episode is sponsored by:

World Serve International

🔗 Click Here!

Allison Park leadership Academy

🔗 Click Here!

We come back from a long hiatus to honor Pastor Jeff, Caleb’s dad and our lead pastor, after his sudden death and the shock that followed. We talk candidly about carrying grief while still leading people, and how God meets us with grace when we feel like we’re not ourselves anymore.
• recounting the night of the medical crisis and the hours that changed everything
• naming the unique weight of grieving as a church community while still gathering to worship
• rejecting the idea of “normal” grief and releasing the need to perform healing
• reframing the goal from getting over grief to growing enough to carry it
• holding the paradox of joy and loss during new milestones and major life change
• exploring biblical lament, honest prayer, and the comfort of God’s nearness
• learning from sitting Shiva, presence, silence, and shared memories
• practicing support that works, including community, counseling, boundaries, and self grace.

Support the show

Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry.

https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals

Connect with the hosts!

Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation

📸 @eranholt

Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church

📸 @calebmleake

This episode is sponsored by:

World Serve International

🔗 Click Here!

Allison Park leadership Academy

🔗 Click Here!

In this episode, we sit down with Sam McCollough from Feed.Bible to explore hopeful trends in youth ministry and equip next generation leaders to guide students toward lasting faith. We unpack what it means to be “emerging committed,” identify markers of spiritual formation, and share strategies for discipling students in a world shaped by AI and digital culture.

Discover how to close the gap between nominal faith and resilient belief through authentic youth discipleship, including:

• Trends in Gen Z engagement and the quiet revival
• Understanding Gen Alpha as digital natives navigating an AI-driven world
• Defining and spotting emerging committed Christians
• The 65% Christian claim vs. the 16% committed core
• Practical ways for next generation leaders to move students from nominal to resilient faith
• Using AI as a tool for growth, not a replacement for pastoral responsibility
• Modeling wise tech use for students and parents
• Concrete next steps for sermons, small groups, and leader training

Whether you lead a youth ministry, mentor student leaders, or are passionate about spiritual formation, this episode with Sam McCollough equips you with insights and strategies to disciple the next generation with wisdom and courage.

Support the show

Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below! It has everything you need from free sermon series, training resources for your leaders, and tools to help you assess the health of your ministry.

https://www.leadthegeneration.com/vitals

Connect with the hosts!

Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation

📸 @eranholt

Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church

📸 @calebmleake

This episode is sponsored by:

World Serve International

🔗 Click Here!

Allison Park leadership Academy

🔗 Click Here!