Mar 18 2025 63 mins 1
Welcome back!
This week we talk with Revd Dr Graham Stanton, Founding Principal of Youthworks College.
Graham is currently Director of the Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne. He is also founder and director of Youth Ministry Futures
In this episode, Al James sits down with Graham to explore the significance of long-term, full-time youth ministry within the national church in Australia. He shares his vision for Youth Ministry Futures (YMF) and discusses the benefits of having long term, full-time and well trained youth ministers for the sake of young people and churches. The conversation covers the state of youth ministry in Australia, systemic issues in youth ministry today, the challenges faced by part-time youth ministers, and the advantages of integrating youth ministry into the larger church environment. Graham also highlights the pressing need for a shift in how churches perceive and invest in youth ministry roles. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of youth ministry and the development of strong, supportive communities for young believers.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Challenges in Youth Ministry
02:57 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction
03:15 Insights from Kids and Youth Ministers
04:57 Upcoming Episodes Preview
06:05 Interview with Graham Stanton
06:53 Graham Stanton's Roles and Contributions
17:19 State of Youth Ministry in Australia
20:50 Systemic Issues in Youth Ministry
28:29 The Impact of Full-Time Youth Ministers
29:45 Exploring the Benefits of Full-Time Roles
31:27 The Importance of Theological Training
33:56 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Ministry
36:40 The Role of Youth Ministers in Churches
37:56 Advocating for Full-Time Youth Ministry
38:35 Reimagining Church Staffing Priorities
40:18 The Broader Impact of Youth Ministry
51:26 Intergenerational Ministry and Its Challenges
57:24 Youth Ministry Futures: Vision and Goals
Coming Up!
SquareOne Winter | Friday 30th May-Sunday 1st June
- Youthworks Square One is a weekend camp for children in Years 3 - 6 and their church leaders. Youthworks Ministry Support Team in partnership with a committee of volunteers plans the whole weekend of age-appropriate Bible teaching and fun activities, freeing church leaders to invest in discipling their kids. Children need to be part of a registered church to attend so please have your church’s children’s ministry coordinator complete the expression of interest form.
- Register at youthworks.net/squareone
House Conference | Tuesday 26th - Thursday 28th August
- HOUSE Conference is about theological reflection for best practice in youth and children's ministry within a community of youth and children's ministers. This annual conference for youth and children’s ministry is held at Youthworks Conference Centres Port Hacking.
- Register at youthworks.net/house
Connect with Youthworks
- Click on through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.
- You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.
- You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.
- We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to [email protected]
