Episode 11

EP11: The Ones Who Stayed with Chenele Shaw

February 23rd, 2026

43 mins 47 secs

Season 1

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About this Episode

About This Episode
In this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, Pete and Annie welcome Chenele Shaw to talk about a theme that is both deeply personal and urgently needed in youth ministry: the power of adults who stay.

Chenele shares her own story of being a teenager navigating her parents’ divorce, getting kicked out of high school, and reluctantly walking into youth group with a bad attitude and zero interest in faith. What changed her life wasn’t a flawless curriculum or a perfectly executed program—it was a youth minister who kept showing up. He didn’t take himself too seriously. He invited teens into his real life. He stayed.

From that experience, Chanel unpacks what it means to accompany young people with presence, not perfection. She challenges the tendency in ministry to rely solely on formulas and metrics, and instead calls adults to embrace the art of discipleship—self-awareness, emotional engagement, mercy toward themselves, and authentic connection.

This conversation explores:

  • Why it’s not “unprofessional” to feel things in ministry
  • The tension between responsibility and surrender
  • The gap in forming adults to accompany teens emotionally
  • How belonging is built through vulnerability and trust
  • Why teens won’t remember everything you said—but they will remember how you made them feel

If you’ve ever felt pressure to be the “perfect” minister, this episode is a deep breath of fresh air. You are not called to be flawless. You are called to stay.

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Reflection for This Week

Take a few moments to reflect:

  • Who were “the ones who stayed” in my life?
  • Do I give myself mercy when ministry doesn’t go perfectly?
  • Am I willing to accompany young people emotionally—not just practically?
  • Where might God be inviting me to take myself a little less seriously?

Ask the Lord to help you be present, authentic, and consistent—trusting that He is the one ultimately at work in every young person’s story.