{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The YDisciple Podcast","home_page_url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/json","description":"Welcome to a space where curiosity meets mission.\r\nIn this podcast, we explore the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it really means to walk with young people in faith today.\r\n\r\nWhether you’re a youth minister, teacher, pastor, volunteer, or simply someone who cares about the next generation — you’ll find insight, encouragement, and community here.\r\n\r\nWe don’t pretend to have all the answers. But through years of experience (and conversations with incredible ministry leaders in the trenches), we’ve gathered stories, lessons, and honest reflections worth sharing.\r\n\r\nThis is a space to stay curious, spark new ideas, and learn together as we serve young people and help them encounter Christ in a rapidly changing world.\r\n\r\nWe’re learners and leaders on the same journey — and we’re so glad you’re here.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"A podcast exploring the shifting landscape of youth culture and what it means to walk with young people in faith today. Hear honest conversations, fresh ideas, and real stories from ministry leaders in the trenches — as we learn, lead, and stay curious together.","pubdate":"2026-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00","explicit":false,"copyright":"2026 by NET Ministries","owner":"YDisciple Podcast","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/8/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/cover.jpg?v=1"},"items":[{"id":"8f480107-3cf4-418c-961f-e5b02a003504","title":"EP5: Pre-Evangelization and Hospitality with Jason Kidd","url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/pre-evangelization-and-hospitality-with-jason-kidd-ep5","content_text":"About this Episode\nWhat if the key to reaching young people today isn’t better programming—but deeper belonging?\n\nIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell are joined by Jason Kidd, National Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context, for a powerful conversation on pre-evangelization and radical hospitality. Together, they explore why young people need to belong before they believe and how intentional care creates fertile soil for the Gospel to take root.\n\nDrawing from Scripture, sociology, and years of ministry experience, Jason unpacks what radical hospitality really means—and why it’s far more than a buzzword. From learning names and asking good questions to creating environments that feel safe, beautiful, and welcoming, this conversation highlights how small, thoughtful choices communicate dignity, worth, and love to young people who may be disconnected, skeptical, or hurting.\n\nPete, Annie, and Jason also reflect on the power of listening without judgment, resisting the urge to force conclusions, and trusting the Holy Spirit to work over time. You’ll hear why questions matter, how Jesus modeled a culture of curiosity, and what it looks like to truly accompany young people—especially those who are far from faith or just beginning to ask deeper questions.\n\nWhether you’re working with teens, young adults, or families, this episode will challenge you to rethink how hospitality, listening, and patience can become the front door to discipleship—and a tangible expression of Christ’s love.\n\nConnect with Us\n\n\nHave questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org\nBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\nPlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\nVisit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast\n\n\nReflection for This Week\n\nAsk yourself:\n\n\nWhere can I practice deeper hospitality in my ministry spaces?\nHow can I grow in listening without judgment or the need to “fix” someone?\nWhat questions can I ask that invite young people to share their story more freely?\n\n\nPray for the grace to see Christ in each person you encounter—and the patience to walk with them at the pace of the Holy Spirit.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Episode\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat if the key to reaching young people today isn’t better programming—but deeper belonging?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell are joined by Jason Kidd, National Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context, for a powerful conversation on pre-evangelization and radical hospitality. Together, they explore why young people need to belong before they believe and how intentional care creates fertile soil for the Gospel to take root.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing from Scripture, sociology, and years of ministry experience, Jason unpacks what radical hospitality really means—and why it’s far more than a buzzword. From learning names and asking good questions to creating environments that feel safe, beautiful, and welcoming, this conversation highlights how small, thoughtful choices communicate dignity, worth, and love to young people who may be disconnected, skeptical, or hurting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePete, Annie, and Jason also reflect on the power of listening without judgment, resisting the urge to force conclusions, and trusting the Holy Spirit to work over time. You’ll hear why questions matter, how Jesus modeled a culture of curiosity, and what it looks like to truly accompany young people—especially those who are far from faith or just beginning to ask deeper questions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re working with teens, young adults, or families, this episode will challenge you to rethink how hospitality, listening, and patience can become the front door to discipleship—and a tangible expression of Christ’s love.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnect with Us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave questions? Email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:ydpodcast@netusa.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydpodcast@netusa.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\u003c/a\u003e to learn more about the podcast\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReflection for This Week\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAsk yourself:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhere can I practice deeper hospitality in my ministry spaces?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow can I grow in listening without judgment or the need to “fix” someone?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat questions can I ask that invite young people to share their story more freely?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePray for the grace to see Christ in each person you encounter—and the patience to walk with them at the pace of the Holy Spirit.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Jason Kidd from Alpha to explore pre-evangelization and radical hospitality. This episode unpacks why belonging comes before belief, how listening and curiosity open hearts, and how intentional environments and relationships prepare young people to encounter Christ.","date_published":"2026-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/8f480107-3cf4-418c-961f-e5b02a003504.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":62057385,"duration_in_seconds":1901}]},{"id":"624664a2-c388-4f6a-9a01-671316bb9bb4","title":"EP4: Vision for Small Group Discipleship","url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/vision-for-small-group-discipleship-ep4","content_text":"About this Episode\nWhat if small group discipleship isn’t just one strategy among many—but the central way young people actually grow in faith?\n\nIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell cast a clear and compelling vision for small group discipleship—why it matters, why it works, and why it’s so essential for forming young disciples today. Drawing from Scripture, ministry experience, and years of walking with young people, they unpack how Jesus Himself modeled discipleship through intimate, relational small groups.\n\nPete and Annie explore what small group discipleship really is (and what it’s not), offering a practical definition rooted in mentorship, apprenticeship, and relationship. They walk through the five guiding principles that shape the YDisciple approach—from belonging before believing to letting go of control so young people can take real ownership of their faith.\n\nYou’ll hear why programs alone don’t make disciples, how authenticity builds trust, why honoring family reality matters more than ever, and how customizable discipleship allows the Holy Spirit to meet young people exactly where they are. They also speak directly to the fears ministry leaders often feel—especially the vulnerability of releasing control—and share the unexpected fruit that comes when young people are trusted, known, and invited into deeper responsibility.\n\nWhether you’re just starting out in ministry or reimagining a long-standing program, this episode will challenge you to rethink how disciples are formed—and invite you to embrace a model that is scalable, relational, and deeply human.\n\nConnect with Us\n\n\nHave questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org\nBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\nPlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\nVisit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast\n\n\nReflection for This Week\n\nAsk yourself:\n\n\nWhere might I be holding too tightly to control in my ministry?\nHow can I create spaces where young people truly belong before they believe?\nWho could I invite to mentor a small group—and how can I better form and support them?\n\n\nPray for the courage to trust the process of discipleship—and to make room for the Holy Spirit to move in ways you may not be able to plan.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Episode\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat if small group discipleship isn’t just one strategy among many—but the central way young people actually grow in faith?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell cast a clear and compelling vision for small group discipleship—why it matters, why it works, and why it’s so essential for forming young disciples today. Drawing from Scripture, ministry experience, and years of walking with young people, they unpack how Jesus Himself modeled discipleship through intimate, relational small groups.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePete and Annie explore what small group discipleship really is (and what it’s not), offering a practical definition rooted in mentorship, apprenticeship, and relationship. They walk through the five guiding principles that shape the YDisciple approach—from belonging before believing to letting go of control so young people can take real ownership of their faith.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll hear why programs alone don’t make disciples, how authenticity builds trust, why honoring family reality matters more than ever, and how customizable discipleship allows the Holy Spirit to meet young people exactly where they are. They also speak directly to the fears ministry leaders often feel—especially the vulnerability of releasing control—and share the unexpected fruit that comes when young people are trusted, known, and invited into deeper responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re just starting out in ministry or reimagining a long-standing program, this episode will challenge you to rethink how disciples are formed—and invite you to embrace a model that is scalable, relational, and deeply human.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnect with Us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave questions? Email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:ydpodcast@netusa.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydpodcast@netusa.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\u003c/a\u003e to learn more about the podcast\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReflection for This Week\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAsk yourself:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhere might I be holding too tightly to control in my ministry?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow can I create spaces where young people truly belong before they believe?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho could I invite to mentor a small group—and how can I better form and support them?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePray for the courage to trust the process of discipleship—and to make room for the Holy Spirit to move in ways you may not be able to plan.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell unpack the vision and foundations of small group discipleship. They explore how Jesus modeled discipleship, why relationships—not programs—form faith, and how customizable, mentor-led small groups create belonging, ownership, and real spiritual growth in young people.","date_published":"2026-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/624664a2-c388-4f6a-9a01-671316bb9bb4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67452921,"duration_in_seconds":2060}]},{"id":"ad7787b3-ccbe-42e6-bc46-f6287cb3ca9a","title":"EP3: Relational Ministry with Mark Berchem","url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/relational-ministry-with-mark-berchem-ep3","content_text":"About this Episode\nWhat does relational ministry really look like—and why does it matter so much?\n\nIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Mark Berchem, founder of NET Ministries, to dive deep into the heart of relational ministry. Mark shares the story of how NET began, how God unexpectedly drew him into decades of youth ministry, and why relationships—not programs—are what truly change lives.\n\nTogether, they explore what it means to introduce young people not just to information about Jesus, but to a real, living relationship with Him. Mark reflects on the Church’s long history of relational faith, the dangers of relying solely on programs, and why walking slowly with young people—at the pace of relationship—is essential for lasting discipleship.\n\nYou’ll also hear Mark name the deepest questions young people are asking today—Am I loved? Do I belong? Do I have what it takes?—and how mentors, accompaniment, and safe spaces for wrestling are key to helping young people encounter Christ in a meaningful way.\n\nConnect with Us\n\n\nHave questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org\nBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\nPlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\nVisit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast\n\n\nReflection for This Week\n\nAsk yourself:\n\n\nWho walked with me in my faith journey—and how did they do it?\nWho is God inviting me to walk alongside right now?\nAm I willing to move at the pace of relationship rather than the pace of programs?\n\n\nTake time to thank God for the people who introduced you to Jesus—and ask for the grace to be that steady, faithful presence for someone else.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Episode\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat does relational ministry really look like—and why does it matter so much?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell sit down with Mark Berchem, founder of NET Ministries, to dive deep into the heart of relational ministry. Mark shares the story of how NET began, how God unexpectedly drew him into decades of youth ministry, and why relationships—not programs—are what truly change lives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, they explore what it means to introduce young people not just to information about Jesus, but to a real, living relationship with Him. Mark reflects on the Church’s long history of relational faith, the dangers of relying solely on programs, and why walking slowly with young people—at the pace of relationship—is essential for lasting discipleship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll also hear Mark name the deepest questions young people are asking today—Am I loved? Do I belong? Do I have what it takes?—and how mentors, accompaniment, and safe spaces for wrestling are key to helping young people encounter Christ in a meaningful way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnect with Us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave questions? Email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:ydpodcast@netusa.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydpodcast@netusa.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\u003c/a\u003e to learn more about the podcast\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReflection for This Week\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAsk yourself:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho walked with me in my faith journey—and how did they do it?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho is God inviting me to walk alongside right now?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAm I willing to move at the pace of relationship rather than the pace of programs?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to thank God for the people who introduced you to Jesus—and ask for the grace to be that steady, faithful presence for someone else.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell welcome Mark Berchem, founder of NET Ministries, for a deep dive into relational ministry. Mark shares the origins of NET, why relationships—not programs—form disciples, and how walking patiently with young people creates space for real encounter, belonging, and lasting faith.","date_published":"2026-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/ad7787b3-ccbe-42e6-bc46-f6287cb3ca9a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":59509823,"duration_in_seconds":1826}]},{"id":"0067ee07-a693-4abb-b671-770de8e0cbcf","title":"EP2: Defining Our Terms","url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/defining-our-terms-ep2","content_text":"About this Episode\nWhat if youth ministry is far bigger than a Wednesday night in a youth room?\n\nIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell widen the lens on what youth ministry really is—and who it’s really for. Together, they challenge the idea that youth ministry belongs to one role or one program and invite listeners to see anyone walking with young people in faith as a youth minister.\n\nPete and Annie unpack NET’s vision for youth ministry and introduce the seven pillars that guide their approach—from being rooted in Christ and the Church, to relational ministry, to the belief that renewal is truly possible. Along the way, they explore why programs don’t make disciples (people do), why discipleship always takes a team, and why personal witness is essential for authentic ministry.\n\nThis conversation is full of hope for the Church and practical wisdom for anyone serving young people today. Whether you’re a youth minister, pastor, DRE, teacher, volunteer, parent, or mentor, this episode will encourage you to move beyond programs and into Christ-centered discipleship that transforms entire communities.\n\nConnect with Us\n\n\nHave questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org\nBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\nPlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\nVisit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast\n\n\nReflection for This Week\n\nAsk yourself:\n\n\nWho are the young people God has entrusted to me?\nHow am I helping them encounter Jesus through relationship and witness?\nWho else could be part of the “team” discipling them alongside me?\n\n\nTake time this week to pray for the next generation—and ask God how He’s inviting you to be part of His work of renewal in their lives.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Episode\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWhat if youth ministry is far bigger than a Wednesday night in a youth room?\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this episode of The YDisciple Podcast, hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell widen the lens on what youth ministry really is—and who it’s really for. Together, they challenge the idea that youth ministry belongs to one role or one program and invite listeners to see anyone walking with young people in faith as a youth minister.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePete and Annie unpack NET’s vision for youth ministry and introduce the seven pillars that guide their approach—from being rooted in Christ and the Church, to relational ministry, to the belief that renewal is truly possible. Along the way, they explore why programs don’t make disciples (people do), why discipleship always takes a team, and why personal witness is essential for authentic ministry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis conversation is full of hope for the Church and practical wisdom for anyone serving young people today. Whether you’re a youth minister, pastor, DRE, teacher, volunteer, parent, or mentor, this episode will encourage you to move beyond programs and into Christ-centered discipleship that transforms entire communities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnect with Us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave questions? Email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:ydpodcast@netusa.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydpodcast@netusa.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\u003c/a\u003e to learn more about the podcast\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReflection for This Week\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAsk yourself:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho are the young people God has entrusted to me?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow am I helping them encounter Jesus through relationship and witness?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho else could be part of the “team” discipling them alongside me?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTake time this week to pray for the next generation—and ask God how He’s inviting you to be part of His work of renewal in their lives.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"What if youth ministry is more than a program—and everyone walking with young people is a youth minister? In this episode, Pete Burds and Annie Grandell explore NET’s vision for youth ministry and share the seven pillars that help communities move beyond programs into relational, Christ-centered discipleship. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and practical wisdom for anyone serving the next generation in the Church.","date_published":"2026-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/0067ee07-a693-4abb-b671-770de8e0cbcf.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":63862913,"duration_in_seconds":1951}]},{"id":"c784768c-9910-43eb-878e-31df98a6e972","title":"EP1: What is Your Why","url":"https://ydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/what-is-your-why-ep1","content_text":"Welcome to the very first episode of The YDisciple Podcast! \nJoin hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell as they kick off this new journey of curiosity, honesty, and hope for the future of the Church. In this conversation, Pete and Annie explore the foundational question at the heart of ministry: “Why are you here?”\n\nThey share personal stories of conversion, the people who shaped them, and the moments that led them into lifelong missionary discipleship. You’ll hear how Jesus disrupted each of their lives in beautiful ways, how mentors drew them into mission, and why they’re still saying “yes” to ministry decades later.\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned youth minister, a DRE, a volunteer, a teacher, or simply someone trying to walk faithfully with young people, this episode invites you to reflect on your own call and the people who helped you get here.\n\nConnect with Us\n\n\nHave questions? Email us at ydpodcast@netusa.org\nBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at ydisciple.com/coaching.\nPlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\nVisit https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/ to learn more about the podcast\n\n\nReflection for This Week\n\nAsk yourself:\n\n\nWhy am I here?\nWho are the five people God used to bring me to this point in my faith and ministry?\nTake time to thank God for them—and consider how you can be that presence for the young people entrusted to you.\n","content_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWelcome to the very first episode of The YDisciple Podcast!\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\nJoin hosts Pete Burds and Annie Grandell as they kick off this new journey of curiosity, honesty, and hope for the future of the Church. In this conversation, Pete and Annie explore the foundational question at the heart of ministry: “Why are you here?”\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey share personal stories of conversion, the people who shaped them, and the moments that led them into lifelong missionary discipleship. You’ll hear how Jesus disrupted each of their lives in beautiful ways, how mentors drew them into mission, and why they’re still saying “yes” to ministry decades later.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re a seasoned youth minister, a DRE, a volunteer, a teacher, or simply someone trying to walk faithfully with young people, this episode invites you to reflect on your own call and the people who helped you get here.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConnect with Us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave questions? Email us at \u003ca href=\"mailto:ydpodcast@netusa.org\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydpodcast@netusa.org\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBook your free call with a YDisciple Coach at \u003ca href=\"https://ydisciple.com/coaching/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003eydisciple.com/coaching\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease take a moment to rate \u0026amp; review on Apple Podcasts\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"https://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003ehttps://theydisciplepodcast.fireside.fm/\u003c/a\u003e to learn more about the podcast\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eReflection for This Week\u003c/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAsk yourself:\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy am I here?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWho are the five people God used to bring me to this point in my faith and ministry?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake time to thank God for them—and consider how you can be that presence for the young people entrusted to you.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e","summary":"The current landscape of ministry isn’t easy— so what keeps us coming back, week after week?\r\nIn this first episode of the YDisciple Podcast, Annie Grandell and Pete Burds open up about their own encounters with Jesus, the mentors who shaped them, their ministry journeys, and why they’re still saying “yes” to walking with young people today. This conversation invites you to rediscover your own “why” for ministry and the people who helped you get here.","date_published":"2025-11-24T07:30:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/8ef7bfd7-eea0-46e2-bd4c-518c83e5d7ce/c784768c-9910-43eb-878e-31df98a6e972.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":50383904,"duration_in_seconds":1541}]}]}