Third Thursday Podcast

Year End Wrap Up

As the year winds down, what’s actually shaping you as a leader?
In this Year-End Wrap Up episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, our team shares something we read, something we listened to, and something we learned over the past year—and how each has influenced our leadership, faith, and ministry.
From books and podcasts that stretched our thinking, to lessons God has been teaching us about prayer, influence, and stability, this conversation is both reflective and practical. We’ll also share a few honorable mentions you might want to carry into the new year.
Whether you’re already planning ahead or simply catching your breath, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask: How is what I’m taking in shaping me—and those I lead?
🎧 Listen now and use the Show Notes to help you consider what you want to carry forward into the next year.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Holiday Ministry Ideas

The holidays are coming—so how do you make the most of Thanksgiving and Christmas in your student ministry?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we share practical, meaningful, and fun ways to leverage the holiday season for discipleship, connection, service, and spiritual formation.
From Advent teaching ideas to family-friendly events, from creative service projects to shepherding students through the emotional highs and lows of the season—you’ll walk away with a full toolbox to finish the year strong.
We’ll also explore how to keep margin for families, how to minister to students who struggle during the holidays, and how to invite your leaders into intentional, relational ministry this season.
🎧 Listen now and get inspired with fresh ideas to help your students experience Jesus—our Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—this holiday season. Go deeper by using the Show Notes.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Discipleship (Part 2)

So we get “God’s part” and “our part” in discipleship—but what does that actually look like in real life?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we explore how to lead with both intentionality and dependence—doing our part to disciple students while leaving space for the Holy Spirit to do His.
You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own walk with Christ, evaluate what you’re modeling for your students, and ask tough questions about where God might be calling you to surrender control.
It’s practical, honest, and rooted in the reminder that discipleship isn’t a program—it’s partnership with the Spirit.
🎧 Listen now and go deeper in the Show Notes to be encouraged to reframe how you disciple with both faithfulness and freedom.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Discipleship (Part 1)

What drives discipleship—our plans or God’s Spirit? The answer: both. God moves supernaturally in salvation, yet Scripture is filled with calls for our active participation in discipleship. In this episode, we talk about prayer as the bridge between God’s work and our part. We’ll also share practical ways to begin interceding for your students and encouraging your team to do the same.
🎧 Listen in and take down some Show Notes.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

LIFE Conference Recap

What happens when thousands of students gather to worship, learn, and respond to God?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we recap the 2025 LIFE Conference—a week full of joy, challenge, and transformation. From the contagious energy that filled the arena, to the breakout sessions that stretched students’ thinking, to the powerful moments of prayer and surrender, this event reminded us what God can do when His people gather with expectancy.
We’ll also highlight some of our favorite speakers, from Joel Muddamalle and Jada Edwards to Ken Castor, John Stumbo, and others—and point you to recordings so you can catch what you missed or rewatch what moved you most.
Most importantly, we’ll wrestle with the question: How does this experience shape you, your leaders, and your students moving forward?
🎧 Listen in and celebrate what God has done—and consider what He’s calling you to do next.
Show Notes
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

A Purposeful Pause

We’re hitting pause this month—for a purpose.
With many of our leaders at the LIFE Conference, we’re taking space to listen, reflect, and process what God is doing. There’s no new episode this month—but that doesn’t mean the work is on hold.
As you return from LIFE (or any big event), take a moment to revisit last month’s episode: “Getting the Most Out of an Event.” It’s full of practical reminders for debriefing, distilling takeaways, and leading students into transformation.
🎧 Scroll back and hit play—your leadership after the event matters just as much as what you did during it.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Getting The Most Out Of An Event

Heading to a conference or event with your students? Don’t just survive it—lead through it.
 
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we talk about how to get the most out of any ministry event by showing up with intentionality, spiritual awareness, and a leader’s heart.
 
You’ll learn how to prepare before you ever arrive, how to stay fully present during the experience, and how to debrief well afterward so real transformation can take root.
 
Whether you’re taking students to a retreat or showing up to a summer conference—this episode will help you make it count.
 
🎧 Listen now and reframe how you lead before, during, and after your next big event. Better yet? Download the show notes to follow along.
 
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Community vs. Community

We all want community—but are we building the kind God designed?
 
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we break down the key differences between worldly and biblicalcommunity—and why it matters more than you think. You’ll learn how true community is formed, what makes it last, and how to build it with your students and leaders.
 
Stop aiming for connection. Start aiming for Christ—and watch real community follow.
 
🎧 Hit play now for a practical, convicting, and hope-filled conversation that will challenge how you lead and live in community. Don't forget to download the show notes to follow along.
 
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

How To Prepare A Talk

Ever feel stuck when it’s time to prepare a talk for students?You’ve got a message in your heart—but how do you make sure it actually connects?
 
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben Mcentee and Chris Tweedy break down a clear and practical framework for crafting talks that stick. Whether you’re sharing a devotional, leading a message, or stepping into a classroom or small group, this approach will help you communicate God’s truth with clarity and purpose.
 
We’ll walk through the “HEY-YOU-LOOK-DO” method—a simple yet powerful tool for grabbing attention, building connection, unpacking truth, and calling for a response. You’ll hear why it’s critical to start with one crystal-clear sentence, how to make your opening matter, and why a strong close can’t be skipped. 
 
Let’s be honest: teaching isn’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery either. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I even start?” or “Is this really getting through?”—this episode is for you.
 
Tune in, take notes, and bring a friend into the conversation.
 
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Ministry Beyond the Church Walls

Youth group night is awesome—but is that the only way to connect with students?
In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, we dive into why reaching students beyond the walls of the church is more important than ever. We’ll talk about the theological and practical reasons for stepping outside our comfort zones, the power of parachurch partnerships, and simple ways to start building relationships—like just meeting three students and learning their stories.
But let’s be real—this isn’t always easy. What if you don’t have a parachurch partner? How do you even get started in a school? And what about that nagging fear of feeling awkward? We tackle all of it head-on with practical insights and encouragement.
If you’re ready to take student ministry beyond Wednesday nights, this episode is for you. Listen in, pray through it, read the show notes, and invite a friend into the conversation.
Got questions or want more resources? Reach out at ctweedy@rmdcma.com.