Third Thursday Podcast

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.

Dealing with Discouragement

Discouragement—it’s real, it’s heavy, and at some point, we all face it. But how do we respond when it creeps in? In this episode of The Third Thursday Podcast, Chris Tweedy and Ben McEntee dig into the brutal roots of discouragement—why it happens and how we can navigate it with faith and resilience.
Whether you’re in a season of discouragement or preparing for the inevitable challenges ahead, this conversation will equip you with wisdom, practical steps, and encouragement to press on. Take time to listen, pray through it, and invite a friend into the conversation. Don’t forget to check out the show notes.
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Distractions, Disrespect, and Difficult Students

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy dive into strategies for managing challenging classroom dynamics while fostering a culture of love, respect, and accountability with special guest, Scott Palin. Learn how to lay the foundation by ensuring students feel genuinely cared for, walk through practical steps to set expectations, and handle disruptions effectively.
Join us to explore how humility, consistency, and love can transform your interactions with difficult students. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional recommendations that couldn’t be covered in the show. 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Year End Resources

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben McEntee and Chris Tweedy share their favorite 2024 resources—Christian books, podcasts, and even secular tools—that have enriched their ministry this year. 
Join them as they reflect on the power of intentional learning and being mindful of the content we consume. Don’t forget to check out the show notes for additional recommendations that couldn’t be covered in the show. 
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Missions Engagement in Student Ministry

In this episode of the Third Thursday Podcast, Ben is joined by Cassandra who serves with Envision (a missions structure of the Alliance) in Indonesia to discuss how youth leaders can integrate missions into student ministry. Cassandra shares advice on helping students discern God’s call to missions, emphasizing the need to ask thoughtful questions and recognize those with a passion for sharing their faith. This episode is packed with insights for youth leaders eager to cultivate a heart for missions in their students.
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

The Role of Camp in Student Ministry

In this episode of the Third Thursday podcast, Ben is joined by special guests Alex Hickinbotham from Yellowstone Alliance Adventures and Zach Zirbel from Dickey Lake Bible Camp. Together, they explore the unique strengths of camp ministry, including its ability to engage students and provide focused discipleship, while also discussing the limitations. Discover how camp ministry and church ministries can complement each other for greater Kingdom impact and learn practical steps youth workers can take to leverage their partnerships with camp ministries.
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Policies, Procedures, & Good Practices

Let's face it, you probably didn't imagine hours of administration, policies, and procedures when you signed up to do youth ministry. I mean, we have verbally communicated expectations and our practices, that's enough... right? Join Ben and Harry as they share the 90/10 principle and how important it is that when we communicate and create clear policies and procedures, we will build trust with leaders and parents.
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Favorite Fun Activities

Yep, summer is going by already, but we have more fun ahead! How do we find the right balance between fun and serious? When does summer youth ministry begin? What might it look like? How do we look beyond summer and develop yearly rhythms and activities throughout the year? Join Ben and Harry as they share some of their ministry experience and top activities for youth ministry.
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

LIFE Conference 2025

Ben and Harry have two special guests this month! RMD Assistant Superintendent Chris Tweedy and C&MA National Co-Youth Director Charles Amoh join in to talk about next summer's LIFE Conference. Everything from what is the LIFE Conference to big details, initial pro tips, and how the RMD is helping individuals go is discussed. 
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Youth Graduate, What Now?

Ben and Harry start the episode with guest speaker, Julie Hunter, chat through what family ministries look like in her context in Helena, MT, and then work their way through the "What Now?" of youth graduation season. 
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.