Third Thursday Podcast

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.

Youth Leader Weekend Recap

Ben and Harry recap the Youth Leader Weekend at YAA. They share laughs, Uno stories, and how important it is to help your church live on Deuteronomy 6. 
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Curriculum or Hard Pass?

Ben and Harry chat through some of the numerous types of curricula to choose from. There are subscription-based curriculums, shorter series that run 4-8 weeks or longer, video series, and more! They share some pros & cons of each, how to discern and choose with wisdom, and then give some points for how to develop one yourself for your youth ministry!
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.

Discipleship That Sticks (feat. Ken Castor)

Special guest, Ken Castor, joins Harry and Ben in a round of get-to-know-you and talking about the upcoming Youth Leader Weekend. Plus a bonus quick round of 3 areas to help youth grow to hold us over until then!
 
Show notes
 
If you've got questions or want access to more resources, email ctweedy@rmdcma.com.