On Mission Insights Podcast

What happens when a simple step of obedience from a high school student sparks a movement of prayer, evangelism, and spiritual leadership? In this special episode recorded live at Momentum Youth Conference, Eric sits down with three students who are living proof that God uses willing hearts at any age. You'll meet Nick, Ariana, and Nathan—each with a story that makes you ask, What could God do through me if I took just one bold step? Nick kicks things off by sharing how a podcast he started as a junior unexpectedly turned into a school-wide ministry—complete with basement prayer nights, student testimonies, and even a surprise visit from an NFL player. But here's the real question: What happens when a student surrenders their plans, prays consistently, and lets God build something far bigger than they imagined? And what could that look like in your school, your youth group, or your friend circle? Then you'll hear from Ariana, whose quiet faithfulness in leading a student prayer group is reshaping her entire y

What happens when you take more than 30 years of student-ministry experience, a nationwide research project, and a passion for seeing teenagers boldly share the gospel—and put it all into one conversation? In today's episode, Eric sits down with Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share, to talk about why students are uniquely positioned to reach their peers and how youth pastors can build ministries that truly advance the gospel. Are we accidentally building youth ministries without the engine? And what actually changes when students start praying, caring, and sharing every week? Greg shares the behind-the-scenes story of Dare 2 Share, what the newest research reveals about effective youth ministry, and why today's teens are more spiritually open than ever before. If you've ever wondered how to help students own their faith, how to shift from "come and see" to "go and rescue," or how to spark real gospel movement in your church—this episode is for you. Listen in, be encouraged, and get ready to rethink what's poss

What if students realized their school was a mission field?

When God changes your life, everything changes.

What happens when viral generosity meets gospel purpose? In this episode, Jimmy Darts joins Eric for a powerful conversation about faith, obedience, and using every opportunity to point people to Jesus. From a Billy Graham video that changed his life to his viral Kindness Challenge videos, Jimmy shares how God turned his online platform into a tool for hope and generosity. They talk about the heart behind radical kindness, how to pray for people in everyday moments, and what it looks like to stay humble and obedient when God grows your influence. Jimmy also gives us a sneak peek into his new book and his vision for creating positive, family-friendly social media. It’s an inspiring reminder that following Jesus isn’t just about big moments—it’s about open hands, bold faith, and everyday obedience. Check out Jimmy's NEW BOOK!

Ministry isn’t “his lane” or “her lane”—it’s our lane. Here’s how churches can equip both genders to lead well. In this episode, Kadi Cole joins Eric for a powerful conversation on how ministry leaders—regardless of gender—can effectively disciple both male and female students. What does it look like to build trust across gender lines, avoid awkwardness, and lead with gospel-centered confidence? Listen as we unpack practical ways to cultivate a balanced ministry, empower student leaders of both genders, and navigate today’s cultural challenges without compromise. They also unpack how Momentum Marketplace helps students and mentors discover how faith connects to every career path — and why the next generation needs leaders who know how to model godly collaboration.  

What keeps a pastor going when ministry feels heavy? In this episode, Eric sits down with Pastor Tony Livigni from Grace Church Medina East Campus to unpack the power of deep friendships, healthy rhythms, and how God uses relationships to sustain us in ministry. Tony shares personal stories....From sleeping on folding tables on his Momentum Travel Team days, to seeing his own son pray for him before preaching at Momentum Youth Conference, all to demonstrate what it looks like when faith comes full circle.  Listen as the two discuss how friendships can bring about longevity in ministry, how to fight burnout and isolation as a leader, and discover why healthy churches multiply disciples and campuses. Watch Tony’s Momentum session here: https://youtu.be/mrHLFE__ayc?si=AfcZN0zcogm1AjF4 Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Another great way to discover who w

In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, Eric sits down with longtime pastor and Love Pastors founder Gary Underwood for a candid, hope-filled conversation about what truly encourages church leaders—far beyond a once-a-year card. From the “Monday email” reality to the hidden burdens that can leave pastors feeling unseen, listen as we unpack why personalized care matters more than generic gifts, how elders and staff can “have their pastor’s back,” and why peer friendships, counseling, and healthy rhythms are essential. Anchored in identity in Christ, this episode invites churches to turn appreciation into a year-round culture of one-anothering. You’ll hear practical ideas you can act on this week—thoughtful notes tied to real moments, and tailored gifts that show you truly see your pastor. Explore resources to “give life to the life-givers” from Gary at Love Pastors: https://lovepastors.com/ Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in ord

What happens when childhood trauma shows up years later in your ministry? How do you keep leading when grief and brokenness feel overwhelming? And what if the very pain you’ve been trying to avoid is the place God wants to bring healing? In this episode, Dr. Brad Johnson joins Eric Miller for a powerful conversation on unhealed wounds, grief, and the cycles that repeat “over and over” until we let Jesus transform them. From heartbreaking loss to the moment God lifted the heaviness of grief, Brad shares how leaders can walk honestly through trauma while still modeling faith for their people. If you’ve ever wondered, "can I keep leading while I’m hurting?" Or "what does healing really look like for pastors and ministry leaders?" — this conversation is for you. Visit Dr. Brad's website

Kicking off Season 5, we go behind the scenes to talk vision, legacy, and where we’re headed next...

In this episode, we're joined by Kyle Hoffsmith—youth pastor at Old North Church and host of The Word in Youth Ministry podcast—for a powerful conversation about rethinking the typical youth group model. Instead of relying on games, pizza, and surface-level engagement, Kyle has built a student ministry rooted in God’s Word and rich theology—even for middle and high schoolers. He shares practical strategies, honest stories of student transformation, and how a foundation of biblical truth is leading to lasting faith in the next generation. Whether you're a youth pastor, church leader, or parent, this episode offers encouragement and actionable insight for discipling students toward long-term spiritual maturity. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartne

In this episode, Eric sits down with Maggie Olmedo, longtime partner of Momentum, to talk about how ministry leaders can better serve students who think, learn, and experience the world differently. They explore common misunderstandings and practical ways churches can create environments where every student can thrive. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

On this week's episode, Eric is joined by Todd Pearage as the two have an insightful conversation on youth ministry, and specifically what Youth Pastors need most in today's world.  Youth Leader Oasis Website  Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

Join Eric Miller and Vice President Donny Varney this week as they discuss the different levels of vision in ministry and the work of building God’s Kingdom. Visit www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we partner with local churches to equip today’s young Christian leaders for tomorrow’s opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is joined by Jared Stewart of Video Game Ministries. Listen as the two discuss how to leverage the world of online gaming for the gospel. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, join Eric Miller and Donny Varney as the two discuss how to embrace obstacles in ministry as they share their personal experiences on the topic. Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

This week on the podcast, Eric is joined by Bryce Johnson as the two discuss how to leverage the community of fantasy sports for the Gospel and advancement of the Kingdom.  Learn more about Bryce's ministry through these websites!

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is joined by Ian Shire of Authentic Intimacy. Ian is the Leader Program Manager and is on the front lines of serving our leader community. He has a passion for encouraging men and women toward Christlike sexual integrity. Ian joined the ministry of Authentic Intimacy in 2023 with the role of training and supporting pastors and leaders to engage their ministries with a biblical approach to sexuality. Listen as Eric and Ian have a powerful conversation on navigating sexuality within a ministry context in today's world. Discover more on their website here: www.authenticintimacy.com/leader/ Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leav

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is once again joined by Valerie O'Brien, founder of Aspen Ministries. Aspen Ministry desires to Biblically, historically, and winsomely show an emerging generation who Jesus is–and inspire and equip the church to cross generations and cultures to receive them. Join Eric and Val as they talk about the emerging gap between generations, how to address it, and how Jesus is still at the center of it all. To learn more about Aspen, visit their website to learn more: www.aspenministry.org Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities.   Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!

This week on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric is joined by Valerie O'Brien, founder of Aspen Ministries. Aspen Ministry desires to Biblically, historically, and winsomely show an emerging generation who Jesus is–and inspire and equip the church to cross generations and cultures to receive them. Join Eric and Valerie as they talk about the emerging gap between generations, how to address it, and how Jesus is still at the center of it all. To learn more about Aspen, visit their website to learn more: www.aspenministry.org Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Follow Momentum Ministry Partners on: Instagram: @MomentumMinistryPartners Facebook:  @MomentumMinistryPartners YouTube: @MomentumMinistryPartners Subscribe and be sure to leave us your rating & review!