Special Episode: Discipling Teenagers

Aug 25, 2026 • Evan Norris, Andrew Barber, Justin Ryder

On this episode of The Preview Podcast, hosts interview Andrew Barber, Associate Pastor of Next Gen Ministries, who oversees preschool through college, leads youth and college alongside other leaders, and preaches weekly in the Faith Hall venue. Andrew shares highlights from a summer of camps, including 13 students praying to receive Christ, and reflects on Promotion Sunday as students move into new ministry stages. The conversation centers on youth ministry’s role as a supplement to parents, the cultural pressures teenagers face (including pornography, sexual temptation, and self-harm), and the need for consistent, authentic faith at home. Andrew outlines four student “core competencies” (knowing Jesus, spending time with Him, belonging to His church, and bringing others to Him), encourages families to prioritize time together and regular spiritual conversations.

00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro

00:32 Next Gen Pastor Role

01:11 Summer Camps Highlights

01:53 Promotion Sunday And Year Ahead

02:50 Staying Plugged In After Graduation

04:02 Four Student Competencies

04:28 Youth Ministry And Parents

06:09 Cultural Pressures Teens Face

07:36 Practical Parenting Discipleship

11:22 Time Trust And Sabbath

13:44 Teens Are More Capable

17:27 Resources And Study Bibles