In the busy seasons of youth and children’s ministry, it’s so easy to keep our heads down, push through the to-do list, and forget to lift our eyes to Jesus. But when life gets full, our need for his presence becomes even greater.

In this episode, Andy reflects on Psalm 63 and the life-giving difference between serving for God and serving with God. He explores how worship, Scripture, and simple moments in God’s presence can re-energise us when we feel tired, stretched, or spiritually dry.

Whether you’re heading into Christmas events, assemblies, clubs, or just a demanding week ahead, this short encouragement will help you slow down, refocus, and let the Lord refresh your soul.

Listen in — and stay close to Jesus this week.

This week, Andy explores the surprising truth that young people are shaped far more by who we are than by what we do.
Drawing from Hebrews 4, he challenges youth leaders to keep the Word of God alive and active in their own lives — because our greatest influence comes from how we model faith, not from slick sessions or clever content.
Practical, grounding, and full of gentle challenge.

This week, Andy reflects on how God uses every part of our story — our jobs, experiences, and even frustrations — to prepare us for His work.
Through the story of David and a real-life example from the Thrive team, Andy reminds us that our skills and experiences are never wasted when our hearts remain open and obedient to God.

Most churches want to see young people come to faith—but often don’t know where to start. In this episode, Andy shares why prayer is the most powerful and practical foundation for youth ministry, and offers five simple ways your church can grow in prayer for the next generation.

In this week’s Heart of a Youth Leader episode, Andy reflects on the story of Jonah — not just his disobedience, but his sleep in the middle of a storm.

It’s a powerful reminder of how easy it can be to drift through ministry on autopilot, doing what we’ve always done, while missing what God is really saying. Andy invites us to stop coasting, to seek the Lord afresh, and to make obedience to Him our top priority once again.

If you’ve lost some of your first love for ministry, this episode is a gentle wake-up call to rest, reconnect, and realign your heart with God’s purpose.

In this week’s episode of The Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy explores what it really means to live courageously dependent on the Spirit.

Too often, Christians underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit within us — the very same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Andy challenges us to move beyond comfortable routines and to invite the Spirit to work actively through us, shaping our hearts, transforming our youth ministries, and breathing life into our daily walk with God.

It’s an invitation to depend on Him boldly, not passively — for ourselves, our teams, and the young people we lead.

Should parents be leaders in the same youth group their teenagers attend? It’s a question many youth leaders wrestle with. In this episode, Andy shares his own experiences of leading all three of his children in youth ministry and unpacks 10 lessons he learned along the way. From avoiding embarrassment to building trust, encouraging independence, and creating healthy boundaries—this episode will help you think through the benefits and challenges of parents leading their own teenagers.

In a world obsessed with individuality and “my way” living, what’s the real purpose of our youth groups?
Andy Castle explores Hebrews 10 and challenges us to build gatherings that put community over competition—places where teenagers know they belong, are encouraged, and are cheered on in their walk with Jesus.
This week’s episode will help you refocus your ministry on worshipping together, loving each other, and spurring one another on toward Christ.

In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle unpacks the story of Samuel’s calling in 1 Samuel 3 and draws out a surprising detail about Eli: his failing eyesight. Could Eli’s weakness actually have positioned him to recognise God’s work in Samuel’s life?

Andy explores how the limitations, frustrations, and challenges in our own lives might not be obstacles to ministry but invitations to slow down, listen, and notice what God is doing—both in us and in the young people we serve.

Be encouraged to see your struggles differently and discover how God may be using them to open up fresh opportunities to hear His voice.

What does it really mean to have a steadfast heart before God? In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle reflects on Psalm 108 and the challenge of living faithfully with all our hearts in a world that tells us to put ourselves first.

Andy unpacks what it means to be able to say, “God, you can trust me” — and how this transforms not only our own walk with Jesus but also the way we model faith to the young people we serve.

Take a few moments with Andy to pause, reflect, and invite the Holy Spirit to bring your heart into alignment with God’s.

When it comes time to hand over the baton of leadership, what words of advice would you want to pass on? In this episode, Andy reflects on Moses commissioning Joshua in Deuteronomy 31 and the timeless reminder that “the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.”

Whether you’re stepping into a new season of ministry or simply needing fresh encouragement, this short reflection will help you remember that you’re not doing youth work for God, but with Him.

Replay Episode – The Father Who Delights in You
Off the back of a touching Father’s Day moment with his sons, Andy reflects on how our heavenly Father longs to be with us, delights in us, and pays the cost for that relationship—just like a loving parent.

Drawing from Zephaniah 3:17, this episode is a gentle reminder that God doesn’t just tolerate us—he rejoices over us with singing. Especially when we feel dry, overworked or distant, this truth matters most: your Father delights in you.

Take a moment. Let that sink in. And go for it.

Replay Episode – A New Way to Pray: Rejoice, Request, Give Thanks
In this reflective episode, Andy revisits 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and unpacks how rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances can transform our prayer life and mental health.

He shares a simple but powerful three-step prayer model—Rejoice, Request, Thank—that has refreshed his own walk with God and could help young people pray more confidently too.

Could this be a tool your youth ministry needs right now? Try it, share it, and go for it.

Replay Episode – Always Be Ready: Talking About Faith Naturally
Inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of faithfulness and service, Andy reflects on how we model faith in everyday life. Why is it so hard for Christians—even leaders—to talk about Jesus outside of “have to” moments?
Drawing from 1 Peter 3, this episode challenges us to normalise spiritual conversations and make space daily to share the hope we have.

Let’s stop waiting for permission and start living faith out loud—with gentleness, respect, and boldness.

Replay Episode – Coffee with God: Modelling a Life of Presence
In this heartfelt replay, Andy challenges us to consider what kind of example we’re really setting for the young people we lead. Are we modelling spiritual rhythms—or screen time habits? Drawing from Jesus’ desire for solitude in Matthew 14, this episode is a call to reclaim intentional space with God in a distracted world.

Make time. Find your place. And let your first coffee be a meeting with the Lord.

Replay Episode – Live for the Audience of One
In this powerful replay, Andy shares the story of Stephen in Acts and the striking moment Jesus stands at the right hand of God—cheering him on. It's a call to youth leaders everywhere to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, not the crowd. Be encouraged to live and lead with boldness, not for approval from others, but for the “well done” of your heavenly Father.
Let this episode recalibrate your motivation, your perspective, and your purpose in ministry.

Replay Episode – Real Comfort, Real Faith
In this classic episode, Andy reflects on Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1 about the God of all comfort. It’s a powerful reminder that true comfort doesn’t come from escaping pressure—but from encountering God in the middle of it. Whether you’re overwhelmed, stretched, or tempted to rely on your own strength, this episode will re-centre your heart.
Let it encourage you to stop striving and start depending on the God who raises the dead—and who wants you to join in with what He’s doing this week.

Replay Episode – A Word in Season
In this classic replay, Andy Castle reflects on the essential role of worship in the life of a youth leader. Often the ones who miss corporate worship in church, youth and children's leaders need to find ways to reconnect with God in personal, intentional ways. From Psalm 89, Andy challenges us to sing of the Lord’s great love forever—not just for our own sake, but to inspire the next generation with our passion and gratitude.
Be encouraged to sing, remember God’s faithfulness, and speak boldly of His goodness—this week and always.

Welcome to a special summer replay from Heart of a Youth Leader.

This episode revisits a powerful reflection from Andy Castle on how to keep your soul healthy when youth ministry gets overwhelming. Are you working for God or with God?

Drawing from Psalm 92, Andy encourages us to begin the day in God’s love, pause at midday to reconnect, and end by recognising His faithfulness. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or volunteering, this rhythm is for you.

🕒 Take 15 minutes to reset your focus and strengthen your walk with God.

👉 New episodes return this September!

Do you ever find yourself working for people more than working with God? This week, Andy Castle asks youth leaders: what if our priorities were shaped not by urgency or expectations—but by obedience? Reflecting on Proverbs 29:25, Andy challenges us to identify and act on the one thing God wants us to do each day in ministry.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode of Heart of a Youth Leader, Andy Castle reflects on the rise of anxiety and attention challenges in young people and how our fast-paced, screen-saturated world is impacting their ability to focus on God. Drawing from Psalm 8, Andy shares the power of worship—especially among children—and the importance of helping young people sit in God’s presence, not strive harder but “try softer.” Encouraging and practical, this short devotion is a reminder to slow down and fix our eyes on the majestic name of the Lord.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

When someone asks, “What can I pray for you?”—how do you respond? This week, Andy explores how we can shift the focus of our prayers from surface-level concerns to life-changing transformation. Whether you’re a youth leader or a young person, learn how to ask for prayer that helps you become more like Jesus and how to guide young people to do the same.

'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In this episode, Andy Castle explores the vital difference between helping young people know about Jesus and guiding them to know Him personally. Drawing from Romans 8 and his own experience (including a surprising comparison to Paul McCartney!), Andy challenges youth leaders to move beyond teaching facts and towards creating space for real encounters with the living God. Packed with encouragement and practical suggestions for prayer and worship in youth settings, this is a call to help young people walk in freedom with God.

'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

Feeling worn out in youth ministry? You’re not alone. In this short but honest episode, Andy Castle shares five essential habits to help you keep going when the calling feels tough. Whether you’ve been in ministry 2 years or 20, this is your reminder that God sees your faithfulness—and you're not forgotten.

'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

What does it look like for young people to live out kingdom values in the middle of school drama, peer pressure, and broken friendships? In this milestone 150th episode, Andy Castle reflects on Jesus’ call to love our enemies and challenges youth leaders to help young people live generously and graciously — even when it's tough. There’s wisdom here for your youth group... and maybe a challenge for you too!

'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube.

Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk