Ministry Minded: A Podcast by Step Up To Life

Why Gen Z Is Spiritually Hungry And What the Church Must Do Next

Step Up To Life Season 4 Episode 5

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0:00 | 54:11

In this episode of Ministry Minded, hosts Nick Bank and Lincoln Murdoch (briefly, from bed post-surgery) introduce a major development within Step Up To Life: the appointment of Alex Daum as U.S. National Director of Youth Evangelism and Strategic Partnerships.

Alex brings over a decade of frontline ministry experience with the Todd Becker Foundation—engaging public high schools, discipling gap-year students, and leading thousands of one-on-one gospel conversations across the Midwest. But his story begins much earlier—with a hidden life of sin, a crisis of eternity, and a moment of deep conviction that led to true repentance and saving faith.

This episode is more than an announcement. It’s a window into a growing burden:

-Why Gen Z is more spiritually open than we think
-The evangelism gap in modern youth ministry
-How apologetics and gospel clarity must work together
-Why most believers don’t share their faith—and how to change that
-A bold new initiative: the Step Up To Life Ambassadors Program

Together, Nick and Alex unpack a vision to equip young believers not just to know their faith—but to articulate and multiply it. This isn’t about replacing existing ministries—it’s about refining them. Strengthening them. Igniting a culture where students move from passive belief to active disciple-making.

You’ll also hear:
-A powerful testimony of transformation from pornography and spiritual apathy to radical obedience

-Real stories of students confidently defending the faith in everyday conversations

-Insights into building resilient, gospel-centered leaders in a hostile and confused culture

-Why fear—not theology—is the biggest barrier to evangelism

-How God often leads step-by-step, not all at once

This is a conversation for pastors, youth leaders, parents, and anyone burdened for the next generation. Because the question isn’t whether young people are searching. It’s whether the Church is ready to meet them with truth in a way they find compassionate and compelling.

🔑 Key Topics & Timestamps (Optional Add-On for YouTube/SEO)
(00:00) Major Announcement: New Role at Step Up To Life
(05:00) Alex Daum’s Testimony: From Sin to Saving Faith
(15:00) Inside the Todd Becker Foundation Model
(25:00) Why Gen Z Is Spiritually Open Right Now
(35:00) The Vision: Step Up To Life Ambassadors Program
(45:00) Apologetics + Evangelism: A Missing Link
(55:00) Real Story: A Teen Defends the Faith at Work
(1:05:00) The Future of Youth Discipleship

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