170: Heather Lea Kenison "How Is Your Soul Youth Ministry?"

Hey-oh! It's episode 170 of the YMB podcast with special guest Heather Lea Kenison. Heather is a YM who knows the value of connecting with other YMs and we love her heart for connecting with other leaders in that way. 

This interview is solid, zesty, and insightful and you will love hearing Heather's story of coming up in youth ministry and now leading and learning youth ministry for a bright new future. 


Heather Lea Kenison serves at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, serving 5th-8th grade students and her families. A newlywed, Heather spends a lot of time with her husband and their one-eyed cat child. Heather believes that middle school ministry's purpose is to create a safe space for students to grow closer in relationship with God and others, and feels blessed to work with a dynamic team of volunteer leaders who make it their mission to live this out. 

Key Takeaways:

• "Even though I am in a different place now, I can say fundamentalism saved my life.” 
• "Middle school kids; nothing feels safe for them, everything is changing, their body is betraying them” 

Measuring an Invite Night

1. Were students safe?
2. Did they have fun in community?
3. Did they learn a new thing about God? 

• “My Volunteers Kept Me Here” 
• “Why not have an accounting for every minute of youth group?”
• The idea of a holiness group asking... “How is your soul?” 

Connect With Heather: 
Twitter

https://twitter.com/heatherlea17?lang=en

Blog

https://heatherleakenison.blog/

Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/heatherlea17