Show notes
Welcome to our Summer Re-Release series 2025/26This week, we are re-releasing episode 82 with Rev Dr Graham Stanton. This week we talk with Revd Dr Graham Stanton, Founding Principal of Youthworks College.Graham is currently Director of the Centre for Children's and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne. He is also founder and director of Youth Ministry Futures In this episode, Al James sits down with Graham to explore the significance of long-term, full-time youth ministry within the national church in Australia. He shares his vision for Youth Ministry Futures (YMF) and discusses the benefits of having long term, full-time and well trained youth ministers for the sake of young people and churches. The conversation covers the state of youth ministry in Australia, systemic issues in youth ministry today, the challenges faced by part-time youth ministers, and the advantages of integrating youth ministry into the larger church environment. Graham also highlights the pressing need for a shift in how churches perceive and invest in youth ministry roles. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of youth ministry and the development of strong, supportive communities for young believers.Episode Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Challenges in Youth Ministry02:57 Effective Ministry Podcast Introduction03:15 Insights from Kids and Youth Ministers04:57 Upcoming Episodes Preview06:05 Interview with Graham Stanton06:53 Graham Stanton's Roles and Contributions17:19 State of Youth Ministry in Australia20:50 Systemic Issues in Youth Ministry28:29 The Impact of Full-Time Youth Ministers29:45 Exploring the Benefits of Full-Time Roles31:27 The Importance of Theological Training33:56 Challenges and Solutions in Youth Ministry36:40 The Role of Youth Ministers in Churches37:56 Advocating for Full-Time Youth Ministry38:35 Reimagining Church Staffing Priorities40:18 The Broader Impact of Youth Ministry51:26 Intergenerational Ministry and Its Challenges57:24 Youth Ministry Futures: Vision and GoalsConnect with YouthworksClick on through to discover more about the Youthworks Ministry Support Team and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church or check out our Facebook Page.You can connect with the broader Youthworks Family clicking here.You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you. Get stuck in to the Effective Ministry Podcast Facebook page or send your thoughts, comments, suggestions, and critiques to [email protected]