On Mission Insights Podcast

Eric Miller sits down with Dr. Randy Smith, senior pastor of Neighborhood Church in Sebring, Florida, founder of Great Commission Bible Institute, and director of the Christian Travel Studies Program, for a candid conversation on the Middle East, the church, and how pastors can lead with clarity in a confusing cultural moment. Randy helps cut through oversimplified narratives and algorithm-driven opinions, offering a framework for understanding the layers behind modern conflicts while keeping the main thing the main thing: starting with God's Word, not cable news. He challenges pastors to resist stereotypes, avoid partisan traps, and step into hard conversations with humility, compassion, and biblical conviction, like a referee bringing principles to both sides. The episode closes with practical direction and real hope. Randy shares how to think biblically, pray faithfully, give strategically, and engage wisely without over-spiritualizing or over-politicizing. He also highlights what is encouraging him right

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with Clancy Cruise and Jeremey Bury, the pastors behind Marysville Grace, Momentum's 2025 Church of the Year. Together, they share the story of Marysville Grace from its early days as a church plant to becoming a thriving, multiplying church rooted in trust, unity, and long-term faithfulness. Clancy reflects on what it looks like to plant a church, raise up leaders from within, and remain on staff with humility after handing off the lead pastor role. Jeremey walks through his unexpected journey from worship pastor to lead pastor, and how God consistently confirmed each step along the way. This conversation dives deep into healthy leadership transition, the difference between preferences and convictions, and why building trust through humility, repentance, and patience matters more than chasing trends. If you're a pastor or ministry leader navigating succession, developing young leaders, or longing for a church culture built on multipli

In this episode, Eric sits down with Nick (founder of UP) for a conversation that hits right at the center of what so many students, parents, and ministry leaders are feeling: doom scrolling is shaping us more than we realize. Nick shares his unlikely journey—from baseball and high-pressure tech environments to building tools rooted in behavioral science—and the moment he felt God calling him to take what he'd learned and use it for something bigger. Together, they unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of our feeds: how algorithms are designed to keep us hooked, how the "scroll" can choke out spiritual growth, and why this isn't just a self-control issue—it's a systems issue. Nick explains the heart behind UP (and the "scroll happy" idea): a platform built to give people what they want without feeding them what they don't need, aiming for mental health and wellbeing over engagement. Learn more about Scroll Happy

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric Miller sits down with Holly Regan, Training Coordinator at Rahab Ministries, for a conversation every parent, youth pastor, and ministry leader needs to hear—but may not know how to start. Together, they unpack what sex trafficking actually looks like in the United States today. Holly brings years of frontline experience to help clarify how exploitation frequently begins much closer to home, especially in digital spaces students interact with every day. This honest and eye-opening discussion explores how social media, pornography, grooming, and sextortion are increasingly connected, and why proactive conversations matter more than reactive ones. Rather than leaning into fear, Holly offers practical, hope-filled insight into how churches and parents can build trust, establish safe relationships, and create environments where students know they are not alone and are never beyond help. This episode includes mature topics and is best listened to away

Today on the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, we're joined by someone who has been a leading voice in helping the Church think more biblically, more compassionately, and more holistically about the issue of life. Roland Warren is the President and CEO of Care Net—one of the nation's largest networks of pregnancy centers—and a national advocate for what he calls a Pro Abundant Life vision. In this conversation, Roland shares the personal story that shaped his passion (it starts back at Princeton), the one question he believes every pastor and leader needs to wrestle with, and why the Church can't outsource this issue to politics and call it "mission accomplished." If you've ever felt the tension of wanting to lead with conviction and compassion—but not knowing how to talk about it without it turning into a debate—this episode will give you language, clarity, and practical next steps.  Visit Care Net's Website HERE Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partne

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with Dane Caraway on the final day of Momentum Youth Conference. They talk behind-the-scenes of Youth Conference, what it really looks like to pastor students in moments of worship, and why confession, accountability, and peer support matter more than we sometimes admit. Dane also shares a bit of his story with Momentum over the years and gives an honest update on life and ministry as a church planter in Towson, Maryland with Church at the Well. If you're a pastor, leader, or just someone who wants real conversations about staying healthy in ministry (without pretending it's easy), this one's for you.  Listen to Dayne's session at Momentum Youth Conference Here  Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities.  Another great way to discover who we are? Check out THIS PODCAST

On this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric Miller sits down with longtime youth ministry leader Walt Mueller—founder of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU)—for a laid-back conversation packed with perspective for anyone serving students today. Listen as the two talk about Walt's decades in student ministry, how CPYU started (and why helping parents understand their kids' world matters more than ever), and the shift from program-driven youth group to relational ministry that actually goes deep. Walt also shares encouragement for youth workers who feel the pressure—how to keep learning, take a hit, stay rooted in God's Word, and navigate technology and cultural change with wisdom instead of panic. And toward the end, Walt tells a story that brings it all home—one that challenges priorities and reminds leaders why family, rest, and a filled-up spiritual "well" aren't optional. We're so excited for you to tune in and be part of this conversation! Resources from Walt

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric Miller sits down with retired pastor and missionary Norman Schrock. Norman has worn a lot of hats (pastor, missionary, teacher, interim leader… even a few you wouldn't expect), and he shares the kind of perspective you only get through years of faithful ministry, hard seasons, and God's steady refinement. Together they talk about how pastoring and ministry have shifted over the years—what's changed, what hasn't, and what young pastors need to watch out for in today's church culture. Norman also gets incredibly practical about staying rooted, staying healthy, and staying in it for the long haul (including some wisdom on marriage, accountability, and not letting ministry become your identity).  If you're a pastor, leader, or just someone trying to stay fresh and faithful in your calling, this one will strengthen you. Press play and let Norm's stories remind you that God is still shaping His servants, no matter what season you're in. Check out www.b

It's the holiday season

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with David Wood — pastor, magician, and founder of Generation Echo — for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, honest, and challenging. Recorded in sunny Southern California, this episode dives into David's unique journey into ministry, how magic unexpectedly became part of his calling, and how God has been weaving together every chapter of his story for something bigger than he imagined. David shares the heart behind Generation Echo and the moment a single statistic stopped him in his tracks — a number so big it's hard to ignore, yet paired with a solution that suddenly feels possible. From youth ministry to missions, from discernment to obedience, this conversation explores what it really looks like to listen for God's voice, take the next faithful step, and walk alongside the next generation as they wrestle with calling, purpose, and the Great Commission. If you're a student wondering if God could really use you, a youth pasto

In this episode, Eric sits down with Anita for an honest, moving conversation that weaves together faith, family, loss, and the relentless grace of God. What begins as a story about growing up in a Christian home quickly unfolds into something much deeper—moments of youthful confidence, quiet compromise, and a life-altering turning point that forced Anita to wrestle with shame, fear, and trust in God's voice. Through it all, she reflects on the powerful role of grace, especially the kind that shows up when you expect judgment but instead receive love. As the conversation continues, Anita shares how God met her in the aftermath of painful decisions and long seasons of waiting, slowly revealing His heart in unexpected ways. From unanswered questions to surprising connections, her story highlights what it looks like to seek God even when the path forward feels unclear. It's a reminder that faith isn't just built in mountaintop moments, but in the quiet, daily choice to show up. This episode isn't just about one

In this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down at Momentum Youth Conference with speaker, author, and professor Christopher Yuan—someone whose story, teaching, and clarity on biblical identity have had a deep impact on students year after year. Christopher had just finished speaking in the main session and leading a packed Power Track when he joined us for this conversation, and the energy of what God was doing in the room is still fresh as they dive in. Together, Eric and Christopher explore questions that pastors, parents, and students are wrestling with right now—how to navigate a culture overflowing with opinions, how to root identity in something deeper than emotion, and what it really means to pursue holiness in a world that often celebrates the opposite. Christopher also shares powerful pieces of his own journey, from unexpected places of brokenness to discovering a life fully transformed by Christ, and what led him to develop the concept of "holy sexuality." If you've ever w

On this episode of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast, Eric sits down with longtime friend and teammate Timothy Lansing for a heartfelt conversation about growing up in ministry, discovering calling, and the surprising ways God uses ordinary moments to shape extraordinary stories. Both Eric and Tim share pieces of their journey—from their earliest encounters with Momentum to the life-changing experiences that eventually led them into full-time ministry. But what were the turning points? Who were the people who nudged them forward? And how did God use those moments to form the leaders they are today? Throughout the episode, they talk about the impact of faithful volunteers, prayer partners, youth pastors, and donors—the people behind the scenes who make life change possible. They also reflect on what they're seeing right now in churches and students across the country, and why they believe the next generation is stepping into something powerful. What stories are coming out of our Urban Centers? Why are stu

What happens when a simple step of obedience from a high school student sparks a movement of prayer, evangelism, and spiritual leadership? In this special episode recorded live at Momentum Youth Conference, Eric sits down with three students who are living proof that God uses willing hearts at any age. You'll meet Nick, Ariana, and Nathan—each with a story that makes you ask, What could God do through me if I took just one bold step? Nick kicks things off by sharing how a podcast he started as a junior unexpectedly turned into a school-wide ministry—complete with basement prayer nights, student testimonies, and even a surprise visit from an NFL player. But here's the real question: What happens when a student surrenders their plans, prays consistently, and lets God build something far bigger than they imagined? And what could that look like in your school, your youth group, or your friend circle? Then you'll hear from Ariana, whose quiet faithfulness in leading a student prayer group is reshaping her entire y

What happens when you take more than 30 years of student-ministry experience, a nationwide research project, and a passion for seeing teenagers boldly share the gospel—and put it all into one conversation? In today's episode, Eric sits down with Greg Stier, founder of Dare 2 Share, to talk about why students are uniquely positioned to reach their peers and how youth pastors can build ministries that truly advance the gospel. Are we accidentally building youth ministries without the engine? And what actually changes when students start praying, caring, and sharing every week? Greg shares the behind-the-scenes story of Dare 2 Share, what the newest research reveals about effective youth ministry, and why today's teens are more spiritually open than ever before. If you've ever wondered how to help students own their faith, how to shift from "come and see" to "go and rescue," or how to spark real gospel movement in your church—this episode is for you. Listen in, be encouraged, and get ready to rethink what's poss

What if students realized their school was a mission field?

When God changes your life, everything changes.

What happens when viral generosity meets gospel purpose? In this episode, Jimmy Darts joins Eric for a powerful conversation about faith, obedience, and using every opportunity to point people to Jesus. From a Billy Graham video that changed his life to his viral Kindness Challenge videos, Jimmy shares how God turned his online platform into a tool for hope and generosity. They talk about the heart behind radical kindness, how to pray for people in everyday moments, and what it looks like to stay humble and obedient when God grows your influence. Jimmy also gives us a sneak peek into his new book and his vision for creating positive, family-friendly social media. It’s an inspiring reminder that following Jesus isn’t just about big moments—it’s about open hands, bold faith, and everyday obedience. Check out Jimmy's NEW BOOK!

Ministry isn’t “his lane” or “her lane”—it’s our lane. Here’s how churches can equip both genders to lead well. In this episode, Kadi Cole joins Eric for a powerful conversation on how ministry leaders—regardless of gender—can effectively disciple both male and female students. What does it look like to build trust across gender lines, avoid awkwardness, and lead with gospel-centered confidence? Listen as we unpack practical ways to cultivate a balanced ministry, empower student leaders of both genders, and navigate today’s cultural challenges without compromise. They also unpack how Momentum Marketplace helps students and mentors discover how faith connects to every career path — and why the next generation needs leaders who know how to model godly collaboration.  

What keeps a pastor going when ministry feels heavy? In this episode, Eric sits down with Pastor Tony Livigni from Grace Church Medina East Campus to unpack the power of deep friendships, healthy rhythms, and how God uses relationships to sustain us in ministry. Tony shares personal stories....From sleeping on folding tables on his Momentum Travel Team days, to seeing his own son pray for him before preaching at Momentum Youth Conference, all to demonstrate what it looks like when faith comes full circle.  Listen as the two discuss how friendships can bring about longevity in ministry, how to fight burnout and isolation as a leader, and discover why healthy churches multiply disciples and campuses. Watch Tony’s Momentum session here: https://youtu.be/mrHLFE__ayc?si=AfcZN0zcogm1AjF4 Check out www.buildmomentum.org to learn more about our organization and how we seek to partner with local churches in order to equip today's young Christian leaders for tomorrow's opportunities. Another great way to discover who w