How do you design a midweek student service that actually matters?

In this episode, John and Ian dive deep into the structure, philosophy, and flow of midweek gatherings. From preaching to programming, from fun to follow-up, this conversation will challenge how you approach your weekly rhythm. Whether you’re questioning if small groups still work, wondering how long your sermon should be, or simply want to re-center your gathering on Jesus, this one’s for you.

Topics Covered:

• Why your “why” matters more than your format

• What a healthy gathering flow looks like

• How to teach with clarity and conviction

• When small groups help—and when they don’t

• Mistakes we’ve made and what we’d do differently

This episode is part of our ongoing mission to equip student pastors and volunteers with content that’s theologically sound, practically helpful, and honest about the real challenges of ministry.

Want more tools?

We’ve built a years of curriculum, leader tools, and training resources at shapingstudentministry.com/sermons

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian unpack why the school campus might be the most overlooked and most important mission field in your city. They talk practically and unscripted about:

• Why showing up at school might matter more than showing up on stage

• The difference between “felt needs” and “real needs” on campus

• How to build trust with administrators and become indispensable

• Why club ministry isn’t the finish line and what to do instead

• Real stories that will challenge your excuses and reignite your calling

Whether you’re just starting to think about campus engagement or you’ve been grinding it out for years, this one’s for you.

Need help equipping your students for this kind of ministry?

We’ve built a full year of biblically rich, gospel-centered curriculum to help your students grow and go. Sermon series, small group guides, graphics, and more. Check it out here: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/sermons

What does it really take to stay?

This week on The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian sit down with Roger Reid, who has been faithfully leading student ministry in New Brunswick, Canada, since 1994!

They talk about the hard seasons, the moments he almost walked away, and why long-term faithfulness matters more than we think.

If you’re in a place where you’re questioning your calling or wondering if staying put is still worth it, this one’s for you.