I’ve learned the hard way that ministry can drain you if you never stop to refuel. In this video, I wrestle with a question many leaders feel guilty even asking: Should you ever put yourself first?

Using Scripture, personal experience, and the reminder to stay connected to the Source, I talk about avoiding burnout, abiding in Christ, and why ministry should always flow from time with God, not replace it. If you’re serving in kids or youth ministry and feeling stretched thin, this one’s for you.

Watch now, share it with your team, and let’s talk about what it really means to stay connected.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

What’s the one skill that will really help you reach students? In this episode, I share why authenticity, personal faith, and truly listening matter more than trying to be cool or relatable. I talk about setting healthy boundaries, why respect still matters, and how understanding a student’s story can completely change how you connect with them.

This conversation is for ministry leaders, parents, and anyone who works with kids and teens. I also introduce a free training series from Proclaim Ministries designed to help adults connect with children in meaningful ways.

Watch now, reflect honestly, and ask yourself: Am I really listening?

Connecting with Children

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

I’ve learned that if something matters, you protect it. That’s why I believe kids need to hide God’s Word in their hearts. In this video, I share why teaching memory verses matters, how Psalm 119:11 has shaped my ministry, and a simple five-step method I’ve used through CEF and in my own church. I also walk through 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and show how hand motions and engaging activities help kids actually remember Scripture, not just repeat it. This isn’t about entertainment. It’s about helping kids treasure God’s Word for life.

Watch now and ask yourself, what are we really teaching kids to hold onto?

[0:00] Intro

[0:45] How to teach memory verses

[8:20] 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 memory verse

How to Teach a Memory Verse

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 memory verse

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I’m reflecting on a new year, a new season, and a word God has placed on my heart for 2026: intentionality.

I share prayer requests, gratitude for God’s faithfulness, and why we launched our new Rooted and Ready series. I also talk honestly about rhythms, spiritual growth, stewarding time well, and what it really means to be found faithful. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about living on purpose, one day at a time.

Watch now and ask yourself: How intentional am I with the life God has given me?

[0:00] Prayer requests and praises

[3:55] NEW 30-Day series Rooted and Ready

[5:00] Word of the Year 2026

Questions for personal reflection:

What does being “intentional” look like in your faith right now?

How are rhythms different from goals, and why might that matter spiritually?

Which verse or moment from this episode stood out to you most, and why?

If this year were viewed through one word, what would you choose and why?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

In this podcast episode, I share a brief recap of our Advent series and introduce a brand new 30 day devotional series called Rooted and Ready, launching January 1st. It’s built around 30 Bible verses that have shaped my faith, and I hope they help shape yours too.

Watch now, reflect with me, and ask yourself this question: What is my life really rooted in?

👉 Join the Rooted and Ready series on YouTube and our app January 1, 2026

👉 Support the ministry through the links below

👉 Watch, discuss, and share with someone who needs encouragement

[0:00] Advent recap

[4:25] NEW 30 Day Series

[9:25] Sneak peek

Watch the Advent Livestream Replay

Dwell app

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

In this final Advent reflection, Andrea Brown and I sit down to look at Scripture with fresh eyes. Psalm 72, Isaiah’s prophecy, Micah’s shepherd-King, Luke’s upside-down birth narrative, and the hope of Romans 5 all point us to the same truth: Jesus is the King we’ve always longed for. As we talk, I’m reminded how much we all need real peace and how deeply it matters that we find it in Him.

If you’ve been following the series, thank you. If not, jump in. Watch now and reflect with your family or your small group. Let’s keep pursuing the King who brings justice, peace, and hope.

Advent: The Songs of the First Christmas

Questions for personal reflection:

Which passage from this reflection (Psalm 72, Isaiah, Micah, Luke, or Romans) spoke to you the most, and why?

How does Jesus’ upside-down kingship challenge the way we think about power, peace, or leadership?

Where do you currently feel a longing for justice or peace, and how does Scripture speak into that longing?

What would it look like for your home or group to engage Scripture more intentionally this season?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

This week, let’s reflect on what it really means to fear the Lord, not to be scared of God, but to honor Him with a reverent love that shapes how we live. Andrea and I also share how music, repetition, and different Bible translations (like the NET Bible) help us go deeper into God’s forgiveness, His love, and the hope of Advent.

If you’ve ever wondered how fear, love, peace, and joy all work together during Advent, this one’s for you. Watch now and consider where God might be inviting you to slow down and listen.

Advent: The Songs of the First Christmas

Questions for personal reflection

When you hear “fear the Lord,” what emotions or ideas come to mind? Has that understanding changed over time?

Which Scripture passage this week (Psalm 130, Exodus 34, Isaiah 40, John 3:16, etc.) felt most personal or challenging? Why?

How does music help you reflect on God’s character or deepen your understanding of Scripture?

Advent invites preparation, so what is God inviting you to prepare or make room for right now?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/

This week in our Advent series Songs of the First Christmas, my wife and I sat with Mary’s song, and I was reminded how often God works through the overlooked. Mary didn’t fully understand God’s plan, but she still said, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Her trust challenges me. Am I willing to say the same, even when life feels chaotic? Even when God’s plan doesn’t line up with my expectations?

If you’re walking through uncertainty, or holding tightly to your own plans, this reflection might speak to you. Watch now, share with someone who needs encouragement, and take time to ask: What would it look like to say yes to God today?

Advent: The Songs of the First Christmas

Questions for personal reflection:

Where in your life do you struggle to say, “Not my will, but Yours”?

Why do you think God often chooses the humble and overlooked to carry out His biggest plans?

How does Mary’s response challenge your view of trust and obedience?

What helps you find joy even when life feels chaotic or uncertain?

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/