Switch Leader Podcast

Are You Relevant? Is It Even What You Think?

In this episode, Matt Lamberth and Josh Baldwin tackle the question of relevance in ministry and leadership. Does being relevant actually matter, or is it just a distraction? We break down what true relevance looks like, how it impacts student engagement, and why it’s essential for effective leadership. Tune in as we explore how to stay connected to the next generation without compromising the message that matters most.

Series Overview: The Lion and the Lamb

As we wrap up our series on relationships, we’re diving into a powerful new six-week series: The Lion and the Lamb. This series will explore the incredible character of Jesus, where seemingly opposite traits come together in perfect harmony. Join us as we unpack:

•Week 1: Prophecy and History (3/26)

•Week 2: Grace and Truth (4/2)

•Week 3: Humility and Authority (4/9)

•Week 4: Criminal and King (4/16)

•Week 5: Lion and Lamb (Easter message 4/23) 

•Week 6: Now and Not Yet (4/30)

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and invite others to experience the true power of Jesus.

The Power of a Story

Stories have the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives. In this episode, Josh Baldwin and Dustin Wells dive into the art of storytelling and its impact on youth ministry. From personal childhood memories to the parables of Jesus, they explore how great storytelling creates curiosity, brings intentionality, and offers new perspectives. Learn how to use your own experiences to engage students and point them toward Christ.

Advice From Switch Students

In this special episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, we’re flipping the script and hearing directly from Switch students! Host Josh Baldwin sits down with Kayla and Madison, two senior students, to discuss how Switch has shaped their faith, the power of small groups, and what they wish every leader knew about leading this generation well. Their insights will challenge and inspire you to invest even deeper into the lives of students. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

You and the Holy Spirit

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Dustin Wells dive into the essential role of the Holy Spirit in youth ministry. From understanding how the Holy Spirit guides and convicts to recognizing its presence in leadership, they break down practical ways to rely on God’s power rather than just our own efforts. Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry or looking to deepen your connection with God, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to lead with faith, preparation, and the Holy Spirit at the center.

Relationship + Ownership = Healthy Leadership

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin sits down with Zach Dyck, youth pastor at Life.Church Des Moines, to tackle a challenge many ministry leaders face—losing passion over time. They dive into the importance of balancing ownership and relationship in leadership, revealing how too much of one without the other can lead to burnout or apathy. Through personal stories, biblical insights, and practical advice, Josh and Zach explore how cultivating both can reignite passion, create deeper connections, and help leaders thrive in ministry and life.

Sins and Wins

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Kaitlyn and James break down the Sins and Wins section of the message guide—why it matters, how to lead it well, and how it helps students grow through confession, celebration, and authentic community. Plus, they share practical tips for creating a safe space where students can be real and take ownership of their spiritual growth.

Knowing Your Audience

It's important that you understand the students you're trying so hard to reach. Remember, the norms that you grew up with are not the norms they are growing up with. In this episode you'll learn some important things to know about this generation of teenagers. The more you can understand them, the better you'll be able to reach them. 

Series Overview: Getting Relationships Right

Getting Relationships Right

SERIES OVERVIEW: Throughout this series, we are deep diving into how we can have strong, healthy, and thriving relationships with God and with others. The first half of this series is focused on our relationship with God, others, and our family. The second half of this series is going to zero in on how to navigate romantic relationships wisely. To illustrate the key principles and practices we need to get our relationships right, we will be examining some of the best (and worst) examples from the Old Testament so that, when everything is said and done, our students will have the biblical understanding and the practical skills to live rightly with God and with others. 

 

MAIN IDEA: The greatest calling of our lives is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others the same way Jesus does.  

 

ANCHOR TEXT: ³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 NIV

 

Bible Plan: Getting It Right With Others

Switch Things Up

Being just a couple of weeks away from having no Switch IRL, it's time to make sure you have a plan for that Wednesday evening. Kaitlyn Caffrey and Josh Baldwin talk through the value of showing your student's how much you care for them beyond the scope of Switch on Wednesday nights. Want to take your group from good to great? This episode explains one of the most significant keys to that success.