1503389026
The GenSend Podcast

Advertise on podcast: The GenSend Podcast

Rating
★★★★★
4.9
from
70 reviews
This podcast has
49 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2020/03/18
Latest episode
2026/10/27
Average duration
50 min.
Release period
26 days

Description

The next generation is the now generation. They're not just the future of the church, but they're the church today. So what will it take to reach them with the gospel? The GenSend Podcast is a podcast designed to equip you to reach, disciple and mobilize the next generation.

Unlock The GenSend Podcast podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from The GenSend Podcast podcast


Are Mormons Christian?: What the LDS Church Actually Believes
2026/10/27
In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with Bobby Wood, a church planter who has spent 16 years in Utah. Listen in as he helps explain why “same words, different meanings” is the biggest barrier to the gospel for Latter-day Saints. Equip yourself and your students on how to engage Mormons with less debate, to incorporate more questions and patience, and to make a beeline to Jesus in conversation. Discover a practical framework for talking about faith with Mormon friends, plus real stories of God moving in a pre-Christian mission field. No matter which next gen ministry you lead, this one is worth sharing with your students.Also in This Episode:  Equip your students to define spiritual terms before they debate them, since terms often have different meanings to Latter-day Saints. Understand the core doctrinal differences in the Trinity, salvation, and Scripture, so your students aren’t caught off guard in conversation. Take the long view of evangelism: Hear why most conversions come after years of faithful seed-planting by someone else, which takes the pressure off a single conversation. Get a roadmap for follow-up: Learn how to move from righteousness to the Trinity to walking through New Testament books. Prepare summer and mission teams heading into hard places by learning what Utah’s mission field is actually like. Helpful Resources:  GenSend Summer Free eBook: Barriers and Bridges Free eBook: A Christian’s Guide to World Religions Send Network  GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org  ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Shareable Quotes:  “Just because we have the same name doesn’t mean we’re worshiping the same Jesus.” —Bobby Wood  “We can’t say Jesus but then change fundamentally who Jesus is and still claim Christianity.” —Shane Pruitt   “You could win the conversation but not win the person to Christ.” —Paul Worcester   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why Gen Z and Gen Alpha Are Turning to Catholicism
2026/10/13
In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Trevin Wax, NAMB Vice President and visiting professor at Cedarville University, to discuss the shift of young people flocking to Catholic Mass and Eastern Orthodox liturgy. Discover what’s driving this move; why “otherworldliness,” not aesthetics, is the real draw; and how youth and collegiate leaders can respond with conviction instead of panic.  Whether your students are asking questions about the Reformation, drifting toward TikTok theology, or longing for a worship experience that doesn’t feel like the rest of their week, this conversation gives you the historical grounding and practical language to shepherd them well. Also in This Episode:  Understand the real data behind the “rise of Catholicism” narrative and why the numbers tell a more nuanced story than the headlines Learn two core theological differences to clearly and charitably explain evangelical convictions to curious students Get vetted apologetics resources to hand off to students without becoming a full-time Catholic/Orthodox debate expert yourself Walk away with a working definition of “liturgy” that applies to every church—contemporary or traditional—and tools to be more intentional about your own Hear how to disciple the mid-to-late 20s age gap that’s most drawn to higher liturgical traditions and celebrity-culture rejection Helpful Resources:  Gavin Ortlund’s Christian Apologetics on YouTube Talking with Catholics about the Gospel: A Guide for Evangelicals by Christopher A. Castaldo Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment by Gregg Allison 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism by Gregg Allison “Churchiness Is Back” by Trevin Wax  The Lord Is My Light by Trevin Wax The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take on the World by Trevin Wax GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org  ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Shareable Quotes:  “Every church is liturgical; everyone's got an order of worship.” —Trevin Wax  “The 20-year-old on TikTok did not figure out something that 2,000 years of church fathers said otherwise.” —Shane Pruitt   “The average student is going to go with whoever gets to him first.” —Paul Worcester   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why the Local Church Still Matters (and Why Gen Z Needs It)
2026/09/29
In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the tension every next gen leader faces: Gen Z is showing up to church in larger numbers than their parents’ generation, yet research shows they’re less theologically formed than ever. Listen in to discover the New Testament case for local church commitment, how to walk with students carrying real church hurt, and learn practical, field-tested language for talking with unchurched or unbelieving family members. Whether you’re leading six students or 600, this episode will give you fresh words for a conversation you’re probably already having this fall.   Also in This Episode:  Gain a compassionate but direct approach to students dealing with real church hurt or spiritual abuse Hear language for college students navigating faith conversations at home over breaks Learn how to address “church hopping” or “church sampling” without shaming students Pick up ready-to-use illustrations for teaching on the local church Discover how to help students distinguish real shepherding from online spiritual influencers Helpful Resources:  Youth Leader Coaching Network Collegiate Coaching Network  Movement Ready Church by Robby Gallaty and Vick Green  New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance  Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More but Often Lag in Application  3 Circles Evangelism Tool  Life on Mission app  GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org  ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Shareable Quotes:  “The church is not a building to be maintained; it's a people to be mobilized.” —Shane Pruitt   “Programs don't make disciples; disciples make disciples.” —Paul Worcester   “Ministry, evangelism, and the mission are a team sport.” —Paul Worcester   “Discipleship happens best in the local church.” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Helping Students Thrive: Overcoming Obstacles to Growth
2026/09/15
Kicking off Season 8 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor dig into a topic every campus minister has seen but few talk about openly: the “isolation cycle” that can derail Christian college students before they even know what’s happening. Drawing on his 20+ years of discipling students, Paul shares eight roadblocks that keep young believers stuck—from compromise and shame to loneliness and burnout—and shows how they can be flipped into a launchpad for spiritual growth. Whether you’re sending a freshman off to campus this fall, leading a college ministry, or discipling students in your youth group toward lifelong faithfulness, this episode gives you a practical, gospel-centered framework you can start using this week. Also in This Episode, Learn:  Learn to identify the “isolation cycle,” the sin-shame-hiding-withdrawal spiral that can trap even outwardly healthy students and leaders. Understand why "compromise" (80–90% surrender) may be the most under-recognized spiritual issue among students today. Hear a practical distinction between the danger of isolation and the formative nature of solitude that you can teach directly to students. Discover a strategy for reaching harder-to-disciple populations such as international students, commuters, and community college students. See how to “reverse engineer” discipleship, starting with middle schoolers and youth, so college faith isn’t a fresh start but a continuation. Helpful Resources: Thrive: Cultivating a Faith That Endures, Paul Worcester 5 Leadership Principles for Collegiate Ministry, Paul Worcester and Shane Pruitt  GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org  ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Shareable Quotes:  “Social media did not make a generation more social. The thing that was supposed to connect the world actually made loneliness go up.” —Shane Pruitt   “It’s impossible to overdo time alone in God's presence. I've never gotten done with an hour alone with God and felt like that was a waste of time.” —Paul Worcester   “There’s a difference between isolation and solitude. Isolation is unplanned and alone, typically where sin thrives. Solitude is intentional time with the Lord where your soul thrives.” —Shane Pruitt   “Bonhoeffer said, ‘The enemy loves to see a man by himself.’ Because the more alone they are, the tighter sin’s stranglehold on the person.” —Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The GenSend Podcast LIVE: Reaching Gen Alpha
2026/06/09
In episode 8 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome special guest, Dr. Shelly Melia, coauthor with Pruitt of Reaching Generation Alpha. In this episode, discover how to effectively reach and disciple Gen Alpha, those born between 2010–2025, the first fully digital generation. Next-gen leaders, ministry partners, and parents will be equipped to understand what shapes Gen Alpha, how to engage them both online and relationally, and meet their deep spiritual hunger with biblical clarity. Learn practical steps to faithfully make disciples in this cultural moment by understanding the world that’s forming them and how the gospel speaks directly into it. What You'll Learn: Why Gen Alpha’s upbringing is fundamentally different from previous generations  How technology and algorithms are forming identity and worldview  The connection between anxiety, loneliness, and adolescent development Practical ways to engage Gen Alpha with truth How to faithfully make disciples in this cultural moment Helpful Resources: Reaching Generation Alpha by Shane Pruitt and Shelly Melia “Don’t Forget the Holy Spirit” Substack Series Free eBook: Three Habits for Everyday Evangelism Free Download: The Big 5: Foundational Habits for Discipleship GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareable Quotes: “The question is not, ‘Are they being discipled?’ The question is, ‘Who or what is discipling them?’” —Shane Pruitt    “Gen Z expanded their network through technology. Gen Alpha has a global perspective as a starting point.” —Dr. Shelly Melia   “Disciples are hand-crafted, not mass produced.” —Paul Worcester    “Technology is not just changing Gen Alpha; it is forming them.” —Dr. Shelly Melia “Our calling as leaders, parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches is to help the next generation to know the truth and to disciple them to live in that truth.” —Shane Pruitt   “Social media didn’t make kids more social. Artificial intelligence is not going to make our kids more intelligent.” —Dr. Shelly Melia “You don’t get what you expect; you get what you inspect. Gospel-centered accountability is life-changing.” —Paul Worcester  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Are Christians Losing Biblical Literacy?
2026/04/28
In episode 7 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor unpack the growing gap between Bible access and Bible understanding and why it may be one of the most urgent discipleship challenges facing pastors and ministry leaders right now. From the truth about “deconstruction” to the surprising hunger Gen Z has for deep theology, this conversation will challenge how you think about teaching Scripture and give you practical ways to build ministries that produce students who don’t just hear the Word but live it and share it. What You'll Learn: Why the goal isn’t to “dumb it down” but to disciple them up What Gen Z is actually craving: depth, not entertainment How to identify three types of deconstruction in your ministry Practical ways to teach students to read and interpret Scripture themselves How to balance fun, belonging, and theological depth in your ministry Helpful Resources: The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible GenSend Leader Resources GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareable Quotes: “One of the greatest issues we have in the church today is Bible illiteracy. If we don’t know truth, we can’t live it out.” —Shane Pruitt  “Students are clearly hungry, but are we equipping them to feed themselves?” —Lacey Villasenor “Some people aren’t deconstructing—they’re just living in sin and looking for a new word to justify it.” —Shane Pruitt “It’s not just knowing the Word—it’s obeying what you know that builds a life on the rock.” —Paul Worcester  “Some of the most effective teaching is just opening the Bible and walking through it.” —Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Likes, Views, and Revival: When Influence Isn’t Anointing
2026/04/14
In episode 6 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor help next-gen leaders discern what truly matters in a digital world where influence is measured in likes and views. They unpack the tension between platform and anointing, and why viral doesn’t always mean faithful. Discover the dangers of equating online popularity with spiritual authority as well as practical guidance for leading students with discernment. Be challenged to rethink success, guard your heart from comparison, and anchor your ministry in Scripture instead of algorithms. Listen in to be equipped to shepherd students through digital noise while staying grounded in real, relational discipleship.    What You'll Learn: Why confidence does not equal competence in online teaching How to help students test everything against Scripture Why faithfulness is the biblical measure of success, not visibility How to shepherd students influenced by online voices The difference between discernment and cynicism when evaluating teachers Helpful Resources: GenSend Webinar: Reaching Gen Alpha (May 7, 2026) Three Habits for Everyday Evangelism, eBook by Paul Worcester Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges FM72 GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareable Quotes: “Gifts and talents can build a crowd, but only the Holy Spirit can build the Church.” —Shane Pruitt   “Students often assume that if it has a lot of views, it must be true.” —Lacey Villasenor   “It’s a snare to compare. Just put out truth and trust the Lord with it.” —Shane Pruitt “Social media is a mission field, but it should never replace real discipleship.” —Paul Worcester    “The metric of success you choose will shape the ministry you build.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bivocational Ministry: Faithful Leadership in a Changing Church
2026/03/31
In episode 5 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor offer a clear vision for how bivocational and covocational ministry is a strategic advantage for reaching your campus and community, especially if you’re a leader who’s navigating ministry alongside school, work, or life. Discover practical rhythms for managing your time, avoiding burnout, and leading from a place of spiritual health. Be challenged to rethink calling, not as a single lane, but as a life lived on mission wherever God has placed you. This conversation will equip you to lead faithfully right where you are, with what you have.   What You'll Learn: How to define and distinguish bivocational and covocational ministry Why bivocational ministry is becoming a key strategy for the future of the church The difference between striving for “balance” and living in “harmony” The evangelistic advantage of being in the marketplace and everyday environments How your current job or major can become a mission field, not a distraction Helpful Resources: “The 5 Hour Sermon: A Covo Preacher’s Guide” article at NewChurches.com Discovering Covocational Church Planting, by Send Network Not My Jesus (Bible Study Book with Video Access) GenSend on Instagram and YouTube       ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org       ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareable Quotes: “See it all as a marathon. If you sprint in every area, you’ll burn out and not be great for anyone.” —Shane Pruitt   “Your goal isn’t how much ministry you can do; it’s how much you can empower others to do.” —Paul Worcester    “When students see someone with a marketplace job teaching the Bible, it expands their vision of calling.” —Lacey Villasenor   “If you're covocational, you're in good company—Jesus was a carpenter, and Paul was a tentmaker.” —Shane Pruitt “As a covocational leader, you get to model the lifestyle you’re trying to reproduce.” —Paul Worcester    “When you meet real needs, people start asking, ‘Why are you here?’—and that opens the door for the gospel.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why Young Men Are Returning—and Young Women Are Leaving the Church
2026/03/17
In episode 4 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome Catherine Renfro as they discuss the data behind the growing church engagement gap and offer practical insight into why college-aged women are disengaging from weekly church attendance and spiritual habits. You’ll be equipped to disciple young women in a culture shaped by social media, political polarization, and mistrust of institutions. Discover proactive strategies to empower women as laborers in the harvest, strengthen relational discipleship, and address difficult topics like leadership, purpose, and church hurt with both truth and compassion. Listen in to gather help in building ministries that mobilize both young men and young women for the mission of God. What You'll Learn: The recent data that shows a growing engagement gap between genders—and what that means for your ministry. Why safety, belonging, and authenticity are critical for engaging Gen Z women in the local church. How to evaluate whether your ministry culture unintentionally sidelines or overlooks young women. Why disciple-making—not programming—is the long-term solution to engagement gaps. How to create pathways for both young men and young women to live on mission together.   Helpful Resources: Dream Big: The Henrietta Mears Story The Other Half of Church Women in the Mission of God Gospel Conversation Starters for Women Living Sent Barna Research GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “If we say we want our ministries to be a hospital for souls, then we shouldn’t push people away who are hurting.” —Shane Pruitt “Relational connection is one of the highest values for Gen Z, especially women.” —Paul Worcester  “If we’re going to reach this world, it’s going to take every single one of us.” —Catherine Renfro “It’s really easy to train your mind to have a bad view of the church if you’re constantly fed negative stories.” —Lacey Villasenor “We define God by our circumstances instead of letting God define our circumstances.” —Catherine Renfro “We’re in a God moment where young men are being reached with the gospel.” —Shane Pruitt “If they don’t see the church as a safe place, they’re just not going to show up.” —Paul Worcester Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A False View of Sanctification: Why the Christian Life Is a Lifelong Journey
2026/03/03
In episode 3 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor unpack the difference between justification and sanctification and why understanding both matters for next-gen leaders. Discover why sanctification is not instant perfection but a lifelong, grace-filled process of becoming who you already are in Christ. Gain clarity on distorted theology, shame-driven discipleship, and “quick fix” spirituality, as well as biblical and practical encouragement for leaders and the students in their ministries. Ultimately, be reminded that the process itself is the reward. Walking with Jesus on the journey is the victory.   What You'll Learn: Teach students the clear distinction between justification and sanctification How to normalize struggle in the Christian life without normalizing sin The importance of building discipleship environments that include accountability, Scripture memory, and honest confession Specific biblical passages to teach students a framework for understanding freedom, struggle, and victory Reasons to guard against “higher life” or perfectionist models that create shame or false expectations Helpful Resources: The Pursuit of Holiness The Pilgrim’s Progress The Hole in Our Holiness GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “The process is the reward. The reward is walking with Jesus.” —Shane Pruitt  “Work out your salvation—not work for it.” —Paul Worcester  “Sanctification is empowered by the Spirit, shaped by the Word, supported by community, and lived out in obedience.” —Lacey Villasenor “If you feel like you’re in the middle of a war, that’s not a bad thing.” —Shane Pruitt  “It’s not let go and let God. It’s trust God and get going.” —Paul Worcester  “Sanctification is this lifelong journey of becoming like Christ.” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Calling, Chemistry, and Commitment: Dating as a Young Ministry Leader
2026/02/17
In episode 2 of Season 7 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor discuss how complicated dating can be to single leaders called to ministry, especially when it feels like their life, leadership, and future are already under a microscope. Listen in as the hosts offer practical biblical wisdom to help you navigate dating with clarity, integrity, and mission-first conviction. You’ll learn how calling, chemistry, and commitment work together, and what happens when one is out of alignment. From avoiding casual dating to setting wise boundaries, this conversation equips you to pursue relationships that strengthen your walk with Christ rather than distract from it. Whether you’re single, dating, or discerning next steps, this episode will help you honor Jesus, the church, and your future.  Also in This Episode, Learn: Why commitment to Christ and the mission must come before chemistryHow to discern calling without becoming overly rigid or overly casualWhy casual dating is especially dangerous for ministry leadersRed flags to watch for when dating with a call to ministryHow to pace relationships wisely while trusting God’s timingHelpful Resources: You Can’t Talk About That Youth Leader Coaching Network GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “A healthy Christian relationship is two complete people in Christ already that Christ brings together and He's the center of.” —Shane Pruitt  “Singleness is not an obstacle to overcome—it’s an opportunity to embrace.” —Paul Worcester  “Who you marry will either be your greatest help or your greatest hindrance in ministry.” —Lacey Villasenor “What example would you want set before your kids one day? That’s what you are right now for someone else’s kids.” —Shane Pruitt  “If you idolize a dating relationship, you’ll make the same mistake in marriage.” —Paul Worcester  “Specific boundaries help everyone know what questions to ask.” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Holding Strong Convictions Without Becoming Cynical
2026/02/03
In the season 7 premiere of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor address how growing polarization has fueled cynicism, legalism, and unnecessary division within the church, and especially among young leaders. As a next-gen or collegiate leader, listen in to help students hold biblical convictions with humility and grace. Learn practical frameworks to keep unity in your ministry without compromising truth, and discover the antidote to criticism and spiritual arrogance. This episode will remind you of the mission and give you the fuel to carry it out with convictional kindness and collaborative kingdom work. Also in This Episode, Learn: The importance of modeling humility, especially when addressing disagreements on social media or cultural issuesHow to train students to differentiate conviction from preferenceTo anchor students in Scripture, not just podcasts, influencers, or theological personalitiesWhy evangelism must remain front and center, remembering that winning souls reorients ministries toward what matters mostTo address cynicism early, especially when students fixate on niche theological debates instead of prayer, Scripture, and mission  Helpful Resources: Messiology, George VerwerGenSend Youth Leader Coaching NetworkGenSend SummerGenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “I don’t want to be a jerk for Jesus, but I can’t be a coward for Christ either.” —Shane Pruitt  “Pride, jealousy, and competition may be one of the greatest hindrances to revival.” —Paul Worcester  “Young people are tired of seeing church leaders act just like the culture.” —Lacey Villasenor “If learning theology makes you more arrogant, then you don’t understand good theology.” —Shane Pruitt  “What we do in moderation, our students will do in excess.” —Paul Worcester  “Convictional kindness is what this generation is longing to see.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The GenSend Podcast LIVE: Cultural Jesus vs. Biblical Jesus—How Misunderstanding Christ Impacts Faith
2025/12/02
In Episode 7 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Lacey Villasenor, and Paul Worcester unpack why getting Jesus right is essential for every ministry leader and every student we shepherd. Hear the most common cultural distortions of Jesus and how to help students rediscover the biblical Jesus revealed in Scripture. Be equipped with tools for teaching repentance, lordship, the exclusivity of Christ, and the urgency of evangelism with clarity and compassion. Take away practical strategies such as gospel appointments, three evangelism habits, and how to correct false views of Jesus without shame or fear. Be encouraged to preach the real Jesus boldly and train your students to do the same. Also in This Episode, Learn: To identify and dismantle cultural “false Jesus” narratives using Scripture, not opinion.The importance of teaching a full biblical gospel every time you present Jesus.To equip students to normalize hard conversations about hell, eternity, and exclusivity, topics Jesus spoke about often.How essential it is to model tears and compassion for the lost, showing students that passion flows from understanding the gospel.To prioritize gospel appointments with new students and train them to do the same with others. Helpful Resources: Not My Jesus - Teen Bible Study Book: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols Not My Jesus - Bible Study Book with Video Access: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the Idols Life on Mission App Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Youth Leaders Creating a Culture of Evangelism for Collegiate Leaders GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “If we don’t get Jesus right, we don’t get anything right—evangelism, discipleship, missions.” —Shane Pruitt  “What this generation wants more than anything else is for you to open the Bible and explain it clearly and boldly.” —Paul Worcester  “Those with the greatest grasp of the gospel have the greatest compassion for the lost.” —Paul Worcester  “The longer someone talks about their Jesus, the less he sounds like the Jesus of the Bible.” —Shane Pruitt    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Your Favorite Influencer Is Not Your Pastor: Loving the Local Church in a Digital Age
2025/11/18
In Episode 6 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with speaker, comedian, and K-LOVE radio host Lacy Abercrombie to talk about a topic every student leader needs to think through: how Christian-influencer culture shapes your faith. Be equipped to help your students discern truth online, stay rooted in the local church, and use their influence for the glory of God—not personal brand-building. Walk away ready to lead students to engage the digital world with wisdom, guard their hearts from comparison, and lead others toward authentic discipleship that happens face-to-face, not just through screens. Also in This Episode, Learn: How to use social media as a tool for evangelism and encouragement without losing your focus on the gospelThe difference between being discipled and simply consuming Christian contentWhy online influence should supplement, not replace, local church communityHow to stay rooted in biblical truth when loud voices online sound convincing but lack depthPractical guardrails for pastors, ministry leaders, and students using digital platformsHelpful Resources: GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “We can replace time with God by consuming content about God. And that’s dangerous.”  —Lacy Abercrombie  “An influencer can’t replace your church. We were made to be known and known in community.” —Lacy Abercrombie “Look down at your two feet. Right there is your mission field. Even your digital footprint is ground God can use.” —Shane Pruitt  “There’s an idolatry of cool in our culture. We’ve started equating influence with wisdom.” —Paul Worcester  “There’s a difference between being inspired by someone online and being discipled by someone who knows you.” —Lacey Villasenor “There’s so much beauty in being shepherded, known, and held accountable.” —Lacy Abercrombie   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Worship and Gen Z: What the Next Generation Thinks About Worship
2025/11/04
In Episode 5 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with worship pastor Ben Halsey to talk about the heart of worship in a culture shaped by influencers. What happens when the platforms and performance are stripped away and students encounter the presence of God through worship? Hear practical guidance for training young worship leaders to stay grounded in Scripture, walk closely with Jesus, and lead with humility. Discover the balance between excellence and authenticity in ministry, whether you’re developing a student worship team or discipling young believers. Lead your ministry to focus on what truly matters: worshiping Christ above all else. Also in This Episode: Be reminded to teach young worship leaders to walk with Jesus daily before releasing them to step on stage.Learn strategies to train students to evaluate songs and lyrics through the filter of God’s Word.Consider how modeling humility teaches student worship leaders to value servanthood over stardom.Discover how to equip students to plan well but ultimately let God lead the moment, holding everything with open hands to give space for the Holy Spirit to move.Explore conversations with young leaders to keep motives pure, asking the “why” behind every element of setlists, technology, and production choices.Helpful Resources: The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion by Jeremy Riddle The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Shareable Quotes: “It all comes down to the leader. Are they putting truth in a song that helps mature this generation, or are they offering a shallow faith because they themselves have a shallow faith?” —Ben Halsey   “Some of the most powerful worship moments happen when the technology fails.” —Shane Pruitt  “We value training people up more than we value perfection in every environment.” —Paul Worcester    “How can we help students focus more on God’s glory than on style?” —Lacey Villasenor   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podcast reviews

Read The GenSend Podcast podcast reviews


4.9 out of 5
70 reviews
★★★★★
Action116 2025/03/27
Reaching The Next Generation
Best podcast on helping church leaders engage students with the gospel!
★★★★★
Baylee A 2025/01/12
Generational seeking
I am a student who has a future in education and just to seek how to be on mission and intentional daily within this podcast has just opened my eyes u...
★★★★★
Alwaysmewithyou 2023/05/23
Relevant Topics
Answering common questions leaders are asking.
★★★★★
5.Lulu 2022/06/26
Encouraging
I’m a mom of teenagers and this podcast helps motivate me, encourage me to keep going-and to do more for Jesus!
★★★★★
RyanScant 2020/08/02
Incredible
Incredible insight from incredible ministry leaders! Thanks Shane for putting all the best ministry ideas and practices for the next gen in one place.
★★★★★
evangelistmatt 2020/07/23
Crazy good
Shane is a premiere leader, and best of the best. Can’t recommend him highly enough.
★★★★★
WP.98 2020/05/13
Practical, Engaging, Challenging
As a senior in college involved in ministry to Gen Z around me everyday as well as those younger, this podcast has been incredibly helpful. It has hel...
★★★★★
Crossroadian 2020/04/02
Excellent podcast
Shane is on a mission and that mission is centered around Christ and bringing to to the next generation and he’s rocking it. Great to listen to techni...
★★★★★
My4GirlsDad 2020/03/31
Powerful
This interview with Kevin was so powerful! Wish every pastor and youth minister would prayerfully listen and apply it. Revival could come to the natio...
★★★★★
bradbarnett60 2020/03/28
Great Content
Shane is a trusted voice in reaching the next generation. I hope you’ll stop by and give this series a listen.
check all reviews on apple podcasts

Podcast sponsorship advertising

Start advertising on The GenSend Podcast relevant audience podcasts


What do you want to promote?