How do you keep your heart soft when students you poured into walk away from the faith?

In this episode of The Shaping Student Ministry Podcast, John and Ian have a raw, pastoral conversation about the deep grief many student pastors carry, especially when students who once seemed “all in” lose their way. They talk through the emotional weight of those moments, how to grieve well, and how to keep showing up with hope instead of bitterness.

This isn’t about blaming ourselves or others. It’s about guarding our hearts with the truth of God’s Word and staying faithful to the call, even when the fruit is hard to see.

Inside the Episode

• Why it hurts so deeply when students walk away

• Paul’s example of grieving without giving up

• Why emotional maturity matters in ministry

• You are not the hero—God brings the growth

• Questions to ask when the grief feels heavy

• How to walk in hope, not cynicism

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What if discipleship was never meant to be one size fits all?

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Howell—a pastor, doctoral researcher, ropes course trainer, and 20-year student ministry veteran—to talk about what it really looks like to disciple neurodivergent students. From ADHD to autism and everything in between, Daniel offers honest insights from both his personal journey and years of ministry experience.

We cover:

• What youth pastors need to understand about neurodivergent students

• Why traditional age-graded ministry often falls short

• How to spot common traits and red flags

• Misconceptions that lead to ministry mistakes

• How to connect, disciple, and empower students with ADHD or on the autism spectrum

• Why every ministry should think more intentionally about neurodivergent inclusion

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergence

00:52 Understanding Neurodivergence in Ministry

06:52 Defining Neurodivergence and Its Impact

12:13 Common Traits of Neurodivergent Students

13:04 Understanding ADHD and Autism in Students

15:17 The Importance of Consistency for Neurodivergent Students

17:29 Connecting with Autistic Students

21:26 Misconceptions About Neurodivergent Students

31:02 Embracing Unique Gifts in Neurodivergence

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed or under-equipped to lead students who don’t fit the mold. Let’s move from surviving awkward moments to creating intentional, Christ-centered connection.

Is summer where student ministry goes to die or is it the secret weapon for a better fall?

In this episode, John and Ian dive into the reality of summer chaos:

camp injuries, mission trip fails, and the pressure to “keep things going.”

But what if summer isn’t about just surviving? What if it’s your best shot at building real momentum for the fall?

We talk:

• Why some families (and staff) expect you to vanish for the summer, and how to push back

• Creative rhythms that help students thrive, not just attend • How to lead smarter, not harder

• Practical ways to leverage slower weeks for deeper discipleship and connection

• Why NOW is the best time to build your fall plan, recruit volunteers, and prepare your leaders

PLUS: If you’re a member behind the wall, we’ve got a bonus segment full of practical tools—calendar templates, planning sheets, and a fall ministry roadmap. Not a member? You can jump in today and get your first two weeks free.

Start your Free Trial: https://www.shapingstudentministry.com/pricing-plans/checkout-1?planId=bdf7472e-3f3d-46f9-8d7e-08c08d9477fe&checkoutFlowId=0a047568-f6b2-49c0-9cd2-c0f19c847bdf