The FYI on Youth Ministry Rich Villodas & Kara Powell: Future-focused leadership takes time
Mar 26, 2026
Rich Villodas, lead pastor and author focused on spiritual formation and emotionally healthy church culture. He contrasts deep formation with surface fixes. He talks about private rhythms like prayer and Sabbath. He urges slowing down for long-term leadership and the power of steady presence with young people.
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Discipleship Requires Deep Subterranean Change
- The narrow path calls for deep transformation beneath surface beliefs and behaviors.
- Rich Villodas compares scuba diving to discipleship: God targets values, fears, idols, hopes, and desires deep under the surface.
Prioritize Hidden Practices Over Public Praise
- Prioritize a hidden life with God to avoid performative ministry driven by public affirmation.
- Rich practices prayer, journaling, and creative withdrawal so God's words, not people, define his identity.
Keep Flexible Rhythms Instead Of Rigid Schedules
- Build flexible daily rhythms rather than rigid rules; aim for congruence not perfection.
- Rich often spends 15–30 minutes morning prayer/journaling, short midday reflections, and evaluates via Sabbath and monthly calendar meetings.
