The GenSend Podcast

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.

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.

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 ThatYouth Leader Coaching NetworkGenSend 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.

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.

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 IdolsNot My Jesus - Bible Study Book with Video Access: Reclaiming the Truth, Rejecting the IdolsLife on Mission AppCreating a Culture of Evangelism for Youth LeadersCreating a Culture of Evangelism for Collegiate LeadersGenSend 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.

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 pastor Ben Halsey, known for his role at Long Hollow Church and engagement with GenSend coaching networks, dives deep into the heart of worship for the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of training student leaders to be grounded in Scripture and maintain humility in ministry. The discussion explores the challenges of influencer culture in worship, distinguishing between congregational songs and radio hits, and prioritizing authenticity over performance. Halsey encourages a balance of excellence and openness to the Holy Spirit in worship planning.

In Episode 4 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane and Kasi Pruitt join cohosts Paul Worcester and Lacey Villasenor to talk about leading “the unique kids,” the ones who don’t always fit the mold. Gain biblical wisdom and practical insight to shepherd every student with patience and purpose. Hear stories of transformation and learn how to see disruptive or quirky students the way God does: as image bearers with potential for kingdom impact. Be encouraged to fight against the instinct to pull away from chaotic situations and instead see them redeemed into powerful ministry moments. Also in This Episode:Learn to redefine success by laying down the idol of a perfectly polished ministry and embracing a messy but meaningful ministry. Discover how to create space for every personality where quirky, loud, or “extra” kids can belong and contribute.Explore how to set the tone for your leaders, building a culture where gossip or sarcasm about students cannot exist. Consider how to channel disruptive energy into leadership, giving high-energy students ownership and responsibility.Find strategies to diversify your leadership team by recruiting volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to connect with every kind of student.Helpful Resources:Youth Leader Coaching NetworkGenSend Resources for LeadersGenSend 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:“Some of the hardest kids in ministry end up being the ones who make such a difference for the kingdom.”—Kasi Pruitt“Jesus was constantly interrupted, and He welcomed it.”—Shane Pruitt “Put the unique kids on your prayer list and give them a place to serve.”—Paul Worcester “The most important thing is that they matter to God. So, how do we shepherd them really well?—Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 3 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the increase of spirituality among Gen Z and how leaders can respond. They explore how today’s students are open to spiritual conversations but are also deeply influenced by new age practices, DIY spirituality, and false gospels. Gain practical tools to help students discern truth from error, anchor their faith in Scripture, and avoid the temptation to “add to Jesus.” Be better equipped to shepherd students toward the real Jesus in a culture full of counterfeits. Also in this episode:Recognize the rise of DIY spirituality and new age practices influencing Gen Z.Teach students that Jesus is enough and that faith is not “Jesus plus” anything.Discover how to leverage students’ hunger for spiritual experience by pointing them to the Bread of Life.Be encouraged to boldly call out false spirituality while modeling true prayer, worship, and Scripture engagement.Learn how to equip students to identify false gospels and cultural lies by comparing them with Scripture.Helpful Resources:GenSend Webinar, “Who is the Real Jesus?”Not My Jesus Bible StudyDiscovery Bible StudyGenSend 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.”—Shane Pruitt “Two-thirds of Gen Z is moderately spiritually open … whoever gets to them first matters.”—Paul Worcester “So much of this DIY spirituality requires extra things to connect to God to get a spiritual high, but it doesn’t last. With the Holy Spirit, you’re connected to God 24/7.”—Lacey Villasenor“The test of true spirituality is: what does it say about Jesus?”—Paul Worcester   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 2 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor explore the hot topic of artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping the way the world thinks, plans, and communicates, but is it a tool pastors should leverage or a danger to be avoided? Next-gen leaders will gain insight into how to approach AI with wisdom, use it with integrity, and disciple students already engaging with it daily. Hear stories, practical examples, and biblical reminders to keep Christ at the center of the cultural AI conversation. Also in this episode:Discern how AI can assist in streamlining administrative tasks, planning trips, or creating resources—ultimately freeing leaders to focus more on the students they serve.Warn students about the dangers of relying on AI for truth, identity, or belonging, reminding them that only Christ can provide real hope.Address tough questions directly, like whether AI-generated pornography or avatars still fall under lust and sin, so students don’t look elsewhere for answers.Guard your own integrity as a leader by avoiding shortcuts in sermon prep and letting your teaching overflow from personal time with God’s Word.Discover how to use AI as a practice tool for evangelism by simulating gospel conversations that can help prepare students for real-life encounters.  Helpful Resources:ChapGPTWho’s Your One in a MillionYouth Leader Coaching NetworkCollegiate Coaching NetworkGenSend 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 never want to call ChatGPT ‘Pastor Chat’ or ‘Counselor Chat.’ We have to encourage students and help them understand where they can go for real, actual help.”—Shane Pruitt  “People are already using AI as a pastor, a friend, even a significant other. That’s not real relationship.”—Lacey Villasenor “Let’s be wise and tread carefully into the waters of AI. But if we can use it with integrity for the glory of God, let's use it.”—Paul Worcester  “The best sermons are those that you've bled over the Scriptures yourself, when the Holy Spirit's worked out things in you rather than receiving a response back from ChatGPT in 10 seconds.”—Shane Pruitt  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.