Listen "The One Where We Start a Church in Grand Theft Auto š®"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, Ian, John, and special guest Jon Rush dive into one of the most unexpected ministry conversations yetāhow gaming and discipleship intersect in todayās culture. From Fortnite streams to the bold (and hilarious) idea of starting a āchurchā in Grand Theft Auto, they explore how student pastors can meet students where they areāyes, even in digital worlds.
But this isnāt just about video games. The conversation expands into why relational ministry beats event-driven strategies, how student pastors can build meaningful connections beyond Sunday mornings, and why showing up at a studentās football game might be more impactful than your next big event. Jon also shares his story of growing up in a broken home, finding community in gaming, and how relational youth ministry changed his life.
They also tackle the real struggles student pastors face, from the short tenure crisis in youth ministry to why so many churches donāt know how to develop and retain student leaders. Plus, Jon offers practical insights on why Gen Z and Gen Alpha will go where they feel wantedānot where we try to entertain them.
š If youāve ever wondered how to engage students without gimmicksāor you just want to hear about the time John Oliver was actually in an NCAA video gameāthis oneās for you.
š² Follow Jon Rush:
š® Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/jonrush/home
š· Instagram: Ā /jonwrush Ā
š Want to grow alongside other leaders who get it?
Join the Shaping Student Ministry community today: https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-ch...
š Subscribe, hit play, and letās talk about discipleship⦠with a side of Grand Theft Auto. š§
But this isnāt just about video games. The conversation expands into why relational ministry beats event-driven strategies, how student pastors can build meaningful connections beyond Sunday mornings, and why showing up at a studentās football game might be more impactful than your next big event. Jon also shares his story of growing up in a broken home, finding community in gaming, and how relational youth ministry changed his life.
They also tackle the real struggles student pastors face, from the short tenure crisis in youth ministry to why so many churches donāt know how to develop and retain student leaders. Plus, Jon offers practical insights on why Gen Z and Gen Alpha will go where they feel wantedānot where we try to entertain them.
š If youāve ever wondered how to engage students without gimmicksāor you just want to hear about the time John Oliver was actually in an NCAA video gameāthis oneās for you.
š² Follow Jon Rush:
š® Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/jonrush/home
š· Instagram: Ā /jonwrush Ā
š Want to grow alongside other leaders who get it?
Join the Shaping Student Ministry community today: https://g6allies.com/ssm-community-ch...
š Subscribe, hit play, and letās talk about discipleship⦠with a side of Grand Theft Auto. š§
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The One about Discipleship on the Spectrum
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The One about Summer Chaos and Fall Momentum
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