This is part one of a two-part conversation with Valerie O’Brien from Aspen Ministry. In this episode of the Effective Ministry Podcast, host Al James sits down with Val to talk about her journey into youth ministry and her latest initiative, the 10,000 Questions Project.Val, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, has spent more than 15 years serving in student ministry through the local church—walking with families, discipling students, and leading teams. More recently, she transitioned into a parachurch role where she has trained and coached youth leaders across the US and around the world, helping them build disciple-making ministries patterned after the life of Jesus.Out of that experience grew the 10,000 Questions Project, which seeks to gather and reflect on the countless real questions that young people have about life, faith, God, and the world. Rather than brushing those questions aside, the project gives us a window into what’s really on students’ hearts and minds, and helps churches listen and respond with honesty and hope.In this first part of our conversation, Val shares her path into ministry, the story behind the 10,000 Questions Project, and what she’s been learning along the way. Then in a shorter follow-up episode in two weeks, we’ll get practical and discuss how to create youth ministry environments where asking questions isn’t just allowed, but encouraged.This is a valuable conversation for youth workers, parents, and anyone passionate about discipling the next generation.Aspen Ministry Find out more about Val’s work and the 10,000 Questions Project at aspenministry.org.Connect with Youthworks Click through to discover more about the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youthworks Ministry Support Team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and how Youthworks can help you have an effective youth and children's ministry in your local church, or check out our Facebook Page. You can connect with the broader Youthworks family by clicking here. You can partner in the ministry of Youthworks by donating here.We would love to hear from you! Send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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