Chris Smith: You Don't Need a Theology Degree to Reach Teens - 07/21/2026

Meet Chris Smith Chris Smith is the Youth Ministry Coordinator at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, now a year into the role. He leads EDGE (grades 6–8) and FISH — Fellowship in Spirit with Him (grades 9–12) — the parish's two youth ministry programs. What Makes Youth Ministry Different Chris explains why youth ministry is intentionally tailored to teens: giving them a say in the topics and hard questions they want to talk through, building small groups where they can be honest with each other, and helping every teen know they are loved by Jesus and not alone in their faith. From a Youth Group in Altoona to Leading His Own Chris traces his own calling back to his home parish youth group at Ss. John and Paul in Altoona, where he first found a sense of belonging in high school. An internship at St. Cecilia Parish in Ames while attending Iowa State University confirmed his call to youth ministry full-time. This Summer's Fun (and a Pickleball Tournament) Beyond small groups and discussion nights, this summer at St. Francis has included games and a first-ever pickleball tournament for the teens — building community and a little friendly competition before the school year picks back up. How Lay Catholics Can Help Chris's biggest ask for parishioners, whether or not they have teens of their own: consider becoming an adult small-group leader, and pray for youth ministries everywhere, including through the intercession of St. John Bosco. He also makes the case that a steady, authentic witness — even just a warm greeting — can speak louder to teens than any polished talk. Connect with St. Francis of Assisi Youth Ministry Learn more about EDGE and FISH at St. Francis of Assisi's Youth Ministry page or contact Chris directly at [email protected]. #CatholicYouthMinistry #YouthMinistry #CatholicTeens #StFrancisOfAssisi #WestDesMoines #IowaCatholicRadio #EDGEyouthministry #CatholicPodcast #FaithFormation   Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.