In the Sandbox Season 3 : Episode 3 | Derrick Scott III

Hosts Matt Rawle and Rachel Billups interview Derrick Scott III, Associate Director of Learning and Innovation at Wesleyan Impact Partners, about “entrepreneurship” in ministry as faithfulness—cultivating what’s been placed in our hands, experimenting, and adapting to changing needs. Derrick describes leading in permission-giving spaces that allow trial-and-error learning and argues campus ministry must follow student rhythms (e.g., moving weekly gatherings, midnight Bible study) while helping churches decenter established patterns to reach young adults. He shares practices for staying healthy amid constant change, emphasizing self-care so he can focus on those he serves and measure success by whether people feel seen. Derrick advises churches to invest real resources in younger generations, admit current models are often designed for boomers, and give younger people meaningful inheritance and authority. He discusses generational theory (Gen Z amid chaos; Gen Alpha rebuilding) and calls for equipping and passing the mic to younger leaders. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:21 Faithful Entrepreneurship 05:20 Pivoting With Permission 07:56 Campus Ministry Rhythms 15:19 Staying Healthy in Change 20:07 Coaching Churches for Gen Z 26:17 Unlocking Lay Leadership 28:45 Empowering the Laity 30:43 Gen Alpha and Church Futures 35:07 Gen Z as Artist Leaders 38:39 Passing the Mic Well 41:06 Mentoring Young Preachers 42:31 Lightning Round Fun 48:35 Where to Find Derrick 50:34 Prayer and Sendoff