Running With Purpose and Endurance

Youth ministry isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. In this episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards unpacks the biblical call to run with endurance in ministry, drawing from Hebrews 12:1–2, Isaiah 40:31, and Matthew 11. Through personal stories from 35+ years in student ministry and the inspiring tale of Cliff Young—the 61-year-old farmer who shocked the world by winning an ultramarathon—Doug reminds youth workers that God has already marked out the race before you. You'll discover: ✅ Why youth ministry is an ultramarathon, not a quick sprint ✅ How to avoid burnout by leaning on God's strength, not your own ✅ The secret to staying refreshed when ministry feels overwhelming ✅ Why God's plan is lighter, easier, and better than the burdens we place on ourselves ✅ How to finish well and see long-term fruit in the lives of students 💡 Whether you're a youth pastor, small group leader, FCA volunteer, or a parent raising teens—this episode will encourage you to stay the course, run with purpose, and trust God to carry you through. 📬 Stay connected: Email: [email protected] Rate ★★★★★ & share with youth workers who dream big for the Kingdom. Looking for a new student ministry resource? You can read my book "Burn Up Not Out: A Student Ministry Fire Builder's Guidebook" here: https://amzn.to/3PtBTIy Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq EPISODE CREDITS Email us at: [email protected] Hosted by: Doug Edwards Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy  Edited by: Secret Roots Music House PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS: Youth Ministry Student Ministry Youth Pastor Life Ministry Encouragement Ministry Burnout Christian Leadership Teen Mentorship Parenting Teens Faith Encouragement