The Stampede Ministries’ podcast

In this episode of Stories from the Stampede, we are sitting down with an absolute legend in our youth ministry community: Maddox Phillips! From setting the atmosphere on our very first youth worship team to serving faithfully on the Youth Leadership Team and hitting the road for mission trips, Maddox has been a pillar of our community since day one. Now, he is stepping into a massive new chapter, answering the call into ministry, and heading off to college at Wayland! Here is a look at what we dive into in this episode: The Ultimate Icebreakers: Maddox reveals his ideal superpower and the one item he’d want if he were stranded on a deserted island. Podgames (Would You Rather): Things get hilarious (and a little gross) as Maddox chooses between drinking a leftover pizza smoothie, wearing sweaty camp socks as puppets, and navigating awkward text messages to his youth pastor. Down in the Dirt: A transparent conversation about the transition to college. Maddox shares what he’s studying, his mix of excitement and nerves, and how God clearly opened the doors for this next season. Legacy & Advice: Maddox looks back at his favorite youth memories—from camp to Wednesday nights—and leaves our listeners with powerful advice for their own faith journeys. Maddox’s story is a beautiful reminder that God doesn't wait until you have a degree or a title to start using you. He wants to use your gifts right now, exactly where you are. Connect with the Stampede: 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode! 💬 Drop a comment below to wish Maddox good luck as he steps into this next chapter at college!

On this episode of the Stampede Ministry Podcast, Cam sits down with Alex Lloyd—our resident "stunt double youth pastor" and true unsung hero at First Shallowater! From navigating the hilarious moments of being mistaken for Cam to sharing what drew him into youth ministry, Alex gives us a peek behind the scenes of serving students. Tune in for laughs, favorite camp memories, practical tips for new volunteers, and a special shoutout to another faithful servant on our team. Check this out! - YOUTH PASTOR STUNT DOUBLE VIDEO 

In a fast-paced world pushing you to react before you think, it’s time to pull back the reins! On this episode of the Stampede Ministry Podcast, Cam sits down with Michael Ronan (Associate Pastor at First Shallowater) and Senior Pastor Brad for a packed episode of the Hold Your Horses series. We kick things off with a hilarious game of "Proverbs or Country Song?" testing if you can tell King Solomon’s wisdom apart from Zach Bryan's lyrics. Then, we dive headfirst into your hot takes, common Bible myths, and direct DM questions—from whether boneless wings are just adult chicken nuggets to what angels actually look like in Scripture. Finally, we tackle the big question: How do you know if God is truly speaking to you or if it’s just your own thoughts? Plus, Michael and Brad share their top book recommendations for growing your faith. In this episode, we cover: Pod Games: "Proverbs or Country Song?" Hot Take: The great Boneless vs. Bone-in wing debate. Myth vs. Truth: What the Bible actually says about angels (and cleanliness!). Deep Dive: How to distinguish God’s voice from your own imagination. Resources: Must-read book recommendations for Christian students. Don't let the world rush you past the truth—hit play, dig into Scripture, and hold your horses!

Welcome back to another episode of The Water Trough, brought to you by Stampede Ministries! Out here, we gather around the trough—the place where the work stops, the dust settles, and real, honest community happens. In this episode, we’re joined by two incredible recent graduates from Shallowater High School: Paige Holloway and Kassidy Dutra! Both have served faithfully on the youth leadership team, with Paige also lending her talents to the youth worship team. Together, we look back on high school, reminisce about our favorite youth group moments, and look forward to what’s next for them. In This Episode, You’ll Hear: The Ultimate Youth Group Polls: We breakdown listener votes on the most chaotic trip moments, iconic youth room staples (hello, 1994 donated couches!), and where the absolute best late-night conversations happen. Fast-Paced Pod Games: 10-Second Sermon: Watch Paige and Kassidy deliver dramatic, high-energy spiritual lessons on random everyday objects—from Crocs in "sports mode" to stale Rice Krispies! Campfire or Backfire: The girls weigh in on classic youth trip scenarios like 11:30 PM acoustic guitar sing-alongs and surprise hikes in the pouring rain. Wreck, Reckon, or Recommend: Categorizing modern trends, slang, and habits into what to throw away and what to actually adopt. Real Talk & Hard-Earned Wisdom: Pivoting from the laughs to the heart of the message—passing down genuine, faith-driven advice and encouragement for the next generation. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor! A huge shoutout to Paige Photography for sponsoring today’s episode! Whether you need to capture unforgettable moments in the arena, professional portraits, or the wild beauty of everyday life, Paige brings your stories to life behind the lens. Instagram: @pics.by.paigeh  Grab your boots, pull up a seat, and join us around the trough! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend.

What happens when you stop holding back and finally say "Amen" to God’s plan? In this episode of Stories from the Stampede, we are handing the microphone over to student leader Zoe Williams. We kick things off with a round of "Most Likely To," debating everything from who is more likely to cry during a moving worship song to the hilarious reality of accidentally saying "Amen" at the end of a conversation about a chicken sandwich. But the heart of today's episode goes much deeper. Zoe takes us down in the dirt to share what happened at youth camp this past May—the exact moment she felt God calling her into ministry. She opens up about the anxieties she wrestled with, how she's actively growing in that calling today, and her favorite overall memories in youth group. Tune in to hear how Zoe is letting her faith move in real-time, and challenge yourself with the ultimate question: What is God asking you to do right now that needs your "Amen".

The rodeo doesn’t run on star power—it runs on the people who get their boots dirty before the gates even open! On this episode of the Stampede Ministries Podcast, we are kicking off our Unsung Saddles segment by sitting down with a true ministry MVP: our amazing Ministry Assistant, Shannon Craig. Shannon takes us behind the chutes to share her journey from a Sunday morning youth ministry volunteer to a vital member of our staff team. We chat about her favorite movies, what drew her to youth ministry, and what a "day in the life" looks like keeping Stampede Ministries running smoothly. Plus, Shannon enters the hot seat for a chaotic round of The 8-Second Ride rapid-fire trivia (can she name what Cam always says during a sermon?), and we wrap things up by giving out some massive shout-outs in our Yee-Haw segment. Saddle up and join the ride!

Whoa, there! Pull back on the reins and stop living on autopilot. Usually on the Stampede podcast, we’re kicking up dust and moving fast, but today we are slowing things down for a special episode: Hold Your Horses. We’re pausing the ride to unpack the big questions we all think about but rarely stop to actually break down. Host [Insert Your Name] sits down with Michael Ronan, Associate Pastor at First Shallowater, to filter culture, myths, and tough real-life scenarios through the lens of God's Word. In this episode, we tackle: Owning Your Faith: How to transition from your parents' faith to a real, personal relationship with Jesus. Myth-Busting: Does God really help those who help themselves? (Spoiler: Look at the Word!) The Hard Stuff: Why a perfect God allows hate in the world, and the truth about the Old Testament vs. the New Testament. Sticky Situations: What do you do when a family member confronts you about sin, or a friend trusts you with a heavy secret they want you to keep? Essential Hot Takes: Is cereal just cold soup? And are Crocs the ultimate footwear, or are you just living in pride? Grab a snack, get comfortable, and let’s see what Scripture actually has to say. This episode is brought to you by Abide Homeday, your local sourdough bakery. Check them out on socials! Connect with us: Follow the herd on Instagram and socials at @fbcshallowaterstudents and don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. Keep your boots on! Would you like me to adjust the tone to be a bit more serious, or does this hit the right balance of fun and faith for your students?

Gather 'round the water trough! In this episode of The Stampede Ministries Podcast, we are taking a stroll down memory lane, looking back at our absolute favorite youth group memories and reflecting on everything that went down this past year. But it’s not all nostalgia—we’re also diving deep into what it actually looks like to live out your faith in the digital age. How do we navigate filters, algorithms, and screens while staying anchored in Christ? Plus, you know we couldn't keep it entirely serious; we're breaking the ice and testing our wits with some hilarious games. Grab a seat, get ready to laugh, and let’s dive in!

In this episode, Cam sits down with Skyler Sparks as he shares his personal testimony of growing up and navigating major life transitions. Skylar opens up about the challenges of moving across the country from California to the small town of Shallowater, Texas. He details his struggles trying to fit in and find his place as a new student during the critical middle school years. More importantly, Skyler discusses his spiritual journey during this time, reflecting on what it meant to truly own his faith. He shares the pivotal shift he experienced when he began realizing that a relationship with God had to be more than just checking religious boxes like attending Sunday church services and participating in Bible studies. It is an encouraging conversation about identity, community, and discovering an authentic, personal relationship with Christ.