The YA Podcast

What does it look like to truly surrender your life to Jesus and follow Him for God's glory?All throughout Scripture we see the call to live for His glory instead of our own. From Mary pouring out everything at the feet of Jesus to the daily decision to die to self, this conversation is about surrender, transformation, and a life that reflects Christ.Because the life poured out for Jesus is never wasted.@saylorville_ya

If you want something to grow, it has to be in a healthy environment, but are you in one?In this talk, Jason Jackson, Discipleship Pastor at Saylorville, unpacks Hebrews 10:19–25 and what it means to be part of a healthy, gospel-centered community. From shared confidence in Christ to shared commitment to one another, God has designed us to grow together, not in isolation.@saylorville_ya

What actually changes when you follow Jesus? Is it just behavior or a transformed life? Are you loving people like Christ, or just staying comfortable? If the gospel is real, why don’t we share it more? Are you embracing growth through trial or resisting what God is trying to shape in you?We want to truly know God. We want more than just going through the motions.Ian shares what it means to "Follow: As You Go” and to live out our faith daily by loving deeply, sharing boldly, growing consistently and genuinely walking with Jesus.@saylorville_ya

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? Not just believe in Him but follow Him.This week at YA, we wrestled with a challenge given to us by Pastor Pat: what if Jesus is both Savior and Lord…or neither? And if that’s true, are you really following Him or just saying you are?Because when Jesus said “Follow Me,” He didn’t mean casually. He meant dying to yourself so you can actually find life.So what are you holding onto? What are you chasing? And if you caught it…would it actually satisfy?@saylorville_ya

If Jesus is the King who existed before time, stepped into history and will reign beyond time (as we see across Genesis, Gospel of John and Book of Revelation), what does that mean for our lives right now?In this message from our Follow series, we look at Colossians 1:18–20 and wrestle with a big reality: Jesus isn’t just part of our story, He’s preeminent over everything.What does it actually mean to follow Jesus as King?Are we simply believing in Jesus or are we actually living under His rule?@saylorville_ya

What makes Jesus truly approachable? This episode Curtis and Ian explore Jesus’ own words in Gospel of Matthew 11:28–30, where He describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” In contrast to the powerful, political Messiah many expected, Jesus reveals the heart of God through humility, compassion and sacrificial love.Jesus makes God approachable. And through repentance, we find the rest our souls have been searching for. Follow along as we continue in our series Follow: The Who, What and Why of Jesus. @saylorville_ya

Looking at Psalm 103 with our YA Director, we zoom in on the God who forgives, heals, redeems, remembers our weakness, shows mercy that never ends and rules over everything. Through David’s words and some real-life stories (including why watching a game from row 8 changes everything), we explore five ways to stir your heart to praise and rediscover a God who is truly more.If you’ve ever felt like God is distant, disappointed or just “meh,” this conversation will help you see Him as Scripture reveals Him kind, merciful, faithful and greater than anything you’ve imagined. And the best news, you can know him! @saylorville_ya

In this episode, it's all about Lindsey Holan, our Women’s Director at Saylorville Church. We get to know her story, her heart for discipleship and what her role really looks like behind the scenes. Lindsey also shares practical ways women can get involved in serving and why investing in your local church is so vital for spiritual growth.@saylorville_ya

Pastor Paul joins YA to talk through Psalm 34 and what we actually do with fear. When life makes us feel helpless or overwhelmed, David shows us the antidote: a greater fear - the fear of the Lord. It's about praising the Rescuer in the middle of the mess, admitting when we need help, putting God’s rescue first, listening to wise voices, and slowing down long enough to selah and remember who God really is. If you’re walking through fear right now, this one’s for you. We all need a rescue story. @saylorville_ya

In this episode, Brennen sits down with Jason Jackson, Discipleship Pastor at Saylorville Church. Jason shares about growing up as a missionary kid and how those experiences shaped his faith, perspective and calling to ministry. From cross-cultural lessons to the heart behind his job, this conversation gives a powerful look at how God weaves our stories together for His purpose.@saylorville_ya

What are you chasing? Pleasure, success, relationships, experiences - the things our world says will satisfy always leave us wanting more. In this episode, guest speaker Jay Froah from Lakeside Fellowship walks through Psalm 63 and shows us that true satisfaction isn’t found in what we pursue, but in who we pursue. When your soul thirsts for meaning and purpose, only God can fill it. Jay unpacks how our souls were made to thirst for God, are satisfied by His presence, and are secure through Christ.If you’ve been running on empty or searching for something deeper, this message invites you to stop chasing what won’t last and start seeking the One who truly satisfies.@saylorville_ya

There’s a new elder in town! We talk all things Saylorville - how he got saved, met his wife and found his way here. He also shares how his faith has grown and what stepping into leadership looks like. It’s real, relaxed and full of stories about God’s faithfulness.@saylorville_ya

What’s it really like to know God? In this message, Andrew Bush unpacks Psalm 23 and we discover God as our Leader, Provider, Companion and Pursuer. From green pastures to dark valleys, learn what it means to trust His path, find contentment in His presence and experience His relentless love. Life with God isn’t just the right path — it’s the good life.@saylorville_ya

In this episode, Curtis, Lisa and Brennen sit down for a behind-the-scenes conversation to introduce the new host of the podcast and hear the stories of the YA Directors. Hear the heart behind the transition, the vision moving forward and what you can expect in future episodes.@saylorville_ya

In one of the rawest psalms, David cries out for mercy after his greatest failure. If God could forgive him at rock bottom, maybe He can show mercy to you in your worst moments too. In this message, we explore how God’s mercy meets us in our sin, frees us to be honest, creates something new in us, and turns our mess into a testimony of His grace.@saylorville_ya

New semester. Same Jesus. In the kickoff of our Psalms series at YA, Curtis unpacks Psalm 19 and reminds us that God reveals Himself through His world and His Word so we can trust Him in every season. Life may change, emotions may rise and fall, but God’s voice is steady—and His Word revives, guides and anchors us.@saylorville_ya

Have you ever just wanted to quit? Maybe it’s a relationship, your Bible reading habit, a job or even your walk with God. Why do we get weary? Why do we give up when things get hard or when we don't see results?Join us, as we dive into Galatians 6 with Pastor Abe Miller from Eden Church and explore how Paul challenges us to keep going—to walk in the Spirit, love others well and not grow tired in doing good. What does it mean to gently restore someone who’s struggling? How do we carry one another’s burdens without becoming prideful or self-righteous? And when the harvest feels far off, how do we keep sowing seeds of faith?@saylorville_ya

In this YA message, Pastor Jerrod Leonard dives into Galatians 5 with a powerful call to live in true freedom—not the kind that indulges the flesh, but the kind that comes from walking by the Spirit. What does real freedom look like in your life? Are you settling for instant gratification or pursuing the life God has called you to? Jerrod shares parts of his own story, challenges us to examine ours and reminds us that freedom in Christ leads to lasting fruit.@saylorville_ya

What does it mean to be truly free? In this episode, we dive into Galatians 3 & 4 ,with Colton Willey, to explore how the Gospel offers a freedom unlike anything the world promises. While culture defines freedom as living without constraints, Scripture shows us that true freedom is found in knowing Christ, being adopted into God’s family and resting in His promises. But here’s the paradox—real freedom comes not from self-reliance but from joyful submission to Christ. Join us as we continue to unpack why Jesus + Nothing = Everything, how legalism enslaves and what it means to walk in the Spirit. Are you truly free?@saylorville_ya

Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle of trying harder, failing, and feeling unworthy? In this episode, we unpack the rest of Galatians 3 with Andrew Bush, the High School Director at Saylorville Church, and see Paul’s bold contrast between the Law and the Promise in. The Law was never meant to save us—it was meant to show us our need for Jesus. So what does it really mean to be a child of God? To be clothed with Christ? To be an heir of His promise? And if we are heirs of the promise, are we also living out His purpose? Join us as we explore what it means to truly rest in the gospel and walk in the identity God has given us.@saylorville_ya

Have you ever felt like you needed to do more to earn God’s love? Like being a good Christian depended on your effort? In this episode, we dive into Galatians 3 continuing in our YA series No Other Gospel with Colton Willey, our Connections Director, and wrestle with the struggle of adding to the Gospel—something Paul calls foolish and dangerous. Through personal stories, real struggles and biblical truth, we’ll see why Jesus alone is enough and why our daily desperation for Him is the key to true freedom. If you’ve ever felt the weight of trying to measure up, this episode is for you. Jesus + Nothing = Everything.@saylorville_ya

Fear has the power to derail our faith, weaken our witness, and lead to failure. In this episode, we dive into Galatians 2:11-21, where Peter’s fear of people led him into hypocrisy—contradicting the very Gospel he preached. Curtis, our YA Director, is back for week 3 in our study of the book of Galatians called No Other Gospel. @saylorville_ya

Real change isn’t about trying harder—it’s about surrender. In this episode, we explore Galatians 1:11–2:10 and how the true Gospel doesn’t just modify behavior but completely transforms lives. Jason Jackson, the Discipleship Pastor at Saylorville, helps us see how Jesus takes people from brokenness to purpose, from striving to surrender, and from religion to real relationship. Has the Gospel truly changed you?@saylorville_ya

In this episode, our YA Director kicks off our spring series No Other Gospel  by diving into Galatians 1:1-10. Do you have urgency for the one true gospel? This week, Curtis helps us uncover how easy it is to drift into a false gospel and how the true gospel brings freedom, peace, and transformation. @saylorville_ya

The world says, “Love yourself.” The Word says, “Love God and love others.” In this thought-provoking night with young adults, our lead pastor, Pastor Pat Nemmers challenges the modern obsession with self-love and explores the dangers of making yourself the center of your world. He unpacks Matthew 22:34-40 to uncover the truth about wholehearted love: what it means to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves.Join us as we navigate the pitfalls of self-focused living and embrace the freedom, purpose and joy found in loving God and others with everything we’ve got.@saylorville_ya

In this episode, we dive into how the young adult can approach politics through a biblical lens. Our Connections Director, Colton Willey, explores what it means to honor authority—even when it challenges us—and why our testimony of Christ's love is more powerful than any vote. @saylorville_ya

Men’s Ministry Director Kyhl Pearson dives into a crucial topic: relationships. Drawing from personal experiences, Biblical wisdom, and real questions from today’s culture, Kyhl addresses love in relationships and the common lies that drive us to isolation. Using Romans 12 as a foundation, he discusses how to build genuine connections based on five principles of true, Biblical love: rejecting lies, holding fast to what is good, putting others first, letting go of grudges, and grounding everything in the Gospel. @saylorville_ya

The nagging "what if" in your heart. The constant second-guesses. The overwhelming hopeless feeling. That paralyzing panic. According to the 2023 census 49% of adults age 18-24 reported anxiety and depression symptoms. To fight against the "what if" we have to change our point of view from "what if" to "what is". Join us as we study Philippians 4 and look deeper into what the Bible says about anxiety. It may just be a point of view shift.@saylorville_ya

What makes you happy? What brings you fulfillment?  These are big questions. In order to find your true purpose, in order to find your true identity, you find in the Bible that one must first encounter Jesus. Study John 3 with us as we look deeper in the story of Jesus and man named Nicodemus and what it means to encounter Jesus and be invited to true purpose and fulfillment. @saylorville_ya

Your point of view directly impacts your interaction with the world around you and your thoughts and emotions. Your reality is shaped by your point of view. At the first Thursday in September, we welcomed Colton Willey to share truth from Psalm 19 on the authority and power of God and His Word in our lives.@saylorville_ya

In this episode, we speak with Zach Dalluge about navigating the challenging intersection of faith and politics as a Christian believer. Join us as Zach shares his personal journey, insights, and advice on maintaining integrity and faith while engaging in the political arena. @saylorville_ya

In this episode, we sit down with AJ, who shares his journey from attending a Christian school to finding his faith after moving to Des Moines. Join us as AJ discusses the impact of his Christian testimony and the challenges of maintaining his faith.@saylorville_ya

Discover practical tips and biblical insights on managing money wisely as we chat with Caleb Fisher, a regular guy, about financial stewardship for Young Adults, navigating common challenges while avoiding the love of money!@saylorville_ya

What does it look like to grow up in a world of social media, cell phones, and Jesus? Listen to Emily Rotert and her perspective on the next generation, Gen-Z!@saylorville_ya

Connor sits down with Hannah DeCleene and Curtis Johnson to talk about their own personal dating histories and what they have to say about dating and singleness as young adults.@saylorville_ya

Connor sits down with Hannah DeCleene and Curtis Johnson to talk about their own personal dating histories and what they have to say about dating and singleness as young adults.@saylorville_ya

Jacob Bear wanted to be the best rock climber he could be, yet he could not always control the outcomes.  Listen to this college student’s battle for control and his discovery of a loving God.@saylorville_ya

A Q&A episode with questions asked by all young adults including topics like dating, friendship, church, fasting and more. @saylorville_ya

Listen to the awe-inspiring story of Nick Long.  He has been able to plan and predict the majority of his life until September 25, 2023.  Listen and find out!@saylorville_ya

Listen to Zach and Julia Dalluge discuss life’s big transitions. When life begins to change trusting God is the key. But the question is how?  Listen and find out!@saylorville_ya

Listen to Luke Hardie share his testimony.  A scientist who tried various hypotheses on the meaning of life: pleasure, work, and Christ! @saylorville_ya

Check out a lawyer’s take on the Bible! Caleb Piersma is a lawyer based in Des Moines and he brings both insight and wisdom on how to interpret God’s word. Check it out!@saylorville_ya

Listen to Pastor Pat answering live questions from Young Adults the past YA Nite! From the theological to the practical, hear Pastor Pat share both wisdom and love for YA community! @saylorville_ya

To begin this new season of the Young Adult podcast, the tables were turned! Curtis Johnson, YA Director, was interviewed on the history, the purpose, and vision for Young Adults.  Additionally, Connor Judd previewed the theme of this season’s podcasts - “wisdom & experience.”@saylorville_ya

Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya

In John 15 we find the story and mystery of the vine and the branches. Just as a branch draws life and sustenance from the vine, we find purpose, life, and strength in a relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the TRUE vine. Branches don’t exist without the vine. As young adults, we want to look more like Jesus and be a branch that bears much fruit. How do we do that? This month, we continue in our series EXTRAORDINARY: Ordinary stories, extraordinary meaning. Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya

What's in a parable? Paralbes include secrets and mystery to the kingdom of God. Parables help us better see Jesus and His kingdom. Ordinary stories, extraordinary meaning. Ordinary people, extraordinary God.  This month, we kick off our new series EXTRAORDINARY: Ordinary stories, extraordinary meaning. Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya

Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya

How many of your friends pick up an ancient text book everyday and read it? Probably, none of them! That would be really weird. But let's be honest, that's what Christians are supposed to do and if we are being honest, it can be really difficult. But when you do, when you actually read it and get into the story of the Bible, it does something to you that no other book can do. It transforms you! Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya

What makes the tongue so dangerous? It's dangerous because words reveal a lot about who we are. As young adults, we often profess faith in Jesus but have words that are incongruent with the Jesus we profess. Can we find wisdom in how we use our words so that our faith and words match up? Andrew Bush, Student Director at Saylorville Church, shares wisdom we can find in the book of James as we tackle the dangers of the tongue.Interested in hanging out with Saylorville YA? Check us out here. YA NITE is hosted at Saylorville Church (DSM, IA) the third Thursday  of every month at 7PM during the fall and spring semester. Come join us if you're a young adult!@saylorville_ya