What does it really mean to lead small? Kaitlyn and James unpack five practical ways to make a big impact by focusing on the few students God has entrusted to you. Learn how to be present, create safe spaces, partner with parents, make it personal, and move students out to live their faith boldly.

In this episode, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey kick off The Virtuous Life—a five-week series all about how the Holy Spirit shapes us to live and love like Jesus. Together, they unpack the meaning behind the fruit of the Spirit, as well as the 5 virtues that will be covered in this series—love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control—and share how each one transforms us from the inside out.   From discovering how real peace is found in the presence of God (not the absence of problems) to learning that true joy endures even in hard times, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to partner with the Holy Spirit as He grows these virtues in your life, and it will help prepare you for the Switch series ahead. 

Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey challenge leaders to rethink how they see their role in developing students. What if your small group isn’t just a weekly hangout—but a training ground where students learn to lead, fail safely, and grow in confidence?   In this episode, Josh and Kaitlyn unpack practical ways to hand over ownership, celebrate growth, and help students embrace their God-given leadership potential. You’ll walk away inspired to coach, empower, and send out the next generation of leaders.

Host Josh Baldwin sits down with James Meehan to talk about how leaders can re-engage students after a break and make Switchfest a powerful comeback night. They share simple, practical ways to communicate effectively, involve parents and students, and create the personal connections that bring every student back into the rhythm of Switch.

What happens when Switch isn’t meeting in the building? In this episode, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan dive into how leaders can turn off-campus nights into some of the most meaningful moments of the semester. From ice cream hangouts to pickup basketball to simple conversations that go deeper than a typical Wednesday night, you’ll hear practical ideas for creating connection, building trust, and strengthening relationships with students. Whether two students show up or ten, these gatherings can set the stage for lasting impact and momentum that carries into future Switch experiences.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack what it really means to “make it personal” as a Switch leader. Ministry is more than big events—it’s about showing students they are known, seen, and deeply cared for.   Kaitlyn shares personal stories of leaders who impacted her life, and together she and Josh highlight three practical ways to make it personal: Learn and remember students’ names Care about what matters to them Call out the potential you see in them   Packed with biblical insight, real-life examples, and practical tips, this episode will challenge and encourage you to go beyond surface-level connection and create lasting impact in the lives of your students.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack The Bash—a party with a purpose designed to launch the fall semester with energy, excitement, and eternal impact. Together, they explore why this night matters, how it partners with Stay Here to fight for a suicide-free generation, and what leaders can do to help students experience the hope of Jesus.   Josh and Kaitlyn share: The vision behind The Bash and why it’s catalytic for students. Three practical ways leaders can prepare: welcoming first-time students, setting the energy, and prioritizing follow-up. How to navigate conversations about suicide prevention with clarity, compassion, and the gospel. Action steps for students and leaders, including the ACT Suicide Prevention Training.   Whether you’re leading your first Bash or your tenth, this episode will equip you with the vision, tools, and encouragement you need to create a night where students feel seen, loved, and pointed to the hope of Jesus.

In this week’s episode of The Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack one of the most vital essentials in leadership and faith—integrity.   Together, they explore: Why integrity is the foundation of true influence and authority. How Jesus’ example shows us that who we are speaks louder than what we say. Practical ways to live with integrity in both the small and big moments of life. How integrity (or the lack of it) directly shapes the students and people we lead.   You’ll be challenged to reflect on your own life, discover areas that may need realignment, and be encouraged to pursue wholeness in Christ. Because when it comes to integrity—if you have it, nothing else matters. And if you don’t, nothing else matters.

In this episode of The Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan unpack what it truly means to lead the way Jesus modeled. Together, they explore three essentials for sustainable and impactful leadership: staying centered on Christ, staying connected to others, and staying relaxed under pressure.   Through personal stories of burnout, resilience, and community support, they highlight why servant leadership isn’t just a strategy—it’s the essence of Christian leadership. Whether you’re leading in ministry, at home, or in your workplace, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to embrace practices that keep you healthy, faithful, and effective for the long haul.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey unpack three essential building blocks of Switch: the What, the How, and the Why. The What – our mission: leading students to become fully devoted followers of Christ. The How – our strategy: bringing in the lost, building up the found, training disciples, and sending them out. The Why – the purpose behind it all: helping students discover Jesus as the true answer to life’s biggest questions.   Whether you’re brand-new to Switch or a long-time leader, this conversation will remind you of the heart of what we do and reignite your passion for investing in the next generation.

In this first installment of The Essentials series, Kaitlyn Caffrey and Josh Baldwin discuss the foundational importance of a leader’s private faith in supporting their public ministry. They explore how integrity, personal devotion, and spiritual consistency are essential—not just for effective leadership in Switch, but for sustainable impact in any area of life. With scripture, personal insight, and honest reflection, this episode challenges leaders to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly and lead from the overflow of a thriving relationship with Him.

In this kickoff episode of the new Switch semester, Josh Baldwin and James Meehan set the tone for what’s ahead by casting vision, challenging leaders, and previewing the first Switch series: Fakers or Followers. They unpack the difference between cultural Christianity and true discipleship, the danger of comfort, and why small group leaders aren’t “just volunteers”—they’re spiritual leaders with lasting influence. Whether you’re a Switch veteran or just starting out, we're glad you're with us!

In this heartfelt episode, Josh and Kaitlyn unpack the powerful imagery found in Joshua 4—when God commands the Israelites to pick up stones from the middle of the Jordan River as a lasting memorial. Together, they dive deep into what it means for us today: sometimes we’re asked to pick up small stones—simple, faithful steps—and sometimes we’re called to lift something heavy, something that stretches our faith.   You’ll hear honest reflections about how God’s tangible presence often meets us on the other side of obedience, and how the act of remembering His faithfulness isn’t just about looking back—it’s preparation for trusting Him again in the future.   This episode is a rally cry to look back at all God has done this past school year, to dream with faith about what’s to come, and to carry those stories forward—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.   So as summer begins, take time to reflect, remember, and recommit to being a leader who carries the stones—and tells the stories—of God’s faithfulness.

In this episode, Josh Baldwin sits down with Kennadi Foster, Youth Pastor at the Catoosa campus, to explore what it looks like to lead well while resting well during the summer. As the school year ends and rhythms change, many youth leaders face the tension between resting well and staying relationally engaged with students. Josh and Kennadi discuss how summer isn’t a time to shut down—it’s a time to shift gears.   You’ll hear practical ideas for staying connected with students during the break, ways to pursue spiritual rest and renewal, and why maintaining momentum over the summer matters more than we think. Whether it’s planning low-key hangouts, encouraging students in their faith, or simply showing up with intentionality, this conversation will equip you to embrace the season and lead with purpose.

In this episode, Josh Baldwin is joined by the Director of Switch Content, James Meehan, to unpack the heart behind Switch’s final teaching series of the semester: Wisdom Vs. The World. Together, they explore how students can pursue Godly wisdom during the summer by engaging with three powerful books of the Bible—Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs. With practical insight, humor (yes, including a coffee mug with James’ face), and spiritual encouragement, this episode equips leaders to challenge their students to start and end each day with God’s Word. Don’t miss this conversation about how to help students grow in righteousness, purpose, and discipline during the months that often threaten spiritual drift.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, host Josh Baldwin sits down with Dustin Wells to unpack the pivotal transition from 5th to 6th grade—and how it shapes the faith and future of your students. Dustin shares practical strategies for engaging 6th graders, partnering with parents, and helping students build an identity grounded in Christ. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just stepping into Switch, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration you need to make this a meaningful and welcoming transition for our new 6th graders. 

How often do your students respond with a hollow “I’m fine”? In this episode, Josh Baldwin and Kaitlyn Caffrey dive deep into the dangerous surface-level answers we often accept in ministry—and why pushing past them is essential. They explore how cultivating emotional honesty, modeling vulnerability, and asking the next question can lead to deeper discipleship and life change.   You’ll walk away with practical strategies for building trust, creating space for real conversations, and partnering with parents to support students holistically. Whether you’re leading a Switch group or mentoring students in another setting, this episode will challenge and equip you to pursue heart-level transformation.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, host Josh Baldwin is joined by Dustin Wells, Youth Pastor at the Rio Rancho Campus, to unpack the heart behind Switch Fights Human Trafficking—a powerful annual event that raised nearly $95,000 across Life.Church campuses. Together, they explore how students can take what they experience on a big night like this and turn it into a lifestyle of active faith. From scripture to strategy, they share practical ways leaders can inspire students to move beyond belief into daily acts of love and service.

In this episode of the Switch Leader Podcast, host Josh Baldwin sits down with James Meehan, Director of Switch Content, to unpack the heart behind the new series: Faith That Works. Together, they explore what it means to lead students toward a faith that’s more than words—a faith that transforms everyday life. James brings clarity and passion as he shares practical ways leaders can help students navigate doubt, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and discover how true faith shows up in how they live, love, and lead.   Whether you’re a seasoned youth leader or just getting started, this episode will equip and inspire you to guide your students into a more meaningful and active walk with God.

What happens when students leave Switch? In this powerful episode, host Josh Baldwin and Moore Youth Pastor Sam Groeschel call out the hard truth: 70% of young people walk away from their faith after high school. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Learn how you, as a Switch Leader, can flip the script by building long-term relationships, challenging students to own their faith, and preparing them for real life beyond Wednesday nights. You’ll leave this conversation with practical steps, fresh energy, and a renewed sense of mission to lead students toward a faith that lasts a lifetime.