Pivot

#121: The Power of Collaborative Youth Ministry: A Model from Boise Churches

Pastors Bob Lewis and Mariah Mills share their experience creating a successful multi-church youth ministry model that's building stronger faith communities.

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Katie Langston and Dwight Zscheile explore how collaborative youth ministry is revolutionizing the way churches engage with young people in Boise, Idaho. Pastors Bob Lewis and Mariah Mills share their journey of creating a confirmation co-op across four congregations, demonstrating how church partnerships can create vibrant faith experiences while sharing resources and responsibilities. Learn why “letting go of the expectation to do it all on your own” might be the most faithful approach to youth ministry today.

This conversation unpacks the practical aspects of collaborative youth ministry—from dividing responsibilities and planning retreats to embracing diversity and building authentic community across congregational lines. Whether you’re struggling to maintain youth programs with limited resources or simply looking to enrich your current ministry, Bob and Mariah offer both encouragement and concrete next steps for creating collaborative ministry models that truly serve today’s young people.

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Featuring

Headshot of Bob Lewis

Bob Lewis

Pastor Bob Lewis brings extensive experience serving ELCA congregations across multiple regions, from Western Pennsylvania to metro Seattle. A graduate of Washington State University and Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, he currently serves at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho. His background in communications and television production, combined with his interest in family systems theory, brings unique perspectives to collaborative ministry.

Pastor Mariah Mills Pivot podcast headshot

Mariah Mills

Pastor Mariah Mills, who serves in Boise, Idaho, holds degrees from Capital University in Youth Ministry and Christian Education and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Her passion centers on creating inclusive spaces where marginalized individuals can experience God's love. With specific training in youth ministry, she brings both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to innovative approaches in ministry.

Meet Your Hosts

  • Katie Langston

    Katie Langston is a doubter by nature and a believer by grace. She grew up Mormon in Cache Valley, Utah, and converted to orthodox (little "o") Christianity after a profound experience of God's grace over a decade ago. Now she works as the director of digital strategy for Faith+Lead and as pastor of mission and outreach at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Katie is the author of a spiritual memoir called Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace.

  • Dr. Dwight Zscheile

    Dr. Dwight Zscheile is vice president of innovation and professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary. His latest book is Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future (with Michael Binder and Tessa Pinkstaff, Fortress Press, 2023).