Kara Powell serves as the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and as the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Seminary. Kara recently co-authored a new book with Jake Mulder and Raymond Chang, entitled “Future-Focused Churches.” They conducted extensive research involving over 1,000 churches with the goal of helping churches connect with the next generation.
Kara offers several proven best practices to help your ministry bridge the generation gap. This conversation is essential for any church seeking to invigorate its atmosphere with the life that comes from connecting with young people.
Links to Resources Mentioned or Related
- Website: Fuller Youth Institute
- Website: Fuller Seminary
- Kara’s Book: “Future-Focused Churches” with Jake Muler & Raymond Chang
- Email Kara
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Online: 3-Session Video Series
- Link to NEW! Soul Care Essentials Cohort: 6 Weeks of Guided Conversations for Post-Conference Groups
- 95Network – Soul Care Essentials
- 95Network – Healthy Church Assessment
- Read Stalled: Hope and Help for Pastors Who Thought They’d Be There By Now
- Watch Podcast on YouTube
Key Takeaways
1) There are three clarity questions to help young people fit in: 1) Who am I? 2) Where do I fit? 3) What difference can I make?
2) One of the most significant ways an older adult can have a lasting impact on the life of a young person is to develop the habit of active listening.
3) It’s essential for a church of any size to develop a leadership team of eight to twelve people that intentionally seeks to understand the next generation.
4) Every church needs to know its “why?” Why are we doing ministry the way we are, and where are we trying to go as a ministry?
Subscribe (and Leave a Review!)
Be sure to subscribe to The 95 Podcast on whatever platform you prefer! You can also keep up with the latest podcasts, articles, and resources by using the form below:
Your rating also helps more pastors of small and mid-size churches find this resource, especially on Apple Podcasts. Would you take a moment to share your thoughts? Open the podcast on Apple Podcasts on your phone or computer and share your thoughts. We appreciate it!
Support the Podcast
The 95 Podcast is a ministry of 95Network. As a nonprofit, we rely on the support of those who believe in our mission to resource small and mid-size churches and support pastors. If this podcast or our ministry has impacted you, would you consider supporting us?
Share Your Thoughts on Social Media
Let’s keep the conversation going! We use #smallchurches on Twitter, and you can keep up with the latest by following us on Twitter (@95Network), Facebook, or Instagram.
 – Episode 287){kind=link}
 – Episode 287&description=&image=https://www.95network.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kara-Powell.png){kind=link}