Cultivate Co-op
All things Cultivate Co-op, with communicator interviews, stories from the trenches, and tips & tricks for reaching the next generation.
All things Cultivate Co-op, with communicator interviews, stories from the trenches, and tips & tricks for reaching the next generation.
Episodes

Apr 15, 2025
34: Book Club - Dallas Willard part 2
Apr 15, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
46 min
In part two of our book club review of The Scandal of the Kingdom by Dallas Willard, Ryan, Gabi, and Zoe dive into the second half of the book, unpacking their biggest takeaways and favorite insights. This conversation is packed with thought-provoking nuggets and honest reflections on how Willard’s words are shaping their view of the Kingdom and everyday discipleship.

Apr 1, 2025
33: Book Club - Dallas Willard part 1
Apr 1, 2025
Apr 1, 2025
40 min
Ryan, Gabi, and Zoe kick off a two-episode exploration of their latest Book Club read, "The Scandal of the Kingdom" by Dallas Willard. Tune in as they share key takeaways and discuss the impact of Willard's work on their understanding of faith.

Mar 18, 2025
32: AI in Ministry with Ross & April
Mar 18, 2025
Mar 18, 2025
32 min
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Ross and April from First Reformed Church to dive into how AI can be a game-changer in ministry. They talk about how tools like ChatGPT and Pulpit AI can help free up time, so pastors and church leaders can focus more on the personal side of ministry. The key takeaway? AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement for genuine human connection. They share some practical ways AI can assist with things like sermon prep, social media, and strategic planning, all while making sure the heart and soul of ministry stays front and center.

Mar 4, 2025
31: Jay Van Gelder
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
27 min
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jay Van Gelder to talk about the importance of sabbaticals in ministry. They each share their personal experiences, what they gained from time away, and how intentional rest impacts longevity in youth ministry. Tune in for insights on sustaining a healthy rhythm in leadership.

Feb 18, 2025
30: Maria Postmus
Feb 18, 2025
Feb 18, 2025
27 min
In this episode, Ryan and Gabi sit down with Maria Postmus to explore her faith journey and the challenges that shaped her leadership. They discuss what it means to lead through trials, the power of healing in community, and how faith sustains us in difficult seasons.

Feb 4, 2025
29: Brennen Schmitt
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
34 min
In this episode of the Cultivate Co-op podcast, Ryan sits down with Brennan Schmitt, College & Young Adult Pastor at GracePoint Church in Brookings, SD. They discuss what ministry looks like for college students and young adults, the needs and desires of the younger generation, and how churches can effectively engage them.
Oasis website: https://www.gracepointwesleyan.org/college-oasis.html

Jan 21, 2025
28: Mission 2025
Jan 21, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
26 min
In the first episode of Cultivate Co-op's new season, Zoe and Gabi chat with Ty, Misava, Hannah, and Kallie (four incredible college students) live at the Mission 2025 Conference. They explore what missions mean to each of them and share insights about the most impactful moments of the event so far.

Dec 31, 2024
27: 2024 Cultivate Recap
Dec 31, 2024
Dec 31, 2024
37 min
In this special year-end episode, Ryan, Gabi, and Zoe share their reflections on the year of 2024 for Cultivate Co-op. They celebrate some organizational wins, share a few personal highlights, and cast their aspirations for an even brighter 2025.

Dec 17, 2024
26: Gabi and Zoe talk Sabbath
Dec 17, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
1hr 49 sec
In this episode, Gabi and Zoe explore the concept of Sabbath, sharing their personal experiences and the spiritual benefits they've discovered. They discuss the importance of rest, both physically and spiritually, and how it can lead to a deeper connection with God. The episode includes a guided prayer session and a candid conversation about the challenges of practicing Sabbath in today's busy world.

Dec 3, 2024
25: Ken Castor @ YMC
Dec 3, 2024
Dec 3, 2024
22 min
This episode is a recording of our YMC held in the fall of 2024 from Ken Castor. Ken has 30+ years of youth ministry experience and is the general editor of the exciting new Make a Difference Youth Bible. Today he offers advice to youth leaders on how to lead more effective small groups. This episode is packed with great insights and practical tips for connecting with students on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive spiritually and emotionally.

Meet the Hosts
Ryan and Zoe love talking to cool people about Jesus!
Ryan, the director of Cultivate Co-op, has over 25 years of youth ministry experience and provides valuable perspectives on leadership, life, and leading others to Jesus. Ryan is a visionary, a father, and can give some really good hiking recommendations.
Zoe brings life and energy to the podcast through her adventurous and creative spirit. As a young adult living in Denver, Zoe is constantly active, traveling, learning, and creating content. Zoe leads others to Christ through her pursuit of Biblical justice and reconciliation.
Together, these hosts compose Cultivate Co-op, an organization that aims to create authentic and intentional space for the next generation to cultivate a relationship with the Lord in supportive community.



