The Leading Tomorrow Podcast equips you and your organization to effectively engage and lead diverse generations in a variety of contexts. Bi-weekly episodes explore trends in culture, generations, and technology that impact our daily lives. Check out our latest episodes below or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Dr. Jolene Erlacher, founder of Leading Tomorrow, and author of Millennials in Ministry and Daniel Generation: Godly Leadership in an Ungodly Culture helps equip churches, businesses, schools, missions agencies and other organizations for effective inter-generational leadership in an evolving culture. Her passion for equipping a new generation of leaders emerged from various leadership experiences in education and ministry. She is thrilled to partner on the Leading Tomorrow Podcast with her Millennial producer, Josiah Cassellius, and other guests to discuss topics related to culture, generations, and technology that affect our daily lives.
Contact us today to book Jolene to speak at your next event, or connect with us on social media!
Contact us today to book Jolene to speak at your next event, or connect with us on social media!
Josiah Cassellius graduated from North Central University in 2015 with degrees in English Composition and English Literature. Stories and storytelling were early passions for him growing up in Mexico to missionary parents who encouraged his love of reading. The combination of this love of storytelling and his fluency in Spanish led Josiah to create the Spanish language podcast Leyenda in October 2017. Bi-weekly episodes revolve around real-life stories that portray the darker sides of humanity, the ones that we rarely speak about, but that secretly fascinate us.
Josiah uses his skills in audio editing to produce the Leading Tomorrow Podcast, of which he is a frequent contributor.
His passions include listening to music and podcasts, as well as watching wild-life documentaries.
Josiah uses his skills in audio editing to produce the Leading Tomorrow Podcast, of which he is a frequent contributor.
His passions include listening to music and podcasts, as well as watching wild-life documentaries.
Episode 42: "Ministry to Millennials in 2021 and Beyond"
In this episode, Adam Haugen, Discipleship Director at River of Life Church joins Jolene to talk about small group ministry and Millennials as churches consider what ministry in a post-pandemic world looks like. Adam draws upon his experience and research to highlight best practices for engaging the next gen in ministry and discipleship in both virtual and in-person contexts.
In this episode, Adam Haugen, Discipleship Director at River of Life Church joins Jolene to talk about small group ministry and Millennials as churches consider what ministry in a post-pandemic world looks like. Adam draws upon his experience and research to highlight best practices for engaging the next gen in ministry and discipleship in both virtual and in-person contexts.
Episode 41: "The Importance of Listening"
Listening is one of the most important ways we can engage and earn the trust of young people in our lives. In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the key elements to actively listening to understand and strengthen relationships.
Listening is one of the most important ways we can engage and earn the trust of young people in our lives. In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the key elements to actively listening to understand and strengthen relationships.
Episode 40: "College Enrollment Trends and Student Opportunities"
The National Student Clearinghouse reported on October 15, 2020 that undergraduate student enrollment is now running 4% below last year’s level. In this episode Jolene talks about trends in college enrollment this fall and how to encourage students who are taking a gap year or reassessing their plans.
If you know a student who is interested in applying for the virtual gap year, use promo code LT2021 to waive the $50 application fee: https://www.myvirtualgapyear.com/
The National Student Clearinghouse reported on October 15, 2020 that undergraduate student enrollment is now running 4% below last year’s level. In this episode Jolene talks about trends in college enrollment this fall and how to encourage students who are taking a gap year or reassessing their plans.
If you know a student who is interested in applying for the virtual gap year, use promo code LT2021 to waive the $50 application fee: https://www.myvirtualgapyear.com/
Episode 39: "How to Encourage the Unique Smarts in Gen Zers"
This is a generation that is incredibly individualistic and is growing up in a world that tells them identity is fluid. They also live with social media and the pressure to compare themselves to others. Young people today need confidence to understand themselves. In this episode, Jolene discusses the book, The 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch, and talks about how we can help Gen Zers identify their unique "smarts," and affirm and encourage them in developing their abilities.
This is a generation that is incredibly individualistic and is growing up in a world that tells them identity is fluid. They also live with social media and the pressure to compare themselves to others. Young people today need confidence to understand themselves. In this episode, Jolene discusses the book, The 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch, and talks about how we can help Gen Zers identify their unique "smarts," and affirm and encourage them in developing their abilities.
Episode 38: "Why We Need Worldview Training and Curriculum"
Gen Z kids have unprecedented access to ideas, opinions, and information. It is imperative that we train them to understand truth and think critically. Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins Jolene to discuss her Worldview Foundations Comparative Curriculum, perfect for parents, teachers and church leaders seeking to equip the next generation to understand and communicate their faith.
Gen Z kids have unprecedented access to ideas, opinions, and information. It is imperative that we train them to understand truth and think critically. Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins Jolene to discuss her Worldview Foundations Comparative Curriculum, perfect for parents, teachers and church leaders seeking to equip the next generation to understand and communicate their faith.
Episode 37: "Online Strategies Part 2"
In part 2, Jolene shares more tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities.
In part 2, Jolene shares more tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities.
Episode 36: "Online Strategies Part 1"
Jolene shares 4 tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities.
Jolene shares 4 tips to better engage with people in online work and learning environments. From how to interact with coworkers and students during trainings, to fostering better communication with different personalities.
Episode 35: "Remote Work & Leadership Across Generations"
Technology has increasingly facilitated the option of remote work for many years. The global pandemic, however, resulted in a large number of people suddenly finding themselves working from home. In this podcast, Josiah and Jolene discuss the remote work experiences for different generations and their expectations of leaders during this time.
Technology has increasingly facilitated the option of remote work for many years. The global pandemic, however, resulted in a large number of people suddenly finding themselves working from home. In this podcast, Josiah and Jolene discuss the remote work experiences for different generations and their expectations of leaders during this time.
Episode 34: "How to Engage Gen Z in the Workplace"
Generational researcher and university instructor, Vienna Lewin, joins Jolene to discuss her research on Gen Z in the workplace. As we navigate new remote work settings, there is much we can learn from younger employees. Vienna and Jolene discuss the opportunities that exist for multi-generational teams in today's context.
Generational researcher and university instructor, Vienna Lewin, joins Jolene to discuss her research on Gen Z in the workplace. As we navigate new remote work settings, there is much we can learn from younger employees. Vienna and Jolene discuss the opportunities that exist for multi-generational teams in today's context.
Episode 33: "Gen X and Millennial Experiences During the Global Pandemic"
In this episode, Josiah and Jolene discuss their different experiences and perspectives navigating work during the global pandemic. Josiah, a Millennial, is an essential worker, who has put in long hours and seen the impact of fear on the workforce around him. Jolene, a Gen Xer, is a self-employed small business owner and professional speaker, whose schedule has been dramatically impacted by cancelled events and travel restrictions. Both reflect on the long-term impact for their generational cohorts.
In this episode, Josiah and Jolene discuss their different experiences and perspectives navigating work during the global pandemic. Josiah, a Millennial, is an essential worker, who has put in long hours and seen the impact of fear on the workforce around him. Jolene, a Gen Xer, is a self-employed small business owner and professional speaker, whose schedule has been dramatically impacted by cancelled events and travel restrictions. Both reflect on the long-term impact for their generational cohorts.
Episode 32: "How Social Distancing Can Put Young People at Risk"
In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the unique risks that Gen Z and Millennials face amid social distancing. These include increased anxiety, loneliness, decrease in empathy, and lack of physical activity. She also discusses some of the opportunities for us as parents, leaders, and mentors to help mitigate these risks and maximize the opportunities young people have right now.
In this episode, Jolene discusses some of the unique risks that Gen Z and Millennials face amid social distancing. These include increased anxiety, loneliness, decrease in empathy, and lack of physical activity. She also discusses some of the opportunities for us as parents, leaders, and mentors to help mitigate these risks and maximize the opportunities young people have right now.
Episode 31: "Paint Them a Picture: Encouraging Gen Z"
Katy White serves as the director of Goer Experience with GoCorps, and she joined Jolene to discuss the emergence of the Gen Z cohort into the Missions landscape. They explore the best ways to motivate Gen Z as opposed to their predecessors, the Millennials, and how to engage them in a more personalized manner.
Katy White serves as the director of Goer Experience with GoCorps, and she joined Jolene to discuss the emergence of the Gen Z cohort into the Missions landscape. They explore the best ways to motivate Gen Z as opposed to their predecessors, the Millennials, and how to engage them in a more personalized manner.
Episode 30: "Modeling Faith Amid Crisis"
Gen Z will be significantly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus. Jolene shares inspiration from the story of Jochebed, a mother who lived through a crisis, regarding the opportunities we have as leaders, mentors, and parents to prepare and equip young people to live with faith and not fear.
Gen Z will be significantly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus. Jolene shares inspiration from the story of Jochebed, a mother who lived through a crisis, regarding the opportunities we have as leaders, mentors, and parents to prepare and equip young people to live with faith and not fear.
Episode 29: "Managing Feedback"
Jolene and Josiah delve into the topic of receiving and giving honest feedback, whether that be from a boss or supervisor, or from someone who works for you. They highlight the best ways to approach giving feedback, and ways to implement feedback in a positive way.
Jolene and Josiah delve into the topic of receiving and giving honest feedback, whether that be from a boss or supervisor, or from someone who works for you. They highlight the best ways to approach giving feedback, and ways to implement feedback in a positive way.
Episode 28: "Finding our Identity in an Online World"
Jolene and Josiah discuss the way that media has allowed us to present ourselves to so many different people in different ways. The subsequent fragmentation brings with it valuable tools to reach different groups, but can also be dangerous if not properly managed.
Jolene and Josiah discuss the way that media has allowed us to present ourselves to so many different people in different ways. The subsequent fragmentation brings with it valuable tools to reach different groups, but can also be dangerous if not properly managed.
Episode 27: "What Gen Z Needs From Us During COVID-19"
Period effects are how significant events impact a generation based on the period of life they are in when the event occurs. Undoubtedly COVID-19 will affect every generation, but especially Gen Z as they are still developing their worldview and habits. Perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors will be impacted. While there are real threats and fears related to this virus, there are also profound opportunities in this situation for those of us who influence the next generation. In this episode, Jolene discusses how we can mentor, equip and encourage Gen Z during COVID-19.
Period effects are how significant events impact a generation based on the period of life they are in when the event occurs. Undoubtedly COVID-19 will affect every generation, but especially Gen Z as they are still developing their worldview and habits. Perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors will be impacted. While there are real threats and fears related to this virus, there are also profound opportunities in this situation for those of us who influence the next generation. In this episode, Jolene discusses how we can mentor, equip and encourage Gen Z during COVID-19.
Episode 26: "Engaging Gen Z"
Jolene is joined by Gen Z author and student, Tessa Landrum, to discuss how the church can best engage and disciple Gen Z. She shares ways to encourage her generation to participate and how to be a positive influence on them.
Jolene is joined by Gen Z author and student, Tessa Landrum, to discuss how the church can best engage and disciple Gen Z. She shares ways to encourage her generation to participate and how to be a positive influence on them.
Episode 25: "Teaching and Technology"
Jolene is joined by Professor Rebecca Rhoades to discuss ways that teaching, especially in higher education, has changed in the last few decades. They explore how technology has impacted the worldview of students, impacting both classroom interactions like power distance, as well as potential work opportunities.
Jolene is joined by Professor Rebecca Rhoades to discuss ways that teaching, especially in higher education, has changed in the last few decades. They explore how technology has impacted the worldview of students, impacting both classroom interactions like power distance, as well as potential work opportunities.
Episode 24: "Investing in the Next Generation"
Just like investing in the stock market seems insignificant at first, investing in a young leader may seem the same way. But, over the course of a lifetime, the small things we teach and invest compound, and there is no telling how much a small investment early on may produce long-term.
Just like investing in the stock market seems insignificant at first, investing in a young leader may seem the same way. But, over the course of a lifetime, the small things we teach and invest compound, and there is no telling how much a small investment early on may produce long-term.
Episode 23: "2020: Strengthen the Faithful Ones"
For the first episode of 2020, Jolene shares her vision for the coming year. In a journal entry she revisited, the phrase, "Strengthen the Faithful Ones" stuck out to her, leading to meditation of what God was calling her to pursue. Tune in to hear what was the answer she received.
For the first episode of 2020, Jolene shares her vision for the coming year. In a journal entry she revisited, the phrase, "Strengthen the Faithful Ones" stuck out to her, leading to meditation of what God was calling her to pursue. Tune in to hear what was the answer she received.
Episode 22: "A Season of Remembering"
Jolene and Josiah discuss what makes the Christmas season so special and how to create memories that will last a lifetime. They explore ways to make the holidays mean more than just the presents and delve into why we remember the past so fondly.
Jolene and Josiah discuss what makes the Christmas season so special and how to create memories that will last a lifetime. They explore ways to make the holidays mean more than just the presents and delve into why we remember the past so fondly.
Episode 21: "Equipping the Next Generation"Doug Harrison, Director of Special Projects at Mission Aviation Fellowship, joins Jolene to discuss how to make disciples of the younger generations. They share tips for equipping the next generation to become strong leaders, and to help give them understanding of all the information that they have at their fingertips.
Episode 20: "Gen Z: Technology and the Value of Others"
John Murray, President of Imago Dei Leadership Forum and author of a new e-textbook, In Whose Image? Image-bearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time, joins Jolene to discuss equipping Gen Z students. As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history, with unprecedented access to media and technology, young people today face unique challenges and opportunities. John presents a model for helping them understand their value and the value of others.
For more on John's work visit idleadershipforum.org
John Murray, President of Imago Dei Leadership Forum and author of a new e-textbook, In Whose Image? Image-bearers of God vs. The Image-makers of Our Time, joins Jolene to discuss equipping Gen Z students. As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in history, with unprecedented access to media and technology, young people today face unique challenges and opportunities. John presents a model for helping them understand their value and the value of others.
For more on John's work visit idleadershipforum.org
Episode 19: "Modern Evangelism"
Jolene is joined by Dr. David Geisler, author, professor, and president of NGIM (Norm Geisler International Ministries). They discuss his new book, "conversational evangelism", which explores strategies to reach people with the gospel message in a way that every generation can be successful.
For more information on Dr. Geisler's work visit www.ngim.org and receive free access to some of their resources.
Jolene is joined by Dr. David Geisler, author, professor, and president of NGIM (Norm Geisler International Ministries). They discuss his new book, "conversational evangelism", which explores strategies to reach people with the gospel message in a way that every generation can be successful.
For more information on Dr. Geisler's work visit www.ngim.org and receive free access to some of their resources.
Episode 18: "Tech-Smart Parenting"
Jolene explores the world of technology that parents and their children must navigate. She shares tips on how to help children engage with technology, maintain boundaries, and ultimately thrive in all aspects of our technology driven lifestyles.
Jolene explores the world of technology that parents and their children must navigate. She shares tips on how to help children engage with technology, maintain boundaries, and ultimately thrive in all aspects of our technology driven lifestyles.
Episode 17: "Equipping Young People to Thrive in Faith and Life"
Cheri Fletcher joins Jolene to discuss the topic of relating faith to young people. Cheri is a writer, speaker, and mentor to students. They discuss the importance of helping young people face the struggles they will encounter in the different stages of their lives, how to be someone that younger generations will trust and confide in, and how to be a successful mentor.
For more information on Cheri's work and this topic, visit cherifletcher.com
Cheri Fletcher joins Jolene to discuss the topic of relating faith to young people. Cheri is a writer, speaker, and mentor to students. They discuss the importance of helping young people face the struggles they will encounter in the different stages of their lives, how to be someone that younger generations will trust and confide in, and how to be a successful mentor.
For more information on Cheri's work and this topic, visit cherifletcher.com
Episode 16: "Teaching and Training in the 21st Century Part 2"
Jolene discusses the EPIC model of teaching, the effects of technology on young minds, and the balance between simply giving students information and teaching them how to interpret the information available.
Jolene discusses the EPIC model of teaching, the effects of technology on young minds, and the balance between simply giving students information and teaching them how to interpret the information available.
Episode 15: "Teaching and Training in the 21st Century"
Jolene discusses the ways that teaching and training has changed in the last 2 decades. She talks about the collapse of power-distances and the personalization of courses for individual students. She also gives her prediction for where education is going in the coming years.
Jolene discusses the ways that teaching and training has changed in the last 2 decades. She talks about the collapse of power-distances and the personalization of courses for individual students. She also gives her prediction for where education is going in the coming years.
Episode 14: "A Gen Z Perspective on Short-Term Missions"
Jolene is joined by Wesley, a teenager with a passion for missions. They discuss the value of participating in short-term missions trips and the impact that they have on the people who go and the people they visit.
Jolene is joined by Wesley, a teenager with a passion for missions. They discuss the value of participating in short-term missions trips and the impact that they have on the people who go and the people they visit.
Episode 13: "Discovering Truth"
Jolene is joined for a second time by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss teaching children how to discover truth and be able to navigate the many voices vying for their attention.
Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum.
Jolene is joined for a second time by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss teaching children how to discover truth and be able to navigate the many voices vying for their attention.
Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum.
Episode 12: "Establishing Our Worldview"
Jolene is joined by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss child education, establishing a personal worldview, and raising children in today's information driven world.
Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum.
Jolene is joined by teacher and Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum founder, Elizabeth Urbanowicz. They discuss child education, establishing a personal worldview, and raising children in today's information driven world.
Visit foundationworldview.com and use promo code: "leading tomorrow" for 10% off an annual curriculum.
Episode 11: "Millennial Managers II"
In a follow-up episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to prioritize time, how to develop staff, and keys to navigating intergenerational relationships.
In a follow-up episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to prioritize time, how to develop staff, and keys to navigating intergenerational relationships.
Episode 10: "Millennial Managers"
In this special edition episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to motivate different generations, how to handle being promoted over former peers, and what makes up a good team.
In this special edition episode, Josiah asks Jolene questions about issues he is facing as a newly promoted manager. Questions include: how to motivate different generations, how to handle being promoted over former peers, and what makes up a good team.
Episode 9: "Fundraising"
As Boomers retire, there is an ever smaller pool of willing donors from which to fund missions and other ministries and non-profits. Jolene and Josiah outline some key ways to gain the awareness of Gen X and Millennials in order to persuade them to support ministries and non-profits.
As Boomers retire, there is an ever smaller pool of willing donors from which to fund missions and other ministries and non-profits. Jolene and Josiah outline some key ways to gain the awareness of Gen X and Millennials in order to persuade them to support ministries and non-profits.
Episode 8: "A Call to Missions"
Missionary and author David Jacob joins Jolene to discuss his new book, "It's Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Life", as well as the Center for Missionary Mobilization and Retention, and what he sees as the future for North American Missions.
Missionary and author David Jacob joins Jolene to discuss his new book, "It's Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Life", as well as the Center for Missionary Mobilization and Retention, and what he sees as the future for North American Missions.
Episode 7: "Respect for Authority"
What is it that Millennials look for in a leader? In an increasingly complicated world, it can seem difficult to know how to gain the trust and respect of Millennials. Jolene discusses this complex question with her producer, Josiah, and they lay out what effective leaders can do to gain the respect of Millennials.
What is it that Millennials look for in a leader? In an increasingly complicated world, it can seem difficult to know how to gain the trust and respect of Millennials. Jolene discusses this complex question with her producer, Josiah, and they lay out what effective leaders can do to gain the respect of Millennials.
Episode 6: "Millennials and Ministry"
Jolene is joined by Jonathan Chin, a Millennial Missionary, to discuss the challenges that Millennials face in ministry. They cover expectations Millennials may have in various ministries and how to successfully engage and develop their skills in productive ways.
Jolene is joined by Jonathan Chin, a Millennial Missionary, to discuss the challenges that Millennials face in ministry. They cover expectations Millennials may have in various ministries and how to successfully engage and develop their skills in productive ways.
Episode 5: "Gen Z: Individualization and Isolation"
Jolene and Josiah discuss the effects that Individualization and Isolation are having on Gen Z. They cover the benefits and the problems that can arise from introducing technology to young children. They also discuss ways to empower young people to engage and become confident and productive members of a community.
Jolene and Josiah discuss the effects that Individualization and Isolation are having on Gen Z. They cover the benefits and the problems that can arise from introducing technology to young children. They also discuss ways to empower young people to engage and become confident and productive members of a community.
Episode 4: "Spiritual Mentoring of College Students"
Jolene is joined by René Bleakley from the organization CRU to discuss the issues Generation Z (born mid-90's thru mid-00's) is facing and how to successfully engage and mentor them. They discuss strategies for earning trust, understanding their struggles, and how to help them discover their place in an ever-changing world.
Jolene is joined by René Bleakley from the organization CRU to discuss the issues Generation Z (born mid-90's thru mid-00's) is facing and how to successfully engage and mentor them. They discuss strategies for earning trust, understanding their struggles, and how to help them discover their place in an ever-changing world.
Episode 3: "Emotions and Decisions"
Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss why society reacts to online interactions with anger, and what we can do to approach making decisions without being influenced by our emotions.
Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss why society reacts to online interactions with anger, and what we can do to approach making decisions without being influenced by our emotions.
Episode 2: "Decision Making Across Generations"
Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss the differences affecting how generations view decision making, and whether emotion or logic should dictate the way we choose to decide.
Jolene is joined by her producer Josiah to discuss the differences affecting how generations view decision making, and whether emotion or logic should dictate the way we choose to decide.
Episode 1: "Technology in our Daily Lives"
Jolene and her producer Josiah discuss how people use technology in their daily lives, and how it has changed the way many view the world around them. They also talk about the benefits boredom can have on the human mind.
Jolene and her producer Josiah discuss how people use technology in their daily lives, and how it has changed the way many view the world around them. They also talk about the benefits boredom can have on the human mind.