Aug 5, 2026
What does it take to remain faithful in youth ministry for more than four decades and still see your influence growing through future generations?
In this interview episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards sits down with longtime ministry leader Hugh Kirby for a powerful conversation about youth ministry longevity, relational discipleship, mentorship, prayer, church leadership, and going the distance in ministry.
Hugh has served in ministry for more than 42 years, including 17 years directly leading student ministry at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia. Today, he can look back and see former students influencing their own children, grandchildren, churches, and communities.
But Hugh’s ministry story began long before New Hope.
He shares how God moved powerfully during his years playing football at Louisiana Tech, where more than 40 players and others connected to the team came to faith in Christ. Hugh reflects on the spiritual influence of his roommate Denny Duron, the leaders who invested in him, and the way God used relationships to shape his calling.
Hugh also shares how Dr. Millard Box helped transform his understanding of discipleship as a teenager. Rather than building everything around programs, Dr. Box invited Hugh into a relationship-centered environment built on Scripture, honest conversation, accountability, and prayer.
That experience became a model Hugh would carry into decades of youth ministry.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• What helped Hugh remain faithful through 42 years of
ministry
• Why ministry longevity requires dependence on Jesus and support
from family
• How relational discipleship shaped Hugh as a teenager
• Why relationships should come before programs
• The importance of Scripture, accountability, and intimate
prayer
• How Hugh learned to build disciples who would disciple others
• What youth pastors can learn from Jesus’ progressive
disciple-building model
• How long-term ministry influences students, families, and
generations
• Why churches must keep Jesus—not programs—as the main thing
• How mentors and mature believers shape a young person’s
future
Hugh explains that effective discipleship is not simply giving students more information. It means entering their lives, building relationships, helping them understand Scripture, creating loving accountability, and teaching them how to walk personally with Jesus.
This conversation is especially valuable for youth pastors, student ministry volunteers, Christian educators, parents, grandparents, mentors, and anyone who wants to invest in the next generation for the long term.
Programs eventually end.
Positions eventually change.
But a life poured intentionally into another person can continue bearing fruit for generations.
Listen and be encouraged to build relationships, make disciples, remain faithful, and go the distance in the ministry God has given you.
Listen to more episodes from the Youth Worker On Fire Podcast here: https://bit.ly/3saDyYq
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Email: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com
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EPISODE CREDITS
Email us at: youthworkeronfire@gmail.com
Hosted by: Doug Edwards
Theme Song: "The One and Only" by The 808 : Listen to more at https://bit.ly/3FTYIAJ
Intro/Outro Voiceover: Michael Helms: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelTheSoundGuy
Edited by: Secret Roots Music House
PODCAST EPISODE TOPICS:
Hugh Kirby, Youth Ministry, Youth Pastor, Student
Ministry, Youth Ministry Leadership, Relational Discipleship,
Ministry Longevity, Going the Distance in Ministry, Christian
Leadership, Youth Pastor Encouragement, Disciple Making, Mentoring
Students, Next Generation Discipleship, Sustainable Ministry, New
Hope Baptist Church, Christian Mentorship, Prayer and Discipleship,
Ministry Family, Youth Worker On Fire Podcast, Generational
Faith