Youth Down South

REPLAY! This episode first aired in June 2025, but it is still relevant every year. If you listened the first time, listen again! If you missed it the first time, you won’t want to miss it now!
In this episode, we take a bird’s eye view of officer moves within the Southern Territory—how the process works and how we, as church members and leaders, can support officers and their families, especially children, during a season of change. Lt. Colonel Janice Riefer, Territorial Secretary for Personnel, shares her expert insights, and Jon Avery, Social Media Manager, joins the conversation with personal reflections and a look at a recent social media post about this topic that gained a lot of positive feedback.
Here is the link to the social media post referenced in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIOG3yPxXax/?igsh=MXI5ZDBxOHhlZjVkNQ==

In this episode of Youth Down South, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a volunteer dream team — not just filling positions, but intentionally recruiting, training, and developing leaders who thrive.
Emma is joined by Roberta Simmons-Smith and Danielle Rowland for a practical, honest conversation about moving from “gap filling” to team building. We talk onboarding, creating ownership, preventing burnout, having hard conversations, and what actually keeps volunteers coming back year after year.
If you lead volunteers in any capacity — corps, youth ministry, RSYC, camp, or beyond — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Youth Down South, we sit down with Chris Benjamin, Director of Production and Operations for Soundcast at Territorial Headquarters, to talk all things podcasting, production, and the power of storytelling. Together they unpack what Soundcast is, meet the team behind the mic, and take a closer look at the podcasts you may already know and love including, Words of Life and Heartbeat.
Chris shares why audio storytelling matters for The Salvation Army right now, what makes podcasting such a powerful tool for ministry, and how Soundcast is creating meaningful, mission-driven content for listeners across the Territory and beyond. You’ll also hear about other projects the team is working on, how you can connect with them, and where Soundcast is headed in the future. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes—or how you can get involved—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Check out all things Soundcast at: https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/

In this episode of — Real Talk with E.B. — Emma is joined by E.B. and Jeremy Rowland to talk about Youth in Action and the many ways young people can serve through The Salvation Army. From local corps opportunities to camps, mission trips, and creative ministry, this conversation encourages young people to discover their gifts, step into leadership, and live out their faith through service.
Listen now and be inspired to get involved and make a difference where you are!

In this episode, Melissa Powell joins Emma to share three brand-new Youth Down South resources to help you prepare for the upcoming ministry season. We talk about our new Valentine’s Day resource, introduce the Lent and Easter series that continues The Journey That Changed the World from Advent, and preview our brand-new VBS coming in early March, Galaxy Quest.
The Valentine’s Day and Lent/Easter resources are available now, so you can start planning right away.
Tune in to learn what’s included and how these resources can support your ministry in the weeks and months ahead!

In this episode, we are joined by Kristin Mudge and Brad Rowland from Southern Spirit for an encouraging and practical conversation about writing. They talk about why writing matters, how young people and young adults can get involved, and what it really looks like to take that first step—even if you don’t see yourself as “a writer.”
This episode offers helpful insight into submitting articles, writing devotionals, covering events, and understanding what editors are looking for, while reminding us that God can use our voices and stories in powerful ways.
Listen, share, and encourage someone who has a story waiting to be told
Check out SouthernSpiritOnline.org for more information, to contact Kristin or Brad, or to submit a piece!

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Chris Raymer to talk about his journey before officership and how his civilian career helped shape the leader and officer he is today. From hospitality and high-pressure work environments to communications ministry, Chris shares how God used every season to prepare him for what came next.
We’ll explore calling, discernment, transferable skills, and how everyday work can be meaningful preparation rather than a detour from God’s plan. If you’re a young adult—or anyone—wondering how your current job fits into your faith, ministry, or future calling, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope.
🎧 Listen now and be reminded that God wastes nothing.

In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about EQUIP 2026—a Southern Territory conference centered on training, connection, and growth for youth and young adult leaders. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime EQUIP participant, this conversation breaks down what to expect, why EQUIP matters, and how this conference is designed to equip, refresh, and inspire leaders for effective ministry today.
We’ll explore the heart behind the 2026 theme, highlight key elements of the conference, and share practical details to help you prepare—from who should attend to how to how to register, and so much more. If you’re looking for clarity, excitement, and a deeper understanding of how EQUIP 2026 can invest in you and your team, this episode is your go-to guide.

In a season filled with passionate conversations and important questions, we’re invited to consider how following Jesus shapes the way we live and engage the world around us. Faithful in the Public Square explores what it looks like to live with Christ-centered integrity and grace in a divided world.
In this episode of Real Talk With E.B., we’re joined by David Delaney from the Potomac (PMC) Division for an honest, faith-centered conversation about keeping Christ at the center of our lives and witness.
Together, we explore identity, unity, kingdom values, healthy disagreement, and practical ways believers can reflect Jesus in everyday conversations, online spaces, and community life. If you’ve ever wrestled with how faith and public life intersect, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and be reminded where our true hope is found.

In this festive episode, Emma is joined by the entire Youth Department for a joyful Christmas Eve-Eve celebration filled with stories, memories, and family traditions from around the team. With nine people gathered around four microphones, it’s a warm, laughter-filled conversation that captures the heart of the season. The episode closes with the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2—a reminder of the hope and wonder at the center of it all. From our Youth Down South family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!