5 Minutes with Marko: Our Top 10 Episodes of 2026
What happens when we give ourselves five minutes to ask a better question about faith, teenagers, and ministry?
We’ve reached the midpoint of 2006 let’s look at the 5 Minutes with Marko topics that matter most: how young people read Scripture, why doubt deserves a place in the conversation, what healthy change requires, and how adults can better serve the teenagers in their care.
Here are the top ten episodes to revisit—or discover for the first time.
1. What’s the Purpose of Your Small Group?
A small group can be much more than a gathering on the calendar. This episode invites leaders to consider the deeper purpose behind their groups: creating a place where young people are known, can ask honest questions, and grow in faith alongside others.
2. Young Teens and Bible Reading
Helping young teens engage the Bible is not simply about getting them to read more. It is about helping them see Scripture as meaningful, approachable, and connected to their real lives. This is a thoughtful starting point for anyone walking with young adolescents in faith.
3. Four Contexts for Change
Change is rarely simple—especially in ministry. This episode offers a helpful lens for thinking about the environments and relationships that shape transformation. It is a valuable watch for leaders, parents, and anyone hoping to support lasting growth.
4. Do You Have a Zombie Soul?
Sometimes we can keep moving while feeling spiritually disconnected. With a memorable question, this episode makes space to notice when our inner lives may be running on empty—and to consider what it looks like to wake up to God, ourselves, and the people around us.
5. Youth Pastors Need a Title Change
Titles communicate expectations, identity, and value. This episode takes a fresh look at the role of the youth pastor and the language we use for those called to invest in the next generation. It is sure to spark meaningful conversation among church leaders.
6. Ready to Fly
One of the great privileges of working with teenagers is helping them prepare for what comes next. “Ready to Fly” reflects on the process of empowering young people to take ownership of their faith, decisions, and future.
7. The Wow of Neurons and Teens
Teenagers are growing in remarkable ways—socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. This episode brings wonder to the realities of the teenage brain and encourages adults to respond with greater curiosity, patience, and hope.
8. Young Teens and Exploration
Exploration is a natural and necessary part of adolescence. As young teens discover who they are and what they believe, they need adults who can offer both guidance and room to grow. This episode considers how we can make space for that journey.
9. The Downside of Being Well-Resourced
Resources can be a gift—but they can also create blind spots. This episode challenges us to look beyond programs, materials, and capacity to ask a more important question: what do young people truly need in order to flourish?
10. Teenagers and Doubt
Doubt is often treated as something to fear or fix quickly. But honest questions can also be part of a meaningful faith journey. This episode offers an important reminder that teenagers need safe, trusting relationships where they can bring their questions into the open.
Keep the Conversation Going
Whether you are a youth pastor, parent, volunteer, small-group leader, or someone who simply cares about the next generation, choose one episode to watch this week—and share it with someone who needs the conversation.
5 Minutes with Marko will return this fall with brand new episodes. Make sure you subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss out.