Youth Pastor Theologian
A weekly conversation to help youth workers practice theology in their ministry to youth. Teenagers are asking real questions and their lives are complicated - we need more than pizza, games, and easy answers if we’re going to equip them for lifelong faith.
Episodes
148: Parachurch, Church Kids vs. Outreach, and Ministry Philosophy Conflicts
Today's episode features three listener questions with a common thread... questions from a parachurch youth worker who wants to partner with the local church, a youth pastor who's wondering whether church kids should receive more pastoral care and support than those who aren't from your church, and responding to an anonymous post in the YPT Facebook group about leaving their church due to ministry
147: Talking About the Nature of Sin With Youth
In this episode, Mike and John continue the new series discussing different subjects of systematic theology in youth ministry. Today, we talk about sin... what is it, why is it such a big deal, and how do we talk about it with youth while saying more than "Just don't do it!" It may not be fun to talk about, but if we never talk about the nature of sin, then students will only hear us telling them
146: Talking with Youth about Eschatology and End Times
In this episode, Mike and John introduce a new podcast series where they'll talk through the different branches of systematic theology, and why each matters for youth discipleship. So... why not start with the end times? In the conversation, we discuss why eschatology is so important and how to talk about it with you in a way that calls them into Christian hope.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Di
145: Youth Pastor Salaries & Staff Stress
In this episode of the YPT Podcast, Mike and John discuss two listener questions. First, we have a youth worker from another country asking about salary and compensation. While details are obviously different in various contexts, this opens up a general conversation about youth pastor salaries. Second, we hear from a youth worker whose fellow staff member doesn't send their teenagers to youth grou
144: Six Commitments of Theological Youth Ministry
The Podcast returns!!! After catching up about summertime ministry, Mike and John discuss the 6 commitments of "Theological Youth Ministry." This is a new way to articulate what YPT is advocating for. We aren't trying to be novel and creative, so many of these commitments will seem familiar. But others will help you think more intentionally (especially about discipleship, volunteers, and parents).
143: Ongoing Discipleship & Curriculum Preview
In this final episode of the podcasting season, Mike and John welcome Andrew Slay. Together, they wrote the three series composing the YPT Curriculum's new "Ongoing Discipleship" curriculum. This conversation is more than a salespitch for the curriculum... it's an explanation about why we believe these series are worthwhile for disciple-making in youth ministry.
The Ongoing Discipleship Curriculu
142: Raising Gen Alpha, with Dave Boden
In this episode, Mike and John talk with Dave Boden, author of Raising Gen Alpha: Helping Kids Navigate Everything from Anxiety to AI (New Growth Press, 2026). Dave explains the five core attributes of Gen Alpha with the acronym A.L.P.H.A
Anxious Minded
a Leading Influence
Pandemic Impacted
Hyperconnected
AI Shaped
Go order and read his book this summer... even better, form a reading group with
141: When You've Experienced Church Hurt and Church Abuse
In this episode, Mike and John share a glimpse into their own experiences with "church hurt" and "church abuse" and reflect on what they've learned the hard way. There's no "one size fits all" approach to these things, but it's disappointing how many youth pastors have been on the receiving end of church hurt and gaslighting.
If you have been through a painful situation, we strongly recommend you
140: The Devil Doesn't Take the Summer Off...
In this episode, Mike and John talk about youth ministry during the Summer. Do you keep meeting weekly as usual, or keep meeting but differently, or do you cancel weekly programming? It seems like every church has a longstanding tradition, and many of them feel like they're "doing it wrong." In this conversation, we talk about different approaches, priorities to keep in mind, and offer assurance t
139: What Season of Ministry Are You Experiencing?
In this episode, Mike and John discuss the different seasons of ministry we often experience. Some seasons are like "Philippians" (Joy! Joy! Joy!) and others are like "Job" (seasons of suffering and grief). Then, we discuss how to evaluate our ministry differently depending on which season we're in.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pasto
138: Is Youth Ministry in the Bible?
Editor's note: There was a mistake (all Mike's fault!) in publishing episodes that led to titles and shownotes being added to the wrong episode recording. The title/shownotes are now added to the correct recording file... sorry for any confusion.
In this episode, Mike and John discuss a statement youth pastors often hear, "Youth Ministry isn't even in the Bible." People often say this with so mu
137: Integrating Youth into the Church & Why Stay in Youth Ministry
Editor's note: There was a mistake (all Mike's fault!) in publishing episodes that led to titles and shownotes being added to the wrong episode recording. The title/shownotes are now added to the correct recording file... sorry for any confusion.
This episode explores effective strategies for integrating students into the church, the importance of church leadership support, and the long-term call
136: Talking with Youth About School & Honoring Graduates
In this episode, Mike and John discuss a Christian theology of education. School is a major part of teenagers' lives - how do we help them think biblically and Christianly about school and education? Is this only possible for those who are homeschooled or go to Christian schools? This episode wraps with a conversations about how churches and youth ministries can honor High School graduates without
135: Practical Theology & Planning a Teaching Calendar
This episode explores the vital role of practical theology in youth ministry, emphasizing how it guides practices, decisions, and teaching strategies. Mike and John discuss how to integrate practical theology into planning, teaching, and engaging with students to foster deeper faith and understanding. We also respond to a listener-question about how to plan a teaching calendar.
Mike McGar
134 - Historical Theology in Youth Ministry & Responding When Youth Group Shrinks
This episode, Mike and John discuss the significance of historical theology: What it is and how it can help youth workers disciple students. They offer some specific examples of ways that understanding history can help you identify false teachings that are wrapped in new packaging. Then, they discuss a listener-question about what to do when attendance at youth group shrinks for various reasons, a
133: Why Biblical Theology Matters in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike and John focus on biblical theology: what is it, why it matters, and how to practice biblical theology in youth ministry. Biblical theology races themes, keywords, or types of events throughout Scripture in order to highlight what they say about the character and work of God.
Recommended books:
A Vision for Preaching: Understanding the Heart of Pastoral Theology (Abraham K
132: Teenagers and Mental Health, with Danny Kwon
In this episode, Mike and John welcome Danny Kwon to discuss a book he wrote with his wife, Monica Kim, Teenagers and Mental Health. The conversation encourages youth workers to think biblically about how mental health struggles affect the discipleship process and how to (and how not to) address it in your teaching. Ultimately, youth pastors can approach mental health issues with compassion, bibli
131: Why Systematic Theology Matters & Ministering to Kids of Church Hoppers
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the blessing of systematic theology for youth workers. It's not just dry, stuffy, lifeless ideas about God; it's a way to really understand what makes Christianity "tick", in order that you can do faithful evangelism and discipleship. Next, they answer a listener-question about how to serve a student whose family has chosen to leave their chur
130: Getting Students to Engage and Love One Another
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss effective strategies for engaging students in small group settings within youth ministry, and how to create an environment where students love one another. They highlight the importance of asking good questions, creating an interactive environment, and fostering deeper relationships among students..
129: Youth Culture & Fun and Games
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss two questions: how much youth culture should a youth pastor know, and how do we incorporate fun and games into ministry without becoming "attractional"? They explore the influence of social media and influencers on today's youth, the necessity of fun in building relationships, and the challenges of maintaining theological integrity while creat
128: Does our Delivery Matter?
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of the way you deliver your message. They explore the necessity of integrating your content with the way you present it to students. The conversation also touches on the role of effective communication in ministry and the importance of being authentic while delivering God's word.
New Update on the YPT Teaching Workshop!
Toge
127: What is (and isn't) Discipleship?
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of discipleship in youth ministry. They explore the difference between "ministry" and "discipleship", and the various layers of what it means to be a disciple. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace in ministry and practical steps for effectively discipling students, including the significance of corporate worship and re
126: Should We Practice Communion & Baptism at Youth Group?
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle the contentious question of whether communion and baptism should be observed in youth groups and camps. They explore the biblical and theological teaching about the ordinances, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local church's role in administering them. While the answer to the question isn't
125: Apologetics & Favorite Teaching Series
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the role of apologetics in leading students through through questions and doubts. After discussing apologetics, they each share some of their favorite teaching series.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenager
124: Conducting Halftime Evaluations in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of evaluation in youth ministry. As you conduct a "halftime evaluation" at the beginning of the calendar year, we want to encourage you to remember your goals for the school-year and how to finish strong. To do that, we break from our typical format and Mike leads John through an evaluation of his own youth ministry for the '25-
123: Reflecting on 2025 & Teaching the Trinity to Youth
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner engage in a lively discussion that begins with some reflections on 2025. The rest of the episode highlights the importance of understanding the Trinity, how to teach it effectively to teenagers, and its relevance in daily life, especially during the Christmas season. The conversation emphasizes the relation
122: The State of Theology in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the findings of the State of Theology 2025 report, filtering the responses to focus on those who are most likely to serve in youth ministry. We exploring the theological beliefs of evangelicals and the cultural influences that shape these beliefs. Conversation digs into topics like the nature of sin, the role of the Holy Spirit, biblical autho
121: Unexpected Skills Youth Workers Need
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the challenges and skills necessary for onboarding new youth directors, emphasizing the importance of courage, writing, and effective communication. The discussion covers practical tips for setting up youth rooms, understanding dietary needs of students, and planning engaging events. They also delve
120: Rooted Conference Highlights & Pressure to Become "Real" Pastors
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss their recent experience at the Rooted Conference, sharing a few key highlights for each of them. While at the conference, multiple attendees asked about how to discern whether to remain in youth ministry or to move into other areas of ministry. The conversation affirms the dignity and the need for gifted youth pastors to stay in youth ministry
119: Teaching a Christmas/Advent Series & How Many Retreats Are Too Many
In this episode, Mike and John discuss Christmas and busyness. First, we talk about how we handle Christmas in our teaching calendar and what types of Christmas series we've done. Next, we address a question from someone in the YPT Facebook Group about how many camps/retreats/trips per year is too many.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth past
118: How Mike Prepares a Sermon
Mike and John couldn't line up their schedules, so Mike is flying solo! In this episode, he brings you behind the pulpit and walks you through his process of developing a sermon. This isn't intended as THE way you ought to do it... it's simply the process that works for Mike. Hopefully this example on a recent sermon from Romans 8 will encourage you on multiple fronts.
For more training on how to
117: Gospel-Shaped Sanctification & Student Leadership
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner focus on sanctification, spiritual disciplines, and apply a theology Law & Gospel. They discuss the importance of teaching youth about spiritual growth while avoiding pitfalls like legalism and antinomianism. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of empowering students in ministry roles and
116: Talking With Students About Sexuality and Gender
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the critical importance of addressing sexuality and gender issues within youth ministry. They explore the biblical foundations for teaching on these topics, the role of youth pastors, and the need for open conversations about sexual holiness. The discussion also touches on the implications of purity
115: Youth Ministry Failures & How to Not Be a Know-it-All
In this episode of the podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner reflect on some of their failures as youth pastors. While it's easy to laugh about silly mistakes (and we do), we also share some of the weightier mistakes we've made and reflect on what we've learned the hard way. Then they respond to a listener-question about how to not be a know-it-all when you genuinely know more than the other peop
114: What is Gospel-Centered Teaching & Addressing Topical Issues
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner talk about gospel-centered teaching in youth ministry. In particular, they give an overview to different exegetical approaches to preaching Christ from Genesis through Revelation. The conversation also addresses the question of how to address important topical issues in a ministry that's committed to expository teaching.
Special Invitation: Join Mike
113: Training Volunteers & Building Trust
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry. They explore the challenges of training and retaining volunteers, effective onboarding processes, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust and buy-in from volunteers, and they share s
112: What is Discipleship & Should we Practice Digital Discipleship?
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner talk about discipleship: What is it? What isn't it? And what pulls us away from it? The conversation also addresses the question of whether or not we should use video and social media to "extend" our regular discipleship efforts.
Articles Referenced in this Podcast:
Not Everything is Discipleship (on YPT)
What Does Relational Discipleship Actual
111: Risky Youth Ministry & Ministry to Students with Disabilities
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the biblical theology of safety and risk in youth ministry. They explore the balance between ensuring safety and encouraging healthy risk-taking among youth. The conversation also touches on the role of parents, the significance of failure in discipleship, and practical safety measures for youth activities, including mission trips. Additionall
110: Navigating Doubt and Deconstruction & Should we have Parents as Volunteers?
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the complexities of doubt and deconstruction in youth ministry. They delve into how to navigate students' doubts in a way that fosters faith rather than leading to apostasy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the different types of doubt, the role of deconstruction in faith, and t
109: Cell Phones in Youth Group & Partnering with other Youth Groups
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle two significant listener questions. The first question revolves around cell phone usage in youth ministry, particularly during retreats and camps. The second question addresses the benefits and challenges of partnering with other youth ministries in your area.
Learn more about the National Network o
108: The Image of God and Youth Ministry, a preview of Mike's new book
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of being created in the image of God and its implications for youth ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity as image bearers of God and how this shapes the way we disciple youth into Christian maturity.
Pre-order Mike's new book, Iconic: Being God'
107: Using Curriculum Well & Managing "Other Duties as Assigned"
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the how and when to use curriculum in youth ministry. They share what to look for, how to support your volunteers who are teaching curriculum, and then move on to answer a listener-question about how to focus on youth ministry while fulfilling "other duties as assigned" in your church.
Keep an eye out f
106: What NOT to do in your first year
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss essential advice for first-time youth workers, each focusing on five key things to avoid in youth ministry. The conversation provides practical insights and encouragement for new youth leaders navigating their roles.
Send your question to Mike and John for the podcast here, and make sure to tell us you've left a rating/review to get bumped to
105: Youth Ministry as Catechesis & the YPT Curriculum!
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the significance of catechesis in youth ministry, emphasizing its relational nature and the importance of intentional discipleship. They discuss the need for a structured approach to teaching that considers the different stages of spiritual maturity among youth. Ultimately, they advocate for a return to h
104: Asking Good Questions, Chat GPT, Engaging Students with Scripture
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the importance of asking good questions that engage students in meaningful conversations. Discussing good and bad questions leads into a conversation about whether or not youth workers should use ChatGPT. The discussion also highlights the need for youth to engage with scripture outs
103: Student Leadership, Book Recommendations, & Time Wasters
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the concept of student leadership within youth ministry. They discuss whether all students should be considered leaders, the importance of defining leadership, and how personality traits influence leadership roles. The conversation also touches on empowering students, cultural misunderstandings of l
102: Missions Trips & Discouraged Youth Pastors
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the role of missions trips. They discuss the theological implications of these trips, critiques of short-term missions, and share personal experiences—both positive and negative while emphasizing the importance of gospel-centered missions. They also discuss the reality and challenge
101: Podcast revamp, Our Ministry Journeys, D.Mins. and Spouses in Youth Ministry
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner introduce the new format of the show, focusing on their journeys into youth ministry. They discuss their unexpected paths into youth ministry, the importance of theological depth, why they each pursues a D.Min., and how they integrate their spouses into their ministry roles.
Send your question to Mike
100: Revisiting "What is a Youth Pastor Theologian" (Engle, Hartman, Tufano)
In this celebratory 100th episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, host Mike McGarry and guests Nick Hartman, Jason Engle, and Alex Tufano reflect on their experiences in youth ministry, the importance of theological depth, and memorable podcast episodes. They discuss the significance of the Youth Pastor Theologian identity, the need for practical theology, and the positive trends emerging
99: Equipping Youth to Live with Wisdom (Rich Griffith)
In this conversation, Mike talks with Rich Griffith about the importance of guiding our youth to live with wisdom and discernment, and encouraging them to live with godly courage.
Conversation includes:
How can we help our youth grow in biblical wisdom and to live with courage to live accordingly. Why is that so important to you as you raise your own boys and minister to youth?
When you talk ab
98: Building a Culture of Question-Asking in Youth Ministry (Valerie O'Brien)
Teenagers are full of questions. The big question, is who are they discussing those questions with?! It can be a challenge to cultivate a ministry culture where students feel the freedom to ask their questions without being afraid of getting belittled or receiving cheap answers. In this conversation, Valerie O'Brien discusses her approach to inviting youth to ask their questions, and how she equip
97: Jesus is Worth It (Chris Morphew)
Can Jesus really make a positive difference in your life? What about when being a Christian puts you at odds with the values of your friends and with society in general? Is following Jesus worth it?
This episode is a conversation with Chris Morphew about his new book, "Worth It: Following Jesus When Life Feels Complicated", which highlights the truth that however good you think the good news of Je
96: Teaching the Old Testament to Youth (Chelsea Erickson)
It can be tempting to stick to the New Testament when teaching the Bible to youth. But doing so will only short-change teenagers and limit their understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ. Some parts of the Old Testament can feel foreign or intimidating, and therefore easy to avoid. Today's conversation with Chelsea Erickson will highlight the importance of teachign the Old Testament and will
95: Speaking to Teenagers (Duffy Robbins)
Duffy Robbins shares insights on effective preaching and teaching in youth ministry, including a discussion about how long to teach for. Robbins emphasizes that youth will listen for as long as they're engaged, but they'll check out once they're bored. So, how do we teach with biblical and theological depth that engages them with the gospel?
What is it about youth ministry that keeps you investe
94: Reflecting on the Asbury Outpouring (Zach Meerkreebs)
The Asbury Outpouring gripped religious news and social media two years ago. People had a wide range of opinions about it then, but it's been long enough that we can look with greater clarity about what was and was not happening. In this episode, Mike talks with Zach Meerkreebs, the preacher whose sermon God used to spark the outpouring. Listen in to hear about what's happening at Asbury now and w
93: Theology of Art and Ministry to Artsy Youth (Melody Bellefeuille-Frost)
Youth Group isn’t always a place where artsy youth feel a sense of belonging. And yet, the Church, historically, has been a haven for the arts. How can youth workers develop a biblical appreciation for art and serve our students who are artistically-minded?
Discussion Includes:
Historically, there’s been a rich relationship between the church and the arts. But what have you observed about the ch
92: Trends in Youth Ministry (Walt Mueller)
What's happening in the youth ministry world today and how did we get here? This is an important question that we need to ask from time to time, and who's better to ask than Dr. Walt Mueller?
Walt Mueller has been ministering to young people for over 45 years and is the founder/director of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. He’s also the author of many books for youth and youth leaders, a
91: The Church and Youth Sports (Paul Putz)
Talking about the church and youth sports is a sure way to spur strong opinions. Many pastors feel like parents are choosing sports over faith, while parents and kids feel like the church doesn't respect sports or team culture. How can faithful Christian parents and church leaders navigate this tense issue in a way that is distinctively Christian, without drawing battle lines? Today we’ll talk wit
90: Should I Stay or Should I Go? (Will Standridge)
At some point, every youth pastor faces the question, "Should I stay or should I go?" Sometimes God's wisdom leads us to stay and endure through seasons of tension and conflict, but sometimes the Lord provides freedom to move into a new ministry (or an entirely new vocation!).
Discussion Includes:
You’re still in your first year as a senior pastor… what are some of the bigger differences that’ve
89: The Significance of Eating Together (Seth Stewart)
Food and “the table” show up throughout Scripture in significant ways. And yet, it’s easily overlooked. How does “theology of meals and eating together” shape Christian fellowship and ministry to youth?
Could you explain what you mean by “theology of meals and eating together”?
When I hear this, I immediately think about the Lord’s Supper. That’s a major component of it, but could you walk us t
88: The Best Teaching Advice I've Received (Kyle Hoffsmith)
There’s so much that can be said about how to teach the Bible with depth and clarity, it’s almost as if we could build an entire podcast around it! That’s why we’ve invited Kyle Hoffsmith from “The Word in Youth Ministry” to share some of the best preaching and teaching advice that he’s heard.
When you were new to youth ministry, could you tell us about a crash-and-burn situation that stands out
87: Managing Expectations in Youth Ministry (Joseph Bradley)
Everyone has expectations: you do, and so do your students, parents, volunteers, and church leaders. How can you identify people's expectations and respond with humility and confidence when you don't quite "meet expectations"?
Of all the topics we could be discussing today, why do you think it’s important for us to talk about managing expectations in youth ministry?
What are some common mixed e
86: Leading a Youth Ministry While in Seminary (Nick Hartman)
It can be difficult to find a healthy rhythm when serving in full-time youth ministry while also in seminary. This can lead some people to never pursue formal training, and it can lead others to burn out. Today’s conversation highlights the benefit of seminary training while providing some practical counsel about navigating it well.
What’s the benefit of a seminary education for men and women w
85: Apologetics and Doubt in Youth Ministry (Mary Jo Sharp)
As teenagers move from middle school through their high school graduation, they begin to ask increasingly difficult questions about life and faith and God. If we are only telling them answers without creating space for meaningful conversations about the questions they have, then they’ll find answer to their questions somewhere else. Today’s conversation will help youth workers lean into these some
84: Leading and Equipping Volunteers (Alex Tufano)
Sooner or later, every youth pastor learns that their youth ministry is only as strong as their volunteers. If that’s true then how do we identify, recruit, train, and support faithful volunteer leaders to serve our students?
Discussion
Why are volunteers so important?
What should we look for in volunteers, and what are some flags that should give us pause in potential volunteers?
What’s your
83: Translating Youth Culture for Student Discipleship (Evan Barber)
Youth culture can feel like a foreign language, especially with how rapidly it changes. How can youth workers understand the culture of our students… and why is that important anyways?
Why is it important for youth workers to understand youth culture?
How would you describe the default approach most adults take toward interpreting and translating youth culture?
Could you walk us through a bibl
82: How to Respond When Teenagers Get Pregnant (Sara Loy)
How do we respond with love and grace when teenagers in our ministry get pregnant? This is a huge surprise for everyone and often turns entire families upside-down. The gospel shapes the way you support and care for the expectant mom, dad, and their families.
What are some of the initial feelings that our teen girls likely experience after finding out they’re pregnant, and what factors into the
81: Leading Youth to Lead Worship in Youth Ministry (Dorothy Lau)
How can youth ministries encourage teenagers to worship God? Obviously, worship is more than singing and music, but that’s often where we begin how to worship. So what kinds of songs should we sing, and what should we avoid in our worship music?
Discussion Questions
What are some of the benefits of incorporating worship in your youth ministry?
Can you talk us through a brief theology of music an
80: Cultivating a Churchwide Commitment to Intergenerational Relationships (Annika Bangma)
Youth workers are increasingly realizing the importance of intergenerational ministry. But it remains a challenge to promote a churchwide commitment to these cross-generational relationships. Why is this so important and how do we make progress in this area?
Discussion Includes:
Could you tell us a little about Generation Spark's vision for intergenerational mentoring?
Why are intergenerational
79: How Catechesis Can Strengthen Your Discipleship (Skyler Flowers & Parker Hudson)
Every youth leader wants to see their teenagers grow into mature and godly adults. At the same time, we often struggle to clearly define what discipleship is and what it looks like. After all, if everything in our youth ministry falls under the category of discipleship then we’ve probably watered down the category of discipleship so much it doesn’t really mean anything at all.
Discussion Question
78: Discussing Gender and Sexuality with Youth (Andrew Bunt & Ashleigh Hull)
Discussing gender and sexuality with teenagers has never been more important... or intimidating. It seems so easy to step on landmines, lose credibility with either students or parents or church leadership, which can make it tempting to avoid the topic altogether. But students are hearing about gender and sexuality, and every ministry has youth who are struggling with these questions personally.
77: Ministry to Teen Boys (Jonathan Denton)
It’s no secret that boys and girls mature differently. That doesn’t only happen in terms of emotional maturity but also cognitively and spiritually. So, how does that shape the way we minister to the teen guys in our youth ministries?
Discussion Includes:
Tell us a little about your book, Disciplemaking With Guys. Why did you write it and what’s the big idea of the book?
What are some developmen
76: Calling Youth to a God-Centered Faith (Richard Ross)
The Christian faith is not about “me and Jesus,” but about the glory of our Triune God. What does it mean for youth workers to call teenagers into lives that are marked by faithful worship and a vital union with Christ? Instead, many teenagers have a me-centered faith that treats Jesus like their therapist. This conversation with Dr. Richard Ross helps youth workers identify why this is such a ser
75: Ministry to Kids in Crisis (Seth Teegarden)
Youth Ministry often brings us into students’ lives during difficult and painful times. Instead of avoiding that because it’s messy or complicated, the gospel calls us to walk beside youth and their families with love and compassion. Today we’re talking with Seth Teegarden about his experience as a house parent for kids in crisis, and about how that’s shaped his current ministry as a youth pastor.
74: Strengthening the Senior Pastor / Youth Pastor Relationship (Cody Busby)
One of the main reasons a youth pastor’s relationship with their senior pastor can suffer is from unmet expectations. In this conversation, we talk with Cody Busby (Mike’s pastor) in order to encourage and support healthy senior/youth pastor relationships.
Discussion Features:
Share with us a little about your experience as a youth pastor… what do you miss most about serving in youth ministry and
73: Preaching that Connects (Matt Kim)
Faithful preaching and teaching does more than deliver biblical content, it takes the audience into account and draws the listeners into the text so they can behold the truth and beauty of God’s Word. Most of us have listened to sermons that were biblically and theologically sound, but they weren’t helpful. In today’s conversation, we want to help youth leaders preach and teach in a way that conne
72: Revisiting Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (Kenda Creasy Dean)
Nearly twenty years ago, the largest study on youth and religion described the religious worldview of youth and young adults as Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. The teenagers and young adults in that study are now the parents of GenZ, which prompts the question, “Is MTD still a good description of youth spirituality?”
Discussion Questions
For our listeners who don’t know about the National Study on
71: Teaching Students the Doctrine of God (Malcom Yarnell)
If youth workers aren't teaching teenagers about God then how can we call what we're doing "ministry"? The doctrine of God is a topic that people tend to either take for granted or they are intimidated by it's grandeur. This conversation highlights some of the core aspects of the doctrine of God and why it's so important to talk about with teenagers.
What is the vision behind the “Theology for Ev
70: Youth Ministry and Apologetics in Africa (Kevin Muriithi)
Although we preach the same gospel, each culture brings distinct questions and challenges for pastoral ministry. What can Western youth workers learn from African youth leaders and pastors?
What does youth ministry look like in Kenya? Since Africa is a large continent with many people groups and languages, can you give us a snapshot about what youth ministry looks like across Africa?
You’ve recen
69: Contextualization in Youth Ministry (Mike Dicker)
Good and faithful youth ministry can look very different from context to context, and yet we often define “What is youth ministry” by the form it takes rather than the essence. Today we’re going to talk about contextualization with Mike Dicker from YouthWorks College in Sydney, Australia.
What is contextualization and why is it important?
What is "divine accomodation" and can you point to any ex
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