Youth Pastor Theologian
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Articles engage what the Bible says about youth ministry, and particularly about gospel-centered youth ministry. Youth Pastor Theologian is dedicated to helping youth workers think theologically within and about youth ministry.
Youth Pastor Theologian
12h ago
This article is part of a monthlong series about the role of apologetics in youth ministry. You can read YPT’s other articles about apologetics here. This article also features Amazon Affiliate links. These provide a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide you with the free resources you enjoy.
The difficulty of apologetics may not necessarily lie in the chosen method, but in the setting through which it’s taking place. In this regard, well-known apologists offer more than theories and ideas – they offer an example. Certain apologists will favor a particular style of encounter ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
3d ago
The youth pastor’s authority comes from the Word of God. When we stray from teaching the Bible then we lose the capacity to say “Thus says the Lord.” Teenagers don’t need more opinions, they need God’s Word. But how can normal youth leaders teach with biblical depth and pastoral warmth?
Discussion Questions
What is expository preaching and what distinguishes it from other types of preaching?
What are some unique benefits of expository preaching in youth ministry?
What are some common reasons youth workers might not practice expository preaching?
Does this mean ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
1w ago
This article is part of a monthlong series about the role of apologetics in youth ministry. You can read YPT’s other articles about apologetics here.
Apologetics can be daunting for youth workers today. Theology and apologetics are vital to making disciples of the next generation. We must not simply explain what we believe, but why we believe it. Despite the endless amount of information available it is hard to know where to start.
Considering this dilemma, I want to offer five critical areas of apologetics that broadly cover some of the foundational questions teenagers are asking today. Each ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
1w ago
Partnering with parents is an essential part of biblical youth ministry. But "family ministry" can sometimes assume a certain type of family - namely, mom and dad with kids living independently. But 1/3 of kids in America today are living in a single-parent household. In this episode, we'll hear from Anna Meade Harris about her new book, "God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well."
Discussion Includes:
Could you share about your own family experience and how that led to your new book?
What are the dif ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
1w ago
Each week we compile a list of helpful articles from other sites, in a variety of categories, for youth workers to read, reflect on, and/or discuss with parents and volunteers. If you have any articles you’d like to suggest, we’d love for you to share those in the Youth Pastor Theologian Facebook group. That’s a great way to bring them to our attention and to discuss them with like-minded youth workers! (Inclusion in this list does not imply complete agreement with the publishing source, but we have found these articles to be beneficial.)
Youth Ministry
Just Jesus?, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
I ge ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
2w ago
This article is part of a monthlong series about the role of apologetics in youth ministry. You can read YPT’s other articles about apologetics here.
Apologetics is a confusing topic of discussion. It has become one of those catch-all terms that you either love (because you are interested in the subject) or hate (because it immediately brings to mind someone you don’t like).
Some people claim apologetics is its own field of study, where you primarily piece together arguments from natural theology. Others see it as an approach to evangelism. Some find it as a waste of time that relies too heavi ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
2w ago
Researchers have conducted a study on the religious lives of Australian youth, and there's much to be learned that translates across cultural boundaries. In this episode, Mike talks with Dr. Graham Stanton about this research and what it can mean for fruitful youth discipleship.
How would you describe the spiritual landscape of Australia, in general… and how is that shaping teenagers and youth ministry?
Could you provide a basic snapshot of the research survey that’s the topic of our discussion?
Can you provide a little background about the religious nature of schools ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
3w ago
Each week we compile a list of helpful articles from other sites, in a variety of categories, for youth workers to read, reflect on, and/or discuss with parents and volunteers. If you have any articles you’d like to suggest, we’d love for you to share those in the Youth Pastor Theologian Facebook group. That’s a great way to bring them to our attention and to discuss them with like-minded youth workers! (Inclusion in this list does not imply complete agreement with the publishing source, but we have found these articles to be beneficial.)
Youth Ministry
Spurgeon the Forgotten Youth Pastor, by ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
3w ago
Kristi Burke was raised as an evangelical Christian. But a few years ago she began deconstructing her faith. In the end, Kristi de-converted and now identifies as an “Ex-Christian, Agnostic Atheist”. A year ago, she launched a YouTube channel committed to deconstructing Christianity that has 50k followers. Interestingly, her TikTok channel (the preferred social media for youth and young adults) has over 250k followers.
Stories like Kristi’s are becoming more and more common and highlight the need for us to make church a safe and hopeful place for teens to journey through doubt. To ..read more
Youth Pastor Theologian
3w ago
It’s good to talk about theologically rich youth ministry, but if youth leaders don’t know how to have normal conversations and build relationships with youth then they’re never going to get to the theological gold. This conversation with Joey Molloy will help youth workers with some of the nuts and bolts of youth ministry we sometimes take for granted.
What are some ministry skills theologically-minded youth leaders tend to struggle with?
When a youth leader goes to a student’s baseball game or soccer hockey match or band concert… how can we make the best use of that time?&nbs ..read more