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 sometimes uncomfortable conversations in order to disciple students into faith that lasts. 

Discussion Questions: 

• Could you share a little about Darkroom and the importance of giving teenagers a place to talk about their doubts and questions? 
• Darkroom talks about sparking students’ curiosity. What do you mean by that and why is curiosity so important? 
• What are some differences between the doubts and faith struggles of teenagers versus those of young adults? At what age do you see students really begin to wrestle with doubt and experience deconstruction? 
• What are some of the common doubts and issues that you’re hearing from younger generations through Darkroom, and how can youth workers address those today?
• Sometimes, parents and youth leaders can think that doubt is always bad and deconstruction is always apostasy. But that’s just not true. Could you help us think through the different types of doubt and deconstruction? 
• What’s the relationship between apologetics and teaching the Bible? 
• Any final words of wisdom or encouragement for the youth workers who are listening? 

Mary Jo Sharp is the founder and director of Confident Christianity apologetics ministry. She is a well-respected apologist, teacher, and writer. Some of her books include, “Why I Still Believe,” “Living in Truth,” and “Why Do You Believe That?” and her ministry has recently launched an initiative for the next generation called Darkroom Faith, which you’ll hear more about in a few minutes. 

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YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book presents ten articles from the YPT archives to help new readers catch YPT's vision for theologically rich and pastorally wise youth ministry. 

 

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