Youth Pastor Theologian

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 stood out to you? 
Was youth ministry a “stepping stone” for you? Is it ever appropriate for someone to enter into youth ministry in order to prepare for senior pastor ministry in the future? 
How did you know it was time for you to transition into senior pastor ministry? 
What are the most beneficial ways that youth ministry prepared you to lead a church? 
What are some misconceptions you had about senior pastors that you see differently now? 
Now that you’re a senior pastor, are there any ways that you look at youth ministry a little differently? Has your perspective changed at all? 
What advice do you have for listeners who are in a hard or conflict-heavy place and are wondering whether or not they should stay or go. How can they weigh the decision about their future ministry work?
Will Standridge is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Geraldine, Alabama. He’s a longtime contributor to YPT and today we’ll be talking about his transition out of youth ministry and into the senior pastorate. 
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YPT has published an ebook that's a free download for subscribers. Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry collects ten articles from the YPT archives to help new readers catch the heartbeat of Youth Pastor Theologian is written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

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 through other places where this theological motif shows up in the Old and New Testaments? 
What’s the theological and pastoral significance of food and table for Christians? 
What are some ways you can see this shaping the practice hospitality in youth ministry? 
Seth Stewart is the Community Groups Director at Frontline Church in Oklahoma City. He’s also a cohost of the Spoken Gospel podcast and is a longtime friend of YPT. 
Recommended Resources
Gospel Culture Blog series & Podcast episode
Side by Side: Walking with Other in Wisdom and Love, by Ed Welch
A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission around the Table, by Tim Chester
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Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry. 

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 to you?
What’s some good advice you got early on in your ministry that’s served you well?
Who are some of preachers you've listened to throughout your ministry and what have you taken away from them? 
The Word in Youth Ministry podcast has been around for about three years now. That’s a lot of guests and a lot of conversations. Are there any pieces of wisdom that really stand out to you from all those conversations? 
If you could offer advice to young youth leaders who don’t have any formal training but want to teach the Bible, what advice would you give? 
What's the advice you’ve received that’s specifically about delivery? 
Kyle Hoffsmith is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Old North Church in Canfield, OH. He’s also the host of The Word in Youth Ministry, a CPYU podcast and a longtime friend of YPT. 
Mentioned in this episode:
The Word in Youth Ministry podcast
The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (Walt Mueller's ministry)
YPT's Teaching Workshop - a oneday training for youth leaders
YPT's Online Cohorts - a six-session online training
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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. 

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 expectations between youth ministers and senior pastors? 
What are some common mixed expectations between youth ministers and parents? 
How do these expectations change depending on your ministry context or church culture? 
Mixed-expectations are usually discovered because there’s a conflict and you’re trying to figure out what happened… what counsel do you have for youth workers who find themselves in that place? 
How do we differentiate between expectations, ideas, and demands? Then, how do we respond in a way that’s in line with our ministry convictions and calling?
Let’s close on a positive note: what are some expectations we should have of our youth ministries, and how can we help cast a vision for those to be shared among other church leaders, volunteers, and parents?
Joseph Bradley is the Student Pastor the First Baptist Church of Covington in Georgia. He’s also the Blog Editor for YPT.
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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. 

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 who are serving in youth ministry? 
What do you think youth workers should be looking for in a seminary program? 
Some old-timers still feel like residential seminary is the only way to get a “good” seminary education. Can you share from your experience about distance education? 
How do you guard against shortchanging your ministry due to the demands of classwork?
How can youth workers discern how heavy of a course load to take and how to use their time and develop good study habits?
What are some surprising ways that seminary strengthened your ministry to youth? 
Nick Hartman is the Associate Pastor of Students and Discipleship at Mt Carmel Baptist Church in Cross Plains, TN. He’s a longtime writer at YPT and you can read on other YM sites too. 
Follow Nick on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
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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. 
 

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. 
Follow Mary Jo Sharp: Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram
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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. 
 

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 take on parents serving as youth leaders? 
How do you go about “making the ask” to recruit new volunteers?
What does onboarding and training for new volunteers look like for you? 
Do you have different roles or job descriptions for volunteers? How do you ensure they aren’t just warm bodies at youth group? 
How do you address differences of opinion and disagreements with volunteers? To what degree is that healthy, and when does that mean that it might not be a good ministry fit? 
Alex Tufano is the Youth Pastor at Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton, MA. He’s served in youth ministry for 13 years… he’s also responsible for curating YPT’s Friday Review every week, so he’s a treasured contributor to YPT’s ministry. 
Resources
Podcast ep.8 “Protection Policies and Ministry to Abuse Survivors” with Chelsea Erickson
MinistrySafe or Protect My Ministry
YPT New Youth Leader Application Packet & Application
YPT Guide for New Youth Ministers 
YPT Teaching Workshop
Lead Them to Jesus, Mike McGarry
Trellis and Vine, by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne 
With, by Skye Jethani
Parenting Ahead, by Kristen Hatton
CPYU and Rooted podcasts
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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. 

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 biblical view of Christ and Culture? 
What is the intersection between theological depth and cultural analysis? 
Can you give us an example of something going on in youth culture today and model how we could engage students in a meaningful conversation about their worldview? 
Are there any common pitfalls regarding youth culture that you’ve seen youth workers fall into that we should guard against? 
Evan Barber is the Senior Editor for Axis, a ministry that equips parents for gospel-centered conversations with their teen about faith and culture. He also cohosts their Culture Translator Podcast. 
Discover new resources on Axis' website
Follow @axisconversations on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
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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. 

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 next decisions they often make? 
When you meet with these expectant moms, what does ministry to them look like?
How do you respond to those who are afraid that supporting teen pregnancies will send the wrong message to the group and will only encourage others to deal lightly with sexual sin?
What can youth leaders/groups do to make youth group a safe and welcoming place for pregnant teens? What are some 'do's and 'don'ts' for making youth group a supportive and gracious environment?
Obviously, this affects the whole family, not just the student who’s pregnant. How can churches and youth workers support the family through this new challenge that’s completely changing their family? 
If we find out that one of our youth group students had an abortion, how can youth workers prepare today so they respond well to that news?
Sara Loy is the Director of Springwater Healing, an arm of the Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices. Springwater provides support and counseling after an abortion. 
Recommendations:
Embrace Grace 
Lifeway’s Study on the Church and Abortion: Report, Article
Students for Life 
The Charlotte Lozier Institute (research group)
Springwater Healing
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
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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. 

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 and worship? Why do you think we equate worship with singing? 
What are some challenges of helping teenagers develop a biblical and gospel-centered approach to worship, rather than falling into an emotionalistic “I really like this song” approach? 
How to do you hold a high bar for good theology in worship songs while still allowing room for artistic and creative language? 
Without being unnecessarily critical, can you give us a few examples of songs that you’ve removed from your setlist for theological reasons, and walk us through your reasons for it? 
Any advice for listeners about how to have these conversations without becoming argumentative or fostering an overly critical spirit in your ministry? (does that make sense? I’m thinking about some youth taking this to mean they need to become the theology police at all time, and that’s just arrogant and gross) 
If someone is listening and they want to incorporate more worship into their youth ministry but they just don’t have the musicians to pull it off, what advice do you have for them? How and where do you get started? 
Recommendations: 
The Berean Test - website that evaluates worship songs 
Bob Kauflin books
Doxology and Theology: How the Gospel Forms the Worship Leader, by Matt Boswell 
Follow Dorothy on Instagram: @dlau7
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
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Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
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.