Youth Pastor Theologian

Episode 59: So Much More Than Sex (Scott Stein)

Sex has become central to people’s identity, lifestyle, and even community. But what if sex points to something even greater? Something eternally glorious, determined by God before the world was created? This episode focuses on So Much More Than Sex, a new video-based series for young adults. 
Scott Stein is the founder of Prepared to Answer, an apologetics ministry in Ontario Canada. PTA is also the supervising ministry for YPT, so if you enjoy this podcast then you are deeply indebted to Scott and the PTA team. 
Discussion includes: 
Prepared to Answer is an apologetics ministry. Why are you releasing a video series about sexuality? 
What are the four sessions in So Much more than Sex about, and how did you choose those emphases? 
How can parents and youth workers call students into Christian sexuality as more than a list of “do’s” and “don’ts”? 
What are some of the more common questions or disagreements you receive when speaking with young adults about sexuality? 
Recommended Resources from the Conversation
Christopher West, Our Bodies Tell God’s Story: Discovering the Divine Plan for Love, Sex, and Gender 
Christopher Yuan, Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story
Joe Dallas, Speaking of Homosexuality: Discussing the Issues with Clarity and Kindness
Koukel, Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions 
Holy Sexuality Project 
Follow Prepared to Answer on Instagram: @preparedtoanswer
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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 captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 58: Biblical Youth Ministry in Hard Places (Tim Beilharz)

It’s easy to continue leading our youth ministries the way we’ve seen them run for the last few decades. But it’s more important to build our ministries on a biblical foundation. Instead of making our ministry less relevant to secular youth, maybe this is exactly the type of student ministry they need. Today we’ll hear from Tim Beilharz in Australia about biblical youth ministry in hard places. 
Discussion Features:
What does youth group in Australia look like?
If a youth leader wants to build his or her youth ministry on a biblical foundation, what are some of those cornerstones and what are some key Scriptures for them to wrestle with? 
Some people assume that you need to go light on Bible teaching and doctrine in order to be relevant or culturally “with it.” How do you lead with the Bible first in a tough ministry culture like yours? 
What recommendations do you have for new youth pastors in established ministries - how can they evaluate their ministry and begin making some changes? 
As you talk with youth workers across Australia and also in the States and UK and elsewhere, what are some challenges we all share, and what are some lessons you think we can learn from one another about ministry to the next generation? 
Tim Beilharz is a children’s ministry advisor, lecturer, trainer and writer for Anglican Youthworks. He is also the Children’s Pastor at Soul Revival Church. Tim is currently enrolled in pre-PhD work at Macquarie University, researching the social nature of childhood faith formation in the context of intergenerational church communities. Tim lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and kids.
Resources
Intergenerational Christian Formation, Holly Catterton Allen, Christine Lawton, and others
Practical Theology, Richard Osmer 
Cross-generational Ministry by Nick Hartman 
Effective Ministry Tool, from YouthWorks
Effective Ministry Podcast (available on all platforms)
Timbeilharz.com 
Follow Tim on Twitter/X: @timbeilharz
Follow YouthWorks on Twitter/X: @youthworks
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 57: More to the Story (Jennifer Kvamme)

On one hand, it seems like everyone is talking about sexuality and gender so it’s easy to feel numb to people saying it’s a big deal. But on the other hand… isn’t that the point. Everyone’s talking about it, but are they talking about it helpfully and in a way that offers counsel that’s both biblical and practical for teenagers? Today’s conversation will point your attention to a new resource that will help your students and parents. 
Could you share a brief snapshot about More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships and what you hope teenagers get out of reading and discussing the book? 
What do you think are the main concerns teens have around issues of identity and sexuality? What is at the root of these concerns?
How should adults respond when a teen confides to them about sexual sin? What if they confide about abuse they have suffered?
What are some key passages of Scripture you turn to when discussing these issues as you work in youth ministry?
How has the conversation about sexuality changed in youth ministry over the last 20 years?
What do you recommend regarding preferred pronouns?
What does a partnership with parents looks like when a student is struggling with sexual sin or with their sexual or gender identity? 
Jennifer M. Kvamme is passionate about helping teenagers see the beauty of the gospel and apply it to all of life. She’s been in youth ministry at Centennial Church in Forest Lake, MN, for 20 years, and is also on the director team for the Challenge youth conference. Jennifer is the author of More to the Story and a contributor to the EFCA Blog. She’s married to Greg and they have three children.
Order More to the Story (affiliate link)
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 56: How Can Youth Workers Partner with Parents (Anna Meade Harris)

Every youth pastor knows they should prioritize partnering with parents, but it’s really hard to do for a variety of reasons. This is especially true for younger youth pastors. Let’s talk about what partnering with parents looks like and how you can get started. 
What are some biblical reasons partnering with parents is more than important… it is absolutely necessary. 
What are some reasons you’ve seen or heard that make it difficult for youth workers to meaningfully partner with parents? 
What are some questions youth workers should be asking themselves to honestly evaluate their ministry to parents?
How can these new or young youth leaders partner with parents? 
Anna Meade Harris is the Senior Director of Content for the Rooted Ministry and the mom of three adult sons. God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well, releasing March 2024 through Zondervan. 
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT has published an ebook that's a free download for subscribers! Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 55: Urban Youth Ministry and Theological Depth (Jordan Francis)

Theological depth is important in every ministry context. In this episode, Jordan Francis shares about urban youth ministry and how theological depth applies to inner-city youth. This is a valuable conversation for all youth workers to hear and benefit from. 
 
Jordan Francis is the founder of Reframe Youth and is a Christian Therapist in Phoenix. 
Discussion Questions:
Could you describe what makes urban youth ministry different from youth ministry in suburban or rural communities? 
How would theological depth, in particular, look different in urban ministry? 
Can you give a few examples of ways churches in the inner-city can equip their volunteers to engage youth in theological conversations? 
What are some common reasons urban youth workers might downplay or underestimate the value of theological depth? 
Do you have any recommendations about ways YPT could serve urban churches and youth workers? 
Can you highlight one ministry or youth worker who you think is doing a really great job at this… what are they doing that’s instructive for the rest of us to learn through them? 
Learn more about Reframe Youth at reframeyouth.com, Youtube, and on Facebook
Learn more about the Urban Youth Workers Institute 
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 54: Discipling New Believers (Aaron Armstrong)

Discipling new believers is a blessed challenge. Youth pastor theologians need to be thoughtful and have a plan for how to help students in the weeks and months after they make a profession of faith. But how?! 
Conversation Includes: 
How is the religious climate in Canada different from the Bible Belt and hows that affect the way we minister to youth?
Why is a book like “I’m a Christian – Now What?” necessary? How do you envision it being read and by whom? 
When students first profess faith in Christ, how can youth workers and parents help them understand what just happened and what to do next? 
What are some doctrinal truths that and Christian habits you think are most important to teach new believers, and how do you recommend doing that? 
How can we help new believers develop a healthy and intimate prayer life? 
Aaron Armstrong is the author of several books for adults and children, documentary screenwriter, ministry leader, and podcaster. His most recent book I’m a Christian—Now What? A Guide to Your New Life with Christ (Lexham Press, 2023).
Recommended Resources
NET Bible
Aaron's Website: Aaronarmstrong.co 
Follow Aaron on Social Media: Instagram and Threads
Above links include Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide you with new resources. 
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 53: Video Games and Youth Ministry (Patrick Miller)

Video games are big business, but most Christian leaders either don’t take them seriously or only criticize them as a waste of time. How can youth workers begin to think theologically about the allure and world building of video games, while also thinking critically about addiction in order to engage gamers more effectively? 
Discussion Includes:
What put video games on your radar to start tweeting about video games? What’s the general reaction been to some of the threads you’ve posted over the last few months? 
What are some changes you’ve observed in video games from the time when you were a teenager to today? 
As a pastor and theologian, could you offer some biblical and theological reflection about what video games offer that’s so appealing to teenagers and young adults? 
How do you pastor and counsel men or women who are addicted or who are too enamored with the virtual world? 
What recommendations do you have for parents regarding video games? How can they establish healthy boundaries without simply taking a hard black or white stance?
Patrick Miller is a pastor at The Crossing. He hosts the podcast Truth over Tribe and is the coauthor of a book by the same name. He is married to Emily and they have two kids.
Recommended Resources
Patrick’s article: The Case for Taking Video Games Seriously
Patrick’s podcast: Truth Over Tribe
Patrick’s book: Truth Over Tribe
Love Thy Nerd
Gamers to Follow: TV Preacher Guy, Jon Rush
Above links include Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to provide you with new resources. 
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 
 

Episode 52: Intentional Youth Missions (Alison Woodrow)

Youth Ministry has a long legacy of commitment to missions, but where can that go wrong and how can we think more strategically about giving students a vision for the Great Commission? 
Could you share a little about European Mission Fellowship? 
What are some similarities and differences between youth missions in the USA, UK and Europe? 
What have you seen and learned about casting a vision for evangelism and missions among youth? 
Through your ministry with pastors and missionaries across Europe, what are some important principles or lessons you’ve learned that would be good for youth workers to hear? 
What advice would you offer to youth pastors who are planning their youth missions trips - how can they be more intentional and targeted on long-term fruit? 
Alison Woodrow is the Engagement Support Lead for European Mission Fellowship, a gospel-centered ministry based in the UK who supports pastors and missionaries across Europe. 
Learn more about EMF on Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

Episode 51: Church Membership for Teenagers? (Justin Wong)

Should teenagers become members of the local church? If so, what does that involve - can they vote, join boards and hold positions of leadership? This is a question an increasing number of youth workers are asking, and Justin Wong joins the podcast to chew on it with you. 
Discussion includes:
What are some of the questions we should be asking about church membership and youth ministry?
What happens when you actually implement church membership? When teens become members, what happens next?
How has your church culture shaped your approach to church membership?
What are some common objections?
At what age should teenagers be able to vote?
What do you do when a student wants to join but a parent is opposed?
Justin Wong is the Pastor to Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, TX. He has earned his Doctor of Ministry degree and is currently working on his Doctor of Education. Justin and his wife have who daughters. 
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. This book captures the essence of Youth Pastor Theologian in one ten-chapter book, written by six different contributors from across America, Mexico, and the UK. 

50th Episode!!! (Featuring Jason Engle, Alex Tufano, & Will Standridge)

In this special 50th episode, Mike is joined by three of YPT's regular writers to discuss what it means to be a youth pastor theologian and to celebrate what the Lord is doing through this ministry. 
This is a special season for YPT and there are exciting days ahead as we trust the Lord to revive a commitment to theological depth in student ministry. Would you continue to pray for YPT: for Mike to have wisdom about which initiatives to pursue, for generous financial partners to support this ministry, and for us to keep focused on developing resources that youth workers can use for student discipleship. 
You can learn more about becoming a ministry partner here
YPT Resources mentioned in this episode:
Should We Celebrate Baptism and the Lord's Supper at Youth Group? (Will Standridge
YPT Facebook Group (make sure you answer those membrship questions!)
Podcast episode 39: Gospel-Centered Pedagogy and Church Membership (Justin Wong)
Fun and Games in Youth Ministry (Mike McGarry)
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter/X: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
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.