Youth Pastor Theologian

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, and he’s one of the professors for the Doctor of Ministry program at GCTS in “Ministry to Emerging Generations”. 
Discussion Features: 
Can you talk us through the different eras of youth ministry that you’ve experienced? What was happening in the youth ministry world and how did we get to where we are today?  
Sometimes I hear people talk really critically about previous generations of youth ministry, and that really bothers me. How can we learn critically from previous generations of youth workers while still appreciating and respecting their legacy? 
What are some positive trends you’re seeing in YM today?
What trends are concerning and how do you think we should respond? 
We share a concern about those who intentionally separate theology from youth ministry. How do you respond to those statements? 
When you hear the phrase “youth pastor theologian,” what do you think that should look like?
Learn more about CPYU (Center for Parent/Youth Understanding)
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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. 
 

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 with Dr. Paul Putz, the director of Baylor University’s “Faith and Sports Institute”, about sports and youth ministry. 
Discussion Questions:
Tell us a little more about the Faith & Sports Institute. Why did this get started and what do you do? 
Do you see a difference in how Christians and nonChristians view sports and athletics? 
Could you share a framework for how Christians, and especially youth workers, can think biblically about sports and athletics? 
How would youth workers voice their concern to parents about how their kids’ commitment to sports may be detrimental to their spiritual life? 
What are some of the positive elements of youth sports that you think can be easily overlooked by youth pastors? 
Dr. Paul Putz is the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports studies and is also the Director for the Faith and Sports Institute, both at Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary. 
Recommendations:
Baylor’s Faith & Sports Institute
Brian smith, The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports 
Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski, The Away Game: A Christian Parents’ Guide to Navigating Youth Sports 
Follow Dr. Putz on social Media: X/Twitter, Instagram
Follow Baylor's Faith and Sports Institute: Website, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
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. 
Book links above are Amazon Affiliate links which provide a small financial benefit to YPT, which we use to produce the content that serves your ministry. Thank you for your support.
 

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
Follow Seth on Instagram
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
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
Follow Kyle 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. 

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
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. 
 

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
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 presents ten articles from the YPT archives to help new readers catch YPT's vision for theologically rich and pastorally wise youth ministry.