Youth Pastor Theologian

66: Christian Universalism and GenZ (Andrew Slay)

Christian Universalism is a subtle heresy that's frighteningly common among GenZ today. It's a way that teenagers can affirm that "Christ is the only savior" and make other gospel-sounding affirmations while fully embracing the hyper-tolerant worldview of today's culture. In today's conversation, we discuss what Christian Universalism is and how youth workers can help students build their faith on the biblical message. 
Discussion Questions:
What do we mean by universalism and Christian Universalism in particular?
Can you walk us through some of the logic behind Christian Universalism and some of the key Bible verses?
Why do you think Christian Universalism is so appealing to today's teenagers?
How can youth workers preach the gospel of grace without falling into one of two errors: accidentally implying Christian Universalism, or nuancing the gospel so thoroughly it’s become clunky and confusing?
How do you recommend youth workers to respond when talking with a teenager who considers themselves a Christian but affirms Christian Universalism?
Andrew Slay is an Assistant Pastor at Westwood Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN, where he oversees ministry to high school and middle school students. He’s working on his PhD in Apologetics and Culture from NOBTS. 
Recommended Resources
The following books include Amazon Affiliate links, which provide YPT with a small financial benefit. We use these to continue providing you with the content you so enjoy. Thank you for your support.
Michael McClymond, The Devil’s Redemption: A New History and Interpretation of Christian Universalism (two volumes)
Four Views on Hell (Zondervan Counterpoints series)
John Piper, Are There Two Wills in God? (article)
Greg Gilbert, What is the Gospel?
Scott Stein, Is Christian Universalism True? (Prepared to Answer)
Prepared to Answer Podcast, Jesus Teaches on Hell (or does he?)
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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. 
 

65: Being God's Image (Carmen Joy Imes)

The Image of God (or Imago Dei) is one of the most important doctrines for youth pastors to teach teenagers, because almost every cultural landmine today finds its resolution in what it means to bear the image of God. That’s why I’m excited to be talking with Dr. Imes today about her new book, Being God’s Image. 
What is the doctrine of the Image of God and what prompted you to write this book now?
Early in the book, you make the distinction between being created IN God’s image and being created AS God’s image. Could you share a little more about that distinction? 
What are some areas where the Imago Dei finds a lot of resonance in today’s culture, and what are some areas where it’s a powerful corrective? 
What’s the relationship between the Imago Dei and the gospel? 
How can youth workers teach and talk faithfully about the Imago Dei and human dignity in the midst of the effects of sin and the fall? 
Do you have any practical recommendations for youth workers who want to teach about the Image of God? 
Recommendations:
Dr. Imes' book: Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters
Christa McKirland: God’s Provision, Humanity’s Need: The Gift of Our Dependence
Every Woman’s Study Bible (NLT) 
Marc Cortez: Resourcing Theological Anthropology: A Constructive Account of Humanity in the Light of Christ
Follow Dr. Imes' Youtube Channel for Torah Tuesday videos
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YPT's ebook, Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry, is a free download for subscribers. It's a great way to discover more about YPT's vision for theologically-grounded ministry to youth. 

64: Preaching in Youth Ministry (John Gardner)

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 we should ONLY teach verse-by-verse through books of the Bible? 
How can youth workers preach and teach for long-term formation? 
Where would you direct listeners who want to learn more, including good examples of expository preaching that’s accessible for teenagers? 
John Gardner is the Youth Pastor at Grace Longmont, just north of Denver Colorado. He has earned his D.Min. in Expository Preaching from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, which is what we’ll be talking about today. 
Resources Mentioned
“How to Develop an Exegetical-Theological Series in Youth Group,” by Jason Engle
Brain Matters, by Patricia Wolfe
Preaching God’s Word, by Carter, Duvall, and Hayes
A Vision for Preaching, by Abraham Kuruvilla 
Simeon Trust Workshops 
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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. 

63: Ministry to Single Parent Families (Anna Meade Harris)

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 different reasons for single parent households and how does that affect the way they engage with the church? 
Your book reads, “thirty percent of families in the US are led by a single parent. Nearly nineteen million children have one parent in the home. Although roughly thirty verses in the Bible declare how God wants his church to treat widows and the fatherless, by and large the church does not know what to do with families like mine.” (p.15) Why do you think that’s the case, and what’s that mean for youth workers who are listening to this conversation? 
Here’s another quote that really hits home, “Although the majority of custodial single parents are moms, single parenting is not a women’s issue, it’s a family of God issue.” (p22) Could you share a few examples of what it looks like for a church to come together and be the family of God?  
What recommendations do you have for ministry to teenagers of single-parent households? 
Are there any good resources you’d recommend on ministry to single parent families? 
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. 
Recommendations
Mike McGarry, Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers (ch.37, “Supporting Single-Parent Families”) 
Blaire Linne, Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness
Henri Nouwen, The Wounded Healer 
Claressa Moll, Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving after Loss
DivorceCare Ministry 
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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. 
Note: some of the links above feature Amazon Affiliate links, which bring a small financial benefit to YPT. We use these credits to develop the free resources you enjoy. Thank you for your support.

62. The Religious Lives of Australian Youth (Graham Stanton)

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 in Australia, because that’s quite different from what we have here in the States. 
What are some positive findings that surprised you? 
What are some of the warning bells going off that the church absolutely needs to pay attention to? 
As you discuss this survey with youth workers, how are they responding? What are some practical applications that you’d like to see take place over the next few years? 
Dr. Graham Stanton is the Director of the Centre for Children’s and Youth Ministry and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is also an ordained Anglican minister and has been serving in youth ministry at some capacity for over three decades. 
Recommendations in this episode:
Book: AntiFragile: Things That Gain From Disorder, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Episode 21: Top Down & Bottom Up Ministry (Gareth Crispin and Robin Barfield)
Episode 25: Faith, Doubt, and Everything (Matt Bellefeuille)
Follow Dr. Stanton on Twitter/X: @GDStanton
Learn more about Ridley College
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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 61: Practical Advice on Relational Youth Ministry (Joey Molloy)

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? 
What advice do you have for youth leaders who struggle with small talk? How can they spark natural conversations with teenagers? 
What are some common pitfalls about relational discipleship you’ve observed and what advice do you have for our listeners? 
Why is it important to highlight that all this practical advice is built on a theologically solid foundation? 
When you think about new youth leaders, what’s the best piece of advice you’d give them? 
Joey Molloy is the Executive Ministry Director of Implementa and Camp Cherith in Ottowa Canada. 
Learn more about Implementa and their Certificate in Youth Ministry program. 
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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 60: Good Leadership in Youth Ministry (Beau Johnson)

Leadership matters. That should be a pretty obvious statement, but sometimes theologically-minded pastors can struggle to discern how much overlap really exists between pastoral leadership and leadership in other spheres. Today we’ll be talking about leadership, spiritual gifts, and the “Six Types of Working Genius” in order to help you lead your volunteers, parents, and students more effectively. 
Why is good leadership so important for men and women in ministry leadership? What do we risk by an immature or underdeveloped approach to leadership? 
What are the “Six Types of Working Genius”? Where did this come from, what are they and how can listeners begin to discern their geniuses, competencies, and frustrations? 
Do you see any overlaps between working genius and spiritual gifts? 
How can youth pastors who lead teams of volunteers and also serve under pastoral leadership grow as self-aware leaders, and how does the Working Genius model help with that?
Beau Johnson Invents and Galvanizes as the Director of Operations for the Table Group and has served as a youth pastor and in other areas of pastoral ministry before joining the Table Group… and I’m really exited to have him join us today. He and his family live in Utah. 
Working Genius assessment:
first 500 YPT listeners can take this assessment for free! 
More Resources
Six Types of Working Genius book
Working Genius Podcast
At the Table with Patrick Lencioni Podcast
The Table Group
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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 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
Follow Prepared to Answer on Facebook: @preparedtoanswer
Follow Prepared to Answer on YouTube: @preparedtoanswer
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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
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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 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)
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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.