Youth Pastor Theologian

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. 
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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
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 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. 
Follow Joey on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook
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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
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 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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Follow Prepared to Answer on YouTube: @preparedtoanswer
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)
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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. 

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)
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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)
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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 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.