137: Is Youth Ministry in the Bible?

In this episode, Mike and John discuss a statement youth pastors often hear, "Youth Ministry isn't even in the Bible." People often say this with so much confidence, as if it's glaringly obvious. But is it?! Since God's people have always been called to pass the faith from generation to generation, there's a lot in Scripture for us to draw from as we discern biblical foundations for youth ministry. 

We conclude the conversation with three priorities that must be true if you want your ministry to be a biblical youth ministry. That's a bold statement, but we'll stand by it. 

For more, order (and read!) Mike's book, A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in the Life of the Church (affiliate link) 

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter.

John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.

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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. 

YPT Podcast

The YPT Podcast is cohosted by Mike McGarry and John Gardner. Each episode features a conversation at the intersection of youth ministry and theology — sometimes focusing more on one than the other, but always seeking to help youth workers like you to bring the two together.

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Friday Review (4/10/26)