ep.122: The State of Theology in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the findings of the State of Theology 2025 report, filtering the responses to focus on those who are most likely to serve in youth ministry. We exploring the theological beliefs of evangelicals and the cultural influences that shape these beliefs. Conversation digs into topics like the nature of sin, the role of the Holy Spirit, biblical authority, and the importance of engaging youth in theological discussions. This episode highlights many of the foundational reasons Youth Pastor Theologian exists.
Read & Explore the State of Theology 2025
To explore stats that we used in this episode, visit the "Data Explorer" and select:
Age: 18-34
Affiliation: Evangelical
Beliefs: Evangelical
Attendance: Several Times a Week/Once a Week/Once or Twice a Month.
Filtering results this way will bring the sample size down to only 45 people, which is insufficient for empirical research, but is helpful for sake of this podcast discussion.
Here are a few key statements from the report we discuss:
“God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam”: 42% agree/strongly agree
“Jesus was a great teacher but not God.” 31% agree/strongly agree
“The Holy Spirit is a force but not a personal being.” 59% agree/strongly agree
“The Holy Spirit can tell me to do something forbidden which is in the Bible.” 27% agree/strongly agree (only 16% of all USA respondents agreed)
“Everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God.” 60% agree/strongly agree
“The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.” 100% agree/strongly agree
So… remember, these results are filtered to represent the typical person who is serving in your youth ministry. They are between the ages of 18-34, hold to Evangelical beliefs, and they attend church at least once a month.
Episode Details:
Note: this episode was inspired by a roundtable discussion by our friends on The Word in Youth Ministry Podcast. Go listen to their conversation for a response to the overall State of Theology 2025 results.
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.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
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