Expository Preaching in Youth Ministry
Every youth pastor wants their students to hear the Word of God. And yet, many undermine this desire by the way they handle the Scriptures while teaching. Here’s a model and some resources for your development.
Why the Gospel-Centered Movement Overlooks Youth Ministry
It’s strangely common for youth pastors to be overlooked in gospel-centered ministry circles. This article unpacks a few theories about why that’s happened and what’s at stake.
The Gospel Doesn’t End With the Cross
When was the last time you thought about the ascension of Jesus or the return of Christ? These are important elements to the gospel that fill students with good news and hope.
Isn’t Everyone Gospel-Centered?
If you didn’t know any better, it’d seem like everyone’s become “gospel-centered.” This should be a cause for great celebration. But in all the talk about gospel-centrality, it’s become a phrase without any meaning. For the sake of clarity, here are three postures your ministry can take towards the gospel.
Redeeming Christianese
Christianese usually flows when Christians are trying to speak biblically and helpfully, but haven’t given much thought to their words. Here are three types of Christianese, offered to help you find a better way to articulate the gospel.
What’s the Difference Between Grace and Mercy?
The Bible is full of references to grace and mercy, and yet many Christians can attend church for years without being able to give a clear and simple explanation of the difference.
How Catechesis can Transform your Youth Ministry
Christians have used catechesis to make lifelong disciples since the Early Church, typically covering doctrine, spirituality, and godliness. Maybe it’s time we get back to it?
Youth Ministry and the Means of Grace
The practices we perpetuate in our youth ministries teach and form our students in their Christian walk. What we teach as important, and what we demonstrate as vital, shapes our students in powerful ways. Because of this, we want to make sure we’re thinking holistically and critically about the different methods and practices we use in our ministry to students.
An Overlooked Reason Good Youth Pastors Leave Youth Ministry
It’s a common thing for youth pastors who considered themselves “lifers” to move into new ministry areas. This doesn’t mean they’re unfaithful to their calling. Maybe it means they’ve misunderstood their calling all along - they aren’t called to youth ministry, but to a particular generation.
Christ’s Righteousness and Self-Righteousness
Christianity and self-righteousness are entirely incompatible. The gospel calls us to confess our unrighteousness and to trust fully in the righteousness of Christ. Ultimately, Christianity is the only