The Two-Fold Gospel is Narrow and Broad
What is the gospel? The gospel is not merely an evangelism strategy for making new Christians. It is God’s story of salvation for sinners. Here’s what this means for the way we minister to students.
Theological Words Every Youth Worker Should Know: Salvation Edition
In the “Theological Words Every Youth Worker Should Know” Series we will be defining some terms everyone should know so they can faithfully talk about how God has revealed himself in scripture. In this post, we’ll see four words that will help you teach and think more clearly about Salvation.
What 2021 Taught Me About Youth Ministry
One of the aspects of youth ministry that I love the most is the constant opportunity to keep learning. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from 2021 that could also benefit others - some from my own youth ministry and others from my efforts getting Youth Pastor Theologian off the ground.
Book Review: Being Young, by Paul Kelly
In “Being Young: A Biblical Theology of Youth,” Dr. Paul Kelly shares some valuable insights on how we might do this as student leaders. Kelly explores the places throughout the Old and New Testament where God used young people to further his kingdom.
The Four-H’s Method of Bible Study
There are four questions you can get your students to ask of the text that will help them build a Bible-reading habit. I call it “The Four H’s.” These simple questions can be one way to help your students always find meaning, application, and Jesus in every text of the Bible.
Reflections on Deconstruction and Youth Missions
What is deconstruction and how have youth missions trip contributed to the rise of Progressive Christianity among our former youth group students?
Teaching Students the Theology of Christmas
With Students’ senses already prepared by the Advent season, we can help students dive into the rich theology of Christmas. Here are a few great truths to put Jesus and the gospel front-and-center with students during the Christmas season.
Where Was Jesus Born: A Barn, Cave, or House
As students grow increasingly skeptical about the truth of Christmas, it’s important to teach clearly and accurately about what happened surrounding Christ’s birth.
Starting With Rest
Resting before we work echoes the truth that the Gospel begins with grace, not effort. When we begin with rest, we are able to minister out of the abundance of God’s grace instead of a cup dry from being stretched thin.
Embracing Advent in Student Ministry
Some church traditions place Advent front-and-center, while it merely gets a head-nod in others. Whichever your church tradition may be, I believe it’s wise to think about some of the central Advent themes, and to consider how to emphasize those in our youth groups.