The Terrifying Question of the Narrow Door

This is the final article in our series, “Building a Kingdom Culture in Our Youth Ministries.” In this series, we will address passages from the Gospel of Luke, which demonstrates that the culture of God’s Kingdom is that…

Experiential Faith and the Hope of the Magician

“And seeing great signs and miracles performed, he was amazed.” Acts 8:13 Our students want an immanent experience, a felt encounter with God. They want to feel amazed at God’s goodness and power, not just know that God is…

The Mustard Seed Kingdom of God

The “Kingdom of God” (or “Kingdom of Heaven”) is one of the more prominent themes that occurs throughout the Gospels. Without burying ourselves in assorted opinions of what the Kingdom of God is or isn’t, let’s chalk it…

Ask Rooted: How do You Prepare Your Message for Youth Group?

We asked several experienced student ministers how they go about preparing their message for youth group each week. We hope their wisdom sparks insight and ideas in your own ministry. Liz Edrington (Coordinator of Girls’ Discipleship & Young…

You Are Special

I have three boys ranging from ten to three. I live in slight fear that my children will turn out like the classic millennial stereotype: entitled with four degrees living at home. I try to not helicopter parent,…

Reconsidering “Professional” Youth Ministry

I completed the summer internship for my college degree in youth ministry at a large, seeker-sensitive church. I have since come to reject “attractional ministry,” but I learned many important lessons during that summer. One of the memories…