In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah and Danny are joined by Anna Meade Harris and Chelsea Kingston Erickson, two of the editors of the new 52-week devotional titled “God With You.” They discuss why and how this year-long devotional was written, what the hopes are for the devotional, how churches, youth ministries, and even parents might use this devotional, and the overall importance of theological depth in youth ministry and for teenagers.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the episode on YouTube!
How to Help Teenagers Go Deeper in God’s Word
Teenagers are asking big questions about God, suffering, identity, purpose, and faith. Rather than offering shallow answers, Christian adults can take those questions seriously and introduce teenagers to the depth and richness of Scripture. In this episode, the Youth Ministry Unscripted team talks about why Rooted created God with You, a year-long devotional written by a diverse group of Rooted contributors. The devotional takes teenagers through the Bible chronologically, helping them see Scripture as one cohesive story centered on Jesus, not just a collection of stories, rules, or moral lessons.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why Rooted created God with You for teenagers
- Why teenagers need theological depth rather than shallow answers
- How biblical literacy helps students understand the Bible as one cohesive story
- How youth ministers can use a devotional for small groups and discipleship
- How parents can use God with You as a tool for family discipleship
- Why giving teenagers a strong biblical foundation matters for their faith beyond youth group
God with You was created in response to a common request from youth ministers and parents: a devotional that offers teenagers genuine theological depth while remaining accessible and relatable. The devotional follows the Bible chronologically, helping students see Scripture as one cohesive story centered on Jesus. Rather than presenting the Bible as simply a collection of stories or rules for living, God with You helps teenagers understand God’s character, his work throughout Scripture, and the gospel of Jesus.
Related Rooted Resources
If you’re looking for more ways to equip teenagers with a deep, gospel-centered understanding of Scripture, explore:
- Leading Students to Live by Faith Alone – Rooted Ministry
- Your Family Devotional Doesn’t Have to Be Pretty – Rooted Ministry
- Engage Teens with the Whole Bible by Anna Meade Harris and Chelsea Kingston Erickson for The Gospel Coalition
- Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville, October 22-24.
- Rooted Youth Ministry Curriculum — Gospel-centered, inductive Bible studies designed to keep Jesus at the center of youth ministry.