In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah Marshall, Josh Hussung, Danny Kwon, and Becca Heck wrestle with how to teach holiness without drifting into guilt, shame, or moralism. Grounded in Scripture, the conversation reframes holiness not as behavior modification, but as a joyful, relational response to the gospel. The hosts explore how youth ministries can unintentionally slip into legalism, how to speak about sin without leaving students feeling hopeless, and how relational discipleship creates space for grace, confession, and growth. With honesty, humor, and pastoral wisdom, this episode offers youth leaders practical ways to model holiness anchored in Christ’s finished work, not performance.
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Scripture & Themes Referenced
Leviticus 11:44 – “Be holy, for I am holy”
1 Peter 1:16 – Holiness as a call rooted in God’s character
Isaiah 6 – God’s holiness and moral perfection
Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) – Holiness of heart, not just behavior
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Responding differently to the idle, weak, and discouraged
Relational Discipleship – Walking with students over time, not managing behavior
Gospel-Centered Holiness – Living from acceptance, not for acceptance
Biggie Size Your Grace in the Pursuit of Holiness by Andy Cornett
Discipling Teenagers in the Meaning of the Law by Chelsea Kingston Erickson
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