Join us for an upcoming Rooted Webinar: Navigating the Holiday Season as a Youth or Family Minister as we consider how to shepherd teenagers through the holidays by the grace of the gospel.
We’ll cover topics such as:
How to integrate students and recent graduates into the life of the whole church
Keeping Christ at the center of our youth group celebrations
Ministering to families in pain
Creating space for our own family celebrations
Panelists Jimmy Kim, Katie Polski, and Joey Turner will share from their own experiences leading teenagers at church and at home. We hope you’ll register now for the live discussion and Q&A at 1:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, November 19.
We pray these Rooted resources will encourage and equip you in your ministry as you prepare for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
For Thanksgiving
Growing in Gratitude: Cultivating a Thankful Heart in an Entitled Culture by Tracey Rector
As parents, however, our instinct is to provide for needs and prevent pain. Often our kids have no real reference point to begin growing in gratitude because we’ve done such a good job shielding them from the experiences that develop thankfulness. It goes against our natural inclinations but allowing our children to experience times of sorrow and need creates places where gratitude can grow. However, there are a few things we can do to encourage a spirit of gratitude while still protecting and providing for our kids:
We Are So Thankful: Appreciation for Youth Ministers From Parents and Students
We are thankful for your love for Jesus...there are many aspects of this calling that are uniquely challenging, and at times wearisome, but your love for Jesus is evident and it overflows onto these kids even when your energy is lacking. Because you love Jesus, you are able to love our kids. For that, we are eternally grateful.
For Ministering to Hurting Families
Teaching Teenagers About Generosity and Stewardship by Chelsea Kingston Erickson
Whether you’re doing a brief topical study on generosity between Thanksgiving and Christmas, preparing students to give of their time, talent, and treasure on a mission trip, or looking for creative illustrations as you approach a biblical text on these themes, here are some ideas for teaching teenagers about stewardship.
How the Church Can Help Grieving and Broken Families During the Holidays by Anna Meade Harris
During the holidays, the church must take special care of its broken and grieving families. Ministering to the hurting was one of the central concerns of Jesus’ ministry, and it should be central to ours as well:
Caring for Single Parent Families at Christmas by Hannah Dow
While there is a strong temptation to focus on one’s own family and expectations during this season, here are a few specific and meaningful ways to relate to single parents in your life, who likely find the holidays to be a particularly painful or trying time.
For Focusing on the Gospel
Ask Rooted: How Do You Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Youth Group Christmas Party?
An annual youth group Christmas party is a wonderful way to build warm community in our ministries…But often we walk away from these events sensing that the meaning of Christmas has been lost in the wrapping paper and accompanying sugar high. We asked our Rooted writers to tell us how they are seeking to keep Jesus at the center of their youth ministry Christmas parties this year. We hope their responses will inspire you to connect your fun celebrations to the gospel of grace!
Rooted’s Christmas Devotional for Teenagers
We are thrilled to share that our Christmas Devotional for Teenagers is now available for preorder! Purchase your copy of Longing for Christmas today at New Growth Press or wherever you buy books. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy in bulk for a discount on the New Growth Press website—a perfect gift for your youth ministry students, or all the kids or grandkids in your family!
Two Reminders Sustaining Me in Ministry This Christmas by Ben Hewitt
So, as we live in a season of high expectations, demands, and responsibilities, we remember this truth—Jesus is the only source for true strength and lasting contentment. Jesus is the only one able to empower you through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He is the only one able to provide you lasting security and hope. He is our rock and our foundation.
