Rooted’s Top Ten of May 2023
Welcome to Rooted’s Top Ten, a curated reading list for youth ministers. Each month we find ten articles, and sometimes videos or podcasts, from various sources that we believe will encourage you in your ministry to teenagers and their families. Some give explicit instruction on gospel-centered ministry, while others are included because there is a message of common grace that is helpful to youth workers. (The opinions presented in these articles do not necessarily reflect the position of Rooted.) For more articles to share with the parents in your ministry, make sure to check out our Parent Top Ten, which runs every-other month.
If you find an article that could speak to the Rooted community, please email the editor at chelsea@rootedministry.com.
Gospel-Centered Ministry
We are Defined Not by our Failures, but by Christ’s Victory by Jen Oshman (Jen Oshman)
“Even in spite of our failures, and betrayals, and sins, and finitude, Jesus repeats “Feed my sheep.” Like Peter, you and I are not defined by our failure, we are defined by our Savior and his victory.”
How to Win a Rap Battle (With the Devil) by Sam Bush (Mockingbird)
“So goes the two-point formula of the Christian life — repentance and redemption, confession and consolation. When we finally give up our lives, we are given a far better life in return. It is somehow only after our weakness is revealed that God’s strength is ushered in.”
Partnering With Parents
From Elementary to High School by Nick Judd (Knowing Jesus Ministries)
“We can help our kids navigate this season in our churches and our homes. All it takes is a little intentionality and a lot of continuity.”
Protecting Teens Online: Should You Spy On Your Kids? By Axis (Axis)”
“As parents, it’s our responsibility to guide our teens’ internet use in a way that protects them from its dangers, supports our family values, and helps our teens develop healthy habits and practices that they carry into adulthood.”
Youth Culture
The Great Departure by Mel Lacy (Presbyterian Herald)
“The common denominator shown throughout this growing part of Christ’s church is a commitment to proclaim the Word of God boldly and confidently to each rising generation, to nurture in them a love for, and commitment to, the local church and to intentionally disciple them through rich relationships.”
TikTok Feeds Teens a Diet of Darkness by Julie Jargon (WSJ)
“[The APA] this week said parents should monitor their younger kids’ social-media scrolling and keep watch for troublesome use. The APA also urges parents and tech companies to be extra vigilant about content that encourages kids to do themselves harm.”
Ministry Skills
7 Tips for Teaching Theology to Teens by Jon Nielson (Crossway)
“When teens study theology, they are learning more about the lover of their souls. They are thinking about the one who invites them into a relationship of joy and fulfillment for all eternity to come.”
A Guide to Trauma-Informed Youth Ministry by Jamie Aten and Kent Annan (The Better Samarian)
“As we seek to love and serve the next generation, let us be a community that honors and supports youth by showing them God’s love and mercy.”
Rooted’s Two Most-Read of April
How Philippians 4 Equips Teenagers to Deal with Stress and Anxiety by Steve Eatmon
“Our students can give their worry and anxiety to God in prayer, leading to the peace of knowing Jesus amidst chaos and uncertainty.”
10 Things You May Not Know About Rooted by Katherine Stine
“We’re working toward our vision, where every child will experience gospel-centered, grace-filled, Bible-saturated discipleship at church and in the home.”
In Case You Missed It (Rooted’s April Honorable Mention)
Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing: Pursuing Consistent and Meaningful Prayer in Student Ministry by Ryan Wood
“We pray because we know that apart from Christ, we can do nothing.”
