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 contain 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 educate, equip, or encourage the Rooted community, please email the editor at chelsea@rootedministry.com.
Gospel-Centered
How to Understand and Teach the Gospel of Matthew by Cody Cagle (Youth Pastor Theologian)
In a generation longing for clarity, identity, and purpose, Matthew offers all three in the person and teaching of Jesus Christ. He is the true Son of David, the Son of God, and the Lord of all.
3 Ways Your Church Can Communicate God’s Presence to Foster Kids By Jessica Mathisen (Lifeway Research)
The heart of foster care is to come alongside families to help them reach a place of health and stability. When this occurs, children can return to their homes. Because the goal of foster care is to reunify and strengthen families, the church has a wonderful opportunity to come alongside not only foster parents, but also the children they serve.
Partnering with Parents
My Child’s Success Isn’t My Crowning Glory By Arhum Yoo (Christianity Today)
These Old Testament passages teach us that while we may feel tempted to shield our children from suffering and pray for them to enjoy smooth, successful lives, we must not stand in the way of God leading them into places where he will teach them true obedience and perseverance through trials.
Protein, Pre-Workouts and the Pursuit of Manhood (Growing Young Disciples)
If your son is gym-obsessed, don’t despair. His longings aren’t the problem—they’re just misdirected. Underneath the protein shakes and progressive overload is a God-given ache for purpose, courage, meaning, and maturity. In a world of noise, the clink of metal feels real. But Christ is more real still.
Tell the Truth About Children by Monica Geyen (Desiring God)
And our children are listening to what we say about them. We guard our children’s hearts when we guard our own mouths. Even the gospel that we share with others may become precious to our children too if they believe — from our words — that they are precious to us.
Youth Culture
Teens aren’t getting their driver’s licenses – and the experts are completely wrong about why By Jean Twenge (Generation Tech)
In many communities, getting a driver’s license is the key to two very important things: Getting together with friends in person and developing independence. No matter how they do it – bike, car, public transportation – getting places on their own is a great way for teens to become independent.
Porn Shaped Gen Z Men. The Bible Can Too. By Luke Simon
I was recently leading a high school small group of Gen Z males. I asked them, “If you watched porn every day for a year, do you think that would shape how you live?” The answer was obvious. Of course, it would. They didn’t need to be told. It’s their reality. They’ve felt the frustration, the shame, and how it’s reshaped them. And they’re exhausted.
Ministry Skills
What’s the Earliest New Testament Evidence for the Divinity of Jesus? By Micahel J. Kruger (Canon Fodder)
To understand what the earliest Christians believed about the divinity of Jesus we turn to Paul of Tarsus. Why Paul? Larry Hurtado explains it best: “Pauline Christianity is the earliest form of the Christian movement to which we have direct access from undisputed firsthand sources” (Lord Jesus Christ, 85).As we shall see, Paul didn’t simply believe Jesus was God in some marginal, semi-divine sort of way. Rather he viewed him as the one God of Israel, the pre-existent Lord of the universe.
How to Help a Lonely Generation Find Belonging by Brad M. Griffin (Fuller Youth Institute)
We can’t assume that students who show up feel like they belong, especially if they attend different schools or hang out with different friend groups outside of church. We need a purposeful plan to incorporate young people who may feel on the outside or like they don’t have a good friend in youth group.
A Splintered Generation by Skyler R. Flowers and Michael Graham (Christianity Today)
Applying and proclaiming the gospel to the world has always been the defining feature of evangelicalism. With this gospel at the center, all cultural and theological matters will relate to it organically and be set in their proper relationship to one another.
Rooted’s Two Most-Read of May
From Pew Parents to Prayer Partners: The Power of Intergenerational Ministry by Katie Polski
Teenagers need mentors who’ve weathered seasons they haven’t yet faced. And the older generation needs the wisdom and vitality of youth.
Psalm 110: A Psalm for the Insecure by Caleb Creel
As ministers of the gospel, we can recenter our students’ confidence by pointing them to the Savior who will not disappoint.
In Case You Missed It (Rooted’s May Honorable Mention)
When You Feel Like a Misfit as a Female Youth Minister by Mimi Lam
If you experience insecurities as a woman in ministry, you’re not alone. Here are three truths from Jesus’ ministry to anchor you in him.
