Inviting Students to Count the Cost

As I talked with Eric, it slowly became clear that his understanding of grace was incomplete. Even though he had attended church for years, he continued to insist that he deserved to be punished by God for his…

Should the Youth Pastor Denounce Trump?

That’s complicated isn’t it? On the one hand, it feels like youth pastors have a responsibility to say something. Trump embodies and communicates unchristian positions about women, refugees, foreigners, the disabled, human rights, and personal morality. And now…

The “Authenticity” Paradox

“You do you,” is all the rage these days. Personally, I’m not a fan. It sounds to me like it gives carte-blanche permission for people to be or do whatever they want. This past week at the Rooted…

Risky Grace

Five minutes before youth group was set to begin, Josh took Victor aside and said he needed to tell him something important. “Hey, this is going to be my last Sunday as a leader,” said Josh. He was…