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…

Secular Wisdom from the Movies: The Revenant

In this series, “Secular Wisdom at the Movies,” we hope to offer student leaders a resource – whether for summer programming or just regular teaching. So often we overlook biblical insight from the secular world. The movies in…

Ordinary Girl, Extra-Ordinary Grace

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16) If I could give the teens I love one gift this Christmas season, it would be to have a heart like Mary. She doesn’t earn or even…

The Authenticity of Grace through Repentance

For many believers in our culture today, “repentance” is a word that has fallen out of favor. Many are still more than willing to talk about their “weaknesses” or “struggles.” Some are even willing to admit them in…