Each month we compile a Top Ten list for youth workers. This list represents ten articles from various sources that we believe will encourage you in your ministry to students 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.) If you find an article that could speak to the Rooted community, please share it in the comment section below.
Gospel-Centered Ministry
Bring Your Sin into the Light by Joseph Rhea (TGC)
Pastors, we need people in our lives to whom we confess often. They may be people in our church; leaders in a different church; or even a counselor.
Am I Really a Christian? by Scott Hubbard (Desiring God)
With God there is forgiveness — free forgiveness, abundant forgiveness, glad forgiveness, based on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. But Owen knew that some Christians would hesitate to believe that forgiveness was for them.
Why We Need to Hear Christ Proclaimed from the Old Testament by Josh Wredberg (Radical)
Jesus is the real hero who conquered our greatest enemy and ushered in a new kingdom—one where truth and justice reign. The more people hear about Him, the more they love Him. So let’s tell His story—the whole story—week after week, leaving nothing out.
The Missional Mindset of the Reformers by Ray Van Neste (For The Church)
Since today we face again a Western society that is sprinkled with Christian terms and ideas but largely unconverted, we would do well to examine the work of the Reformers for our mission efforts.
Partnering with Parents
Worthy of Family Worship by Don Whitney (Desiring God)
Having your family in a good, Bible-teaching local church is crucial to a Christian marriage and parenting. But it is unlikely that church attendance alone will impress your children with the greatness and glory of God such that they will want to pursue him once they leave home.
Preparing Students for Lifelong Faith by Mike McGarry (Radical)
The purpose of youth ministry is not to build large programs with many students but to establish students with lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. By keeping this lifelong mission at the forefront of everything we do, youth workers and parents can rest with confidence in the faithfulness of God.
What You Gain When You Give Things Up by Arthur C. Brooks (The Atlantic)
Because sacrifice is hard and uncomfortable, our instinct is to avoid it if we want to achieve happiness. But equating happiness with pleasure hoarding and pain avoidance is an error.
Ministry Skills
News as Spiritual Deformation by D.J. Marotta (The Gospel Coalition)
Contemporary news sources present our finiteness as a problem to overcome. We must transcend our locale and become global. We must leave behind the darkness of not knowing and enter the light of “breaking news.” We must, in short, become like God: knowing and caring about everything.
Four Realms of Realization in Preaching by Jason K. Allen (For the Church)
I’ve noticed that often my strongest preaching comes from preaching an area of personal weakness. For instance, several years ago I was frustrated with myself for not doing a better job of practically living out my faith.
In Our Discipling Relationships, Best-Sellers Are Great . . . But the Bible Is Best by Sam Koo (9Marks)
Books are tremendous tools for discipling. But with so many good resources out there, we can be tempted to forget the best book on discipleship—the Bible.
Rooted’s Most Read
Preparing Christian Children for the Transgender Moment by Cameron Cole
While Christian parents may have grave disagreements with the principles surrounding transgenderism, we have to form children who respect and protect the human dignity of every person.
Seeing and Being Seen: The Necessity of Relational Discipleship by Christian Hayes
But apart from personal relationships which prove to us that we are seen, known, and sought out, it’s hard to believe God sees, cares and acts for us. We need other people to help us believe.
In Case You Missed It (Rooted’s February Honorable Mention)
Why Gospel Centrality Must Be the Heart of Your Youth Ministry by Josh Hussung
It shows us that, while we were sinners and enemies of God, God loved us enough to send his Son to die in our place. Our value and identity are found in Him. It teaches us that difficult life circumstances don’t mean that God doesn’t love us, but that He is working all things together for our good.
