“We must indeed teach the Bible, theology, and doctrine clearly and effectively, but we cannot lose sight of the intensely relational aspect to discipleship. While our programs are of some value, we should view them not as the end but as the means to connect with students relationally, pushing them to know and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ.” – Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry, pg. 42.
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Articles
- The Power of Imperfect Relational Discipleship by Emmie Thompson
- Discipling Teenagers is Less Like Starting a Fire and More Like Planting Trees by Jacob Bier
- Rethinking Relational Discipleship (Confessions of a Struggling Youth Minister) by Caleb Creel
- Back to Basics: The Beauty of the Ordinary in Relational Discipleship to Gen Z Students by Connie Leung Nelson
- Building Bridges: How God Invites Youth Pastors Into the Work of Relational Reconciliation by Brian Ryu
- Why I GO to Church: Relational Discipleship by Josh Hussung
- Getting Them to Talk: Engaging Your Students with the Creativity of Christ by Liz Edrington
- Seeing and Being Seen: The Necessity of Relational Discipleship by Christian Hayes
- Youth Minister, Show Up For That Soccer Game by Chelsea Kingston Erickson
- Quick Tips for Contact Work with Teenagers by Charlotte Getz
- Why Relationships Are Stronger than Roles by Ben Birdsong
- 4 Gospel Responses to Hard Conversations with Students by Meredith Dixon
- A Basic Strategy for Pastoring to Kids in Tragedy: Four Tips by Cameron Cole
- Gospel-Centered Relationships and “the Loneliest Generation” by Kendal Conner
- In Praise of the Useless Conversation by Sarah Nixon
- Handle with Care: the ‘Extra Grace Required’ Student by Debbie Verdell
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Podcasts and Videos
- Handling and Overcoming Disappointments in Youth Ministry: With Relational Discipleship
- Foundations of Youth Ministry: The Importance of Building Relationships, with Andrew King
- Foundations of Youth Ministry: Relational Discipleship
- Creative Communication in Youth Ministry
- Relational Discipleship: A Conversation with Sedrick Moore
- Podcast: Liz Edrington on Loving the Tough Kids in Our Ministries
- Rooted 2013 Audio – Liz Edrington: iRelationship: Doing Incarnational Ministry in a Technologically Dependent Culture
Rooted Webinar: Caring for Lonely, Isolated Teenagers.
Discipling in the Epidemic of Loneliness with Anna Meade Harris and Liz Edrington.
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Books
Gospel-Centered Discipleship by Jonathan Dodson. “Jonathan Dodson presents an effective, Spirit-led model for sanctification. Reminding readers that real discipleship is imperfect yet transformational, Dodson encourages Christians to engage more authentically with others as they grow in faith. Drawing from his own failures and successes while following Jesus, Dodson defines discipleship, describes the heart of a disciple, and gives practical guidance for mentor and peer-based discipleship as Jesus intended.”
Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World by Mike Cosper. Read Rooted’s review here.
Alongside: Loving Teenagers With the Gospel by Drew Hill. Read Rooted’s review here.
Faith Beyond Youth Group: Five Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship by Kara Powell, Jen Bradbury, and Brad M. Griffin. Read Rooted’s review here.