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. If you find an article that could speak to the Rooted community, please share it in the comment section below.
Gospel-Centered Ministry
What John Teaches Us About Youth Ministry by Jared Kennedy (ERLC)
“There’s a legend about John the apostle that’s tucked away in a book you may have never read—especially if you’re a children’s or student minister. Let’s face it, musty second-century sermon manuscripts aren’t top-of-shelf reading material for those of us who spend our days shopping at Costco for Goldfish crackers, leading early morning discipleship at Chick-fil-A, sanitizing toys in the nursery, or ordering pizza for Wednesday night gatherings. But let me tell you a secret: If you’ve missed this story, you’ve missed a treasure.”
The Whole Bible in 12 Verses by Andrew Wilson (TGC)
If you had to summarize Scripture in 12 verses, which would you choose? Here are mine.
For Graduates Heading off to College
For the Freshmen of Tomorrow: Six Guiding Lessons for Graduates by Matt Reagan (Desiring God)
“Class of 2019, to graduate from high school is an achievement requiring a significant mixture of effort and circumstances, and millions have not experienced that. You have both worked and been given a gift. Let one of the themes of your upcoming summer be gratitude to God. In the same breath, I would advise you to make another focus of this summer to prepare yourself for the transformative season of life to come.”
How to Face the Pressure Points of College by Elizabeth Bryan (TGC)
“What will we do with our life? What kind of community will we build? What sort of person will we become? Christian students face a unique set of pressures as we attempt to think about our lives in relation to God’s plan and what he’s called us to do with the gifts and circumstances he’s given us. Campus minister and author Shelby Abbott explores these unique stressors in his new book, Pressure Points: A Guide to Navigating Student Stress.”
Partnering with Parents
I Love Parenting Teenagers! by Tim Challies (Challies)
“These aren’t the worst years, but the best. I wouldn’t say they are the easiest years, but they’re undoubtedly the most joyful. I absolutely love parenting teenagers, and here are a few of the reasons why.”
No Teen is Too Far Gone by Jared Mellinger (Desiring God)
As days and weeks and months and years went by, nothing seemed to be making a difference. There was no fruit, and it didn’t seem to my parents that anything was remotely helpful. When I look back on that time, though, and see my parents trusting God, faithfully sowing, and loving me when I was at my worst, I see how I came to truly understand the love of God for me through the love they showed.
Youth Culture
Fortnite and Gaming by Russell Moore
Should Christians play #Fortnite? My son Samuel joins me for this episode to discuss Fortnite and video games. In this video, we will address some things to keep in mind about playing video games and the proper limits for all of us when it comes to digital platforms.
Ministry Skills
1 in 10 Young Protestants Have Left a Church Over Abuse by Kate Shellnutt (Christianity Today)
Surrounded by revelations of #MeToo and #ChurchToo, younger Christians are more keen to recognize sexual abuse—and less likely to put up with it.
How to Lead a Mission Trip Parents Meeting by Doug Franklin (LeaderTreks)
The mission trip parent meeting can be one of the most dangerous meetings for a youth worker to lead. How you approach this meeting can make or break the trip. If it goes well, parents will buy in. If not, you’ve got a problem on your hands.
Four Ways Bad Biblical Theology Warps Sermons by Samuel Emadi (TGC)
“Over time, bad biblical theology will undercut a congregation’s health—warping the message of Scripture and stunting a church’s growth in the knowledge of God. All of us—not just preachers—should beware of bad biblical theology. But what exactly does bad biblical theology look like in sermons?”
Rooted’s Two Most-Read of May
Talking to Students About Avengers: Endgame by Kevin Yi
But what is it about these films, and specifically Avengers: Endgame that seems to have struck a nerve in our culture? What themes and ideas are so resonant that it’s breaking records left and right as people can’t seem to get enough of this three-hour movie? (A friend of mine saw the movie three times in four days. That’s nine hours of his life over opening weekend!)
Top Ten Reasons Youth Ministers Should Attend Rooted 2019 in Chicago
Disclaimer: we think ALL of these could easily be the #1 reason to attend Rooted 2019, but just go with it! Join us in Chicago October 3-5!
In Case You Missed It (Rooted’s May Honorable Mention)
Fighting for the Joy of Our Students by Jon Coombs
When the students in our ministries look upon the world stage, they see a broken and pained planet. They see a world with more hurt and injustice than happiness and joy. These are the grounds of the battle for joy in the lives of our young people. And those of us who disciple and influence students have the opportunity to be people who fight for joy, for their sake.
