n this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss the frustrations and the blessings of partnering with parents in your youth ministry. There is a huge potential for Gospel impact when youth ministry leaders and parents link arms to disciple the next generation. Show Them the Gospel: Partnering with Parents in an Asian-American Church - Rooted Ministry Partnering with Parents of Teenagers in the Black Church - Rooted Ministry Learning to Partner with Parents of Teenagers, Not Judge Them - Rooted Ministry Rooted Family Ministry Mentorship Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Dr. Richard Ross asks a crucial question: What can youth ministers do to invest in the spiritual lives of parents? With wisdom and clarity, Dr. Ross shares practical strategies to equip and empower parents to disciple their teenagers toward a lifelong faith in Jesus. Richard Ross, PhD, is husband to LaJuana, who has joined him in a lifetime of loving teenagers. Richard served as student pastor for thirty years and now is a volunteer with teenagers and parents in his church. Richard is professor to the next generation of student pastors at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth. He has written over 25 books and speaks in over 40 conferences and churches each year. Rooted Resources: Resources for Engaging Teenagers Spiritually—at Church and at Home Engaging Teenagers Spiritually—at Church and at Home Rooted Parent Podcast

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny look back over the decades of their time in youth ministry. A lot has changed since the 90s and early 2000s. Listen to this discussion about the huge opportunity we have to impact the lives of students with the gospel today. Resources: Ask Rooted: How Do You Shift to Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry? Youth Minister, Cool Is Overrated - Rooted Ministry What Teenagers Need in a Youth Pastor Might Surprise You - Rooted Ministry Youth Talk Sheets Food Planning Chart Pizza Planning iPhone Shortcut Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

In this thought-provoking workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Mike McGarry explores how a proper understanding of the Imago Dei—the image of God—shapes our identity and discipleship. Arguing that much of today’s cultural confusion stems from forgetting what it means to be human, Mike walks through the biblical storyline of creation, fall, redemption, and glorification to show how the Imago Dei is a unifying thread throughout Scripture. He also offers practical insight into why this matters for youth and family discipleship today. Mike is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as an ordained youth pastor for nearly twenty years in Massachusetts. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with an emphasis on Ministry to Emerging Generations, and is the author of multiple books on youth ministry. Rooted Resources: Youth Pastor Theologian Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World (Real World Theology) by Mike McGarry Calvin, Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, and The Image of God for Youth: Part 1 by Dan Wolf Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this insightful workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jason Woodruff explores how Christians can cultivate biblical boundaries around the news and politics they consume. He outlines six practical ways to build a spiritually healthy relationship with media in today’s polarized, fast-paced world. Jason is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Pour Over, a politically neutral news source read by over 1 million Christians each week. He also leads NewsHealth, an initiative aimed at helping believers navigate the news with wisdom and faith. Rooted Resources: The Pour Over Parents, Just Turn Off the News (Responsibly) by Cameron Cole Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny get honest about the quiet discouragement youth leaders often carry– when the seats are empty, the students are disengaged, and the fruit just isn’t showing up the way you hoped for. Together, they explore what it looks like to stay faithful, how to redefine “success” in kingdom terms, and why unseen obedience still matters deeply to God. Advice to My Younger Self in Youth Ministry—20 Years Later by Steve Eatmon How Gospel-Centrality Prioritizes Long-Term Fruit in Youth Ministry by Michael Goldstein Check out our Youth Ministry Training Courses for extra encouragement and resources! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

n this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Kendal Conner equips youth leaders with practical tools for teaching the book of Daniel to students. With warmth and clarity, she offers encouragement for navigating this complex book and demonstrates how it can be both accessible and transformative for young hearts. Kendal has spent over a decade in youth ministry and currently serves as the Director of Sunday Schools at Redeemer Kansas City in Missouri, where she also remains active in student ministry. A native of Memphis, TN, Kendal holds a B.A. from Union University with a minor in theology. She spent two years overseas working with youth before serving in parachurch and local church contexts back in the U.S. Rooted Resources: Bible Project on the Book of Daniel Daniel for You: For Reading, for Feeding, for Leading (God's Word for You) by David Helm Help Me Teach the Bible Podcast Episode with David Helm How the Book of Daniel Helps Us Lead Our Children to Live Counterculturally by Jason Engle Six Reasons Teenagers Need the Book of Daniel by Seth Stewart Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny unpack why all youth ministers need a tribe. Not just to survive—but to thrive in the call God has placed on our lives. The three discuss the power of peer relationships, the danger of isolation, and how to build rhythms of mutual support and encouragement in ministry. Because you weren’t meant to carry the call to ministry alone. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jason Woodruff explores how today’s media landscape—especially platforms like TikTok—has changed the way we consume news. He walks through the history of news dissemination, explains how social media algorithms shape what we see, and offers practical advice for developing a spiritually healthy relationship with the news—for you and your teens. Jason is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Pour Over, a politically neutral news source read by over 1 million Christians each week. He also leads NewsHealth, an initiative aimed at helping believers navigate the news with wisdom and faith. Rooted Resources: The Pour Over Discernment for A Digital Age: Practical Steps towards Online Media Literacy for Teens by Anne Chen Parents, Just Turn Off the News (Responsibly) by Cameron Cole Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Kristen Hatton unpacks the five P's of parenting to help parents become more self-aware, stay motivated toward their children, and lead their homes with gospel-centered purpose and hope. Kristen is a counselor who works with teenage girls, parents, and families. She’s the author of Parenting Ahead, Face Time, Get Your Story Straight, and The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students. Kristen lives in Dallas with her pastor husband and is the mom of three young adults and a son-in-law. Learn more at www.kristenhatton.com. Rooted Resources: Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years by Kristen Hatton Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp How Parents Build the Fire and Pray for the Flame by Ben Birdsong Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss the continual and important issue of unengaged students. From students on your youth ministry rosters who do not attend, to those who do attend but are not fully engaged or very active in youth group. In considering these students, they discuss various ways to get these unengaged students more engaged into church and youth group. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, veteran youth pastor Justin Wong reflects on how culture—through wars, elections, and even music—has shaped youth ministry over the years. He offers honest encouragement for the weary youth worker, while highlighting both the challenges and the unique opportunities that come with serving the next generation. Justin has served in youth and family ministry for over 23 years. He holds degrees from Houston Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Tina, and together they have two daughters, Ella and Mia. Rooted Resources: Lessons Learned During My First Year of Youth Ministry: Leadership Takes Time by Taylor Sutton The Joy and Crown of Youth Ministry by Clark Fobes Making Space for Encouragement in Youth Ministry by Ericson Joubert Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jimmy Kim explores the heart of family ministry—what it is, why it matters, and how churches can cultivate it in their own context. With over 20 years of experience across youth, college, and family ministry, Jimmy offers a practical and gospel-centered approach for churches of all sizes and backgrounds. Jimmy serves as the Executive Director of Family Transformation at Perimeter Church near Atlanta, GA. He’s a husband to Shin and dad to two soccer-loving kids. His ministry journey spans both immigrant and multiethnic church contexts, with academic roots at the University of Maryland, Washington Bible College, Atlanta Christian College, and Reformed Theological Seminary. Rooted Resources: How to Start a Family Ministry in Your Church by Andy Cornett Resources for Family Ministry (Rooted Roundup) Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views by Timothy Paul Jones Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk about the youth ministry "summer high." They describe the positive and negative aspects of the annual "summer high," and discuss how to counteract the negatives. Our hosts also discuss transitioning from great summer ministries into the fall and beyond, developing programs for cohesive year-round ministry to students. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, we discuss the changes that occur in youth ministry during the summer months. The rhythm of ministry shifts, the workload changes, and the importance of building relational connections with students are all important factors in thinking about our summer. We also talk about the challenges of maintaining programming consistency and the unique opportunities that summer presents for youth workers to connect with students. Ask Rooted: What Does Relational Discipleship Look Like During the Summer? Resources for Summer Youth Ministry Planning (Rooted Roundup) Summer Resources Maximizing Summer Youth Ministry: Balancing Activity and Rest Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us at the Rooted 2025 Conference!

In this insightful workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Dr. Danny Kwon explores how to cultivate a youth ministry culture that embraces intergenerational integration. He unpacks why connecting generations within the church is vital to discipling students for a lifelong faith in Jesus, and offers practical steps for how you can implement intergenerational ministry in your unique context. Danny Kwon, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross-Cultural Initiatives at Rooted Ministry. Prior to joining Rooted, Danny served for 29 years as the Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church, a bicultural and bilingual Korean-American congregation outside Philadelphia. He is married to Monica, a Christian counselor and psychologist, and together they have three children. Rooted Resources: Book Review ‘Faith Beyond Youth Group’ by Kara Powell, Brad M. Griffin, and Jen Bradbury by Danny Kwon When Intergenerational Integration Feels Impossible by Skyler Flowers Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny discuss the critical role of volunteers in youth ministry. They talk about recruiting and retaining volunteers, the various roles they can fill, and effective strategies for building relationships with them. We need to care for and connect with our volunteers, as well as provide clear expectations and ongoing communication to ensure a successful team experience.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted conference in Dallas, veteran youth leader Vince Greenwald shares the essential values of the church, and the youth ministry where he serves. While acknowledging that what students need, more than anything, everytime they gather, is the gospel. But the additional elements of offering a safe environment- defined as “every student needs a place where they can stop trying to be impressive and start being known” - and time allow students to flourish in the manner and timeline the Lord has decreed. Stay tuned for his six questions at the end to help you discern if the gospel, safety, and time are central values in your ministry to teenagers. Vince Greenwald serves an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville and holds a MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary. He and his wife Caroline live in Nashville, Tennessee with their children Bear, Lila, and Grace. Vince seeks to joyfully follow Jesus and serve the Church with Caroline, bringing students and their families along with them.

In this honest and hope-filled episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny tackle a topic often overlooked in youth ministry: preparing students for suffering. As high school graduates transition into adulthood, our youth ministries must do more than celebrate. We must disciple them with a theology of suffering rooted in Christ. The hosts share personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies for equipping students with a faith that endures beyond the youth room. From reframing popular Bible verses to discussing God’s presence in pain, this conversation is raw, real, and necessary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas TX, Mike McGarry dives deep into the topic of delivering expository messages for youth. Mike begins by discussing the difference between expository teaching and biblical teaching. He provides a helpful definition of expository teaching and gives us a framework for how to faithfully teach God’s word the way God’s word is written and show our youth how it applies in all spheres of life. Mike McGarry is the Director of Youth Pastor Theologian, has served as a Youth Pastor for 18 years in Massachusetts, and has two youth group aged kids at home. He earned his D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has published three books – most recently, “Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith.” Mike is committed to training youth workers to think biblically about what youth ministry is and to training them to teach theologically with confidence.