Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast

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. Foll...

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 opportunit...

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 cont...

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 en...

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 st...

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,...

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 ou...

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny unpack how the culture of a youth ministry’s leadership team profoundly impacts the faith of students. They reflect on why students are more shaped by what leaders model than what they say, and explore how authenticity, humility, and spiritual health within the leadership team can either build up or break down student faith form...

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas TX, Josh Newton, Danny Kwon, and Isaiah Marshall dive deep into the topic of missions and youth ministry.  Together, they explore the value of short-term mission trips, how they shape students spiritually, and the importance of aligning mission work with a gospel-centered philosophy. Each guest brings their unique background and practical...

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas TX, Cameron Cole shares a pathway for healthy tech use. He starts with sharing why we need to be vigilant relative to our kids and technology and then shares practical plans to be proactive and not reactive as it relates to technology use in their kids. Cameron Cole is the founding chairman of Rooted Ministry. He is the co-editor of Gospel...

In this second episode with author and counselor Andrea Lee, author of the devotional  Body Image: Valuing God’s Good Gift,  Danny and Josh explore the implications of students' struggles  for ministry. They talk with Andrea how a youth leader might help teenagers with body image concerns, when churches might need to get parents involved, and how youth ministries might serve teenagers in ways that...

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas TX, T.J. Lewis shares how leaders can build relationships with the students they serve that lasts. In this talk, Lewis lays out practical ways leaders can befriend students and invest in them for years, even beyond youth group. T.J. Lewis serves as a youth pastor at Lake Church in Arlington, TX. T.J. is a proud husband to Bekah; dad to Ans...

In this episode, Danny and Josh sit down with Andrea Lee, author of Body Image: Valuing God’s Good Gift. They talk about her experience as a counselor to teenagers, and Lee shares why she wrote her book. In their conversation, Lee discusses the development of eating disorders, and why teenagers have such a difficult time accepting their bodies as a good gift from God. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author...

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas TX, Lindsey Carlson shares how leaders can encourage teenagers with their words. In this talk, Lindsey shares that the most effective way to encourage teenagers is through the promises of God. Lindsey is the author of Growing in Godliness: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Maturing in Christ (Crossway 2019), A Better Encouragement: Trading Self-Help...

Do you endure a lot of awkward silences? Do you ever have that kid in your youth group that only gives you one word answers when you’re trying to strike up conversation? In Episode 8 of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss struggles and strategies for connecting with our students. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed...

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, Cameron Cole unpacks the story of Daniel 7. In his talk, Cameron discusses the constant chaos of the world, the certain stability of God, and the sustainable safety of the gospel. Cameron Cole is the founding chairman of Rooted Ministry. He is the co-editor of Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide (Crossway, 2016)...

In this 7th episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss the challenge of teaching the Bible to students. Youth ministers often struggle with what to teach as well as ways to teach Scripture in an engaging way. If you’ve ever scratched your head on the morning of your mid-week event and wondered “What am I going to say tonight?” this is a great episode for you! Rooted offe...

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, Harold Kim unpacks the story of Daniel 6. From Daniel 6, Harold passionately shares the most effective way to fulfill your mission and how to fulfil your mission. Harold Kim is the founding pastor of Christ Central of Southern California, and serves on the board for Christ Central Network (CCN) and as president of SOLA. Harol...

In this 6th episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny tackle a challenge that youth pastors everywhere are facing: How do we disciple students who are too busy to show up? They dive into the pressures that students face—from academics to sports to social commitments—and how this impacts their spiritual lives. The hosts also discuss practical ways youth pastors can adapt to meet...

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, Anna Meade Harris unpacks the story of Daniel 4. Anna shares about the gracious pursuit of the Hound of Heaven. Anna Meade Harris is the is the Senior Director of Content at Rooted, co-host of the Rooted Parent podcast, and the author of God’s Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single Parent Families and the C...

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny dive into the role of youth ministry within the larger church context. They discuss the biblical and theological foundations for youth ministry, the importance of intergenerational integration, and the challenges of keeping students engaged in the church beyond high school. They also share practical strategies for strengthening...

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, Josh Hussung unpacks the story of Daniel 2. Josh shares that God is the revealer of mysteries. Josh is the Pastor of Youth and Families at Grace Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and has been in youth ministry for over 18 years. Rooted Resources: Purchase the Rooted Daniel Curriculum Register for Rooted 2025 Conferenc...

In this 4th episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted , Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk about ethnic segregation in church. Do our churches and youth groups need to be multicultural or not? They also talk about diversity and differences, and they share a famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote. The guys close the conversation talking about their favorite youth ministry games.   Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author o...

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, John Onwuchekwa (John O.) unpacks the story of Daniel 3. John O. shares how knowing God means you do not have to know the future. John is the North American Senior Director for Thought Leadership and Innovation for Redeemer City to City in New York, NY.  Rooted Resources: Purchase the Rooted Daniel Curriculum Register for Roo...

In view of Black History Month, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk about issues of race, ethnicity, and culture. They consider how race and ethnicity need to be talked about and taught in their churches and youth ministries. Stay tuned for their discussion of their favorite icebreakers for youth group.  Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theol...