Rooted Ministry

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! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Rooted Resources:Purchase the Rooted Daniel CurriculumHow the Book of Daniel Helps Us Lead Our Children to Live Counterculturally by Jason EngleConsider Staying Close to Home for Your Youth Groups Mission Trip by Isaiah MarshallFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Rooted Resources:Purchase the Rooted Daniel CurriculumHow the Book of Daniel Helps Us Lead Our Children to Live Counterculturally by Jason EngleDownload MB Plugged In Technology full report HERERooted resources on social media and technologyFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Body Image: Valuing God's Good Gift by Andrea LeeResources on RootedFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates!Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Join us for Rooted 2025 in Chicago, October 23-25! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 Anson, Cadence, and Zion; a Texan, a Rangers fan, and a barbecue aficionado. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 for True Hope (Crossway 2022), and Identity: Discovering Who You Are In Christ (P&R 2024). Lindsey Carlson is a pastor's wife, a mother of five, and a devoted follower of Jesus. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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) and The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School (New Growth Press). Cameron is the author of Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths that Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy (Crossway, 2018) and  Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth (Crossway, 2024). Cameron is married to Lauren and together they have four children, one of whom lives in heaven.Rooted Resources: Purchase the Rooted Daniel CurriculumHow the Book of Daniel Helps Us Lead Our Children to Live Counterculturally by Jason EngleFollow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 offers Bible curriculum for 26 books of the Bible and more! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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. Harold is gratefully married to Sun Hi and a happy father of two daughters, Taylor and Elizabeth. His great joy and passion is to see lives changed as Jesus Christ becomes central to everything.Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 students where they are without adding to their already overwhelming schedules. If you're struggling with tension of ministry and busyness, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and grace-filled strategies. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 Churches That Seek to Love Them Well (Zondervan, 2024), winner of Christianity Today's 2024 Book Award in the Marriage, Family, and Singleness category.Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 connections between youth and the larger church body, as well as how to foster discipleship that lasts beyond youth group. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts.Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates and Subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 CurriculumRegister for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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.   Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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 CurriculumRegister for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

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.  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

In this main session talk from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, TX, K.A. Ellis unpacks the story of Daniel 1. Ellis shares how the same God who delivered Daniel is faithful to deliver us. Ellis is the Director of the Edmiston Center at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.“Courage is a habit and it must become ours.”Rooted Resources:Purchase the Rooted Daniel CurriculumHow the Book of Daniel Helps Us Lead Our Children to Live Counterculturally by Jason EngleRegister for Rooted 2025 Conference in Chicago  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

In this second episode ofYouth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk real, honest, and raw about some of the biggest struggles they face as youth ministry leaders. They share the biggest challenges that youth pastors and churches face in ministry today, as well as how the gospel shapes us to love Jesus in the difficulties. Serving in ministry has given each of them a love/hate relationship with takeout pizza… Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

Offering the 'what' and the 'why' of family ministry, longtime family minister Jimmy Kim also shares the 'how' of implementing family ministry in the local church. Working off the definition of family ministry as "churches equipping and empowering parents to spiritually invest in their kids," he offers ways to develop a family ministry that works in your context, for the spiritual formation of parents and kids and for God's glory. Jimmy Kim is a husband, a father of two, and the Executive Director of Family Transformation at Perimeter Church near Atlanta, GA.References:How to Start a Family Ministry: A Practical Workshop with Cameron ColeHow to Start a Family Ministry handoutDeuteronomy 6: 4-9Proverbs 22:6Psalm 139Ephesians 6:-14Perspectives on Family MInistry: Three Views by Timothy Paul JonesHanding Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation by Christian Smith and Amy AdamczykUS Surgeon General Report on the Mental Health of ParentsThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniHow to Start a Family Ministry in Your Church by Andy CornettFind more information about Rooted's family ministry mentorship program.Check out more resources on family ministry and family discipleship.Join us for our 2025 Conference in Chicago, IL! Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

In this premiere episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk real, honest, and raw about gospel-centered youth ministry. The guys talk about ministry failures and how the gospel has shaped them through the hard times. They will stress the importance of youth leaders having places to be real, honest, and raw about the difficulties of ministry. They will also share their greatest joys in ministry, as well as the best post youth group snack they ever had.  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates andSubscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts

In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Melissa Kruger, the Director of Women's Content at The Gospel Coalition, joins Cameron and Anna to discuss her new book Parenting With Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age. Written from her own experience of raising teenagers, Parenting With Hope encourages parents to seek the Lord's wisdom as they parent out of the basic guiding principles of Scripture. Listen in as Cameron, Anna, and Melissa discuss the power of prayer, the value of weekly church attendance, and the most common idols parents face. Finally, you'll hear them share some tools that can help parents cultivate a home where faith can flourish and parent out of the hope of the gospel. Resources:Parenting With Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age by Melissa KrugerAge of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teensby Paul David TrippThe Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances E. JensenThe Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids by Madeline LevineCheck out more Rooted resources on prayer here Check out more Rooted resources on church here Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny hosts Rooted's 6th annual book awards. He sits down to talk with Tracy Yi, Chelsea Erickson, Natalie Lett, and Tim Franks to discuss their selections for the 2024 Rooted Book Awards. Listen to hear their topic picks; the categories include best new books for youth ministers, parents, teenagers, and Bible teaching.Here are your 2024 Book awards panelists: Chelsea Kingston Erickson is Editor of Youth Ministry Content and the Director of Publishing for Rooted. She previously served as a youth pastor in New England churches for 13 years. She and her husband, Steve, live north of Boston and are parents to Wells and Emmett. Chelsea holds an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Old Testament Studies. She is passionate about teaching teenagers biblical theology and helping them learn to study Scripture for themselves.Tim Franks hails from the West Coast, California and Colorado. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009. He married his wife Alicia in 2010. Tim and Alicia adopted Michael, Marlayna, and Maicee in 2020. He previously served in student ministry in Phoenix, AZ and Wilson, NC. He began serving at Eureka Bible Church as Associate Pastor in July 2017. Pastor Tim is an avid reader, loves watching and playing sports, and traveling to new places (especially historical sites).Natalie Lett serves as student ministry coordinator at Church of the Cross in Birmingham, AL. She is a graduate of University of Alabama and holds a Master's Degree in Education from Wake Forest University. Tracy Yi is a mom of 3 and has served alongside her husband, Kevin, in youth ministry for over 16 years. She and Kevin now serve college and young adults ministry at Church Everyday in Southern California. Timestamps:[0:00]  Welcome and Intro- Danny and Chelsea[3:49]  Best New Books for Parents - Tracy[10:08] Best New Books for Youth Workers- Tim[19:32] Best New Books for Teenagers- Natalie[30:05] Best New Books for Bible Teaching-Chelsea[44:30] Books from Rooted Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Closing out this series on overcoming disappointments in youth ministry, Danny talks with Kerry Trunfio, the Director of Children, Youth, and Family Life Ministry at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Topsfield, MA. Listen in as Kerry shares why she believes intergenerational integration to be an essential part of youth ministry, as well as some practical ideas for youth ministers who want to incorporate their students into the greater life of the church. Most especially, Kerry reminds us of how the gospel provides encouragement even in the midst of disappointing seasons where intergenerational integration doesn't seem to be producing fruit. Links:Check out more Rooted resources on intergenerational integration here. Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Jennifer Ting to discuss the importance of partnering with parents in youth ministry. Jennifer, a new mother and long-time youth pastor, is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Ministry to Emerging Generations from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Tune in to hear Jennifer and Danny discuss why parents are so vital in the discipleship of teenagers, practical ways youth ministers can incorporate parents into their ministries, and how the gospel provides hope and encouragement in the face of disappointing season with parents.Resources:Check out more Rooted resources on partnering with parents here. Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Josh Newton, the Pastor of Student Ministries at The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Barrington, Illinois to discuss the challenges and joys of engaging in relational discipleship with students. Danny and Josh discuss some practical ways youth leaders and volunteers can dig deeper into the lives of students, as well as offer gospel encouragement for youth ministers who feel disappointed with how they've navigated relational discipleship. Whether you are in a fruitful or frustrating season with relational discipleship, we hope you'll be blessed by Danny and Josh's wisdom in this episode. Resources:Check out more Rooted resources on relational discipleship here. Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Stephen Yates, the Assistant Pastor to Students at Intown Community Church in Atlanta, GA. Steve also is a visiting instructor at his alma mater, Covenant Theological Seminary and is currently working on his PhD in youth ministry. You'll hear Danny and Steve discuss what it means to do theological depth well in youth ministry, as well as how youth pastors can apply their theological teaching to their own personal lives. Listeners will be encouraged with the reminder that even when some of our teaching seems to fall flat with students, God is still at work. Resources:Stephen's previous conversation on the Rooted Youth Ministry PodcastCheck out more Rooted resources on relational discipleship here. Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

How do you know if your ministry is gospel-centered? In this episode, Danny sits down with Mike McGarry, a former youth pastor and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian, to help answer that question. In today's episode, Mike and Danny discuss the “nuts and bolts” of gospel-centered youth ministry and why it's so important for our students. You'll hear them share how youth ministers can trust the sufficiency of Jesus, even when they fail to do gospel-centered youth ministry perfectly. Resources:More resources on gospel-centered youth ministry hereJoin us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX!Youth Pastor Theologian Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide  Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Rooted introduces a new podcast focused on youth ministry in an Asian American context. It features a rotating panel of youth ministers who will talk about issues affecting Asian American youth and anyone ministering to them, whether in the home or in the church. This episode is a sample of what you will hear. The first full episode is available now at RootedMinistry.com/Podcasts. Or subscribe to the Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts. Bios of PanelistsDorothy Lau Dorothy is the youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland (Rockville, MD) in the Washington D.C. metropolitan. She is passionate to serve the Lord through discipleship, musical worship, administration, and multimedia. Dorothy is a massive foodie, enjoys cooking for loved ones, and delights in trips to her home city of Chicago.Huey Lee Huey Lee has been serving the local church in the youth ministry context for over 15 years, and holds a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a Pastor of Youth Ministry at Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, VA. He is married to his beautiful wife, Alice, and they are parents to 4 sons: Matthew, Ethan, Christian, and Lucas. He loves reading, Korean food, a good cup of coffee, and the growing pains that come with learning to play golf.Justin WongJustin serves as the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He has worked with students, parents, and families for the past 23 years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a biology degree and later received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently finishing his Masters of Theology and Doctorate of Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married Tina and they have two girls, Ella and Mia.Terrence ShayTerrence serves as the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County with the largest Asian population in the US. He has grown up in the immigrant church and believes unashamedly in its role to fulfill Jesus' call to make disciples across all cultures and generations. He is gladly married to Regina and forever growing as a father of three children from middle school to college. He will go out of his way to cheer on LA sports (Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA Bruins) and to engage in a meaningful conversation. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Vince Greenwald, the assistant pastor at Immanuel Church Nashville. Listen in as Danny and Vince discuss the joys and challenges of “equipping the saints for the work of ministry” with their youth volunteers. You'll hear Vince explain how the truth of the gospel helps him navigate disappointments with youth volunteers, what he's learned from his past mistakes, and about the importance of clear expectations with youth volunteers, all for the sake of better serving and loving the students in our ministries. Resources:Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX!Order Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today!  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Cristobal Tong, the Lead English Pastor at 3Stone/NYCAC, where he ministers to youth and college students. Tong also serves as a Spiritual Life Advisor at NYU. Sometimes the teenagers in our lives and ministries will disappoint us. In this episode, Cristobal and Danny discuss the joys, challenges, and everything in-between when it comes to working with teenagers. Listen in to hear them share stories about how they have handled disappointments with students in the past and how the grace of Jesus has met them in those places. Resources:Join us for our 2024 Conference in Dallas, TX! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Justin Wong, the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. They discuss working and serving with Senior Pastors. Justin and Danny share the joys of the work, as well as offering ideas about how to overcome difficulties and disappointments.  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Josh Hussung, the Pastor of Youth and Families at Grace Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Josh and Danny discuss how to handle disappointments with the parents of the teenagers in their churches. They discuss how to serve these parents with love and grace, while navigating common difficulties and struggles.  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Ericson Joubert, the Director of Student Ministries at East Cobb Presbyterian Church in Marietta, Georgia. From their past interactions with various youth pastors and their own experiences in youth ministry, they discuss how to handle and overcome disappointments with their churches. While Danny and Ericson love their churches, they also know that serving within a church context can present challenges.  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Rebecca Lankford, Isaiah Marshall, and Cameron Cole.  Together, these four created and authored Rooted's Scope and Sequence Plan to be used with Rooted's curriculum. Keeping in mind Rooted's pillar of theological depth, they discuss why having a scope and sequence plan is important and how it can benefit the teenagers in our youth ministries and churches. Don't miss this special episode where you'll hear the details about the two different plans that they created. Resources:Check out Rooted's Scope and Sequence plan! Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny has a conversation with Mac Harris, a youth pastor in Charlotte, NC and the son of a single mom. He authored the last chapter of God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches that Seek to Love Them Well, a book written by his mother, Anna Meade Harris. In this interview, Mac discusses how the church can care for single parent families well. His words from these two angles offer rich advice and encouragement for youth ministries and the church, as we care for single-parent families.  Resources:God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them WellRooted Parent Podcast Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Anna Meade Harris. She is author of God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches that Seek to Love Them Well. She also serves as Rooted's Senior Director of Content. We discuss how the church can minister and care for single-parent families well. Her words from her experience as a single mom, as well as her interviews with others for her book, offer rich advice and encouragement for youth ministries and churches as we care for single-parent families.  Resources:Rooted Mentorship ProgramPurchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this 8th and final episode of the mini-season, husband and wife Danny and Monica Kwon talk about working with the parents of teenagers as it relates to the mental health issues of teenagers and their families. They speak from their experience dealing with the mental health issues of one of their own teenagers, but also as Danny spent 29 years serving as the youth pastor at one church, while Monica is both a psychologist and a Christian counselor. In speaking from these three distinct but overlapping perspectives, they discuss how youth ministry, youth pastors, and churches, can work with parents and their teenagers, to help them navigate the potential mental health issues of their teenagers.  Resources:Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Danny sits down with veteran youth pastor Justin Wong. Justin serves as the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He has worked with students, parents, and families for the past 24 years. He received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  They discuss how social media impacts teenagers and families from a youth pastor's perspective. Justin talks about how social media can be harmful in different ways, how it impacts the mental health of a teenager, but also how it can be redeemed by a youth ministry that expresses the hope of the gospel in the lives of teenagers.  Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Danny sits down with longtime friend of Rooted Alice Churnock. Alice is a licensed professional counselor specializing in adolescents and college students. She enjoys leading seminars for groups both nationally and internationally, and is married and has two young boys in Birmingham, AL.They sit down to talk about the topic of eating disorders in teenagers.  She offers deep insights into eating disorders of teenagers as a licensed professional counselor.  Moreover, for churches and youth ministries, her insights offer help for churches and youth ministries, as they serve teenagers and their families, battling these issues.Resources:Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Danny sits down with longtime veteran Youth Pastor Brock Morgan.  Brock is a popular speaker for retreats, conferences, and camps and has written twenty books including, Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian World and Beautiful Rebellion. Brock is the associate pastor at The Bridge Chino and lives in southern California with his wife Kelsey, their daughter Dancin and their puppy, C.S. Lewis.They talk about teenage anxiety from a Youth Pastor's perspective, including discussing Brock's most recent book, The Anxious Teen.  From the Youth Pastor's perspective, they discuss the struggle of anxiety that is in the hearts and minds of today's teenagers and how we might respond and be a part of bringing health and wholeness through the gospel and youth ministry.  Brock also shares very intimately about his own struggles with anxiety. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down with Liz Edrington. Danny and Liz talk about teenage anxiety from a counseling perspective for the church and youth ministry. As Liz has wide experience with youth and adult ministry, she offers a unique perspective on how the church and youth ministries can serve teenagers and families who struggle with anxiety. Liz is the author of a 31-day devotional for teenagers called Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&R Publishing, 2023). Liz Edrington serves as the Fellowship Groups and Young Adults Director at North Shore Fellowship in Chattanooga, TN. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL, and she has worked with students in one form or another since 2002. She is an emeritus member of the Rooted steering committee. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

Husband and wife Danny and Monica Kwon talk about the role of the church and the youth minister in helping struggling teenagers and their families as they navigate mental health issues.  As a seasoned youth minister and a Christian counselor, respectively, they offer helpful insights and practical suggestions on serving teens and families who are dealing with mental health struggles. Before joining Rooted, Danny was the youth and family pastor at his church for 29 years. Monica is both a Christian counselor and licensed psychologist (PhD) who has treated mental health issues of teenagers and their families in both a clinical setting, and in serving along Danny in youth ministry. In this new mini-series season on youth ministry and mental health, Danny and Monica hope to help the church, youth workers, and parents as they minister to teenagers in some of their mental health challenges. Various other guests will be appearing in this new mini-season.Resources:www.NAMI.org Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this second episode of the new mini-season of the RYMP, husband and wife Danny and Monica Kwon talk about gospel centrality as the foundation for dealing with the mental health issues of teenagers and their families. They speak from their experience dealing with the mental health issues of one of their own teenagers. Additionally, Danny spent 29 years serving as the youth pastor at one church, while Monica is both a psychologist and a Christian counselor. In speaking from these three distinct but overlapping perspectives, they admit their failures as leaders in the church, but also how they sought to apply the gospel as the foundation for their own family as well as in their service to teenagers and families dealing with mental health issues.  Before joining Rooted, Danny was the youth and family pastor at his church for 29 years. Monica is both a Christian counselor and licensed psychologist (PhD) who has treated mental health issues of teenagers and their families in both a clinical setting, and in serving along Danny in youth ministry. In this new mini-series season on youth ministry and mental health, Danny and Monica hope to help the church, youth workers, and parents as they minister to teenagers in some of their mental health challenges. Various other guests will be appearing in this new mini-season. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this first episode of the new mini-season of the RYMP, husband and wife Danny and Monica Kwon talk about various aspects of youth ministry and the issue of mental health in the lives of teenagers. This was recorded at their Rooted 2023 Conference workshop. Before joining Rooted, Danny was the youth and family pastor at his church for 29 years. Monica is both a Christian counselor and licensed psychologist (PhD) who has treated mental health issues of teenagers and their families in both a clinical setting, and in serving along Danny in youth ministry. In this new mini-series season on youth ministry and mental health, Danny and Monica hope to help the church, youth workers, and parents as they minister to teenagers in some of their mental health challenges. Various other guests will be appearing in this new mini-season. Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast.Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted MinistryFollow @therootedministry on Instagram!

In this episode, Danny sits down to talk with Huey Lee, the longtime Youth Pastor at Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Northern Virginia and a member of Rooted's Asian American Steering Committee. Together they reflect on hopes he has in youth ministry generally, as well as practical ways he strives to make the gospel central in youth ministry to his teenagers, parents, and ministry volunteers. Huey and Danny discuss aspects of persevering in youth ministry and some of the realities of serving teenagers, as well as how the gospel and its centrality help us continue in hope. Finally, he discusses personal ways he finds hope and perseveres in youth ministry. Follow @therootedministry on Instagram“We want the gospel to not just be at the surface level but go deep into the little parts and areas of our lives and hearts.” Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast! Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted Ministry

In this episode, Danny sits down to talk with Stephen Yates, who serves as an Assistant Pastor to Families and Students at Intown Community Church in Atlanta, GA, and is a visiting instructor at his alma mater, Covenant Theological Seminary, and the PCA's NEXT Institute. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Stephen talks about hopes in youth ministry as a practitioner. He shares hopeful and purposeful ways that theological depth is implemented in youth ministry with students and adult small group leaders. Stephen also talks about the difficulties in implementing theological depth for youth ministry and some hopeful solutions and ways to persevere to overcome them, as well as personal ways he perseveres in ministry. “Students are much smarter than we have often given them credit for.”Follow @therootedministry on Instagram Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast! Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted Ministry

In this episode, Danny sits down to talk with Travis Palmer, Dallas Knight, Emily Seibert, and Jamie Negus to discuss mentoring and their participation in the Rooted Youth Pastor Mentoring cohort. They discuss the valuable lessons and importance of mentoring, as well as the particular benefits and joys of the Rooted Youth Ministry Mentoring Cohorts were for them. Quotes:“A mentor to me has really critical to me as a human, but also me in youth ministry and as a youth director…. because a mentor outside of my specific context…has been really powerful for me…. because they are able to ask questions that people within the context wouldn't be able to ask.” - Emily Seibert“The mentorship for me…having someone as a seasoned person who has done it for a long time, to walk alongside you through…really helped with my mental health and support.” - Jamie Negus"The one-on-one times [of the Rooted mentorship program], where you just bring things that have been really hard in ministry, or areas you knew you were just struggling…and have to just spend working through issues and programs…there's not a number you can put on the value it put on our ministry here.” - Travis Palmer“My biggest thing [about the Rooted mentoring program] is I knew I could go to my cohort or mentor with a problem, whether it was in an official meeting or a text, and just be like…can we talk…I am dealing with something here and I need someone else who is in this role to talk about it. And that's why I would recommend [the Rooted mentoring program], because it gets you connected in ways that don't naturally happen all the time.” - Dallas KnightLinks:www.rootedministry.com/mentorship Listen to more episodes of the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast! Rooted Youth Ministry Archives - Rooted Ministry

In this episode, Danny sits down to talk with Tracy Yi, Chelsea Erickson, Rebecca Lankford, and Tim Franks to discuss their selections for the 2023 Rooted Book Awards. The categories include best new books for youth ministers, parents, teenagers, and for Bible teaching.Here are your 2023 Book Awards Panelists:Chelsea Kingston Erickson  Chelsea is Editor of Youth Ministry Content and the Director of Publishing for Rooted. She previously served as a youth pastor in New England churches for 13 years. She and her husband, Steve, live north of Boston and are parents to Wells and Emmett. Chelsea holds an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Old Testament Studies. She is passionate about teaching teenagers biblical theology and helping them learn to study Scripture for themselves.Rebecca LankfordRebecca serves as the Ministry Development Coordinator/Assistant Editor for Rooted. Previously, she has worked in both youth and young adult ministries. She is a graduate of Furman University and recently completed her master's in theology at Beeson Divinity School. Rebecca is happiest on a porch swing, in a boat, or on the dance floor.Tim FranksTim hails from the West Coast, California and Colorado. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009. He married his wife Alicia in 2010. Tim and Alicia adopted Michael, Marlayna, and Maicee in 2020. He previously served in student ministry in Phoenix, AZ and Wilson, NC. He began serving at Eureka Bible Church as Associate Pastor in July 2017. Pastor Tim is an avid reader, loves watching and playing sports, and traveling to new places (especially historical sites).Tracy YiTracy is a mom of 3 and has served alongside her husband, Kevin, in youth ministry for over 16 years and now serves college and young adults ministry at Church Everyday in Southern California. 

In this episode, Danny sits down to talk with Matt Luchenbill, the Students & Family Ministries Pastor at New City Presbyterian Church outside Detroit, MI, and the Director of the NextGen (Youth Ministry) Ministries of the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) denomination. Matt talks about some whys and hows in partnering with parents. While these relationships can be both hopeful and difficult, partnering with parents is worth our perseverance.“Ask questions, learn from parents. Take that humble perspective, that teachable perspective to seek understanding.” Follow @therootedministry on Instagram