Advertise on podcast: Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast

There is so much more to youth ministry than pizza parties and “Chubby Bunny.” But is there a place for fun and games in youth ministry? Danny, Josh, Becca, and Isaiah discuss the role that games can play in youth ministry, namely, to create and build community. They can also pave an important path relationally for gospel-centered conversations.  Mike McGarry on Theology of Fun and Games Tips for Gospel-Centered Games in Youth Ministry by Chelsea Kingston Erickson When God Shows Up: A History of Youth Ministry by Mark Senter Subscribe and follow Rooted’s youth ministry podcasts: Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable and Youth Ministry Unscripted podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Jim Davis walks through Acts 1:6–11, highlighting the Church’s clear and compelling mission. Drawing key observations from the text, he equips and encourages leaders to depend on the Spirit and faithfully join God in the work he is doing in the lives of students. Jim Davis is the Teaching Pastor at Orlando Grace Church (Acts 29) and a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He holds an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary and is the co-host of the As in Heaven podcast. Jim is also the co-author, with Michael Graham, of The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? He and his wife, Angela, speak for FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember marriage getaways and are parents to four children. As In Heaven Podcast by Jim Davis and Michael Aitcheson  The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham Rooted Resources:Teenagers Need the Church (Series) The Sunday Standoff: Discipling Teenagers Who Are Resisting Church by Katie Polski @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Becca, Isaiah, and Danny talk candidly about productivity as a key component of gospel-centered youth ministry. Productivity is not about chasing results or proving worth, but faithful stewardship of the limited time we’ve been given. The hosts highlight common obstacles like constant crises, unclear expectations, misalignment with broader church vision, and fluctuating motivation. Then they share tips, tricks, and resources that have helped them in their youth ministry roles.  The Busy Youth Minister by Josh Cousineau Redeeming the Time: Managing the Nebulous Work of Youth Ministry by Connor Coskery Youth Ministry Management by Mike Work and Ginny Olson The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Getting Things Done by David Allen Register for the 2026 Rooted Conference Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Jennifer Kvamme outlines six essential foundational truths that youth leaders must teach to prepare students to think biblically about sexuality. With clarity and conviction, this session equips leaders to ground teens in God’s design while engaging today’s cultural challenges with grace and wisdom. Jennifer has served in youth ministry at Centennial Church in Forest Lake, MN, for 20 years. She’s the author of More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships. She and her husband, Greg, have three children. Rooted Resources: More to the Story Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships by Jennifer Kvamme A Bad Trade: Helping Teenagers See Sexual Sin Clearly by Jennifer Kvamme Parents, Let’s Reframe the Sexuality Conversation by Jennifer Kvamme @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this reflective workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Harold Kim walks through Psalm 42, offering encouragement and hope for those in seasons of spiritual dryness or discouragement. The session follows three movements: The Condition – what it means to be spiritually cast down The Causes – what might lead us there The Cure – how Scripture points us to hope in God This session is a heartfelt invitation to find rest, renewal, and confidence in the God who sees and sustains. 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. He graduated from UC Berkeley, received his master of divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and his master of theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church in America in 2001. 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. When The Fire Goes Out: Finding Comfort in Ministry by Isaiah Marshall Psalm 42: A Psalm for Sad Seasons by Kendal Conner Student Series: Panting in the Desert: Seeking God When He Feels Like A Fake, A Figment, or Far Away by Annie Talton Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of YMU, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny consider Rooted’s pillar of relational discipleship and how it inspires us to connect with teenagers in our churches. The hosts share insight about when the youth minister needs to connect with students personally and how to engage ministry volunteers in this important work. They offer some effective ways to connect with teenagers relationally. “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thess. 2:8). Rooted Webinar: Creating a Culture of Gospel Welcome in Youth Ministry What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? Watch Rooted’s Past Training Videos and Webinars   Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Jonathan Holmes unpacks what it means to pursue true rest in ministry. Framed around four key movements—the problem with rest, the answer to rest, how to rest personally, and how to build cultures of rest—this session offers practical and theological insight for leaders who want to lead from a place of peace rather than burnout. Jonathan Holmes is the Founder and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. He previously served for fifteen years on the pastoral teams of Parkside Church and Parkside Green. Jonathan graduated from The Master’s University with degrees in Biblical Counseling and History and his MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author and contributor to a number of books including, The Company We Keep, Counsel for Couples, Rescue Skills, and Rescue Plan. He and his wife, Jennifer, have four daughters. When The Fire Goes Out: Finding Comfort in Ministry by Isaiah Marshall Caring for Your Soul as a Youth Minister by Mark Upton Burnout: The Cost of Caring by Christina Maslach Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny discuss the topic of recruiting and serving with volunteer youth leaders. They cover what makes a good youth leader, mistakes they have made with ministry volunteers, and advice they would give to fellow youth ministers in leading volunteer teams. If you’re looking for help and support to care for the lay leaders on your team, this conversation is for you! Practically Speaking, How to Train Your Volunteers by Seth Stewart Youth Minister, You Need to Empower Lay Leaders by Justin Talbert Ask Rooted: How Do You Train and Empower Lay Leaders in Your Youth Ministry? Part I and Part II Purpose Driven Youth Ministry by Doug Fields Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Bradley Blaylock explores the role of apologetics in youth ministry—not just as content, but as a teaching posture. He outlines approaches to help leaders raise apologetic issues naturally, equipping students to think biblically about their faith. Bradley serves as a Professor of Theological Studies at Highlands College in Birmingham, AL. He and his wife live in Birmingham with their adorable children. Bradley is a PhD student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary studying the Philosophy of Religion. Two Simple Shifts for Teaching Apologetics in Youth Ministry by Bradley Blaylock Youth Pastor, Your Students Need Apologetics by Bradley Blaylock Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah Marshall, Josh Hussung, Danny Kwon, and Becca Heck wrestle with how to teach holiness without drifting into guilt, shame, or moralism. Grounded in Scripture, the conversation reframes holiness not as behavior modification, but as a joyful, relational response to the gospel. The hosts explore how youth ministries can unintentionally slip into legalism, how to speak about sin without leaving students feeling hopeless, and how relational discipleship creates space for grace, confession, and growth. With honesty, humor, and pastoral wisdom, this episode offers youth leaders practical ways to model holiness anchored in Christ’s finished work, not performance.   Scripture & Themes Referenced Leviticus 11:44 – “Be holy, for I am holy” 1 Peter 1:16 – Holiness as a call rooted in God’s character Isaiah 6 – God’s holiness and moral perfection Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) – Holiness of heart, not just behavior 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Responding differently to the idle, weak, and discouraged Relational Discipleship – Walking with students over time, not managing behavior Gospel-Centered Holiness – Living from acceptance, not for acceptance Biggie Size Your Grace in the Pursuit of Holiness by Andy Cornett Discipling Teenagers in the Meaning of the Law by Chelsea Kingston Erickson
 Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch the episode on Youtube! Register for Rooted 2026 in Nashville. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference, Jennifer Kvamme equips youth leaders to respond wisely and faithfully to the difficult questions students often ask. She addresses three common questions and presents a four-principle framework for navigating challenging conversations with grace and clarity. Jennifer has served in youth ministry at Centennial Church in Forest Lake, MN, for 20 years. She’s the author of More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships. She and her husband, Greg, have three children. Resources: More to the Story Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships by Jennifer Kvamme When Your Teenager Has Doubts and Questions by Kyle Bjerga Encouragement for Parents: When Kids Ask Tough Questions  by Steve Eatmon Answering Our Teenagers’ Hard Questions About Culture by Rooted Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Danny, Isaiah, and Becca dive into the often-overlooked legacy of Black Christians in church history. As Black History Month invites the church to celebrate diversity in God’s kingdom, the hosts explore why many faithful Black voices remain hidden from mainstream narratives—and what youth pastors can do about it. From early church fathers in North Africa to the American civil rights era, this conversation challenges us to broaden our understanding of church history and elevate voices that have long been sidelined. Listeners will walk away encouraged to disciple their students with a deeper awareness of the global, multicultural body of Christ—and equipped with practical ideas for building more inclusive youth ministries.    Resources and Mentions Talking to Your White Kids About Black History Month - Rooted Ministry Relational Discipleship in the Black Church - Rooted Ministry   Richard Allen – Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Lemuel Haynes – First ordained African American minister in the U.S. Howard Thurman – Theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. Fannie Lou Hamer – Voting rights activist and devout Christian James Cone – Father of Black Liberation Theology; The Cross and the Lynching Tree The Edmondson Center (at RTS Atlanta) – Recommended by Becca for their year-long certificate program on church history and theology (directed by Karen & Carl Ellis) Bus Ride to Justice – Isaiah’s experiential trip with students to key civil rights locations (Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, Tuskegee) Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Mike McGarry helps us deliver expository messages for you. What does it mean to teach the Bible expositionally to students? In this episode, Mike defines expository teaching and why it matters. You'll learn how to align your message with the main idea of the biblical text and walk away with four essential questions to guide your prep.    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 Rethinking Expository Bible Teaching (Confessions of a Struggling Youth Minister) by John Gardner Why Youth Pastors Should Teach Expository Bible Messages by Syler Thomas Parents, Value Expository Teaching at Youth Group by Jennifer Kvamme Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Danny, Isaiah, and Becca reflect on the “landmines” of youth ministry through the lens of 1 Peter 5:8: being sober-minded and watchful because the devil prowls like a roaring lion. They discuss dangers such as the “savior complex,” prideful isolation, us-versus-them attitudes toward church leadership and parents, unhealthy comparison with other ministries, and the temptation to measure success by numbers instead of faithfulness. There is also a danger of neglecting our own souls—becoming “professional Christians” whose Bible reading is only for teaching prep, not personal communion with God. We will discuss both those “landmines” as well as how they can be avoided. Resources: Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp  Sticky Faith by Kara Powell and Chap Clark Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Tara Davis and Cameron Cole emphasize the central focus of every gospel-centered children’s ministry: the Bible. They present three key approaches to help grow children’s biblical literacy and offer practical guidance for implementing each one in your ministry context. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, this session equips you to faithfully ground your ministry in God’s Word.  About the Speakers: Tara Davis serves as the Director of Nursery and Children’s Ministry at Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama. A former elementary school teacher, she taught for ten years across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. Tara was named Teacher of the Year at Crestline Elementary and received the Ann Pritchard Award for Excellence in Teaching—an honor given to the top educator in the Mountain Brook School System. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Georgia and an M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Tara is married to Kyle, and they have a son and daughter. Cameron Cole is the Founding Chairman of Rooted Ministry and serves as the Director of Adult and NextGen Discipleship at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Birmingham, Alabama. With nearly two decades of experience in youth and family ministry, Cameron is the author of Therefore I Have Hope, Heavenward (2024), and co-editor of Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry and The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School. He holds both an undergraduate degree and an M.A. in Education from Wake Forest University, as well as an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary. Cameron and his wife, Lauren, have four children—one of whom lives in heaven. Rooted Resources: Family Discipleship Video Courses Resources for Family Ministry (Rooted Roundup) Rooted’s Scope & Sequence for Youth Ministry Bible Teaching How to Lead Collaboration Between Youth and Children’s Ministry by Andy Cornett Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.