In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Isaiah, Danny, and new co-host Becca focus on a crucial season in student discipleship: senior year. They unpack why senior year is such a unique window for ministry. The hosts discuss helping seniors see the church as more than youth group, preparing them to find a gospel-centered church in college, and giving them categories for God’s will, vocation, and faithful involvement in the local church. While there are a lot of potential pitfalls in post-highschool life, there are a lot of great opportunities for students to grow in their faith, and thrive in their walk with Christ in their new season. Making Youth Group ‘Senior Night’ More Than Once Each Year - Rooted Ministry The Summer Before College: A Graduating Senior Gameplan - Rooted Ministry Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts.

As we head into Christmas, we thought it would be appropriate to re-share this episode of Rooted Parent. We pray this blesses you as you navigate the season! In this final episode of our season Can't Do It All, Anna welcomes back Rooted podcaster Alice Churnock and introduces our brand-new executive director Hannah Dow. We invited them to talk about the (potential) overwhelm of being a mother. Both of these moms juggle full-time jobs while running their households, caring for elderly parents, serving at church, and attempting to maintain friendships and good health. Additionally, Hannah is a single mother. You'll want to hear how they find rest in the gospel, but you'll also glean some practical tips. Be encouraged by their wholehearted pursuit of Jesus in the midst of their busy lives.

As we head into Christmas, we thought it would be appropriate to re-share this episode of Rooted Parent. We pray this blesses you as you navigate the season! In this special Christmas episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, father and veteran youth pastor Syler Thomas join Cameron and Anna to discuss about the misadventures of Kevin McAllister and his family. They talk about parenting failures, regrets, and redemption, and how, because of Christ, we are not condemned for our shortcomings as moms and dads. 

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny dive deep into one of the most vulnerable areas of student discipleship: doubt. Drawing from Mark 9 and personal ministry experiences, the hosts explore how youth pastors can respond when students express questions or wrestle with deconstruction. They offer guidance on how to walk with students through doubt without minimizing it or turning it into a theological debate. The trio challenges youth leaders to create ministry cultures where curiosity and questions are welcomed, not shamed. Through biblical reflection, practical examples, and honest dialogue, they remind listeners that doubt is not the enemy of faith—disconnection is. The episode closes with encouragement for youth leaders to stay faithful, point students to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit do the transforming work. Resources: Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith by Mike McGarry Gospel Hope for Doubting Teenagers Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts. Check out our Youth Ministry and Family Ministry Mentorship Program

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jonathan Holmes offers a gospel-centered framework for engaging in conversations about gender. He begins with two cultural observations that shape how we think about identity today and then outlines five key problems with modern-day identity formation. With clarity and compassion, Jonathan equips ministry leaders to speak truthfully and graciously into one of the most complex topics facing today’s teens. 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. Rooted Resources: Rooted Recommends: Preston and Jackie Hill Perry on Gender Identity, Biblical Womanhood, and Girly Girls Sex, Gender, & Sexuality Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates Listen to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Danny, Isaiah, and Josh dive into the subtle but dangerous “Messiah Complex” that many youth pastors wrestle with—the belief that they must save, fix, or be everything to everyone. From the weight of unmet expectations to the exhaustion of blurred boundaries, this episode uncovers how this mindset leads to burnout and misplaced identity. The hosts offer reflections, cautionary tales, and gospel-rooted encouragement to release control, honor healthy limits, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the work only He can do. Letter to a Youth Worker Experiencing Burnout - Rooted Ministry Trusting God With Our Plans For Our Ministries Check out our Youth Ministry and Family Ministry Mentorship Program Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates! Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this special episode of YMU, Danny hosts the 7th annual Rooted Book Awards. These Book Awards serve our listeners who might not have the time or budget to read every book out there. It includes categories of books for Youth Ministers, Parents, Bible Teaching, and Teenagers. Happy reading! Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families by Sarah Peoples (Crossway) Don’t Despise Our Youth: Renewing Hope for Urban Youth by David Washington (InterVarsity Press) Managing Your Households Well by Chap Bettis (P&R Publishing) Mothering Against Futility Balancing Meaning and Mundanity in the Fear of the Lord By Simona Gorton (Christian Focus) Beyond the Back Row: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Local Church for Your Family by Katie Polski (Christian Focus) Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age Edited by Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa (Crossway) The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics eds. Collin Hansen, Skyler R. Flowers, and Ivan Mesa (Zondervan) From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis (9Marks) by Alex Duke (Zondervan) Gospel Stories: How The Greatest Story Is Richer, Deeper, and More Wonderful Than We Think by Andrew Wilson (10 Publishing) Understanding Biblical Law: Thinking With And Through Torah by Dru Johnson (Baker Academic) 12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust: Core Beliefs of the Christian That Will Change Your Life by Paul David Tripp (Crossway) Make It Your Ambition by Jeremy Writebol (The Gospel Coalition) Iconic: Being God’s Image in Your World by Mike McGarry (New Growth Press) Worth It: Following Jesus When Life Feels Complicated by Chris Morphew (The Good Book Company)

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny address youth ministry culture, especially as it interacts with the influence of social media. They discuss how social media impacts our students and how we as youth pastors can navigate it well for greater gospel influence.

In this workshop discussion from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, four experienced ministry leaders—Connie Nelson, Isaiah Marshall, Liz Edrington, and Anna Meade Harris—tackle the important and complex topic of ministering to students who come from difficult home environments. They share why this issue is close to their hearts, explore what constitutes a challenging home life, offer practical strategies for building trust with students, and much more. About the Panelists Connie Nelson has over a decade of youth ministry experience in Edmonton, Alberta, where she also leads in her church’s college ministry and serves with a Guatemalan missions organization. Isaiah Marshall is a husband, father, and spoken word artist. He serves as Director of Ministry Development at Rooted Ministry and is a Chaplain in the Air Force Reserve. Liz Edrington is the Associate Director of Care at McLean Presbyterian Church. A counselor, professor, and award-winning author, she is passionate about gospel-centered care for youth and families. Anna Meade Harris is Rooted’s Contributing Editor and co-host of the Rooted Parent Podcast. She is also the author of God’s Grace for Every Family and a leading voice on ministering to single-parent families. Rooted Resources: Ministering to Teenagers with Challenging Home Lives by Connie Nelson, Isaiah Marshall, Miz Edrington, and Anna Meade Harris Ministering to Students in Crisis Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny address politics and the divide it has created in our nation and how it has impacted our youth groups. They tackle some hot-button issues and give tips on how to navigate political discussion. Finally, they discuss developing a Christ-centered identity that transcends politics.

In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Syler Thomas reflects on the complex but beautiful intersection of family and ministry. Drawing from years of personal experience, Syler shares four key insights: 1) God will use your family to bless your ministry, 2) God will use your ministry to bless your family, 3) You must intentionally define healthy boundaries for your family, 4) When sharing about your kids, get their permission—and give them space to just be kids, especially if they’re in your youth group. This practical and heartfelt talk is filled with wisdom for anyone navigating ministry while raising children. Syler Thomas is a native Texan and has served as the student ministries pastor at Christ Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, since 1998. He writes for YouthWorker Journal, with additional work published in Leadership Journal and the Chicago Tribune, and is the co-author of two books. He and his wife, Heidi, are parents to four children. The Value of Presence in Youth Ministry by Shaun McDonald What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? - Rooted Ministry Creating Space for Teenagers to Play in Youth Ministry Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates. Follow and subscribe to Youth Ministry Unscripted wherever you listen to podcasts.

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