Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast

Rooted Ministry
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Rooted Youth Ministry aims to advance gospel centered youth ministry by equipping and empowering youth ministers and parents to faithfully disciple students toward lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. Youth Ministry Unscripted is a real, honest, and raw part of the Rooted Family of Podcasts which also includes The Rooted Parent Podcast, The Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Ask Alice, and Thanos to Theos. For more grace filled, gospel-centered, Bible saturated resources be sure to visit www.rootedministry.com.

  1. 2 days ago

    Teenagers and Mental Health for the Church and Youth Ministry

    Mental health challenges among teenagers continues to be a significant concern, and its effects are deeply felt in both youth ministry and the church more broadly. In this workshop, join Danny Kwon and Monica Kim—co-authors of Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders—who have served in youth ministry for three decades. Together they will share practical insights on how churches and youth ministries can walk alongside teenagers and their families by fostering partnerships in care, connecting with helpful mental health resources, and better serving families navigating these struggles.   Danny Kwon, MDiv, ThM, PhD, is the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross Cultural Initiatives for Rooted Ministry. Before Rooted, he served as the Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church for 29 years. He has authored 4 books and is an adjunct professor at Eastern University. He has degrees from Westminster Seminary, Covenant Seminary, and Eastern University.  He is married to Monica Kim, a licensed psychologist and Christian counselor, have three children, and live outside Philadelphia. Together with his wife, they are co-authors of their most recent book, Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. Monica Kim, MAR, MEd, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and Christian counselor with over twenty-five years of experience. She is also currently an adjunct faculty member at Lehigh University and facilitates a biblical counseling consultation group for the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). She has degrees from Westminster Seminary and Lehigh University.  She is married to Danny Kwon, a long time youth pastor, and they have three children and live outside Philadelphia. Together with her husband, they are co-authors of their most recent book Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. Asian American Families and Mental Health (Webinar Replay) - Rooted Ministry Podcasts - Youth Ministry and Mental Health: Gospel Centrality Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts. 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.

  2. 20 Oct

    Back and Into the Future of Youth Ministry Part 3 with Dr. Mike McGarry

    In this special Youth Ministry Unscripted Series looking at the past and future 25 years of youth ministry, Isaiah, Rebecca, and Danny sit down with Dr. Mike McGarry, founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian. They discuss Mike’s assessment on the past 25 years of youth ministry and the next 25 years of youth ministry. Mike served as a Youth Pastor for 18 years and has two teenagers at home. He and his family worship at South Shore Baptist Church in Hingham, MA, where he formerly served as Youth Pastor and is now an Elder and volunteer youth worker. Mike is an ordained pastor and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree in “Ministry to Emerging Generations” from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Mike is the author of Discover: Questioning Your Way to Faith (New Growth Press, 2023), Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers (New Growth Press, 2021), A Biblical Theology of Youth Ministry: Teenagers in the Life of the Church (Randall House, 2019), and was a contributor to Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide (Crossway, 2017). 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.

  3. 13 Oct

    The Evangelistic Necessity of Youth Ministry with Clark Fobes

    Ministering to teenagers today feels more daunting than ever. It can seem nearly impossible to reach young people who grew up in the first post-Christian generation in America, where culture preaches a gospel of the “Self.” Because of the reality of our society and religious statistics, youth need the gospel more than ever, and youth ministries need to be willing to step into the void of evangelism more than ever before. What models of evangelism have preceded our times, and which model(s) are best suited to reach this generation? More importantly, what role do youth ministries play in the future evangelistic strategy of the American Church? This workshop will seek to address these questions by presenting a model of evangelism that is relevant and realistic, and discussing the urgent and important role youth ministries play on mission in America. Clark is the Associate Pastor at FirstSF, a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-generational congregation in the heart of the city of San Francisco. He has served as a Pastor to Students for over 15 years and pastored for over a decade in a variety of Asian American churches. He received his M.Div from Talbot School of Theology and Doctor of Missiology (D.Miss) from Southern Seminary. Clark and his wife Janet have two young daughters and live in his home city of San Francisco. Evangelism - Rooted Ministry Ask Rooted: How Are You Contextualizing Youth and Family Ministry for Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Resources for Reaching Gen Z - Rooted Ministry  The Missional Necessity of Youth Ministry  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates.  Register for the 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.

  4. 6 Oct

    Back to and Into the Future of Youth Ministry with Dr. Walt Mueller

    In this special Youth Ministry Unscripted Series looking at the past 25 years of youth ministry and the next 25 years of youth ministry, Cameron and Danny sit down with Dr. Walt Mueller, founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding (CPYU). They discuss Walt’s assessment on the past and future of youth ministry, including cultural shifts and changes. Dr. Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, a non-profit organization serving schools, churches, and community organizations across the U.S, Canada, and worldwide in their efforts to strengthen families. Walt has been working with young people and families for over 35 years. He is a recognized authority on youth culture and family issues, and has appeared on numerous media outlets internationally to discuss teenagers and their world.  Podcasts - Youth Ministry Through the Years  Ask Rooted: How Do You Shift to Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry?  The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts Register for the Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville, Oct. 22nd to 24th. 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.

  5. 29 Sept

    With Them: Relational Discipleship in the Way of Jesus with Brian Dye

    Relational discipleship is more than a strategy—it’s the way of Jesus. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to move beyond programs and curriculum into the slow, sacred work of walking with students and families over time. Whether you’re burned out, discouraged, or just hungry to see lasting fruit, we’ll look at how relational discipleship offers hope not just for the teens we serve, but for us, too. This session will draw from Scripture, real-life stories, and practical frameworks to help youth ministers, volunteers, and parents build rhythms of presence, trust, and gospel-rooted transformation. Brian serves a national movement of disciple-making and church planting in urban centers across America. He is the Executive Director of Legacy Disciple, an organization devoted to cultivating a culture of gospel-centered leadership that transforms communities from the inside out. He also leads as the Director of Leadership Development with The Chicago Partnership, a network of churches working together to make Jesus visible in every neighborhood of the city. Additionally, Brian serves as the Area Director for CarePortal, building bridges between churches and the needs of vulnerable children and families. Beyond these roles, Brian advises organizations like the AND Campaign and Together Chicago, offering strategic support in areas of justice, unity, and community renewal. At the heart of his ministry, however, is a deep commitment to relational discipleship. Brian and his wife Heidi, his best friend and ministry partner since 2000, live in West Garfield Park on Chicago’s West Side. Though they have no biological children, they have welcomed over 200 young adults into their home, walking with them in the everyday joys and struggles of life and faith. What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? - Rooted Ministry Relational Discipleship - Rooted Ministry The Power of Imperfect Relational Discipleship - Rooted Ministry  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates.  Register for the 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.

  6. 22 Sept

    Back To and Into the Future of Youth Ministry with Kara Powell

    In this special Youth Ministry Unscripted Series looking at the past 25 years of youth ministry and the future 25 years of youth ministry, Cameron and Danny sit down with Dr. Kara Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and Professor of Youth and Family at Fuller Theological Seminary. They discuss Dr. Powell’s assessment on the past and future of youth ministry, including Fuller Youth Institute’s new research on Generation Alpha.  Kara Powell, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration, the Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, and serves as a faculty member at Fuller Seminary. Prior to that, Kara was an Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry and Practical Theology at Azusa Pacific University. She completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on Pastoral Role Expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA in human biology, graduating with Honors from Stanford University in 1991. Podcasts - Youth Ministry Through the Years  Ask Rooted: How Do You Shift to Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry?  The FYI on Gen Alpha: New Research and… | Fuller Youth Institute  Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts Register for the Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville, Oct. 22nd to 24th. 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.

  7. 15 Sept

    Trauma-Informed Youth Ministry with Liz Edrington

    We all desire the church to be a safe place, where people with trauma know what it is to love and be loved (Matt. 22). In this workshop, we will explore the need for our youth ministries to become trauma-informed so that we may disciple students holistically and prevent further harm. We will discuss what trauma is, how the hope we have in Jesus speaks directly to any past, and when to seek a counseling referral. Liz Edrington serves as the Associate Director of Care for McLean Presbyterian Church. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and she’s taught as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Covenant College. She is an emeritus member of the Rooted steering committee, and she’s the author of Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&R Publishing, 2023), which won The Gospel Coalition 2023 Book Award for Bible Study & Devotional Literature. Pickled things delight her, as does her snuggle beast, Bella the Dog. Resources:  Matthew 22 Helping Teenagers Process Graphic Violence: An Interview with Counselors Rahab Marshall and Gordon Bals - Rooted Ministry  On Handling Crisis in Your Youth Ministry - Podcasts Creating a Child Protection Policy for Your Church - Rooted Ministry  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates.  Register for the 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.

  8. 8 Sept

    KidzMatter on Youth and Children's Ministry Partnerships

    In this episode of YMU, Danny is joined with Hannah Augustine, the program director at KidzMatter Ministry. They discuss how Youth and KidMin leaders have a unique opportunity to disciple the teens who are serving in both their ministries. By partnering together, leaders can leverage their collective influence on the teenagers in their ministries. Resources: Kids Discipling Kids: The Integration of Youth and Children’s Ministries  Building a Scope and Sequence for Biblical Literacy in Children’s Ministry and Parents by Tara Davis and Cameron Cole  Children's Ministry Resources  Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts Join us at the Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville, Oct. 22nd to 24th. 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.

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Rooted Youth Ministry aims to advance gospel centered youth ministry by equipping and empowering youth ministers and parents to faithfully disciple students toward lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. Youth Ministry Unscripted is a real, honest, and raw part of the Rooted Family of Podcasts which also includes The Rooted Parent Podcast, The Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable, Ask Alice, and Thanos to Theos. For more grace filled, gospel-centered, Bible saturated resources be sure to visit www.rootedministry.com.

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