Rethinking Youth Ministry: Authentic Relationships, Bold Discipleship, and Empowering Young Leaders with Jake Bland

Is it time to rethink how we do youth ministry?

In this insightful episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Youth for Christ USA's Jake Bland joins us to discuss how youth ministry must adapt to meet young people where they are in today's complex world. Jake explores the unique opportunities and challenges of ministering to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing the importance of authentic, Christ-centered relationships to inspire faith.

Main Points:

• Connecting in a Content-Fatigued World: Discover how the next generation is overloaded with digital content but yearns for real, relational connections.
• The Power of Bold, Authentic Discipleship: Jake shares how meaningful mentorship and asking courageous questions can transform lives.
• Challenges and Opportunities with Gen Z and Gen Alpha: Understand youth's mental health struggles and how faith provides peace and purpose.
• Revitalizing Youth Ministry Models: Explore the shift from attractional to missional ministry, emphasizing genuine relationships over entertaining programs.
• Equipping Young Leaders for Lasting Impact: Learn how to encourage and empower young believers to lead and actively participate in the church.

If this episode resonates with you, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with anyone passionate about youth ministry. Visit our website to learn more about empowering the next generation for Christ.

Links & Resources:

• Youth for Christ USA – Link to Youth for Christ website - https://yfc.net/ (for those interested in learning more about their mission and resources).
• 3 Story Church Curriculum - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1b943bf20d74415ca09d0e6d0aa2ad5a 
• Axis - https://axis.org/
• Tenx10 Network - https://www.tenx10.org/
• Public Reading of Scripture App - https://www.prsi.org/en 
• Future of Faith - https://www.futureoffaith.org/ 
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is a book that explores the rise in anxiety among youth and points to faith as a source of peace.
• Editing Jesus by Rick Lawrence – This book addresses the importance of presenting the full and authentic message of Jesus without softening or hardening certain parts.
• Fuller Youth Institute – Link to Fuller Youth Institute - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/  (a resource for youth ministry research, especially on mentoring and empowering youth).
• Springtide Research Institute – Link to Springtide Research Institute - https://www.springtideresearch.org/  (a research organization focusing on the beliefs and needs of Gen Z and youth in America).
• 3Story Doorways Download

More about 3Story:

3Story® is a way of life that guides followers of Jesus to be good news as they share The Good News. It is the framework Youth For Christ USA uses to describe how we live in relationship with God and others. The three overlapping circles represent each of our stories—God’s Story, our own stories and the stories of young people. Then, the three connection points of the circles represent growing relationships between God and us, us and others, and others and God.

We want to be people who are consistently drawing near to God for the sake of others, who love them like Jesus loves us, and who serve as Jesus serves. We know how powerful learning about and living a 3Story® lifestyle can be.

The 3Story® for Churches Curriculum

While the curriculum was originally developed for YFC Chapter staff and affiliates familiar with the 3Story® framework to host 3Story training events for their ministry partners, we believe it stands on its own and we are excited to offer it to a wider audience. Learn more and download the curriculum at https://yf.cx/3StoryForChurches.

Guest Bio:

Jacob “Jake” Bland is the President and CEO of Youth For Christ (YFC), where he leads the 77-year-old organization’s mission to bring the hope of Jesus to youth across the U.S. and around the world. Jake’s journey with YFC spans over two decades, beginning as a high school volunteer and growing through a variety of leadership roles, including Chief of Staff, VP of Development and Marketing, and CEO of the YFC Foundation. With a heart for Christ and a deep commitment to raising faithful leaders, Jake envisions YFC as a guiding light for 11-19-year-olds in crisis, providing them with a message of hope, connection, and the love of God. He holds a master’s in Youth Ministry Leadership from Huntington University and lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Ali, and their two children.

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!