Building community in a youth group is desired but often difficult in today’s teenage landscape. There are many characters, personalities, and family situations to consider, and youth groups are more than creative games, coveted snacks, and captivating Canva slides. In this second part of community building in youth ministry, Dorothy and Justin are joined by special guest Vicky Xi, youth pastor at Living Stones Christian Church, as they discuss how cultivating the whole ministry begins with tending to teens at an individual level.

Rooted Resources

Joni & Friends: “We bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world.”

Fidget stone, recommended by Vicky, for students who may have a hard time sitting still.

Helping Teenagers Experience the Body of Christ

When Your Teenager Doesn’t Feel a Sense of Belonging at Church

What If My Child Doesn’t Like Youth Group?

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Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you’re not alone in ministry. Consider joining the optional Asian American Pre-Conference lunch gathering as well!

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Biblical community is a core value in nearly every ministry, though how it’s defined and demonstrated may be more assumed than articulated. In this two-part episode, Dorothy and Justin are joined by special guest Vicky Xia, a youth pastor at Living Stones Christian Church in New York, who will talk about important and effective facets and practices that go into establishing a gospel-based understanding of biblical community and what that looks like in building up a church’s youth group.
Resources:

Keeping the Preeminent Things Preeminent in Youth Ministry 

Teaching Biblical Community in Youth Group

Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry: A Practical Guide

Follow this Rooted podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you’re not alone in ministry. Consider joining the optional Asian American Pre-Conference lunch gathering as well!

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

If leaders need vision before the year starts, so do students. In this second installment of a two-part series on preparing for a new ministry year, Huey sits down again with Terrence Shay and Justin Wong to talk about orienting students well—not just handing them a calendar of small group nights and retreat dates, but answering the deeper question of what this year is actually for.

Helping Teenagers Experience the Body of Christ - Rooted Ministry

How Identity in Christ Gives Teenagers Meaning and Purpose - Rooted Ministry

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Register for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to pursue personal and pastoral enrichment through community.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

August is coming, and for many Asian American youth ministries, that means it's "zero month"—the last quiet stretch before students, parents, and programming come rushing back in. In this episode, Huey sits down with Terrence Shay and Justin Wong to talk about what it looks like to gear up well for a new ministry year, specifically how to orient volunteer leaders before the semester begins.

Working with Ministry Volunteers - Podcasts

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to pursue personal and pastoral enrichment through community.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

In this special episode, Dorothy, Huey, and Justin reflect on the mentors who have shaped their lives and ministry over the years. Together they share stories from their ministry journeys, discuss the people who invested in them, and consider how the next generation of leaders can be encouraged, equipped, and sent out for gospel ministry. Whether you're a pastor, youth worker, parent, or emerging leader, this episode is a reminder that ministry is never done alone. Behind every faithful servant is a story of people who invested, encouraged, corrected, and walked alongside them. Oh, and we want to give honor where honor is due - Dr. Rev. Danny Kwon.

Resources:

Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders by Monica Kim and Danny Kwon

Portraits of a Pastor: The 9 Essential Roles of a Church Leader by Jason K Allen and Jared C Wilson

Youth Ministry Mentorship Program

Why Youth Ministry Needs Seasoned Saints

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to pursue personal and pastoral enrichment through community.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Camp and retreat season is here, and behind every powerful student experience are faithful counselors who show up, serve, pray, listen, and point students to Christ. In this episode, Huey, Dorothy, and Justin share a word to youth counselors preparing to serve at camps and retreats. Drawing from years of ministry experience, they offer practical encouragement, honest warnings, and spiritual reflections for every stage of the experience—before, during, and after camp.

Whether you're a first-time counselor or a seasoned volunteer, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your role, your expectations, and how God often works through ordinary faithfulness. Join us as we discuss what it means to serve students well and steward these unique ministry moments for the glory of God.

Going Back to Camp: Gospel Comfort for Campers and Their Parents - Rooted Ministry

Five Things To Expect From Camp - Rooted Ministry

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Unscripted Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to pursue personal and pastoral enrichment through community.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Dorothy, Terrence, and Justin continue their dialogue with Justin Yau (JYau) by asking him questions related to youth ministry from the perspectives of a mentor, parent, and colleague. JYau answers candidly with wisdom and insight that encourages the panelists of God’s work in preparing the next generation to lead and make disciples.

Not All Asian American Teenagers Are The Same - Rooted Ministry

'It's Complicated': Integenerational Integration in the Asian American Church - Rooted Ministry

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to pursue personal and pastoral enrichment through community.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Intergenerational integration is particularly valuable within the ranks of youth pastors and practitioners in the trenches. In this episode, Terrence, Dorothy, and Justin meet a younger minister Justin Yau (JYau) and respond candidly to his inquiries about the nuts and bolts of ministry in the context of the Chinese Heritage Church.

Justin Yau was raised in the community of Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC), where he actively participated in various ministries that shaped his spiritual journey. After initially pursuing law at NYU and later transitioning to occupational therapy at UIC, he felt a deeper calling to full-time ministry and attained a degree in Youth Ministry from Moody Bible Institute. He is passionate about helping others discover their gifts and engage in service to others. He loves meeting with people, building relationships, and guiding them through spiritual growth. In his free time, Justin enjoys reading, cooking, and thrifting.

Rooted’s 5 Pillars in Asian American Youth Ministry: Gospel Centrality and Theological Depth

Rooted’s 5 Pillars in Asian American Youth Ministry: Relational Discipleship, Parent Partnership, and Intergenerational Integration

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed and equipped in your calling by an intergenerational gathering of pastors and practitioners.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Transitions are hard, especially for young people whose lives have been shaped by stability. Dorothy, Huey, and Terrence talk about transitions, with part 2 pertaining to getting ready for our graduating students. The three of them unpack this well-known season of youth ministry with more practical approaches, which lead up to celebrating and commissioning their high school seniors into the next stage of life and faith.

What College Students Wish They Had Received in Their High School Youth Ministries -  Rooted Podcast

Milestones in Transitions Rooted Parent Panel (Video) 

God’s Goodness in Parenting Transitions: From High School to College by Katie Polski

Subscribe and follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you’re not alone in ministry.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.

Transitions can be tough, as is navigating all sorts of changes. Dorothy, Huey, and Terrence chat about transitions, with part one being about leadership. The trio discusses what catalyzes leadership transitions; how they navigated departures from their former posts at Asian American churches; as well as what helps, hurts, and offers hopeful insights to those who may be amidst leadership shifts to come.

Rooted Resources - 

A How-To Guide for Navigating a Youth Ministry Transition by Davis Lacey

When It’s Time to Leave Your Current Youth Ministry Position by Bradley Blaylock

Resources Mentioned - 

What God Taught Me As I Left Youth Ministry by Seth Stewart

Proverbs 16:9

James 4:8a

Follow the Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you’re not alone in ministry.

Hosted by: Huey Lee, M. Div. from Biblical Theological Seminary; Justin Wong, Ed.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Terrence Shay, Family Ministry Pastor at FCBC Walnut; and Dorothy Lau, youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland.