Most teenagers aren’t rejecting the Bible—they’re just bored or disconnected from it. Dr. Graham Stanton joins Justin Polsley to unpack why “just getting teens to read” misses the point. Together they explore what happens when youth leaders move beyond information transfer toward relational, dialogical, and theologically grounded engagement with Scripture. The conversation reframes what spiritual formation looks like in a culture of expressive individualism—and how the next generation can rediscover the wonder of God’s Word.

About the Guest

Dr. Graham Stanton is a practical theologian and longtime youth ministry educator who has spent his career helping the church think deeply about how young people grow in faith. He founded and led Youthworks College in Sydney, where he taught theology and spiritual formation, and now directs the Youth Ministry Futures Project, a research initiative exploring how faith takes root in changing cultural contexts.

Graham’s doctoral work examined how teenagers actually engage with the Bible, blending theology, psychology, and educational theory to uncover why some approaches ignite lasting faith while others fall flat. He currently serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Youth and Theology and continues to invest in local youth ministry at St Jude’s Anglican Church in Parkville, Australia.

His book: Wide Awake in God’s World is a MUST READ!!!

Mentioned in this episode:

* Youthscape’s Research: Translating God

* Youth Pastor Theologian

* Australian Research: Your Story

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