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

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In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Kristen Hatton unpacks the five P's of parenting to help parents become more self-aware, stay motivated toward their children, and lead their homes with gospel-centered purpose and hope.

Kristen is a counselor who works with teenage girls, parents, and families. She’s the author of Parenting Ahead, Face Time, Get Your Story Straight, and The Gospel-Centered Life in Exodus for Students. Kristen lives in Dallas with her pastor husband and is the mom of three young adults and a son-in-law. Learn more at www.kristenhatton.com.

Rooted Resources:

Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years by Kristen Hatton

Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp

How Parents Build the Fire and Pray for the Flame by Ben Birdsong 

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In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss the continual and important issue of unengaged students.  From students on your youth ministry rosters who do not attend, to those who do attend but are not fully engaged or very active in youth group. In considering these students, they discuss various ways to get these unengaged students more engaged into church and youth group.  

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In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, veteran youth pastor Justin Wong reflects on how culture—through wars, elections, and even music—has shaped youth ministry over the years. He offers honest encouragement for the weary youth worker, while highlighting both the challenges and the unique opportunities that come with serving the next generation.

Justin has served in youth and family ministry for over 23 years. He holds degrees from Houston Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Tina, and together they have two daughters, Ella and Mia.

Rooted Resources:

Lessons Learned During My First Year of Youth Ministry: Leadership Takes Time by Taylor Sutton

The Joy and Crown of Youth Ministry by Clark Fobes

Making Space for Encouragement in Youth Ministry by Ericson Joubert 

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In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Jimmy Kim explores the heart of family ministry—what it is, why it matters, and how churches can cultivate it in their own context. With over 20 years of experience across youth, college, and family ministry, Jimmy offers a practical and gospel-centered approach for churches of all sizes and backgrounds.

Jimmy serves as the Executive Director of Family Transformation at Perimeter Church near Atlanta, GA. He’s a husband to Shin and dad to two soccer-loving kids. His ministry journey spans both immigrant and multiethnic church contexts, with academic roots at the University of Maryland, Washington Bible College, Atlanta Christian College, and Reformed Theological Seminary.

Rooted Resources:

How to Start a Family Ministry in Your Church by Andy Cornett

Resources for Family Ministry (Rooted Roundup)

Perspectives on Family Ministry: 3 Views by Timothy Paul Jones

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In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny talk about the youth ministry "summer high." They describe the positive and negative aspects of the annual "summer high," and discuss how to counteract the negatives. Our hosts also discuss transitioning from great summer ministries into the fall and beyond, developing programs for cohesive year-round ministry to students.

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In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, we discuss the changes that occur in youth ministry during the summer months. The rhythm of ministry shifts, the workload changes, and the importance of building relational connections with students are all important factors in thinking about our summer. We also talk about the challenges of maintaining programming consistency and the unique opportunities that summer presents for youth workers to connect with students. 

Ask Rooted: What Does Relational Discipleship Look Like During the Summer?

Resources for Summer Youth Ministry Planning (Rooted Roundup)

Summer Resources

Maximizing Summer Youth Ministry: Balancing Activity and Rest

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In this insightful workshop from the 2024 Rooted Conference in Dallas, Dr. Danny Kwon explores how to cultivate a youth ministry culture that embraces intergenerational integration. He unpacks why connecting generations within the church is vital to discipling students for a lifelong faith in Jesus, and offers practical steps for how you can implement intergenerational ministry in your unique context.

Danny Kwon, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross-Cultural Initiatives at Rooted Ministry. Prior to joining Rooted, Danny served for 29 years as the Youth and Family Pastor at Yuong Sang Church, a bicultural and bilingual Korean-American congregation outside Philadelphia. He is married to Monica, a Christian counselor and psychologist, and together they have three children.

Rooted Resources:

Book Review ‘Faith Beyond Youth Group’ by Kara Powell, Brad M. Griffin, and Jen Bradbury by Danny Kwon

When Intergenerational Integration Feels Impossible by Skyler Flowers

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In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny discuss the critical role of volunteers in youth ministry. They talk about recruiting and retaining volunteers, the various roles they can fill, and effective strategies for building relationships with them. We need to care for and connect with our volunteers, as well as provide clear expectations and ongoing communication to ensure a successful team experience. 

Playing the Long Game: Five Suggestions for Retaining Volunteers in Your Youth Ministry by Ryan Wood

Serving Your Youth Volunteers by Josh Hussung

Asian American Youth Ministry and Volunteers: Expectations and Hardships

Three Reasons Why Empty Nesters Are the Best Youth Volunteers by Tracey Rector
 

Resources for Volunteer Development

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In this workshop from the 2024 Rooted conference in Dallas, veteran youth leader Vince Greenwald shares the essential values of the church, and the youth ministry where he serves. While acknowledging that what students need, more than anything, everytime they gather, is the gospel. But the additional elements of offering a safe environment- defined as “every student needs a place where they can stop trying to be impressive and start being known” - and time allow students to flourish in the manner and timeline the Lord has decreed. Stay tuned for his six questions at the end to help you discern if the gospel, safety, and time are central values in your ministry to teenagers.

Romans 1:16

1 Corinthians 3:6

1 John 1:7

Rooted Resources:

What Is Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry? by Chelsea Kingston Erickson

The Slow Process of Growth by Josh Hussung

The Long, Slow Work of Gospel Formation by Kendal Connor

Depend, Believe, and Obey: Unleashing the Power of the Gospel by Dave Hart

Gospel Catechisms for Young Children and Teenagers

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