Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Rebecca, Josh, and Danny discuss the summer-to-fall youth ministry transition as well as topics such as breaks for volunteers, finding rest and vacation time for youth ministry leaders, and end-of-summer youth group activities. They conclude with a discussion about being an outdoor person or beach person and how it might relate to their youth ministry programs. 

Summer’s Breaking Potential for Youth Pastors

Letter to a Youth Worker Experiencing Burnout

Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts

Join us 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.

In an age in which many young people drift from the church after high school, the call to intentional church membership is not optional—it’s a gospel imperative. This workshop will explore how the good news of Jesus not only saves but also plants youth deeply in the life of the local church for a lifetime of growth and mission. We’ll unpack biblical foundations for membership, confront common cultural and generational obstacles, and equip leaders to guide students toward committed, covenantal belonging. By rooting our next generation in the gospel and the local body, we shape a trajectory of perseverance, maturity, and kingdom impact that extends far beyond their teenage years.

Resources:

Ask Rooted: How Do You Incorporate Teenagers Into Corporate Worship?

The Necessity of Intergenerational Integration for Discipling Teenagers - Rooted Ministry

The Multi-Directional Blessings of Intergenerational Integration - Rooted Ministry

Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates 

Register for 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.

In this episode of Youth Ministry Unscripted, Josh Hussung, Danny Kwon, and Isaiah Marshall discuss how to build a youth ministry year with purpose rather than simply filling a calendar with events. The conversation explores intentional planning, discipleship priorities, common mistakes leaders make during planning season, and practical ways to create a ministry year that helps students grow in their faith and walk with Jesus.

Youth Ministry Nuts and Bolts, Revised and Updated: Organizing, Leading, and Managing Your Youth Ministry (Youth Specialties) by Duffy Robbins

Planning Your Annual Calendar in Youth and Family Ministry by Renee Imbesi

Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts.

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.

No one can do children’s ministry alone. How does a children’s ministry staff shoulder the weight of discipling the people under their care? There is an art to recruiting, placing, supporting, and developing serving partners to care well for our children and families. We also want them to become an integral part of a discipleship ministry team and find a place of belonging themselves. In this workshop, recorded at the 2025 Rooted Conference in Chicago, we examined practical ways to collectively share both the burden and privilege of ministry in the local church. 

Melanie Beasley believes ministry is an art. She is the Children’s Ministry Director at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville Tennessee, bringing to her role more than 15 years of experience in education, curriculum development, and Children’s Ministry, split between Birmingham, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Tennessee. Her passion in ministry is to disciple and care for both children and families in the church as well as the ministry partners she and her staff team recruit, develop, equip, and lead. She and her husband and children live in Franklin, Tennessee, with her puppy, Penny. 

Equipping the Saints: Serving Your Volunteers In Children’s Ministry by Melanie Beasley

A Word of Encouragement to Weary Children’s Ministers - Rooted Ministry

A Testimony of Calling to Children's Ministry Beyond My Ability    

Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates 

Register for 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.

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Chelten Carter walks through Acts 11:19–30 and 13:1–3 to reveal how God multiplies His Church. He emphasizes that multiplication is inevitable because persecution cannot stop it, people will be perplexed by it, and God’s power is displayed through it. This message encourages leaders to trust God’s unstoppable work as He continues to grow His Church in both expected and unexpected ways.

Chelten currently serves Progressive Baptist Church on the South Side of Chicago as the Director of Discipleship for the Youth and as a minister to the church at-large. A life-long learner, Chelten received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University and continued to complete his Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary. Chelten is married to his beautiful and brilliant bride Emmanuella Carter of 8 years and loves to play basketball and read.

Rooted Resources:

Luke & Acts: A ROOTED YEARLONG CURRICULUM 

Three Reasons to Teach Acts in Your Youth Group by Tucker Fleming

Youth Ministry in the Power of the Spirit by Seth Stewart

@therootedministry on Instagram for more updates 

Register for 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.

In this session, Rebecca, Josh, Isaiah, and Danny discuss how to best handle crises in their ministries. Youth ministers often play the first responder role, and it’s crucial to think proactively of how to handle a crisis well, whether it be with a student, a family tragedy, or leadership. 

Resources:

Ministering to Students in Crisis - Rooted Ministry

Dr. Gordon Bals on Discussing Grief with Teenagers: Grieving, in the life of a teenager, can result from many events (not just death). In this podcast Anna Harris (Rooted Parent Editor) speaks with the remarkable Dr. Gordon Bals about bringing the gospel to a grieving teenager. Dr. Bals specializes in grief, trauma, and religious and spiritual issues.

How Are We Preparing Our Kids For Suffering in this World with Michelle Reyes: Examining 1 Peter 4:1-19, author and speaker Dr. Michelle Reyes discusses how Christians suffer at the hands of non-believers, the ways that the believing community should care for each other as fellow suffering Christians, and how to find hope in the midst of suffering.

Adopt the "first responder" model for crisis care.

Establish a clear communication protocol with church leadership.

Prioritize presence and prayer with families in crisis.

Proactively set boundaries and recovery practices for personal well-being.

Consider Rooted's mentorship program for support.

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.

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Liz Edrington walks through Acts 10:10–20, 27–28, and 34–36 to show how God works to deepen unity among His people. She highlights how we often prefer what is familiar, while Christ is leading us toward His Kingdom. Through this passage, Liz reveals a pattern of how God deepens our relationship with Him in order to unify us with others, calling the Church to embrace His redemptive vision.

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.

Unity and the Gospel: Two Safeguards to Teach Our Students by Taylor Mendoza

Mediating in a Divided World and a Divided Home by Clark Fobes

Luke & Acts: A ROOTED YEARLONG CURRICULUM 

Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates 

Register for 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.

In this episode of YMU, Danny, Isaiah, Josh, and Rebecca discuss how various books and authors have deepened their faith, as well as books they most recommend to youth ministers and students. With schools out for the summer, having extra resources such as reading suggestions for students, is a great way to continue to minister to your students and leaders even if many of them are traveling for the summer months.

Best New Books For Youth Ministers: Rooted's 2025 Book Awards - Rooted Ministry

Best New Books for Teenagers: Rooted 2025 Book Awards - Rooted Ministry

Preparing for College - Rooted Ministry

10ofThose.com - Great resource to buy books in bulk orders

Foundational Books for Leaders

Josh Hussung:

The Pursuit of Holiness (Jerry Bridges): Provided categories for understanding the battle against sin; now a required read for his interns.

The Dangerous Duty of Delight (John Piper): A foundational text on finding joy in God as a means of glorifying Him.

Isaiah Marshall:

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: Inspiring story of faith and justice despite immense suffering.

Danny Kwon:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Shifted perspective from the younger son to the older, legalistic son, helping him minister to those in a fundamentalist church context.

Becca Heck:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Pivotal read that introduced the full gospel of grace, countering a fundamentalist upbringing.

Hinds' Feet on High Places (Hannah Hurnard): An allegorical journey of following the Good Shepherd through life's challenges.

Recommended Books for Students

Gifting Strategy: Becca Heck gifts graduating seniors a book with a personal note and a 5-year ""keep"" rule.

Rationale: Accounts for students' spiritual growth during college, ensuring the book is available when they are ready for it.

Josh Hussung:

Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis): Strong apologetics for Christian students.

The Screwtape Letters (C.S. Lewis): Insightful allegory on spiritual warfare.

Don't Waste Your Life (John Piper): A common graduation gift from his church, often appreciated more after college.

Danny Kwon:

Prodigal God (Tim Keller): Easy-to-read, thin, and non-intimidating for senior high students.

Isaiah Marshall:

The Wounded Healer (Henri Nouwen): Helps students embrace vulnerability and pain as a path to effective ministry.

Ecclesiastes: Puts life's pursuits in perspective, revealing their meaninglessness apart from God.

Becca Heck:

Ragamuffin Gospel (Brennan Manning): Opened up a world of grace, especially for students from sheltered backgrounds.

Prayer in the Night (Tish Harrison Warren): A solid resource for processing grief, relevant for students facing major life transitions.

Life of the Beloved (Henri Nouwen): A small book on understanding one's identity as a beloved child of God.

The Art of Self-Forgetfulness (Tim Keller): A classic on humility.

Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts

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.

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Syler Thomas walks through Acts 9:15–16 to explore the role of suffering in the life of the Church. Centered on the call of Paul, Syler highlights three key truths:

- At the core of our faith is a suffering Savior.

- If God’s chosen instrument was called to suffer, we too should be prepared.

- How the Church responds to suffering sets her apart from the world.

This message challenges and encourages leaders to embrace suffering as part of God’s redemptive work in and through His people.

Syler Thomas is a native Texan who has been the student ministries pastor at Christ Church in Lake Forest, Illinois, since 1998. He writes a column for YouthWorker Journal, has had articles published in Leadership Journal and the Chicago Tribune, and is the co-author of two books. Syler and his wife, Heidi, have four kids.

Youth Ministry Curriculum, Articles, Resources & Books: Suffering Rooted Ministry Resources on Suffering

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.

In this episode of YMU, Rebecca, Isaiah, Josh, and Danny discuss the very practical topic of rooming assignments for retreats and mission trips, as the summer youth ministry retreat and mission trip season approaches. They discuss various perspectives of how to handle rooming assignments with teenagers, as well as how to handle when students are not happy about who they are rooming with at a retreat or mission trip. They also discuss how they go about making room assignments, how they assign adult volunteers to rooms, and how to handle discipline issues with students in rooming situations at overnight activities. 

Register to join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 1:00 CT for our next Rooted Webinar: Preparing for Summer Camp and Youth Service Trips

Practical Advice for Planning Your Next Youth Retreat by Josh Hussung

Planning Effective Youth Mission Trips by Ben Birdsong

Summer Camp Parent Packet Sample by Josh Hussung

Follow the YMU podcast and download it wherever you find your podcasts.

Registration is open for the 2026 Rooted 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.