Youth Pastor Theologian

By Youth Pastor Theologian

Youth Pastor Theologian believes that youth ministry is theological ministry. That’s why each episode features a conversation at the intersection of youth ministry and theological reflection. We want ... more

5

1515 ratings

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Youth Pastor Theologian:

How many episodes does Youth Pastor Theologian have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

Youth Pastor Theologian episodes:

February 24, 2026130: Getting Students to Engage and Love One Another
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss effective strategies for engaging students in small group settings within youth ministry, and how to create an environment where students love one another. They highlight the importance of asking good questions, creating an interactive environment, and fostering deeper relationships among students... while bathing your ministry in prayer.

Recommended Resources:
Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers, by Mike McGarry
You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches, by Sam Allberry & Ray Ortlund
YPT Curriculum (designed to promote discussion among teenagers, with special attention to "quieter" groups)
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
36min
February 17, 2026129: Youth Culture & Fun and Games
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss two questions: how much youth culture should a youth pastor know, and how do we incorporate fun and games into ministry without becoming "attractional"? They explore the influence of social media and influencers on today's youth, the necessity of fun in building relationships, and the challenges of maintaining theological integrity while creating a fun and engaging youth ministry.

Helpful resources:
Blog: Fun and Games in Youth Ministry
Blog: Incentivizing Discipleship
Blog: Rethinking Attractional Youth Ministry
Book: Lead Them to Jesus: A Handbook for Youth Workers
Podcast: Youth Culture Matters
Website: Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
46min
February 10, 2026 128: Does our Delivery Matter?
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of the way you deliver your message. They explore the necessity of integrating your content with the way you present it to students. The conversation also touches on the role of effective communication in ministry and the importance of being authentic while delivering God's word.

New Update on the YPT Teaching Workshop!
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip volunteers to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. We've restructured the cost of these workshops and are providing them at-cost for host churches. Please visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
34min
February 03, 2026127: What is (and isn't) Discipleship?
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of discipleship in youth ministry. They explore the difference between "ministry" and "discipleship", and the various layers of what it means to be a disciple. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace in ministry and practical steps for effectively discipling students, including the significance of corporate worship and reading the Bible together.

Relevant articles:
"Not everything is discipleship" by Mike McGarry (YPT Blog)
"What does relational discipleship actually look like?" by Mike McGarry (Rooted Ministry Blog)
Following the Master, by Michael Wilkins
Grounded in the Gospel, by JI Packer & Gary Parrett
(note: above includes Amazon Affiliate links, which provide a small financial benefit to YPT.)
New Update on the YPT Teaching Workshop!
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip volunteers to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. We've restructured the cost of these workshops and are providing them at-cost for host churches. Please visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
37min
January 27, 2026 126: Should We Practice Communion & Baptism at Youth Group?
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle the contentious question of whether communion and baptism should be observed in youth groups and camps. They explore the biblical and theological teaching about the ordinances, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local church's role in administering them. While the answer to the question isn't a clear-cut "The Bible explicitly says THIS", both hosts express concerns about observing baptism and communion without proper understanding or support from the church community.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
44min
January 20, 2026 125: Apologetics & Favorite Teaching Series
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the role of apologetics in leading students through through questions and doubts. After discussing apologetics, they each share some of their favorite teaching series.
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
49min
January 13, 2026124: Conducting Halftime Evaluations in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the importance of evaluation in youth ministry. As you conduct a "halftime evaluation" at the beginning of the calendar year, we want to encourage you to remember your goals for the school-year and how to finish strong. To do that, we break from our typical format and Mike leads John through an evaluation of his own youth ministry for the '25-26 school-year.

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.

John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.

Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
45min
December 16, 2025123: Reflecting on 2025 & Teaching the Trinity to Youth
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner engage in a lively discussion that begins with some reflections on 2025. The rest of the episode highlights the importance of understanding the Trinity, how to teach it effectively to teenagers, and its relevance in daily life, especially during the Christmas season. The conversation emphasizes the relational nature of God and the significance of the Trinity in shaping Christian identity and community.

Recommended Resources:
YPT Blog: Teaching the Trinity to Students (excerpt from Mike's book, Lead Them to Jesus)
YPT Blog: Theological Words Every Youth Worker Should Know: Trinity Edition
Michael Reeves: Delighting in the Trinity
Matthew Barrett: Simply Trinity
Mike McGarry: Iconic
(book links above are Amazon Affiliate links, which provide YPT with a small financial benefit without costing you anything extra. Thank you for your support.)
Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
51min
December 09, 2025 122: The State of Theology in Youth Ministry
In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the findings of the State of Theology 2025 report, filtering the responses to focus on those who are most likely to serve in youth ministry. We exploring the theological beliefs of evangelicals and the cultural influences that shape these beliefs. Conversation digs into topics like the nature of sin, the role of the Holy Spirit, biblical authority, and the importance of engaging youth in theological discussions. This episode highlights many of the foundational reasons Youth Pastor Theologian exists.

Read & Explore the State of Theology 2025
To explore stats that we used in this episode, visit the "Data Explorer" and select: Age: 18-34, Affiliation: Evangelical, Beliefs: Evangelical, Attendance: Several Times a Week/Once a Week/Once or Twice a Month. This brings the sample size down to 45 people, which is insufficient for empirical research but is helpful for sake of this podcast discussion.

Note: this episode was inspired by a roundtable discussion by our friends on The Word in Youth Ministry Podcast. Go listen to their conversation for a response to the overall State of Theology 2025 results.

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
52min
December 02, 2025 121: Unexpected Skills Youth Workers Need
In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the challenges and skills necessary for onboarding new youth directors, emphasizing the importance of courage, writing, and effective communication. The discussion covers practical tips for setting up youth rooms, understanding dietary needs of students, and planning engaging events. They also delve into the necessity of mental toughness in ministry. The episode concludes with encouragement for new youth directors to celebrate their students' growth and keep their focus on the gospel.

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on Instagram or X/Twitter.
John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.
Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. Visit the YPT site to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.
Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions)
Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian
Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian
Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.
...more
42min

FAQs about Youth Pastor Theologian:

How many episodes does Youth Pastor Theologian have?

The podcast currently has 132 episodes available.

More shows like Youth Pastor Theologian

White Horse Inn by Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, Walter R. Strickland II

White Horse Inn

2,190 Listeners

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols by Ligonier Ministries

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols

1,712 Listeners

Youth Ministry Booster by Youth Ministry Booster

Youth Ministry Booster

156 Listeners

The Holy Post by Phil Vischer

The Holy Post

4,447 Listeners

Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast by Rooted Ministry

Youth Ministry Unscripted: The Rooted Youth Ministry Podcast

40 Listeners

Pastors Talk - A podcast by 9Marks by 9Marks

Pastors Talk - A podcast by 9Marks

720 Listeners

Knowing Faith by Kyle Worley, JT English, Jen Wilkin

Knowing Faith

2,363 Listeners

The Matt Walsh Show by The Daily Wire

The Matt Walsh Show

28,541 Listeners

Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda by Harris Creek Baptist Church

Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda

4,665 Listeners

Gospelbound by The Gospel Coalition, Collin Hansen

Gospelbound

340 Listeners

The Word in Youth Ministry - A CPYU Podcast by Linda Oliver, Kyle Hoffsmith, Matt Beham

The Word in Youth Ministry - A CPYU Podcast

17 Listeners

Truth Unites by Gavin Ortlund

Truth Unites

379 Listeners

The Bully Pulpit by Andrew Walker, Dean Inserra, Erik Reed, and Eric Teetsel

The Bully Pulpit

366 Listeners