Youth Pastor Theologian

In this episode, Mike and John discuss Christmas and busyness. First, we talk about how we handle Christmas in our teaching calendar and what types of Christmas series we've done. Next, we address a question from someone in the YPT Facebook Group about how many camps/retreats/trips per year is too many. 

Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's wr...

Mike and John couldn't line up their schedules, so Mike is flying solo! In this episode, he brings you behind the pulpit and walks you through his process of developing a sermon. This isn't intended as THE way you ought to do it... it's simply the process that works for Mike. Hopefully this example on a recent sermon from Romans 8 will encourage you on multiple fronts. 

For more training on how to study the Bible and how to develop...

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner focus on sanctification, spiritual disciplines, and apply a theology Law & Gospel. They discuss the importance of teaching youth about spiritual growth while avoiding pitfalls like legalism and antinomianism. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of empowering students in ministry roles and the necessity of oversight in youth...

In this episode of the podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner reflect on some of their failures as youth pastors. While it's easy to laugh about silly mistakes (and we do), we also share some of the weightier mistakes we've made and reflect on what we've learned the hard way. Then they respond to a listener-question about how to not be a know-it-all when you genuinely know more than the other people in the room. Whether they're the...

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner talk about gospel-centered teaching in youth ministry. In particular, they give an overview to different exegetical approaches to preaching Christ from Genesis through Revelation. The conversation also addresses the question of how to address important topical issues in a ministry that's committed to expository teaching. 

Special Invitation: Join Mike and John for "Teaching with Confid...

• Not Everything is Discipleship (on YPT)
• What Does Relational Discipleship Actually Look Like? (on Rooted)

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner tackle two significant listener questions. The first question revolves around cell phone usage in youth ministry, particularly during retreats and camps. The second question addresses the benefits and challenges of partnering with other youth ministries in your area. 

Learn more about the National Network of Youth Ministry here, to find othe...

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the how and when to use curriculum in youth ministry. They share what to look for, how to support your volunteers who are teaching curriculum, and then move on to answer a listener-question about how to focus on youth ministry while fulfilling "other duties as assigned" in your church. 

• Keep an eye out for the YPT Curriculum, availabl...

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss essential advice for first-time youth workers, each focusing on five key things to avoid in youth ministry. The conversation provides practical insights and encouragement for new youth leaders navigating their roles. 

In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner explore the significance of catechesis in youth ministry, emphasizing its relational nature and the importance of intentional discipleship. They discuss the need for a structured approach to teaching that considers the different stages of spiritual maturity among youth. Ultimately, they advocate for a return to historical practices of catechesis a...