Youth Pastor Theologian

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 to help youth workers make disciples who endure and offer practical advice about what that type of ministry looks like. Cohosted by Mike McGarry and John Gardner, each episode is filled with decades of youth ministry experience and plenty of laugher. Visit youthpastortheologian.com to learn more about YPT and how to bring Mike and John to your church.

Episodes

February 24, 2026 35 mins
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 pr...
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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 minist...
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February 10, 2026 33 mins
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...

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February 3, 2026 36 mins
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.   Re...
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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 s...

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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: Ico...

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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 ...
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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 significan...
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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 engagin...
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December 2, 2025 41 mins
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 tough...

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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss their recent experience at the Rooted Conference, sharing a few key highlights for each of them. While at the conference, multiple attendees asked about how to discern whether to remain in youth ministry or to move into other areas of ministry. The conversation affirms the dignity and the need for gifted youth pastors to stay in youth ministry, while also recognizing that some ...

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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...

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November 11, 2025 36 mins

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...

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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...

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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian Podcast, hosts Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the critical importance of addressing sexuality and gender issues within youth ministry. They explore the biblical foundations for teaching on these topics, the role of youth pastors, and the need for open conversations about sexual holiness. The discussion also touches on the implications of purity culture, the importance of engagin...
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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...

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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...

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In this episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the vital role of volunteers in youth ministry. They explore the challenges of training and retaining volunteers, effective onboarding processes, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust and buy-in from volunteers, and they share some practical counsel for how to tr...
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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner talk about discipleship: What is it? What isn't it? And what pulls us away from it? The conversation also addresses the question of whether or not we should use video and social media to "extend" our regular discipleship efforts.    Articles Referenced in this Podcast: ...
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In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the biblical theology of safety and risk in youth ministry. They explore the balance between ensuring safety and encouraging healthy risk-taking among youth. The conversation also touches on the role of parents, the significance of failure in discipleship, and practical safety measures for youth activities, including mission trips. Additionally, they address the unique needs of...

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