Discipling the Next Generation

Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Welcome. We are so glad that you have Welcome. We are so glad that you have Welcome. We are so glad that you have joined us for effective gospel-centered joined us for effective gospel-centered joined us for effective gospel-centered next-generation ministry in a next-generation ministry in a next-generation ministry in a post-everything world. post-everything world. post-everything world. We are Rooted Ministry. Our mission is We are Rooted Ministry. Our mission is We are Rooted Ministry. Our mission is to empower and equip churches and to empower and equip churches and to empower and equip churches and parents to disciple parents to disciple parents to disciple students to lifelong faith in Jesus students to lifelong faith in Jesus students to lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. And you're going to hear first Christ. And you're going to hear first Christ. And you're going to hear first from our founder and chairman, Cameron from our founder and chairman, Cameron from our founder and chairman, Cameron Cole. Cole. Cole. He is also the lead editor of He is also the lead editor of He is also the lead editor of gospel-centered youth ministry. You'll gospel-centered youth ministry. You'll gospel-centered youth ministry. You'll find that at our booth. Then we're going find that at our booth. Then we're going find that at our booth. Then we're going to move into a panel that is going to to move into a panel that is going to to move into a panel that is going to feature Danny Quan, who is our director feature Danny Quan, who is our director feature Danny Quan, who is our director of youth ministry and cross-cultural of youth ministry and cross-cultural of youth ministry and cross-cultural connections. Chelsea Erickson is our connections. Chelsea Erickson is our connections. Chelsea Erickson is our director of publishing. Isaiah Marshall director of publishing. Isaiah Marshall director of publishing. Isaiah Marshall is our director of ministry development. is our director of ministry development. is our director of ministry development. And I am Anna Meade Harris, and I'm our And I am Anna Meade Harris, and I'm our And I am Anna Meade Harris, and I'm our director of content. director of content. director of content. Combined, we are parents to 15 children Combined, we are parents to 15 children Combined, we are parents to 15 children ranging in age from 2 to 28. We have ranging in age from 2 to 28. We have ranging in age from 2 to 28. We have over 71 years of ministry experience, over 71 years of ministry experience, over 71 years of ministry experience, and we have authored and or edited and and we have authored and or edited and and we have authored and or edited and or contributed to 14 different books and or contributed to 14 different books and or contributed to 14 different books and I think two more on the way.

I think two more on the way. I think two more on the way. So, like you, we are deeply invested in So, like you, we are deeply invested in So, like you, we are deeply invested in ministry to the next generation. ministry to the next generation. ministry to the next generation. So, with that in mind, will you pray So, with that in mind, will you pray So, with that in mind, will you pray with me? Father God, by your spirit, Father God, by your spirit, would you help us show the next would you help us show the next would you help us show the next generation their need for Jesus? generation their need for Jesus? generation their need for Jesus? And would you graciously allow your And would you graciously allow your And would you graciously allow your gospel to go forth in our churches and gospel to go forth in our churches and gospel to go forth in our churches and in our homes and bring many to faith in in our homes and bring many to faith in in our homes and bring many to faith in you. you. you. We love you, Jesus. Amen. All right, a lot of you probably don't All right, a lot of you probably don't recognize her as Anna Meade Harris, but recognize her as Anna Meade Harris, but recognize her as Anna Meade Harris, but better as the team mom from the Rooted better as the team mom from the Rooted better as the team mom from the Rooted Parent Podcast, and she wanted me to Parent Podcast, and she wanted me to Parent Podcast, and she wanted me to make clear not the teen mom, but the make clear not the teen mom, but the make clear not the teen mom, but the team mom. team mom. team mom. My name is Cameron Cole, and I'm so My name is Cameron Cole, and I'm so My name is Cameron Cole, and I'm so grateful that you're here. grateful that you're here. grateful that you're here. And with Rooted, we are just super And with Rooted, we are just super And with Rooted, we are just super passionate about next gen ministry, passionate about next gen ministry, passionate about next gen ministry, and we want to do anything we can and we want to do anything we can and we want to do anything we can to serve you in discipling young people to serve you in discipling young people to serve you in discipling young people to lifelong faith in Christ.

to lifelong faith in Christ. to lifelong faith in Christ. And so to to start, I just want to kind And so to to start, I just want to kind And so to to start, I just want to kind of ask what is the purpose of next gen of ask what is the purpose of next gen of ask what is the purpose of next gen ministry? ministry? ministry? What is the language that we may use to What is the language that we may use to What is the language that we may use to describe what the purpose of next gen describe what the purpose of next gen describe what the purpose of next gen ministry is here and now? And we can ministry is here and now? And we can ministry is here and now? And we can look to scripture, and we can find lots look to scripture, and we can find lots look to scripture, and we can find lots of good terminology. You can look to the of good terminology. You can look to the of good terminology. You can look to the Great Commission, go into all the world, Great Commission, go into all the world, Great Commission, go into all the world, make disciples of all nations. So we make disciples of all nations. So we make disciples of all nations. So we could say the purpose of next gen could say the purpose of next gen could say the purpose of next gen ministry is to make disciples, or it's ministry is to make disciples, or it's ministry is to make disciples, or it's discipleship. discipleship. discipleship. We could look to Colossians 1, where it We could look to Colossians 1, where it We could look to Colossians 1, where it says, "To them God chose to make known says, "To them God chose to make known says, "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the how great among the Gentiles are the how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, riches of the glory of this mystery, riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of which is Christ in you, the hope of which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in that we may present everyone mature in that we may present everyone mature in Christ." So we could say that purpose of Christ." So we could say that purpose of Christ." So we could say that purpose of next gen ministry is to lead kids next gen ministry is to lead kids next gen ministry is to lead kids towards maturity. That would be good towards maturity. That would be good towards maturity. That would be good good language. good language. good language. We can look to the end of scripture, we We can look to the end of scripture, we We can look to the end of scripture, we can see all the saints worshipping the can see all the saints worshipping the can see all the saints worshipping the Lord God in Revelation. We could say the Lord God in Revelation. We could say the Lord God in Revelation. We could say the purpose of next gen ministry is to purpose of next gen ministry is to purpose of next gen ministry is to create worshipers of the Lord God.

create worshipers of the Lord God. create worshipers of the Lord God. And I think that language that might be And I think that language that might be And I think that language that might be helpful, and particularly concrete, for helpful, and particularly concrete, for helpful, and particularly concrete, for the purpose of next gen ministry here the purpose of next gen ministry here the purpose of next gen ministry here and now, and now, and now, is to form people of the word. To form is to form people of the word. To form is to form people of the word. To form people of the word. people of the word. people of the word. And that's what I want to talk about And that's what I want to talk about And that's what I want to talk about today. I'm going to talk about the the today. I'm going to talk about the the today. I'm going to talk about the the purpose of next gen ministry as the purpose of next gen ministry as the purpose of next gen ministry as the first the meaning of people of the word. first the meaning of people of the word. first the meaning of people of the word. Second, the challenges in forming people Second, the challenges in forming people Second, the challenges in forming people of the word in this day and age. of the word in this day and age. of the word in this day and age. And then finally, the way forward, And then finally, the way forward, And then finally, the way forward, direction on how we form people of the direction on how we form people of the direction on how we form people of the word. word. word. And so the big point that I want you to And so the big point that I want you to And so the big point that I want you to get is that in order get is that in order get is that in order to be effective, in order to form people to be effective, in order to form people to be effective, in order to form people of the word in next gen ministry, we of the word in next gen ministry, we of the word in next gen ministry, we must reach kids early. We must reach must reach kids early. We must reach must reach kids early. We must reach kids very early. kids very early. kids very early. And the best way to reach kids early is And the best way to reach kids early is And the best way to reach kids early is to reach their parents early. to reach their parents early. to reach their parents early. So first, let's talk about the meaning So first, let's talk about the meaning So first, let's talk about the meaning of what it means to form people of the of what it means to form people of the of what it means to form people of the word. word. word. I just want to look at five I just want to look at five I just want to look at five characteristics of of a of a person of characteristics of of a of a person of characteristics of of a of a person of the word. Now, I the reason I choose the word. Now, I the reason I choose the word. Now, I the reason I choose this terminology is because we live in a this terminology is because we live in a this terminology is because we live in a hyper-individualistic hyper-individualistic hyper-individualistic age age age where truth is subjective and people can where truth is subjective and people can where truth is subjective and people can can define reality according to their can define reality according to their can define reality according to their own experience, according to their own own experience, according to their own own experience, according to their own thoughts and feelings.

thoughts and feelings. thoughts and feelings. And so first, when we're thinking about And so first, when we're thinking about And so first, when we're thinking about forming kids who are people of the word, forming kids who are people of the word, forming kids who are people of the word, we want them just to simply know the we want them just to simply know the we want them just to simply know the Bible. Bible. Bible. We simply want them to know the word of We simply want them to know the word of We simply want them to know the word of God. To be biblically literate. Know the God. To be biblically literate. Know the God. To be biblically literate. Know the people, the places, the stories, people, the places, the stories, people, the places, the stories, uh and the items. uh and the items. uh and the items. Second, Second, Second, we want kids to know who God is, we want kids to know who God is, we want kids to know who God is, to know right and wrong, to know right and wrong, to know right and wrong, to know the plan of salvation, to know the plan of salvation, to know the plan of salvation, to know the redemptive story they live to know the redemptive story they live to know the redemptive story they live under according to God's word. We want under according to God's word. We want under according to God's word. We want them to look to scripture them to look to scripture them to look to scripture as the place where we define these as the place where we define these as the place where we define these ultimate truths and these ultimate ultimate truths and these ultimate ultimate truths and these ultimate realities. realities. realities. Third, we want to form people who submit Third, we want to form people who submit Third, we want to form people who submit to God's word, to the entirety of the to God's word, to the entirety of the to God's word, to the entirety of the counsel of God. That is really what counsel of God. That is really what counsel of God. That is really what defines maturity of a believer. Someone defines maturity of a believer. Someone defines maturity of a believer. Someone who even when it's things that are who even when it's things that are who even when it's things that are difficult and costly, even it's when difficult and costly, even it's when difficult and costly, even it's when it's things that they do not like, with it's things that they do not like, with it's things that they do not like, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they repent the help of the Holy Spirit, they repent the help of the Holy Spirit, they repent and they submit to the word of God. and they submit to the word of God. and they submit to the word of God. Now, with these first three, if I just Now, with these first three, if I just Now, with these first three, if I just stop there, it would be very dangerous.

stop there, it would be very dangerous. stop there, it would be very dangerous. It would be very dangerous because if It would be very dangerous because if It would be very dangerous because if you're a person like me, you would you're a person like me, you would you're a person like me, you would think, okay, I just need to make sure my think, okay, I just need to make sure my think, okay, I just need to make sure my kids know the Bible, have the answers. kids know the Bible, have the answers. kids know the Bible, have the answers. I'm going to exhort them to to submit to I'm going to exhort them to to submit to I'm going to exhort them to to submit to God's word, and boom, we've done our God's word, and boom, we've done our God's word, and boom, we've done our job. job. job. But the reality is that But the reality is that But the reality is that that would be dangerous and that would that would be dangerous and that would that would be dangerous and that would lead to a lot of behavior modification lead to a lot of behavior modification lead to a lot of behavior modification and self-justification. So, the last two and self-justification. So, the last two and self-justification. So, the last two are critically important. Fourth are critically important. Fourth are critically important. Fourth characteristic of a of a person of God, characteristic of a of a person of God, characteristic of a of a person of God, a person of the word a person of the word a person of the word is that they are a person who knows is that they are a person who knows is that they are a person who knows their need for Christ. They know that their need for Christ. They know that their need for Christ. They know that they are a sinner they are a sinner they are a sinner and that they come to God's word to and that they come to God's word to and that they come to God's word to receive his grace. receive his grace. receive his grace. They They are a person who is starving They They are a person who is starving They They are a person who is starving for Jesus, and they come to his word to for Jesus, and they come to his word to for Jesus, and they come to his word to receive him through the Holy Spirit. receive him through the Holy Spirit. receive him through the Holy Spirit. And then finally, And then finally, And then finally, a person of the word a person of the word a person of the word relates to you and has communion with relates to you and has communion with relates to you and has communion with God through scripture. They don't just God through scripture. They don't just God through scripture. They don't just see engaging in the Bible as a cognitive see engaging in the Bible as a cognitive see engaging in the Bible as a cognitive or intellectual exercise, but instead, or intellectual exercise, but instead, or intellectual exercise, but instead, they see it as an opportunity to they see it as an opportunity to they see it as an opportunity to fellowship with the living God.

fellowship with the living God. fellowship with the living God. So, that is the target. That is what we So, that is the target. That is what we So, that is the target. That is what we I think is the the target and the I think is the the target and the I think is the the target and the purpose and the mission in next gen purpose and the mission in next gen purpose and the mission in next gen industry today is to form people of the industry today is to form people of the industry today is to form people of the word. word. word. But as a lot of you know, particularly But as a lot of you know, particularly But as a lot of you know, particularly if you're a parent or you're in the if you're a parent or you're in the if you're a parent or you're in the trenches with children's ministry or trenches with children's ministry or trenches with children's ministry or youth ministry, it is extremely youth ministry, it is extremely youth ministry, it is extremely challenging today. And so, that's the challenging today. And so, that's the challenging today. And so, that's the second thing I want to talk about, second thing I want to talk about, second thing I want to talk about, challenges of forming people of the word challenges of forming people of the word challenges of forming people of the word in this day and age. in this day and age. in this day and age. And so, a lot of this I I will just, you And so, a lot of this I I will just, you And so, a lot of this I I will just, you know, I'll talk about it at a macro know, I'll talk about it at a macro know, I'll talk about it at a macro level, but I'll also talk about it level, but I'll also talk about it level, but I'll also talk about it through my own experience. When I through my own experience. When I through my own experience. When I started in youth ministry in 2005, started in youth ministry in 2005, started in youth ministry in 2005, uh you know, I could get two or three uh you know, I could get two or three uh you know, I could get two or three appointments with a student after appointments with a student after appointments with a student after school. I could go to schools. school. I could go to schools. school. I could go to schools. Um you know, I'd go to lunchroom and see Um you know, I'd go to lunchroom and see Um you know, I'd go to lunchroom and see students. students. students. Um yeah, I would get tons of kids coming Um yeah, I would get tons of kids coming Um yeah, I would get tons of kids coming on retreats. I've had tons of Bible on retreats. I've had tons of Bible on retreats. I've had tons of Bible studies. They had chemistry or going. studies. They had chemistry or going. studies. They had chemistry or going. And as as my youth ministry career And as as my youth ministry career And as as my youth ministry career continued on, it got increasingly continued on, it got increasingly continued on, it got increasingly challenging. challenging. challenging. And at first off, the first challenge And at first off, the first challenge And at first off, the first challenge was challenges of access. Could no was challenges of access. Could no was challenges of access. Could no because of the shootings and other because of the shootings and other because of the shootings and other factors could no longer go to schools.

factors could no longer go to schools. factors could no longer go to schools. Uh because of travel sports and dance Uh because of travel sports and dance Uh because of travel sports and dance and uh college admissions arms race, and uh college admissions arms race, and uh college admissions arms race, kids were just so so busy. But this is kids were just so so busy. But this is kids were just so so busy. But this is not an exaggeration. As a person who has not an exaggeration. As a person who has not an exaggeration. As a person who has to raise money for Rooted, it was easier to raise money for Rooted, it was easier to raise money for Rooted, it was easier for me to get fundraising appointments for me to get fundraising appointments for me to get fundraising appointments to ask people for money than it was for to ask people for money than it was for to ask people for money than it was for me to get appointments with kids after me to get appointments with kids after me to get appointments with kids after school. school. school. I know that some of you can identify I know that some of you can identify I know that some of you can identify with that. with that. with that. Not only was it hard to get access in Not only was it hard to get access in Not only was it hard to get access in those kind of ways, church attendance at those kind of ways, church attendance at those kind of ways, church attendance at youth ministry and small groups and youth ministry and small groups and youth ministry and small groups and things like that started to decline. things like that started to decline. things like that started to decline. So, I would have a small group and it So, I would have a small group and it So, I would have a small group and it would start up in August and it was off would start up in August and it was off would start up in August and it was off to a great start and there was chemistry to a great start and there was chemistry to a great start and there was chemistry and we were studying the Bible and it and we were studying the Bible and it and we were studying the Bible and it was great. was great. was great. And then two-thirds of the kids would And then two-thirds of the kids would And then two-thirds of the kids would sign up for the ACT prep class. sign up for the ACT prep class. sign up for the ACT prep class. And it would torpedo the small group for And it would torpedo the small group for And it would torpedo the small group for the rest of the year the rest of the year the rest of the year because of these competing priorities. because of these competing priorities. because of these competing priorities. Third, Third, Third, you know, a big part of discipling young you know, a big part of discipling young you know, a big part of discipling young people is meeting with them and talking people is meeting with them and talking people is meeting with them and talking to them about the matters of their life to them about the matters of their life to them about the matters of their life and what's on their heart and things and what's on their heart and things and what's on their heart and things like that. And I was finding it more and like that. And I was finding it more and like that. And I was finding it more and more difficult to connect personally more difficult to connect personally more difficult to connect personally with kids because their emotional with kids because their emotional with kids because their emotional vocabulary was down. They couldn't make vocabulary was down. They couldn't make vocabulary was down. They couldn't make eye contact. Their ability to connect at eye contact. Their ability to connect at eye contact. Their ability to connect at an emotional level an emotional level an emotional level um was stunted because of screens and um was stunted because of screens and um was stunted because of screens and social media.

Next, Next, the questions were getting harder. the questions were getting harder. the questions were getting harder. The LGB The intensity of the LGBTQ The LGB The intensity of the LGBTQ The LGB The intensity of the LGBTQ movement, uh kids having access to movement, uh kids having access to movement, uh kids having access to YouTube and TikTok and all kinds of YouTube and TikTok and all kinds of YouTube and TikTok and all kinds of anti-Christian messages that were anti-Christian messages that were anti-Christian messages that were confusing for them, the questions they confusing for them, the questions they confusing for them, the questions they were bringing to me were harder. were bringing to me were harder. were bringing to me were harder. And yet the kids that I was inheriting And yet the kids that I was inheriting And yet the kids that I was inheriting uh as a youth pastor and you know, sixth uh as a youth pastor and you know, sixth uh as a youth pastor and you know, sixth or seventh grade, those kids had lower or seventh grade, those kids had lower or seventh grade, those kids had lower theological and biblical maturity. theological and biblical maturity. theological and biblical maturity. And so here's the deal. And so here's the deal. And so here's the deal. Uh the kids are asking harder questions. Uh the kids are asking harder questions. Uh the kids are asking harder questions. The issues are more complex. The kids The issues are more complex. The kids The issues are more complex. The kids that I have are are less equipped to that I have are are less equipped to that I have are are less equipped to answer those questions or to receive the answer those questions or to receive the answer those questions or to receive the the answers. And the answers. And the answers. And I don't have as much access to them. I don't have as much access to them. I don't have as much access to them. They're not coming to the program as They're not coming to the program as They're not coming to the program as frequently and they and I can't connect frequently and they and I can't connect frequently and they and I can't connect with them emotionally quite as well. with them emotionally quite as well. with them emotionally quite as well. This is a massive challenge and there This is a massive challenge and there This is a massive challenge and there are three statistics that really paint are three statistics that really paint are three statistics that really paint the picture first off of the situation the picture first off of the situation the picture first off of the situation but secondly but secondly but secondly uh they they really give us a lot of uh they they really give us a lot of uh they they really give us a lot of direction on how we move forward. direction on how we move forward. direction on how we move forward. And so a study that was published by And so a study that was published by And so a study that was published by Barna back in the 2023 research a couple Barna back in the 2023 research a couple Barna back in the 2023 research a couple of years ago found that only 3% of years ago found that only 3% of years ago found that only 3% of American kids had a basic biblical of American kids had a basic biblical of American kids had a basic biblical worldview.

worldview. worldview. So that means 97% of kids did not. And So that means 97% of kids did not. And So that means 97% of kids did not. And you may say, "Well, yeah, this is a you may say, "Well, yeah, this is a you may say, "Well, yeah, this is a post-Christian world. This is America. post-Christian world. This is America. post-Christian world. This is America. This is a diverse place. You know, what This is a diverse place. You know, what This is a diverse place. You know, what does that mean in terms of Christian does that mean in terms of Christian does that mean in terms of Christian kids?" kids?" kids?" Well, if you dial down into the numbers, Well, if you dial down into the numbers, Well, if you dial down into the numbers, you find that only one in eight kids who you find that only one in eight kids who you find that only one in eight kids who attend church regularly attend church regularly attend church regularly have a basic Christian worldview. have a basic Christian worldview. have a basic Christian worldview. One in eight. That's 12.5%. One in eight. That's 12.5%. One in eight. That's 12.5%. So this is pretty startling. This is So this is pretty startling. This is So this is pretty startling. This is these are Excuse me, these are kids at these are Excuse me, these are kids at these are Excuse me, these are kids at the age of 12. Kids at the age of 12. the age of 12. Kids at the age of 12. the age of 12. Kids at the age of 12. Okay, so there's some good news and some Okay, so there's some good news and some Okay, so there's some good news and some bad news in this. Here's the good news. bad news in this. Here's the good news. bad news in this. Here's the good news. It's what you find if kids at the age of It's what you find if kids at the age of It's what you find if kids at the age of 12 who have a basic biblical worldview 12 who have a basic biblical worldview 12 who have a basic biblical worldview 83% of them will remain in it or grow in 83% of them will remain in it or grow in 83% of them will remain in it or grow in it through young adulthood. it through young adulthood. it through young adulthood. So it is if when a child is established So it is if when a child is established So it is if when a child is established well in a biblical worldview at the age well in a biblical worldview at the age well in a biblical worldview at the age of 12 of 12 of 12 it is it is rare that they will deviate it is it is rare that they will deviate it is it is rare that they will deviate from it. from it. from it. However, However, However, if a child is not in that biblical if a child is not in that biblical if a child is not in that biblical worldview, there's only a 2% chance that worldview, there's only a 2% chance that worldview, there's only a 2% chance that they will grow or evolve into that basic they will grow or evolve into that basic they will grow or evolve into that basic biblical worldview into young adulthood.

biblical worldview into young adulthood. biblical worldview into young adulthood. Okay, so so this this is this is showing Okay, so so this this is this is showing Okay, so so this this is this is showing us that the stakes are really high in us that the stakes are really high in us that the stakes are really high in terms of investing in kids from the age terms of investing in kids from the age terms of investing in kids from the age of zero to 12. of zero to 12. of zero to 12. Now, the um here's the next statistic Now, the um here's the next statistic Now, the um here's the next statistic that is pretty daunting and and pretty that is pretty daunting and and pretty that is pretty daunting and and pretty scary and that is that only 2% of scary and that is that only 2% of scary and that is that only 2% of American parents have a basic biblical American parents have a basic biblical American parents have a basic biblical worldview. worldview. worldview. And so that there's obviously a strong And so that there's obviously a strong And so that there's obviously a strong correlation between these two. And so correlation between these two. And so correlation between these two. And so this is why I say this is why I say this is why I say that the the focus in term of practical that the the focus in term of practical that the the focus in term of practical level on next gen ministry today is to level on next gen ministry today is to level on next gen ministry today is to reach kids early reach kids early reach kids early by reaching their parents early. by reaching their parents early. by reaching their parents early. And so let's spend the rest of the rest And so let's spend the rest of the rest And so let's spend the rest of the rest of this of my time, which is about of this of my time, which is about of this of my time, which is about as I see down there, about 13 more as I see down there, about 13 more as I see down there, about 13 more minutes, minutes, minutes, uh talking about how we practically move uh talking about how we practically move uh talking about how we practically move forward that. I'm going to warn you, forward that. I'm going to warn you, forward that. I'm going to warn you, this is going to be a dump of concrete this is going to be a dump of concrete this is going to be a dump of concrete practical information. practical information. practical information. Your wrists You might be a little Your wrists You might be a little Your wrists You might be a little overwhelmed. Your wrists might be a overwhelmed. Your wrists might be a overwhelmed. Your wrists might be a little sore. little sore. little sore. Um so first, let's talk about Let's talk Um so first, let's talk about Let's talk Um so first, let's talk about Let's talk at two levels. Let's talk about what at two levels. Let's talk about what at two levels. Let's talk about what churches can do churches can do churches can do to be effective in next gen ministry, to be effective in next gen ministry, to be effective in next gen ministry, and then let's talk about what happens and then let's talk about what happens and then let's talk about what happens at home.

at home. at home. And so the first thing I would say at And so the first thing I would say at And so the first thing I would say at the church level is it is pivotal for the church level is it is pivotal for the church level is it is pivotal for churches to integrate children, youth, churches to integrate children, youth, churches to integrate children, youth, and family ministry. and family ministry. and family ministry. Historically, nursery and children's Historically, nursery and children's Historically, nursery and children's ministry and youth ministry tend to kind ministry and youth ministry tend to kind ministry and youth ministry tend to kind of exist in silos. The youth pastors of exist in silos. The youth pastors of exist in silos. The youth pastors look at the children's ministers and look at the children's ministers and look at the children's ministers and they're like, "I'm so grateful for what they're like, "I'm so grateful for what they're like, "I'm so grateful for what you do because that is not something I you do because that is not something I you do because that is not something I want to." want to." want to." And then you the children's ministers And then you the children's ministers And then you the children's ministers look at the youth pastors and say, "I am look at the youth pastors and say, "I am look at the youth pastors and say, "I am so grateful for you because I do not so grateful for you because I do not so grateful for you because I do not know what to do with a teenager, right?" know what to do with a teenager, right?" know what to do with a teenager, right?" And so there tends to be this this this And so there tends to be this this this And so there tends to be this this this silo or this bifurcation between the silo or this bifurcation between the silo or this bifurcation between the two, and there's like a handoff around two, and there's like a handoff around two, and there's like a handoff around sixth grade. And that just cannot be. sixth grade. And that just cannot be. sixth grade. And that just cannot be. Children's pastors and youth pastors Children's pastors and youth pastors Children's pastors and youth pastors must be collaborating. They must be must be collaborating. They must be must be collaborating. They must be communicating so that what is happening communicating so that what is happening communicating so that what is happening from zero to 12 informs what's going to from zero to 12 informs what's going to from zero to 12 informs what's going to happen in youth ministry. happen in youth ministry. happen in youth ministry. And not only that, not only at a pro- And not only that, not only at a pro- And not only that, not only at a pro- programmatic level a programmatic level, programmatic level a programmatic level, programmatic level a programmatic level, but also children's pastors and youth but also children's pastors and youth but also children's pastors and youth pastors need to be united in engaging pastors need to be united in engaging pastors need to be united in engaging parents from an early age.

parents from an early age. parents from an early age. So here's the thing. Let's think in I So here's the thing. Let's think in I So here's the thing. Let's think in I would encourage you to think in four would encourage you to think in four would encourage you to think in four categories as you collaborate. One, categories as you collaborate. One, categories as you collaborate. One, biblical literacy. biblical literacy. biblical literacy. Kids knowing the people, the places, the Kids knowing the people, the places, the Kids knowing the people, the places, the items in the stories. items in the stories. items in the stories. Two, Two, Two, theology, theological literacy. theology, theological literacy. theology, theological literacy. Kids knowing the basic foundational Kids knowing the basic foundational Kids knowing the basic foundational truths of scripture and of the Christian truths of scripture and of the Christian truths of scripture and of the Christian faith. Three, Christian practice. Three, Christian practice. What are the practices that enable a What are the practices that enable a What are the practices that enable a child to receive the grace of God and to child to receive the grace of God and to child to receive the grace of God and to to engage in fellowship with the Lord? to engage in fellowship with the Lord? to engage in fellowship with the Lord? Prayer, Prayer, Prayer, reading scripture, worship, stewardship. reading scripture, worship, stewardship. reading scripture, worship, stewardship. And then finally, Christian life. What And then finally, Christian life. What And then finally, Christian life. What are the missional and moral imperatives are the missional and moral imperatives are the missional and moral imperatives of being a believer? of being a believer? of being a believer? And so, with those four categories, here And so, with those four categories, here And so, with those four categories, here are the three things I would say today are the three things I would say today are the three things I would say today that are critically important, the three that are critically important, the three that are critically important, the three emphases that I would have in children's emphases that I would have in children's emphases that I would have in children's ministry. ministry. ministry. First thing I would say is biblical First thing I would say is biblical First thing I would say is biblical literacy. literacy. literacy. I when I in 2015, when I at my church I when I in 2015, when I at my church I when I in 2015, when I at my church integrated children, youth, and family integrated children, youth, and family integrated children, youth, and family ministry, I kind of made the shift from ministry, I kind of made the shift from ministry, I kind of made the shift from youth to being over children, youth, and youth to being over children, youth, and youth to being over children, youth, and family.

family. family. I went up to the mothership. I went up I went up to the mothership. I went up I went up to the mothership. I went up to Redeemer Presbyterian to Redeemer Presbyterian to Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City. This is Tim Keller's in New York City. This is Tim Keller's in New York City. This is Tim Keller's church, right? This is this is the Mecca church, right? This is this is the Mecca church, right? This is this is the Mecca for gospel-centered churches, and I went for gospel-centered churches, and I went for gospel-centered churches, and I went to talk to Brent Bounds, who Tim Tim to talk to Brent Bounds, who Tim Tim to talk to Brent Bounds, who Tim Tim Keller had recruited for years to be the Keller had recruited for years to be the Keller had recruited for years to be the family pastor, and I am expecting a family pastor, and I am expecting a family pastor, and I am expecting a really sophisticated answer on, "Hey, really sophisticated answer on, "Hey, really sophisticated answer on, "Hey, Brent, what do I do about children's Brent, what do I do about children's Brent, what do I do about children's ministry?" ministry?" ministry?" And Brent said, "Bible stories." And Brent said, "Bible stories." And Brent said, "Bible stories." I was like, "Come on, man, you got a I was like, "Come on, man, you got a I was like, "Come on, man, you got a PhD. This is Redeemer, we're in PhD. This is Redeemer, we're in PhD. This is Redeemer, we're in Manhattan." Manhattan." Manhattan." And he said, "Concrete knowledge of And he said, "Concrete knowledge of And he said, "Concrete knowledge of Bible stories." He said, "You cannot A Bible stories." He said, "You cannot A Bible stories." He said, "You cannot A kid cannot grow kid cannot grow kid cannot grow theologically cannot grow in scripture theologically cannot grow in scripture theologically cannot grow in scripture unless they know the people, the places, unless they know the people, the places, unless they know the people, the places, the items in the stories." So, the first the items in the stories." So, the first the items in the stories." So, the first thing is to focus on biblical literacy thing is to focus on biblical literacy thing is to focus on biblical literacy for kids in children's ministry. for kids in children's ministry. for kids in children's ministry. Second would be theological literacy. Second would be theological literacy. Second would be theological literacy. Kids growing into a basic biblical Kids growing into a basic biblical Kids growing into a basic biblical worldview. worldview. worldview. And I would just say that the catechism And I would just say that the catechism And I would just say that the catechism resources that we have today or that you resources that we have today or that you resources that we have today or that you may have in your tradition are a may have in your tradition are a may have in your tradition are a fantastic place to start. The New City fantastic place to start. The New City fantastic place to start. The New City Catechism is an outstanding resource Catechism is an outstanding resource Catechism is an outstanding resource that has great music uh but that you can that has great music uh but that you can that has great music uh but that you can use in a church and can use at home to use in a church and can use at home to use in a church and can use at home to move towards a child just knowing the move towards a child just knowing the move towards a child just knowing the basic foundations. And that's all we basic foundations. And that's all we basic foundations. And that's all we need. We don't need a child to be fluent need. We don't need a child to be fluent need. We don't need a child to be fluent in pre-tribulational dispensational in pre-tribulational dispensational in pre-tribulational dispensational premillennialism. We just need the premillennialism. We just need the premillennialism. We just need the basics of who Jesus is and who God is basics of who Jesus is and who God is basics of who Jesus is and who God is and right and wrong is established in and right and wrong is established in and right and wrong is established in the Bible and and and what is the way of the Bible and and and what is the way of the Bible and and and what is the way of salvation.

salvation. salvation. And then finally, knowledge of the And then finally, knowledge of the And then finally, knowledge of the gospel. Knowledge of the basic gospel of gospel. Knowledge of the basic gospel of gospel. Knowledge of the basic gospel of grace. That they would know that the grace. That they would know that the grace. That they would know that the message of the Christian faith is about message of the Christian faith is about message of the Christian faith is about God's grace and redemption for flawed God's grace and redemption for flawed God's grace and redemption for flawed sinners through Jesus Christ. sinners through Jesus Christ. sinners through Jesus Christ. Uh Uh Uh Kara Powell, who is the head of Fuller Kara Powell, who is the head of Fuller Kara Powell, who is the head of Fuller Youth Institute, an expert on the Youth Institute, an expert on the Youth Institute, an expert on the spiritual lives of young people, she was spiritual lives of young people, she was spiritual lives of young people, she was asked 10 years ago uh by Christianity asked 10 years ago uh by Christianity asked 10 years ago uh by Christianity Today, "If you were to Today, "If you were to Today, "If you were to uh distill all of the research into one uh distill all of the research into one uh distill all of the research into one indicator of whether or not a kid will indicator of whether or not a kid will indicator of whether or not a kid will stick with Christ and the church after stick with Christ and the church after stick with Christ and the church after high school, what would it be?" And she high school, what would it be?" And she high school, what would it be?" And she said, "If they know Christianity in said, "If they know Christianity in said, "If they know Christianity in terms of grace." terms of grace." terms of grace." They know Christianity in terms of They know Christianity in terms of They know Christianity in terms of grace. What Jesus has done and God's grace. What Jesus has done and God's grace. What Jesus has done and God's unconditional love that flows out of unconditional love that flows out of unconditional love that flows out of that. And so we want kids to know the that. And so we want kids to know the that. And so we want kids to know the gospel. And a good tool, there's gospel. And a good tool, there's gospel. And a good tool, there's something that Rooted has published something that Rooted has published something that Rooted has published called the Gospel Catechism. Uh and it called the Gospel Catechism. Uh and it called the Gospel Catechism. Uh and it just is these questions that we do at my just is these questions that we do at my just is these questions that we do at my church we would do at the beginning of church we would do at the beginning of church we would do at the beginning of every children's ministry lesson. And we every children's ministry lesson. And we every children's ministry lesson. And we do this in all of our curriculum with do this in all of our curriculum with do this in all of our curriculum with Rooted. It starts with the Gospel Rooted. It starts with the Gospel Rooted. It starts with the Gospel Catechism. What does gospel mean? Good Catechism. What does gospel mean? Good Catechism. What does gospel mean? Good news. What is the good news? Jesus died news. What is the good news? Jesus died news. What is the good news? Jesus died for my sins. Why did I die for my sins?

for my sins. Why did I die for my sins? for my sins. Why did I die for my sins? So I can have a relationship with God. So I can have a relationship with God. So I can have a relationship with God. Who loves you the most? God. Who loves Who loves you the most? God. Who loves Who loves you the most? God. Who loves you the second most? Mommy and Daddy. you the second most? Mommy and Daddy. you the second most? Mommy and Daddy. What can you do by God's power and What can you do by God's power and What can you do by God's power and grace? Hard things. grace? Hard things. grace? Hard things. All right. So that is children's All right. So that is children's All right. So that is children's ministry. Now in terms of emphases for ministry. Now in terms of emphases for ministry. Now in terms of emphases for youth ministry youth ministry youth ministry in terms of forming people who are in terms of forming people who are in terms of forming people who are forming kids who are people of the word, forming kids who are people of the word, forming kids who are people of the word, here are the three things that I would here are the three things that I would here are the three things that I would emphasize. emphasize. emphasize. First thing I would say is the study of First thing I would say is the study of First thing I would say is the study of whole books of the Bible. whole books of the Bible. whole books of the Bible. Working from beginning to end, working Working from beginning to end, working Working from beginning to end, working into that discipline at Sunday school, into that discipline at Sunday school, into that discipline at Sunday school, and small group, and Sunday nights, so and small group, and Sunday nights, so and small group, and Sunday nights, so that they can have that in their own that they can have that in their own that they can have that in their own life. There are very few things that life. There are very few things that life. There are very few things that will mature a Christian will mature a Christian will mature a Christian than the hard work of going through the than the hard work of going through the than the hard work of going through the good, the bad, and the ugly of entire good, the bad, and the ugly of entire good, the bad, and the ugly of entire books of the Bible. books of the Bible. books of the Bible. That forms a very strong personal That forms a very strong personal That forms a very strong personal systematic theology. systematic theology. systematic theology. That is why with Rooted, you know, in That is why with Rooted, you know, in That is why with Rooted, you know, in terms of our youth curriculum, terms of our youth curriculum, terms of our youth curriculum, we have 26 books of the Bible, and we're we have 26 books of the Bible, and we're we have 26 books of the Bible, and we're trying to enable churches to go from trying to enable churches to go from trying to enable churches to go from beginning to end to see that the whole beginning to end to see that the whole beginning to end to see that the whole counsel of God's word. counsel of God's word. counsel of God's word. And we want to also empower kids to do And we want to also empower kids to do And we want to also empower kids to do that in their own personal spiritual that in their own personal spiritual that in their own personal spiritual life, their own devotional life. Which life, their own devotional life. Which life, their own devotional life. Which takes us to our second point. Second takes us to our second point. Second takes us to our second point. Second thing I would say is an emphasis is that thing I would say is an emphasis is that thing I would say is an emphasis is that helping a child have their own personal helping a child have their own personal helping a child have their own personal devotional life. Helping them, giving devotional life. Helping them, giving devotional life. Helping them, giving them the tools to read the Bible on them the tools to read the Bible on them the tools to read the Bible on their own, to pray on their own, to their own, to pray on their own, to their own, to pray on their own, to relate to the Lord in that way.

relate to the Lord in that way. relate to the Lord in that way. And then the last thing I would say And then the last thing I would say And then the last thing I would say in terms of emphases uh in youth in terms of emphases uh in youth in terms of emphases uh in youth ministry is that kids are using their ministry is that kids are using their ministry is that kids are using their gifts to serve the church so that when gifts to serve the church so that when gifts to serve the church so that when they are in the 10th grade and beyond, they are in the 10th grade and beyond, they are in the 10th grade and beyond, they are functioning like contributing they are functioning like contributing they are functioning like contributing adults in the church. adults in the church. adults in the church. That was our mentality. We wanted to That was our mentality. We wanted to That was our mentality. We wanted to form kids from 0 to 16, so that they form kids from 0 to 16, so that they form kids from 0 to 16, so that they were 16 years old, they had enough were 16 years old, they had enough were 16 years old, they had enough spiritual, theological, and biblical spiritual, theological, and biblical spiritual, theological, and biblical maturity that we could trust them to maturity that we could trust them to maturity that we could trust them to partner with an adult in teaching partner with an adult in teaching partner with an adult in teaching children's ministry, to partner with an children's ministry, to partner with an children's ministry, to partner with an adult to teach a middle school Bible adult to teach a middle school Bible adult to teach a middle school Bible study, study, study, to serve alongside adults in the music to serve alongside adults in the music to serve alongside adults in the music ministry, or in the mission field. ministry, or in the mission field. ministry, or in the mission field. And so, for their last 3 years, last 3 And so, for their last 3 years, last 3 And so, for their last 3 years, last 3 years of high school, that they are years of high school, that they are years of high school, that they are functioning like adults in the church functioning like adults in the church functioning like adults in the church using their gifts. using their gifts. using their gifts. Everything I've said so far is all about Everything I've said so far is all about Everything I've said so far is all about consuming, right? We want them to know, consuming, right? We want them to know, consuming, right? We want them to know, we want them to know, know the Bible, we want them to know, know the Bible, we want them to know, know the Bible, know the truth, know the gospel. That is know the truth, know the gospel. That is know the truth, know the gospel. That is not discipleship if it ends there. not discipleship if it ends there. not discipleship if it ends there. A person of the word responds to the A person of the word responds to the A person of the word responds to the word of God.

word of God. word of God. True discipleship means that the things True discipleship means that the things True discipleship means that the things that you know, the the truth and the that you know, the the truth and the that you know, the the truth and the graces as you've been given by the Lord, graces as you've been given by the Lord, graces as you've been given by the Lord, you convert and translate into living a you convert and translate into living a you convert and translate into living a life for the glory of God life for the glory of God life for the glory of God and that translates into the advancement and that translates into the advancement and that translates into the advancement of the kingdom. of the kingdom. of the kingdom. Okay. So now that's that's at the church Okay. So now that's that's at the church Okay. So now that's that's at the church level. level. level. So now what do we do with parents? What So now what do we do with parents? What So now what do we do with parents? What do we do with parents do we do with parents do we do with parents to equip and empower them? And and this to equip and empower them? And and this to equip and empower them? And and this might be the most important thing to might be the most important thing to might be the most important thing to hear. hear. hear. And this might be the most handy thing And this might be the most handy thing And this might be the most handy thing you're going to hear. you're going to hear. you're going to hear. And that is I'm going to say a few And that is I'm going to say a few And that is I'm going to say a few things we can do with parents. And that things we can do with parents. And that things we can do with parents. And that is start as early as possible. You are is start as early as possible. You are is start as early as possible. You are not going to find a more receptive not going to find a more receptive not going to find a more receptive audience in the world than the person audience in the world than the person audience in the world than the person who has just had a baby. who has just had a baby. who has just had a baby. They are looking for support. They are They are looking for support. They are They are looking for support. They are looking for guidance. They are looking looking for guidance. They are looking looking for guidance. They are looking for direction. They are malleable. for direction. They are malleable. for direction. They are malleable. And so parents who have children in the And so parents who have children in the And so parents who have children in the nursery are ready and willing and eager nursery are ready and willing and eager nursery are ready and willing and eager to be led. to be led. to be led. And so here's what I would say in terms And so here's what I would say in terms And so here's what I would say in terms of working with parents before kids of working with parents before kids of working with parents before kids reach kindergarten.

reach kindergarten. reach kindergarten. Five things you can do. First thing I Five things you can do. First thing I Five things you can do. First thing I would say is cast a vision for the next would say is cast a vision for the next would say is cast a vision for the next 18 years. That does not have to be fancy. It does That does not have to be fancy. It does not have to be any more detailed than not have to be any more detailed than not have to be any more detailed than the two previous slides of this is what the two previous slides of this is what the two previous slides of this is what we emphasize in children's ministry and we emphasize in children's ministry and we emphasize in children's ministry and this is what we emphasize in high high this is what we emphasize in high high this is what we emphasize in high high school. But for you to sit before a school. But for you to sit before a school. But for you to sit before a parent and say, "Hey, we got a plan for parent and say, "Hey, we got a plan for parent and say, "Hey, we got a plan for the next 18 years." gives you a lot of the next 18 years." gives you a lot of the next 18 years." gives you a lot of credibility and engenders trust from credibility and engenders trust from credibility and engenders trust from those parents. It engenders buy-in. I those parents. It engenders buy-in. I those parents. It engenders buy-in. I would meet with the parents of every would meet with the parents of every would meet with the parents of every two-year-old in the church. And I would two-year-old in the church. And I would two-year-old in the church. And I would do this pitch with them. do this pitch with them. do this pitch with them. And the second thing I would say is you And the second thing I would say is you And the second thing I would say is you want to show that the interests of the want to show that the interests of the want to show that the interests of the parents and your interests are aligned parents and your interests are aligned parents and your interests are aligned in the sense that what is it that parent in the sense that what is it that parent in the sense that what is it that parent wants? That parent wants their child to wants? That parent wants their child to wants? That parent wants their child to flourish. flourish. flourish. And what we believe is that that child And what we believe is that that child And what we believe is that that child will flourish most in a personal will flourish most in a personal will flourish most in a personal dependent relationship with Jesus dependent relationship with Jesus dependent relationship with Jesus Christ. The the best life they can live Christ. The the best life they can live Christ. The the best life they can live is found in relationship with Christ. is found in relationship with Christ. is found in relationship with Christ. And so we want to show parents that we And so we want to show parents that we And so we want to show parents that we are on the same page and we have a dream are on the same page and we have a dream are on the same page and we have a dream for their child to flourish and it is to for their child to flourish and it is to for their child to flourish and it is to flourish in Christ.

flourish in Christ. flourish in Christ. Second thing I would say Second thing I would say Second thing I would say is in a humble way a humble, kind, and is in a humble way a humble, kind, and is in a humble way a humble, kind, and patient way you want to help instill patient way you want to help instill patient way you want to help instill and shape life patterns for parents. and shape life patterns for parents. and shape life patterns for parents. Any youth pastor in here will tell you Any youth pastor in here will tell you Any youth pastor in here will tell you the number one thing There are two the number one thing There are two the number one thing There are two things in the world they hate. They hate things in the world they hate. They hate things in the world they hate. They hate Snapchat and they hate travel sports. Snapchat and they hate travel sports. Snapchat and they hate travel sports. Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but Sorry if I stepped on some toes, but it's true. We all hate them. it's true. We all hate them. it's true. We all hate them. But here's the deal. We see that a lot But here's the deal. We see that a lot But here's the deal. We see that a lot of these extracurricular activities that of these extracurricular activities that of these extracurricular activities that a lot of times start as early as a lot of times start as early as a lot of times start as early as kindergarten and first grade, the kindergarten and first grade, the kindergarten and first grade, the parents who get engaged in them, we see parents who get engaged in them, we see parents who get engaged in them, we see it disintegrate their families and we it disintegrate their families and we it disintegrate their families and we see it lead them away from Sunday see it lead them away from Sunday see it lead them away from Sunday worship. The lot I would say the worship. The lot I would say the worship. The lot I would say the majority of the parents who get into majority of the parents who get into majority of the parents who get into that have no idea what they're getting that have no idea what they're getting that have no idea what they're getting into. into. into. They don't They do not know They don't They do not know They don't They do not know They do not know how intense and extreme They do not know how intense and extreme They do not know how intense and extreme the commitments are. They do not know the commitments are. They do not know the commitments are. They do not know how demanding a lot of these activities how demanding a lot of these activities how demanding a lot of these activities are. And so one of the things I would are. And so one of the things I would are. And so one of the things I would say in a humble, patient, and kind way, say in a humble, patient, and kind way, say in a humble, patient, and kind way, I would warn parents to be very, very I would warn parents to be very, very I would warn parents to be very, very careful about their commitments that careful about their commitments that careful about their commitments that they make to anything extracurricular, they make to anything extracurricular, they make to anything extracurricular, particularly in elementary school.

particularly in elementary school. particularly in elementary school. And I would also emphasize, and I say And I would also emphasize, and I say And I would also emphasize, and I say this from the bottom of my heart, the this from the bottom of my heart, the this from the bottom of my heart, the single most important thing I can do for single most important thing I can do for single most important thing I can do for the long-term welfare of my kids is to the long-term welfare of my kids is to the long-term welfare of my kids is to be at corporate worship every single be at corporate worship every single be at corporate worship every single Sunday in person. Sunday in person. Sunday in person. The single best thing you can do. I The single best thing you can do. I The single best thing you can do. I mean, I got to tell you you have a mean, I got to tell you you have a mean, I got to tell you you have a parent who is wanting to do their best parent who is wanting to do their best parent who is wanting to do their best with their child. with their child. with their child. That is That is giving them God's honest That is That is giving them God's honest That is That is giving them God's honest truth truth truth about the best thing they can do for about the best thing they can do for about the best thing they can do for their child is to make Sunday worship an their child is to make Sunday worship an their child is to make Sunday worship an unviable commitment. That it's priority unviable commitment. That it's priority unviable commitment. That it's priority in their life and to not let anything in their life and to not let anything in their life and to not let anything stand in the way of that. stand in the way of that. stand in the way of that. All right, last two two more things. All right, last two two more things. All right, last two two more things. Three more things. Three more things. Three more things. Provide concrete direction. You have to Provide concrete direction. You have to Provide concrete direction. You have to be really careful with this because be really careful with this because be really careful with this because parents want a formula. We want control. parents want a formula. We want control. parents want a formula. We want control. We want to believe that we can control We want to believe that we can control We want to believe that we can control the spiritual outcomes of our kids. the spiritual outcomes of our kids. the spiritual outcomes of our kids. Every parent wants that. Every parent wants that. Every parent wants that. So, you have to offer concrete direction So, you have to offer concrete direction So, you have to offer concrete direction with the disclaimer that you cannot with the disclaimer that you cannot with the disclaimer that you cannot control that. Only God can control that. control that. Only God can control that. control that. Only God can control that. That's between the Holy Spirit and the That's between the Holy Spirit and the That's between the Holy Spirit and the child. All we can do is be faithful on child. All we can do is be faithful on child. All we can do is be faithful on our side of the street. And with that our side of the street. And with that our side of the street. And with that being said, here are some concrete being said, here are some concrete being said, here are some concrete things you can do. In our church, what things you can do. In our church, what things you can do. In our church, what we would say is we would we would say, we would say is we would we would say, we would say is we would we would say, "In these years, these are the "In these years, these are the "In these years, these are the children's Bibles we want you to read children's Bibles we want you to read children's Bibles we want you to read through with your child.

through with your child. through with your child. Try to try to read the children's Bible Try to try to read the children's Bible Try to try to read the children's Bible twice a week." We all know there's no twice a week." We all know there's no twice a week." We all know there's no way that we can build the kind of way that we can build the kind of way that we can build the kind of biblical literacy that a child needs biblical literacy that a child needs biblical literacy that a child needs just by what we do at church. just by what we do at church. just by what we do at church. It has to happen at home. Has to happen It has to happen at home. Has to happen It has to happen at home. Has to happen at home. And praise the Lord, this is at home. And praise the Lord, this is at home. And praise the Lord, this is the golden age of the children's Bible. the golden age of the children's Bible. the golden age of the children's Bible. There are so many good children's There are so many good children's There are so many good children's Bibles. So, giving them concrete Bibles. So, giving them concrete Bibles. So, giving them concrete direction on reading children's Bibles. direction on reading children's Bibles. direction on reading children's Bibles. Giving them giving them concrete Giving them giving them concrete Giving them giving them concrete direction on, "Hey, listen to the music direction on, "Hey, listen to the music direction on, "Hey, listen to the music of the New City Catechism in the car." of the New City Catechism in the car." of the New City Catechism in the car." That's helpful. That's helpful. That's helpful. Pray with your kids. Pray at dinner. Pray with your kids. Pray at dinner. Pray with your kids. Pray at dinner. Pray when you put them to bed. Pray when you put them to bed. Pray when you put them to bed. And then finally, we would we we had so And then finally, we would we we had so And then finally, we would we we had so many parents do this. We'd say to our many parents do this. We'd say to our many parents do this. We'd say to our parents, "Every time you drop your child parents, "Every time you drop your child parents, "Every time you drop your child off at Mother's Day Out or school or off at Mother's Day Out or school or off at Mother's Day Out or school or whatever it is, do the gospel whatever it is, do the gospel whatever it is, do the gospel catechism." Maybe if you home school, catechism." Maybe if you home school, catechism." Maybe if you home school, start out the day with the gospel start out the day with the gospel start out the day with the gospel catechism. Those are the concrete things catechism. Those are the concrete things catechism. Those are the concrete things we want you to do. we want you to do. we want you to do. That's to be care careful. We don't want That's to be care careful. We don't want That's to be care careful. We don't want to promise a formula, but it is helpful to promise a formula, but it is helpful to promise a formula, but it is helpful to have concrete direction, not these to have concrete direction, not these to have concrete direction, not these abstract platitudes. Fourth thing, Fourth thing, help parents grow in their own faith.

help parents grow in their own faith. help parents grow in their own faith. Help parents grow in their own faith. Help parents grow in their own faith. Help parents grow in their own faith. You might be a person, you're 24 years You might be a person, you're 24 years You might be a person, you're 24 years old, you're a children's minister, old, you're a children's minister, old, you're a children's minister, you're a youth pastor, you're like, you're a youth pastor, you're like, you're a youth pastor, you're like, "Look, I'm not a parent. I don't even "Look, I'm not a parent. I don't even "Look, I'm not a parent. I don't even have a girlfriend. I don't have a have a girlfriend. I don't have a have a girlfriend. I don't have a boyfriend. How can I do that?" I promise boyfriend. How can I do that?" I promise boyfriend. How can I do that?" I promise you you can open up the word of God and you you can open up the word of God and you you can open up the word of God and sit around a table with four parents and sit around a table with four parents and sit around a table with four parents and read scripture. And and you can use a read scripture. And and you can use a read scripture. And and you can use a curriculum, and that is going to move curriculum, and that is going to move curriculum, and that is going to move the needle. That is going to positively the needle. That is going to positively the needle. That is going to positively contribute. I I you find I I I um I contribute. I I you find I I I um I contribute. I I you find I I I um I would I needed to train leaders in my would I needed to train leaders in my would I needed to train leaders in my church as my ministry was growing, and church as my ministry was growing, and church as my ministry was growing, and so I'd use the training material that I so I'd use the training material that I so I'd use the training material that I used for um used for um used for um for training new employees and training for training new employees and training for training new employees and training interns. I started doing that with lay interns. I started doing that with lay interns. I started doing that with lay people, and at the end of those courses people, and at the end of those courses people, and at the end of those courses I would say, "Hey, what did you get out I would say, "Hey, what did you get out I would say, "Hey, what did you get out of this?" And what I heard over and over of this?" And what I heard over and over of this?" And what I heard over and over again was people saying, "You know, I again was people saying, "You know, I again was people saying, "You know, I just feel a lot more confident talking just feel a lot more confident talking just feel a lot more confident talking to my kids about Jesus. to my kids about Jesus. to my kids about Jesus. I just feel a lot more confident I just feel a lot more confident I just feel a lot more confident engaging my kids in their questions." engaging my kids in their questions." engaging my kids in their questions." And so in basic, achievable ways, help And so in basic, achievable ways, help And so in basic, achievable ways, help parents grow in their own faith. Last parents grow in their own faith. Last parents grow in their own faith. Last thing I would say is bathe parents in thing I would say is bathe parents in thing I would say is bathe parents in the grace of God. the grace of God. the grace of God. We you know, we said this over and over We you know, we said this over and over We you know, we said this over and over again. We say this all the time on the again. We say this all the time on the again. We say this all the time on the Rooted Parent Podcast.

Rooted Parent Podcast. Rooted Parent Podcast. Uh bad parenting comes out of fear and Uh bad parenting comes out of fear and Uh bad parenting comes out of fear and control. control. control. Good parenting comes out of peace, Good parenting comes out of peace, Good parenting comes out of peace, wisdom, wisdom, wisdom, and love. Love and wisdom. Sorry. Peace, and love. Love and wisdom. Sorry. Peace, and love. Love and wisdom. Sorry. Peace, wisdom, love, and wisdom, love, and wisdom, love, and Grace of Jesus. Grace of Jesus. Grace of Jesus. Something like that. Anyway. Something like that. Anyway. Something like that. Anyway. Basically, a calm parent who's grounded Basically, a calm parent who's grounded Basically, a calm parent who's grounded a calm parent who's grounded in the a calm parent who's grounded in the a calm parent who's grounded in the gospel. Bathe them in grace. Because the gospel. Bathe them in grace. Because the gospel. Bathe them in grace. Because the last thing we need is hyper-controlling, last thing we need is hyper-controlling, last thing we need is hyper-controlling, hyper-afraid parents. The gospel of hyper-afraid parents. The gospel of hyper-afraid parents. The gospel of grace, the knowledge that that God loves grace, the knowledge that that God loves grace, the knowledge that that God loves a kid more more than the parent does. a kid more more than the parent does. a kid more more than the parent does. Knowing that God has a plan for that Knowing that God has a plan for that Knowing that God has a plan for that child's life in his sovereign grace, child's life in his sovereign grace, child's life in his sovereign grace, that calms a parent down and it enables that calms a parent down and it enables that calms a parent down and it enables them to parent out of peace. them to parent out of peace. them to parent out of peace. And so with that being said, I know that And so with that being said, I know that And so with that being said, I know that for some of you, if you're in next gen for some of you, if you're in next gen for some of you, if you're in next gen ministry, it is tough sledding. ministry, it is tough sledding. ministry, it is tough sledding. I know that it is super discouraging. I I know that it is super discouraging. I I know that it is super discouraging. I know that it's hard to connect with know that it's hard to connect with know that it's hard to connect with kids, but I would say like the Lord has kids, but I would say like the Lord has kids, but I would say like the Lord has not forgotten our kids. The Lord has not not forgotten our kids. The Lord has not not forgotten our kids. The Lord has not forgotten you. forgotten you. forgotten you. And I would just say that there is a way And I would just say that there is a way And I would just say that there is a way forward. There really is a way forward, forward. There really is a way forward, forward. There really is a way forward, but I think that way forward requires but I think that way forward requires but I think that way forward requires that the whole church, particularly that the whole church, particularly that the whole church, particularly children's ministry and youth ministry, children's ministry and youth ministry, children's ministry and youth ministry, are collaborating together to reach our are collaborating together to reach our are collaborating together to reach our kids. And with that, I'll hand it over kids. And with that, I'll hand it over kids. And with that, I'll hand it over to Mr. Danny Quan. Actually, Dr. Danny to Mr. Danny Quan. Actually, Dr. Danny to Mr. Danny Quan. Actually, Dr. Danny Quan.

Uh thank you, Cameron. Uh thank you, Cameron. Um we're talking about Um we're talking about Um we're talking about some some some probably monumental shifts in the way we probably monumental shifts in the way we probably monumental shifts in the way we think about youth ministry for next-gen think about youth ministry for next-gen think about youth ministry for next-gen ministry. ministry. ministry. And so, the first question I have for And so, the first question I have for And so, the first question I have for all of you is uh all of you is uh all of you is uh very important. very important. very important. Who's going to be the next Pope? Just Who's going to be the next Pope? Just Who's going to be the next Pope? Just kidding. Just kidding. Just kidding. Uh Chelsea, uh Uh Chelsea, uh when were you a youth pastor before you when were you a youth pastor before you when were you a youth pastor before you came on the Rooted as director of came on the Rooted as director of came on the Rooted as director of publishing? publishing? publishing? Um Um Um how would you suggest a youth pastor how would you suggest a youth pastor how would you suggest a youth pastor work with their children's pastor and work with their children's pastor and work with their children's pastor and break down some of these silos? break down some of these silos? break down some of these silos? Great question. That can be complicated Great question. That can be complicated Great question. That can be complicated if you don't have the title of family if you don't have the title of family if you don't have the title of family minister or family pastor in your minister or family pastor in your minister or family pastor in your church, it can be hard to know where to church, it can be hard to know where to church, it can be hard to know where to begin doing some of these things in begin doing some of these things in begin doing some of these things in cooperation, I think, with other members cooperation, I think, with other members cooperation, I think, with other members of the team. And I would say the first of the team. And I would say the first of the team. And I would say the first thing is just to really be a cheerleader thing is just to really be a cheerleader thing is just to really be a cheerleader for the other members of your team, to for the other members of your team, to for the other members of your team, to champion them, to learn about what champion them, to learn about what champion them, to learn about what they're doing in their area. So, if they're doing in their area. So, if they're doing in their area. So, if you're a youth minister, to reach out to you're a youth minister, to reach out to you're a youth minister, to reach out to the children's ministry staff and get to the children's ministry staff and get to the children's ministry staff and get to know what they're doing for the kids.

know what they're doing for the kids. know what they're doing for the kids. Um become really familiar with their Um become really familiar with their Um become really familiar with their ministry model and just encourage them ministry model and just encourage them ministry model and just encourage them in the places that you see fruit, in the in the places that you see fruit, in the in the places that you see fruit, in the places that you're aligned, um and start places that you're aligned, um and start places that you're aligned, um and start to look for ways and kind of move the to look for ways and kind of move the to look for ways and kind of move the conversation forward toward partnering. conversation forward toward partnering. conversation forward toward partnering. So, I think you can do that organically So, I think you can do that organically So, I think you can do that organically even if you aren't in a family minister even if you aren't in a family minister even if you aren't in a family minister role. Yeah. Um and then, as you build role. Yeah. Um and then, as you build role. Yeah. Um and then, as you build that that rapport, hopefully you're that that rapport, hopefully you're that that rapport, hopefully you're doing the same thing with parents, doing the same thing with parents, doing the same thing with parents, right? But as you build that rapport right? But as you build that rapport right? But as you build that rapport with the children's ministry staff or with the children's ministry staff or with the children's ministry staff or with if you're a children's ministry with if you're a children's ministry with if you're a children's ministry with your youth ministry staff, um look with your youth ministry staff, um look with your youth ministry staff, um look for ways that you can start to partner for ways that you can start to partner for ways that you can start to partner rather than duplicating work for rather than duplicating work for rather than duplicating work for parents, team up. Uh maybe you can, you parents, team up. Uh maybe you can, you parents, team up. Uh maybe you can, you know, commission some season parents in know, commission some season parents in know, commission some season parents in your ministry to run a child to run a your ministry to run a child to run a your ministry to run a child to run a parent Sunday school class parent Sunday school class parent Sunday school class um or an evening gathering where they're um or an evening gathering where they're um or an evening gathering where they're either studying scripture or they're either studying scripture or they're either studying scripture or they're going through a book together. And you going through a book together. And you going through a book together. And you may not actually have to run that, but may not actually have to run that, but may not actually have to run that, but if you can link arms with other staff if you can link arms with other staff if you can link arms with other staff members, it just becomes an easier lift members, it just becomes an easier lift members, it just becomes an easier lift and everyone's kind of rowing together. and everyone's kind of rowing together. and everyone's kind of rowing together. Um you could do the same thing with a Um you could do the same thing with a Um you could do the same thing with a newsletter. You know, if if you team up newsletter. You know, if if you team up newsletter. You know, if if you team up with the children's or the youth with the children's or the youth with the children's or the youth ministry staff ministry staff ministry staff um um um sending out a monthly newsletter to all sending out a monthly newsletter to all sending out a monthly newsletter to all the parents in the church with some the parents in the church with some the parents in the church with some articles or some resources or the gospel articles or some resources or the gospel articles or some resources or the gospel catechism, books, or Bibles that you catechism, books, or Bibles that you catechism, books, or Bibles that you recommend. It just becomes an easier recommend. It just becomes an easier recommend. It just becomes an easier lift. So, I think those are some really lift. So, I think those are some really lift. So, I think those are some really organic ways you can partner. And then organic ways you can partner. And then organic ways you can partner. And then um as Cameron talked about the sort of um as Cameron talked about the sort of um as Cameron talked about the sort of the the the the hope of having our high schoolers the hope of having our high schoolers the hope of having our high schoolers especially be integrated in the life of especially be integrated in the life of especially be integrated in the life of the church, one thing that we found the church, one thing that we found the church, one thing that we found really really helpful in my church really really helpful in my church really really helpful in my church context most recently was developing context most recently was developing context most recently was developing milestones. And so, that looks like from milestones. And so, that looks like from milestones. And so, that looks like from birth all the way through graduation.

birth all the way through graduation. birth all the way through graduation. Different churches call it different Different churches call it different Different churches call it different things, but just having some concrete um things, but just having some concrete um things, but just having some concrete um rites of passage that we drew children rites of passage that we drew children rites of passage that we drew children and teenagers and their families into to and teenagers and their families into to and teenagers and their families into to kind of celebrate the different kind of celebrate the different kind of celebrate the different developmental stages they were walking developmental stages they were walking developmental stages they were walking through. So, you might have a class for through. So, you might have a class for through. So, you might have a class for the parents of a newborn or 2-year-old the parents of a newborn or 2-year-old the parents of a newborn or 2-year-old as Cameron was saying. Um in our church, as Cameron was saying. Um in our church, as Cameron was saying. Um in our church, I noticed that our children's minister I noticed that our children's minister I noticed that our children's minister was doing this beautiful little ceremony was doing this beautiful little ceremony was doing this beautiful little ceremony for new readers and giving them their for new readers and giving them their for new readers and giving them their first Bible. And as we talked about it, first Bible. And as we talked about it, first Bible. And as we talked about it, we said this really needs to be on a we said this really needs to be on a we said this really needs to be on a Sunday morning before the church. And Sunday morning before the church. And Sunday morning before the church. And so, we we implemented that. We just took so, we we implemented that. We just took so, we we implemented that. We just took what she was already doing and put it on what she was already doing and put it on what she was already doing and put it on a Sunday morning. And it was so a Sunday morning. And it was so a Sunday morning. And it was so encouraging. Um so, you can look for encouraging. Um so, you can look for encouraging. Um so, you can look for those. Of course, there's lots you can those. Of course, there's lots you can those. Of course, there's lots you can do with high schoolers getting them do with high schoolers getting them do with high schoolers getting them serving and then, you know, serving and then, you know, serving and then, you know, commissioning them at at high school commissioning them at at high school commissioning them at at high school graduation. Um but I think that's a graduation. Um but I think that's a graduation. Um but I think that's a great way to team up and do some of what great way to team up and do some of what great way to team up and do some of what Cameron Yeah. was mentioning. And so, Cameron Yeah. was mentioning. And so, Cameron Yeah. was mentioning. And so, Cameron, your role at your church, you Cameron, your role at your church, you Cameron, your role at your church, you started out as a youth pastor, but you started out as a youth pastor, but you started out as a youth pastor, but you eventually moved into a family ministry eventually moved into a family ministry eventually moved into a family ministry role. role. role. Um Um Um what would you say like what would you say like what would you say like like we're talk you're even the talk like we're talk you're even the talk like we're talk you're even the talk today was not called youth ministry but today was not called youth ministry but today was not called youth ministry but next gen ministry.

next gen ministry. next gen ministry. Um, Um, Um, how do you go from how do you go from how do you go from a youth pastor to more of a a youth pastor to more of a a youth pastor to more of a uh, role that you're working together uh, role that you're working together uh, role that you're working together with your children's ministry pastor and with your children's ministry pastor and with your children's ministry pastor and you're not seeing the children's you're not seeing the children's you're not seeing the children's ministry pastor as a spawn of Satan? Yeah, I mean first off you had to had to Yeah, I mean first off you had to had to have the buy-in of the leadership of the have the buy-in of the leadership of the have the buy-in of the leadership of the church. And so and and that was a little church. And so and and that was a little church. And so and and that was a little easier cuz we kind of built credibility easier cuz we kind of built credibility easier cuz we kind of built credibility through our youth ministry in the years, through our youth ministry in the years, through our youth ministry in the years, you know, the years forward but um, but you know, the years forward but um, but you know, the years forward but um, but honestly it it it was just really honestly it it it was just really honestly it it it was just really effective. We you know, to have uh, you effective. We you know, to have uh, you effective. We you know, to have uh, you know, a plan in nursery and children and know, a plan in nursery and children and know, a plan in nursery and children and youth ministry. Just have a basic scope youth ministry. Just have a basic scope youth ministry. Just have a basic scope and sequence. And what we found was and sequence. And what we found was and sequence. And what we found was particularly getting together with particularly getting together with particularly getting together with parents early, being able to show them parents early, being able to show them parents early, being able to show them that we just got a lot more buy-in and that we just got a lot more buy-in and that we just got a lot more buy-in and participation participation participation from the parents because they said hey from the parents because they said hey from the parents because they said hey these people have their act together. these people have their act together. these people have their act together. And um, and they we started with this is And um, and they we started with this is And um, and they we started with this is we literally said this is our dream for we literally said this is our dream for we literally said this is our dream for your child. That they would have a your child. That they would have a your child. That they would have a joyful, purposeful, worshipful, moral, joyful, purposeful, worshipful, moral, joyful, purposeful, worshipful, moral, eternal life. That's our dream for your eternal life. That's our dream for your eternal life. That's our dream for your child. And so when a parent hears that child. And so when a parent hears that child. And so when a parent hears that they are crystal clear that you are in they are crystal clear that you are in they are crystal clear that you are in it for their child. And any parent who it for their child. And any parent who it for their child. And any parent who hears that is is going to be more prone hears that is is going to be more prone hears that is is going to be more prone to commit and to buy-in. Yeah. Um, yeah.

to commit and to buy-in. Yeah. Um, yeah. to commit and to buy-in. Yeah. Um, yeah. And so I just think that uh, And so I just think that uh, And so I just think that uh, the the notion to the leadership that the the notion to the leadership that the the notion to the leadership that children youth and family were all going children youth and family were all going children youth and family were all going to be integrated that nursery to 18 to be integrated that nursery to 18 to be integrated that nursery to 18 there was going to be a scope and there was going to be a scope and there was going to be a scope and sequence there was going to be a plan. I sequence there was going to be a plan. I sequence there was going to be a plan. I think that they could see that it would think that they could see that it would think that they could see that it would not only benefit the kids but it would not only benefit the kids but it would not only benefit the kids but it would very much benefit and engender the very much benefit and engender the very much benefit and engender the buy-in of parents. Yeah. buy-in of parents. Yeah. buy-in of parents. Yeah. But sometimes it is hard But sometimes it is hard But sometimes it is hard to convince the senior leadership. I to convince the senior leadership. I to convince the senior leadership. I mean, at Rooted we have a family mean, at Rooted we have a family mean, at Rooted we have a family ministry mentorship. I mentor some of ministry mentorship. I mentor some of ministry mentorship. I mentor some of these pastors and the first thing they these pastors and the first thing they these pastors and the first thing they do in the first 2 months is do in the first 2 months is do in the first 2 months is sell the vision sell the vision sell the vision of family ministry or integrated of family ministry or integrated of family ministry or integrated ministry at their church to their ministry at their church to their ministry at their church to their leadership. And they lot of them find it leadership. And they lot of them find it leadership. And they lot of them find it hard to sell it to their church. I mean, hard to sell it to their church. I mean, hard to sell it to their church. I mean, Chelsea, you were going to comment a Chelsea, you were going to comment a Chelsea, you were going to comment a little bit about kind of selling it to little bit about kind of selling it to little bit about kind of selling it to your senior leadership. Yeah, well, you your senior leadership. Yeah, well, you your senior leadership. Yeah, well, you know, it's not easy to lead from the know, it's not easy to lead from the know, it's not easy to lead from the second or third or fourth spot. And so, second or third or fourth spot. And so, second or third or fourth spot. And so, first we just want to say, if that's first we just want to say, if that's first we just want to say, if that's where you are, we see you. Many of us where you are, we see you. Many of us where you are, we see you. Many of us have been in that have been in that have been in that position and trying to be faithful and position and trying to be faithful and position and trying to be faithful and do what we can do to influence those in do what we can do to influence those in do what we can do to influence those in leadership. You know, and trying to be leadership. You know, and trying to be leadership. You know, and trying to be in step with their vision while also in step with their vision while also in step with their vision while also sharing what we see boots on the ground sharing what we see boots on the ground sharing what we see boots on the ground in our areas. So, just want to encourage in our areas. So, just want to encourage in our areas. So, just want to encourage you that you're not alone.

you that you're not alone. you that you're not alone. I think one thing that can be really I think one thing that can be really I think one thing that can be really helpful is to find the people of peace helpful is to find the people of peace helpful is to find the people of peace in your community. So, if there's a real in your community. So, if there's a real in your community. So, if there's a real like, you know, as mentioning about the like, you know, as mentioning about the like, you know, as mentioning about the Sunday school class, if there's a really Sunday school class, if there's a really Sunday school class, if there's a really seasoned couple that wants to equip seasoned couple that wants to equip seasoned couple that wants to equip parents. parents. parents. And you know, you don't do this in a And you know, you don't do this in a And you know, you don't do this in a manipulative or a triangulating way, but manipulative or a triangulating way, but manipulative or a triangulating way, but you seek them out and and try to you seek them out and and try to you seek them out and and try to build vision with them and try to get build vision with them and try to get build vision with them and try to get them involved. I think that can be them involved. I think that can be them involved. I think that can be really compelling when they're lay really compelling when they're lay really compelling when they're lay leaders who are bought in and are leaders who are bought in and are leaders who are bought in and are saying, "Yeah, we're doing the Sunday saying, "Yeah, we're doing the Sunday saying, "Yeah, we're doing the Sunday school class and it's so impactful and school class and it's so impactful and school class and it's so impactful and we want to see more of this and we want we want to see more of this and we want we want to see more of this and we want to partner better." So, that's one to partner better." So, that's one to partner better." So, that's one thought. Isaiah may thought. Isaiah may thought. Isaiah may Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yes, um Yes, um Yes, um You want to say Oh, well, you know, the You want to say Oh, well, you know, the You want to say Oh, well, you know, the role of family ministry is to really role of family ministry is to really role of family ministry is to really come alongside of parents to equip and come alongside of parents to equip and come alongside of parents to equip and empower parents to be the primary empower parents to be the primary empower parents to be the primary discipleship makers of their of their discipleship makers of their of their discipleship makers of their of their students students students to disciple them towards a lifelong to disciple them towards a lifelong to disciple them towards a lifelong faith in Jesus. And I think as Dr. Danny faith in Jesus. And I think as Dr. Danny faith in Jesus. And I think as Dr. Danny mentioned, is that we have to mentioned, is that we have to mentioned, is that we have to communicate the vision to our leadership communicate the vision to our leadership communicate the vision to our leadership cuz in my experience and it may be yours cuz in my experience and it may be yours cuz in my experience and it may be yours as well if you don't have the buy-in and as well if you don't have the buy-in and as well if you don't have the buy-in and the support of your senior pastor or the support of your senior pastor or the support of your senior pastor or your senior leader is going to be hard your senior leader is going to be hard your senior leader is going to be hard to make this shift towards this family to make this shift towards this family to make this shift towards this family ministry model. But communicating that ministry model. But communicating that ministry model. But communicating that vision that is about coming alongside of vision that is about coming alongside of vision that is about coming alongside of parents parents parents to equip and empower them to faithfully to equip and empower them to faithfully to equip and empower them to faithfully disciple their their students.

disciple their their students. disciple their their students. And I think And I think And I think Cameron did a good job of talking about Cameron did a good job of talking about Cameron did a good job of talking about trying to really work with parents too trying to really work with parents too trying to really work with parents too and it's not only trying to convince and it's not only trying to convince and it's not only trying to convince your senior leadership but trying to your senior leadership but trying to your senior leadership but trying to convince your parents and Anna can you convince your parents and Anna can you convince your parents and Anna can you talk a little bit about what parents talk a little bit about what parents talk a little bit about what parents might need from a good youth and family might need from a good youth and family might need from a good youth and family and children's pastor? and children's pastor? and children's pastor? Yeah, so Yeah, so Yeah, so the first thing I would say is I I want the first thing I would say is I I want the first thing I would say is I I want every youth pastor in here and every every youth pastor in here and every every youth pastor in here and every family pastor in here to understand that family pastor in here to understand that family pastor in here to understand that the work that you do matters the work that you do matters the work that you do matters tremendously and I know it can be tremendously and I know it can be tremendously and I know it can be discouraging and you often discouraging and you often discouraging and you often you may not see fruit while they're you may not see fruit while they're you may not see fruit while they're actually in their ministry you might see actually in their ministry you might see actually in their ministry you might see some and then they go some and then they go some and then they go they leave your ministry and they kind they leave your ministry and they kind they leave your ministry and they kind of seem to to disappear from from the of seem to to disappear from from the of seem to to disappear from from the faith and faith and faith and I've raised three sons as a single mom I've raised three sons as a single mom I've raised three sons as a single mom and the youth pastors and the lay and the youth pastors and the lay and the youth pastors and the lay leaders in my church made an enormous leaders in my church made an enormous leaders in my church made an enormous impact on the lives of my sons. So every impact on the lives of my sons. So every impact on the lives of my sons. So every baseball game that you go to every ice baseball game that you go to every ice baseball game that you go to every ice cream you eat every you know last piece cream you eat every you know last piece cream you eat every you know last piece of pizza that you get for your dinner on of pizza that you get for your dinner on of pizza that you get for your dinner on Sunday night Sunday night Sunday night the following their sports teams with the following their sports teams with the following their sports teams with them sitting through debate meets Uh, them sitting through debate meets Uh, them sitting through debate meets Uh, did or that is really love right there.

did or that is really love right there. did or that is really love right there. Um, people did all of that, not just the Um, people did all of that, not just the Um, people did all of that, not just the pastors, some of the lay leaders did it, pastors, some of the lay leaders did it, pastors, some of the lay leaders did it, too. They did that for my kids. And it too. They did that for my kids. And it too. They did that for my kids. And it has impacted them enormously. They have has impacted them enormously. They have has impacted them enormously. They have felt the love of Jesus through the felt the love of Jesus through the felt the love of Jesus through the people in our church. So, the first people in our church. So, the first people in our church. So, the first thing I would say is thing I would say is thing I would say is the work you do actually really does the work you do actually really does the work you do actually really does matter. Um, matter. Um, matter. Um, the next thing I would say is that uh the next thing I would say is that uh the next thing I would say is that uh parents are are so afraid and so parents are are so afraid and so parents are are so afraid and so overwhelmed and we saw the Surgeon overwhelmed and we saw the Surgeon overwhelmed and we saw the Surgeon General issue a warning about raising General issue a warning about raising General issue a warning about raising kids this year. I mean, that speaks kids this year. I mean, that speaks kids this year. I mean, that speaks volumes. Like, they volumes. Like, they volumes. Like, they they issue warnings about things like they issue warnings about things like they issue warnings about things like cigarettes and that just gives you an cigarettes and that just gives you an cigarettes and that just gives you an idea of how hard the job of parenting idea of how hard the job of parenting idea of how hard the job of parenting is. If you're not a parent, hopefully is. If you're not a parent, hopefully is. If you're not a parent, hopefully that that that helps you have some patience and some helps you have some patience and some helps you have some patience and some grace for parents who are flailing and grace for parents who are flailing and grace for parents who are flailing and do not maybe you see them doing things do not maybe you see them doing things do not maybe you see them doing things that you don't agree with or you think that you don't agree with or you think that you don't agree with or you think are foolish or unwise like travel are foolish or unwise like travel are foolish or unwise like travel sports, which my kids sports, which my kids sports, which my kids did do.

did do. did do. Um, and have some grace and some Um, and have some grace and some Um, and have some grace and some patience with them as they are patience with them as they are patience with them as they are navigating those waters because they're navigating those waters because they're navigating those waters because they're really searching for answers and you really searching for answers and you really searching for answers and you really can help them in that. And the really can help them in that. And the really can help them in that. And the third thing I would say is to the extent third thing I would say is to the extent third thing I would say is to the extent that you can advocate for that you can advocate for that you can advocate for continuity from that birth to 18 continuity from that birth to 18 continuity from that birth to 18 Bible teaching in your church, be an Bible teaching in your church, be an Bible teaching in your church, be an advocate for your children's pastor, advocate for your children's pastor, advocate for your children's pastor, your nursery workers, and your youth your nursery workers, and your youth your nursery workers, and your youth pastor to get that continuity so your pastor to get that continuity so your pastor to get that continuity so your kids are really getting the Bible at kids are really getting the Bible at kids are really getting the Bible at church. And be an advocate for training church. And be an advocate for training church. And be an advocate for training the parents and encouraging them to know the parents and encouraging them to know the parents and encouraging them to know that they really can disciple their that they really can disciple their that they really can disciple their children. It's not rocket science. They children. It's not rocket science. They children. It's not rocket science. They read the Bible, they pray with them and read the Bible, they pray with them and read the Bible, they pray with them and they rely on the grace of Jesus to help they rely on the grace of Jesus to help they rely on the grace of Jesus to help them raise their kids. them raise their kids. them raise their kids. And Isaiah, as a long-time youth pastor, And Isaiah, as a long-time youth pastor, And Isaiah, as a long-time youth pastor, what are some things that you did not what are some things that you did not what are some things that you did not only with your teenagers, but with your only with your teenagers, but with your only with your teenagers, but with your parents in your ministry?

parents in your ministry? parents in your ministry? Well, for me, I think it's important to Well, for me, I think it's important to Well, for me, I think it's important to to to really come alongside of parents to to really come alongside of parents to to really come alongside of parents in in in organizing, and I used to do it like organizing, and I used to do it like organizing, and I used to do it like once a quarter, where I would organize once a quarter, where I would organize once a quarter, where I would organize different gatherings for parents. One different gatherings for parents. One different gatherings for parents. One is, you know, I'm I'm in the trenches is, you know, I'm I'm in the trenches is, you know, I'm I'm in the trenches with the young people, and so the young with the young people, and so the young with the young people, and so the young people will communicate things that they people will communicate things that they people will communicate things that they have struggles with and have struggles with and have struggles with and they have struggles with talking to they have struggles with talking to they have struggles with talking to their parents about. their parents about. their parents about. And so oftentimes in these meetings, we And so oftentimes in these meetings, we And so oftentimes in these meetings, we will come alongside, I will come will come alongside, I will come will come alongside, I will come alongside, "Hey, parents, here's what alongside, "Hey, parents, here's what alongside, "Hey, parents, here's what I'm hearing from the young people." I'm hearing from the young people." I'm hearing from the young people." And that this is a chance for us to kind And that this is a chance for us to kind And that this is a chance for us to kind of come alongside of each other, of come alongside of each other, of come alongside of each other, partner, as we as we serve young people, partner, as we as we serve young people, partner, as we as we serve young people, and then help them facilitate and then help them facilitate and then help them facilitate conversations around the dinner tables conversations around the dinner tables conversations around the dinner tables with their with their children as well. with their with their children as well. with their with their children as well. And so my my hope was to to encourage And so my my hope was to to encourage And so my my hope was to to encourage and to help and to help and to help those dinner table talks for parents, those dinner table talks for parents, those dinner table talks for parents, between parents and their young people, between parents and their young people, between parents and their young people, to be a normal part of their of their to be a normal part of their of their to be a normal part of their of their routine in their families. And so that's routine in their families. And so that's routine in their families. And so that's that is one thing that that I would do.

that is one thing that that I would do. that is one thing that that I would do. And I would encourage you to do as well. And I would encourage you to do as well. And I would encourage you to do as well. I think I think one of the things you're I think I think one of the things you're I think I think one of the things you're saying there, Isaiah, is that and and saying there, Isaiah, is that and and saying there, Isaiah, is that and and something particularly if you're a young something particularly if you're a young something particularly if you're a young person, understand that you are most person, understand that you are most person, understand that you are most likely the expert in the whole likely the expert in the whole likely the expert in the whole congregation on the everyday lives of congregation on the everyday lives of congregation on the everyday lives of teenagers. teenagers. teenagers. Um and you are probably the person who's Um and you are probably the person who's Um and you are probably the person who's perhaps most equipped at communicating perhaps most equipped at communicating perhaps most equipped at communicating spiritual things to to young people. And spiritual things to to young people. And spiritual things to to young people. And those are assets, no matter what your those are assets, no matter what your those are assets, no matter what your life station is, that you can leverage life station is, that you can leverage life station is, that you can leverage to equip, to bless, to serve the parents to equip, to bless, to serve the parents to equip, to bless, to serve the parents in your congregation. in your congregation. in your congregation. So, Cameron, as uh So, Cameron, as uh So, Cameron, as uh you kind of spearheaded our workshop you kind of spearheaded our workshop you kind of spearheaded our workshop today, today, today, as we're all sitting here and we're as we're all sitting here and we're as we're all sitting here and we're talking about almost like a talking about almost like a talking about almost like a new paradigm for the way we're going to new paradigm for the way we're going to new paradigm for the way we're going to doing youth, family, and children's doing youth, family, and children's doing youth, family, and children's ministry, ministry, ministry, how much of it is a radical new way to how much of it is a radical new way to how much of it is a radical new way to do it? Some of us might be feeling do it? Some of us might be feeling do it? Some of us might be feeling overwhelmed. overwhelmed. overwhelmed. We're already struggling in our church We're already struggling in our church We're already struggling in our church ministry. ministry. ministry. Um Um Um how much of it is a step-by-step how much of it is a step-by-step how much of it is a step-by-step process, a matter of perseverance? Well, process, a matter of perseverance? Well, process, a matter of perseverance? Well, how do you see it?

how do you see it? how do you see it? Yeah, I mean, I think it's probably I Yeah, I mean, I think it's probably I Yeah, I mean, I think it's probably I think you're right, Annie. It's probably think you're right, Annie. It's probably think you're right, Annie. It's probably a process because you know, churches are a process because you know, churches are a process because you know, churches are by nature very status quo oriented by nature very status quo oriented by nature very status quo oriented organizations that resist change. organizations that resist change. organizations that resist change. And um but I here's what I would say is And um but I here's what I would say is And um but I here's what I would say is I think that one of the things that's I think that one of the things that's I think that one of the things that's most helpful is coming to the table as most helpful is coming to the table as most helpful is coming to the table as an educated, very educated on the the an educated, very educated on the the an educated, very educated on the the realities of the situation. If you look realities of the situation. If you look realities of the situation. If you look at Christian Smith's book, Handing Down at Christian Smith's book, Handing Down at Christian Smith's book, Handing Down the Faith, you can see that it's very the Faith, you can see that it's very the Faith, you can see that it's very clear that parents have more influence clear that parents have more influence clear that parents have more influence over their kids than any other source by over their kids than any other source by over their kids than any other source by far. Not the internet, not social media, far. Not the internet, not social media, far. Not the internet, not social media, not their peers, not even the church. not their peers, not even the church. not their peers, not even the church. Parents by far. So, it makes all the Parents by far. So, it makes all the Parents by far. So, it makes all the sense in the world based on research to sense in the world based on research to sense in the world based on research to be equipping and empowering and be equipping and empowering and be equipping and empowering and educating parents to spiritually invest educating parents to spiritually invest educating parents to spiritually invest in their kids. You know, and I think if in their kids. You know, and I think if in their kids. You know, and I think if you can point to academic research like you can point to academic research like you can point to academic research like that, that kind of helps your helps your that, that kind of helps your helps your that, that kind of helps your helps your cause and helps your case. cause and helps your case. cause and helps your case. Um and then you can also like the Um and then you can also like the Um and then you can also like the research we talked about today. You research we talked about today. You research we talked about today. You know, it makes sense to be really know, it makes sense to be really know, it makes sense to be really focusing a lot of attention on 0 to 12.

focusing a lot of attention on 0 to 12. focusing a lot of attention on 0 to 12. And so, I think, you know, I think if And so, I think, you know, I think if And so, I think, you know, I think if you come with half-baked plans, you you come with half-baked plans, you you come with half-baked plans, you know, into a status quo dynamic, it's know, into a status quo dynamic, it's know, into a status quo dynamic, it's probably not going to be very effective. probably not going to be very effective. probably not going to be very effective. But, you know, when you if you come as a But, you know, when you if you come as a But, you know, when you if you come as a person who's prepared and with a plan, person who's prepared and with a plan, person who's prepared and with a plan, that tends to tends to be more that tends to tends to be more that tends to tends to be more efficacious in terms of changing the efficacious in terms of changing the efficacious in terms of changing the paradigm. Yeah, but I I know a lot of us paradigm. Yeah, but I I know a lot of us paradigm. Yeah, but I I know a lot of us are talking about the Netflix show are talking about the Netflix show are talking about the Netflix show Adolescence. Adolescence. Adolescence. And uh I watched that. My boys are now And uh I watched that. My boys are now And uh I watched that. My boys are now in their early 20s, but I watched that in their early 20s, but I watched that in their early 20s, but I watched that and I said and I said and I said 13 is too late. 13 is too late. 13 is too late. You know, and uh you know, so this You know, and uh you know, so this You know, and uh you know, so this emphasis that Cameron you're making on 0 emphasis that Cameron you're making on 0 emphasis that Cameron you're making on 0 to 12 and youth ministry partnering with to 12 and youth ministry partnering with to 12 and youth ministry partnering with children's ministry and parents is such children's ministry and parents is such children's ministry and parents is such an important new way of thinking about an important new way of thinking about an important new way of thinking about youth and family and uh children's youth and family and uh children's youth and family and uh children's ministry. Well, Danny, you ministry. Well, Danny, you ministry. Well, Danny, you um followed this path just like Cameron um followed this path just like Cameron um followed this path just like Cameron did. We'd love to hear from you what did. We'd love to hear from you what did. We'd love to hear from you what were the most helpful things you did to were the most helpful things you did to were the most helpful things you did to support parents and to support kids and support parents and to support kids and support parents and to support kids and to move into family ministry. Yeah.

to move into family ministry. Yeah. to move into family ministry. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I was a youth pastor for Yeah, I mean, I was a youth pastor for Yeah, I mean, I was a youth pastor for 29 years at my church. I'm still here 29 years at my church. I'm still here 29 years at my church. I'm still here somehow. somehow. somehow. Uh Uh Uh and uh and uh and uh I think uh halfway through I said I think uh halfway through I said I think uh halfway through I said I'm going to go from a youth pastor to a I'm going to go from a youth pastor to a I'm going to go from a youth pastor to a youth and family pastor. youth and family pastor. youth and family pastor. And what was key in that and what And what was key in that and what And what was key in that and what Cameron and uh we're talking about on Cameron and uh we're talking about on Cameron and uh we're talking about on our workshop is really making that our workshop is really making that our workshop is really making that connection with parents and it's a both connection with parents and it's a both connection with parents and it's a both and. I still did the lock-ins somehow and. I still did the lock-ins somehow and. I still did the lock-ins somehow and uh retreats and fun things with the and uh retreats and fun things with the and uh retreats and fun things with the teenagers, teenagers, teenagers, but on Sundays I still I went out and but on Sundays I still I went out and but on Sundays I still I went out and was a pastoral uh presence with parents. was a pastoral uh presence with parents. was a pastoral uh presence with parents. I greeted them. I said, "Hey, I'm going I greeted them. I said, "Hey, I'm going I greeted them. I said, "Hey, I'm going to go have coffee with you." And when to go have coffee with you." And when to go have coffee with you." And when Cameron was talking about having a hard Cameron was talking about having a hard Cameron was talking about having a hard time meeting with kids, time meeting with kids, time meeting with kids, it was also a easy way to meet with it was also a easy way to meet with it was also a easy way to meet with parents. And so finding ways to connect parents. And so finding ways to connect parents. And so finding ways to connect and meet with parents, um we do and meet with parents, um we do and meet with parents, um we do discipleship for teenagers.

discipleship for teenagers. discipleship for teenagers. Well, we found ways to do discipleship Well, we found ways to do discipleship Well, we found ways to do discipleship for parents. We found ways to do for parents. We found ways to do for parents. We found ways to do workshops and seminars. And so, workshops and seminars. And so, workshops and seminars. And so, it does take a little bit more effort, it does take a little bit more effort, it does take a little bit more effort, but but but there really there really there really slowly but surely must be a way to slowly but surely must be a way to slowly but surely must be a way to resource resource resource and equip parents as part of and equip parents as part of and equip parents as part of the youth workers role. And I think the youth workers role. And I think the youth workers role. And I think that's really important. It's going to that's really important. It's going to that's really important. It's going to be hard. be hard. be hard. It's going to be a lot of work, but it It's going to be a lot of work, but it It's going to be a lot of work, but it is is is now as Cameron talked about, it's more now as Cameron talked about, it's more now as Cameron talked about, it's more important than ever. Yeah, and I don't important than ever. Yeah, and I don't important than ever. Yeah, and I don't want to sound like a salesman here, but want to sound like a salesman here, but want to sound like a salesman here, but that is why we started the the mentoring that is why we started the the mentoring that is why we started the the mentoring cohort for family ministry. It is built cohort for family ministry. It is built cohort for family ministry. It is built on how do you start up a family ministry on how do you start up a family ministry on how do you start up a family ministry at a church. at a church. at a church. Uh and and and even though we're not Uh and and and even though we're not Uh and and and even though we're not there in terms of this notion of of there in terms of this notion of of there in terms of this notion of of integrating children, youth, and family integrating children, youth, and family integrating children, youth, and family over the next 5 years, that's something over the next 5 years, that's something over the next 5 years, that's something rooted hopes to be increasingly helpful rooted hopes to be increasingly helpful rooted hopes to be increasingly helpful uh for churches with. Yeah.

uh for churches with. Yeah. uh for churches with. Yeah. And so, you know, we invite you to come And so, you know, we invite you to come And so, you know, we invite you to come talk to us at our booth. We know we only talk to us at our booth. We know we only talk to us at our booth. We know we only had 45 minutes today, but we really had 45 minutes today, but we really had 45 minutes today, but we really believe in this next gen ministry, the believe in this next gen ministry, the believe in this next gen ministry, the integration of youth, family, and integration of youth, family, and integration of youth, family, and children's ministry. And so, we hope children's ministry. And so, we hope children's ministry. And so, we hope that it was a great benefit to you. that it was a great benefit to you. that it was a great benefit to you. Please come to us, ask us questions, Please come to us, ask us questions, Please come to us, ask us questions, come talk to us at our booth, and we're come talk to us at our booth, and we're come talk to us at our booth, and we're going to close in a word of prayer. going to close in a word of prayer. going to close in a word of prayer. Let's pray together. Lord, Lord, as we think about effective as we think about effective as we think about effective gospel-centered next gen ministry gospel-centered next gen ministry gospel-centered next gen ministry in a post-everything world, in a post-everything world, in a post-everything world, we pray that your gospel may go forth, we pray that your gospel may go forth, we pray that your gospel may go forth, may be with our parents, may be with our may be with our parents, may be with our may be with our parents, may be with our uh children, our youth from 0 to 18, be uh children, our youth from 0 to 18, be uh children, our youth from 0 to 18, be with our church leadership. And Lord, with our church leadership. And Lord, with our church leadership. And Lord, help us to think about and endeavor in help us to think about and endeavor in help us to think about and endeavor in this new paradigm of ministry to young this new paradigm of ministry to young this new paradigm of ministry to young people and their parents.

people and their parents. people and their parents. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you for coming.