Like any country, sometimes we are blessed with God-fearing leaders, and sometimes we are not. Sometimes our land experiences prosperity and peace, sometimes war and disaster. Sometimes churches build and grow; sometimes they struggle and close their doors. It can be difficult to find ways to explain current events to young people, especially if we struggle to understand why things happen the way they do ourselves.

Healthy youth ministry extends past the congregation and into teens’ homes. When we considered what young people need, Scripture, research, and youth leaders all pointed to parents as paramount. Parents are gifted with the role of primary instructor and example for their children in the Christian faith. In healthy youth ministry, engaged parents are seen as partners. Youth leaders communicate, support, and train parents as together they look to help young people be disciples for life.

If your experience is anything like mine, you look around the world today and see a culture increasingly hostile to Christianity. Something as simple as a trip to the local library with the kids has shifted in recent years from a pleasant morning out in the community to an aggressive confrontation with anti-Christian ideology.

As part of the Body of Christ, we experience both joy and challenges: God calls us to be united in Him, yet unique in our individuality. Within the church, we engage with people in all seasons of life, from newborns to young adults in their twenties, to those long past retirement. Although we all have the same need for salvation through faith in Jesus, each age group comes with different contexts and experiences. Read on to discover the top three materials to reach out intentionally to young adults in your congregation.  

“You have formed us for Yourself, oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” —St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, 1.1, paraphrased 

If you enter a room of pastors, theologians, or historians and ask, “Apart from Jesus Christ and the apostles, who is the most important figure in church history?” you will likely be met with blank stares as your audience grapples with the difficulty of answering such a question. But if they decide to play along, Augustine’s name is one of the first you will hear.

Recently, I had the opportunity to share about the books I write at a homeschool convention. I remember one mom looked over the flier about Journey through Church History and said thoughtfully, “I don’t know if it ever occurred to me to teach my kids about church history, but I think that’s a great idea.”

This blog is a continuation of the series on teaching the differences between Christianity and other major world religions. This blog addresses New Age beliefs.

The world is full of worldviews. Christians have always faced lies about Jesus and His ministry, and Christians witness best when they are well prepared. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are reminded to “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Prepared with a Reason Apologetics Curriculum guides high schoolers, young adults, and adults to investigate seven worldview topics, assess common false assumptions about Christianity and God’s Word, and learn how to respond “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Mental health awareness has increased significantly over the last decade, especially for our youth. When it comes to addressing these important topics and conversations, there are a lot of resources to choose from. How do you find a mental health curriculum that builds up healthy habits while keeping Christ at the center? Our new Resilient Minds: Christ-Centered Mental Health Curriculum for 5th–8th grade makes answering this question a no-brainer!