Podcast thumbnail for Youth Pastor Theologian

Youth Pastor Theologian

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by Youth Pastor Theologian

5.0(35 reviews)
145 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
52

Podcast Authority

Beta
FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality54
Social91
YouTube0
Engagement77

Podcast Overview

Youth Pastor Theologian believes that youth ministry is theological ministry. That’s why each episode features a conversation at the intersection of youth ministry and theological reflection. We want to help youth workers make disciples who endure and offer practical advice about what that type of ministry looks like. Cohosted by Mike McGarry and John Gardner, each episode is filled with decades of youth ministry experience and plenty of laugher. Visit youthpastortheologian.com to learn more about YPT and how to bring Mike and John to your church.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

4/19/2022

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52

Podcast Authority

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FairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Pod Engine
Quality54
Social91
YouTube0
Engagement77
6
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12
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excellent
Episode Length
45 minutes
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good
Publishing Consistency
Every 11 days

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for 143: Ongoing Discipleship & Curriculum Preview

June 2, 2026

143: Ongoing Discipleship & Curriculum Preview

In this final episode of the podcasting season, Mike and John welcome Andrew Slay. Together, they wrote the three series composing the YPT Curriculum's new "Ongoing Discipleship" curriculum. This conversation is more than a salespitch for the curriculum... it's an explanation about why we believe these series are worthwhile for disciple-making in youth ministry.  The Ongoing Discipleship Curriculum will be available on June 15th at youthpastortheologian.com/curriculum. Below are some descriptions of each series (which can be purchased individually, though we give a discount for those who buy the whole plan).  Christian Doctrine (Head): The Attributes of God, by Mike McGarry This series introduces your students to the communicable (what we have in common with God) and incommunicable (what is unique to God alone) attributes of God, not because we want to make them theology nerds, but because we want them to know who God is and what he is like. This is our God who saves… let’s introduce our youth to him! Christian Spirituality (Heart): Building on the Bible, by John Gardner with Mike McGarryThis series invites youth to think about “What is the Bible?” and to be confident in its trustworthiness before guiding them basic Bible study methods. Those methods will then be applied to the different genres of Scripture, because you should read poetry and historic narrative and prophecy differently. Instead of simply telling them “Read your Bible!”, let’s show them how to do that. Christian Living (Hands): Growing in Godliness, by Andrew Slay with Mike McGarryThis series calls students to “be holy as your Father in heaven is holy” through three mini-series. The first four lessons highlight what it means to be created in God’s image as the Bible’s framework for what it means to reflect God’s holiness and glory in the world. The next four lessons address the Bible’s teaching about sexual holiness (marriage, sexual sin, homosexuality, transgenderism). The final four lessons encourage students towards godly relationships with friends, family, enemies, and to live as peacemakers. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.

Episode thumbnail for 142: Raising Gen Alpha, with Dave Boden

May 19, 2026

142: Raising Gen Alpha, with Dave Boden

In this episode, Mike and John talk with Dave Boden, author of Raising Gen Alpha: Helping Kids Navigate Everything from Anxiety to AI (New Growth Press, 2026). Dave explains the five core attributes of Gen Alpha with the acronym A.L.P.H.A Anxious Minded  a Leading Influence Pandemic Impacted Hyperconnected AI Shaped Go order and read his book this summer... even better, form a reading group with a few parents and volunteers and discuss it every-other week in order to discern how your church can disciple them well. (Affiliate link above, brings a small financial benefit to YPT).  Dave Boden leads the Grace Foundation, is a former pastor, and co-creator of the Kleer Series. Dave and his wife Leah and their four children live in the West Midlands, England. He’s written a few books but today we’ll be talking about his latest, Raising Gen Alpha.  Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter. John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.

Episode thumbnail for 141: When You've Experienced Church Hurt and Church Abuse

May 12, 2026

141: When You've Experienced Church Hurt and Church Abuse

In this episode, Mike and John share a glimpse into their own experiences with "church hurt" and "church abuse" and reflect on what they've learned the hard way. There's no "one size fits all" approach to these things, but it's disappointing how many youth pastors have been on the receiving end of church hurt and gaslighting.  If you have been through a painful situation, we strongly recommend you to find someone local to talk with... a counselor, mentor, friend... someone who will listen, and someone who will speak the truth in love to you. You don't need someone who will simply get angry with you, but someone who will love you enough to weep with you but will also help you see where you may need correction or repentance to break the cycle.  Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is now available: Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter. John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram. Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.

145 total episodes available

Deep-dive analytics for Youth Pastor Theologian

Frequently asked questions

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What is Youth Pastor Theologian?

Youth Pastor Theologian believes that youth ministry is theological ministry. That’s why each episode features a conversation at the intersection of youth ministry and theological reflection. We want to help youth workers make disciples who endure and offer practical advice about what that type of ministry looks like.

Cohosted by Mike McGarry and John Gardner, each episode is filled with decades of youth ministry experience and plenty of laugher. Visit youthpastortheologian.com to learn more about YPT and how to bring Mike and John to your church.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates bi-weekly.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.

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