Rooted Conference

Rooted introduces a new podcast focused on youth ministry in an Asian American context. It features a rotating panel of youth ministers who will talk about issues affecting Asian American youth and anyone ministering to them, whether in the home or in the church. This episode is a sample of what you will hear. The first full episode is available now at RootedMinistry.com/Podcasts. Or subscribe to the Asian American Youth Ministry Roundtable wherever you listen to podcasts. Bios of PanelistsDorothy Lau Dorothy is the youth director at the Chinese Bible Church of Maryland (Rockville, MD) in the Washington D.C. metropolitan. She is passionate to serve the Lord through discipleship, musical worship, administration, and multimedia. Dorothy is a massive foodie, enjoys cooking for loved ones, and delights in trips to her home city of Chicago.Huey Lee Huey Lee has been serving the local church in the youth ministry context for over 15 years, and holds a Masters of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary. He currently serves as a Pastor of Youth Ministry at Christ Central Presbyterian Church in Centreville, VA. He is married to his beautiful wife, Alice, and they are parents to 4 sons: Matthew, Ethan, Christian, and Lucas. He loves reading, Korean food, a good cup of coffee, and the growing pains that come with learning to play golf.Justin WongJustin serves as the Pastor of Youth at Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He has worked with students, parents, and families for the past 23 years. He graduated from Houston Baptist University with a biology degree and later received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently finishing his Masters of Theology and Doctorate of Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married Tina and they have two girls, Ella and Mia.Terrence ShayTerrence serves as the Family Pastor at First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, located in Los Angeles County with the largest Asian population in the US. He has grown up in the immigrant church and believes unashamedly in its role to fulfill Jesus’ call to make disciples across all cultures and generations. He is gladly married to Regina and forever growing as a father of three children from middle school to college. He will go out of his way to cheer on LA sports (Lakers, Dodgers, UCLA Bruins) and to engage in a meaningful conversation. Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this panel from Rooted 2023, panelists Terrence Shay, Andrew King, Kerry Trunfio, Connor Coskery, and Cameron Cole talk about making the shift from youth ministry to family ministry. Their conversation includes a frank discussion of the roadblocks and insecurities they have faced, practical advice about how to partner with parents, and ways to get the whole church on board with the concept of family ministry.Panelist Bios:Terrence ShayAndrew KingKerry TrunfioConnor CoskeryCameron Cole Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this talk from Rooted 2023, licensed professional counselor Monica Kim addresses the impact of trauma on children. With a particular eye towards events like school shootings, Kim examines trauma through the biblical lens of Creation, Fall, Redemption, giving listeners a theological foundation for understanding this particular kind of suffering. Underscoring the importance (and complexity) of linking trauma and hope, Kim offers substantive practical help to adults walking alongside traumatized kids."We don't have to read to far in the Bible to see that that God's story of redemption for His people through Christ happens in the context of trauma." Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from Rooted 2023, speaker Sarah Zylstra shares her extensive research on the topic of teenagers and social media. Speaking as an accomplished journalist, a mother, and a Christian, Zylstra offers parents and youth pastors theological tools and practical guidance on how to think about social media with teenagers, especially the young women whose mental health has been so negatively affected by their online interactions. "Check their phones, their laptops... giving that to your child is not invasive, that is love."Resources:Check out the Rooted Parent podcast season: Parenting, Technology, and the Truth.How to Help Your Child Navigate Video Games with Sarah ZylstraSocial Media and Technology Parent ResourcesWe offer a family discipleship curriculum entitled "Navigating Technology: Girls and Social Media; Boys and Video Games" and one called "Pornography and Parenting."  Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this episode of the Rooted Conference podcast, Kendal Conner continues with a "part two" of one of our most popular talks from Rooted 2022 (see below). Kendal explains the why and the how of this particular discipleship tool. She shares why Bible storying works especially well for digital natives, and how it empowers students to think biblically and study God's Word on their own. "We must be intentional as ministers in the church... of spiritual hunger and personal intent."Resources:Bible Storying: Teaching the Scriptures to a Post-Christian Generation with Kendal Conner (podcast; the part one workshop). Bible Storying in a Post-Christian Generation (article)  Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this talk from Rooted 2023, youth pastor Vince Greenwald encourages youth pastors to make confession a regular part of their youth ministries. Rather than teaching students that youth group is a place to maintain a false image of perfection, Greenwald urges youth ministers to cultivate a culture of honesty. Amid safe and honest confession of sin, the gospel really begins to "get traction" in students' lives."It is far more dangerous for our churches to be places where students hide sin than where students confess sin."Resources:Matthew 11: 28-30John 4 1 John 1:5-2:1 "the door into Narnia" Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this conference workshop from Rooted 2023, Kelly Kapic encourages listeners to embrace the limits that come with being a human being.  "If you're ever going to experience the joy of being a human creature, the statement I am about to give has to go deep into your heart. And here it is: Finitude is not sin. Finitude is not sin."Resources:You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News by Kelly Kapic4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this helpful workshop for Rooted 2023, veteran youth worker Curtis Zachery shares a pastoral perspective for youth pastors who steward complex and ever-changing ministries. From his personal experience, Zachery helps youth pastors see their need for prioritizing their time with Jesus, learning to love him, and accepting the rest he offers us."You are more than what you produce. It's hard to believe that. Because the only way that you have learned to measure your consistent presence in your position is based on the outcomes. But God is looking at you and saying 'I'm already proud of you.'"Referenced:Psalm 63:1 Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

Here at Rooted we get a lot of questions from youth pastors and parents about how to help kids grow up. How do we learn to release our children to go with God, especially considering they aren't really "ours" to begin with? In this panel talk from Rooted 2023, you'll hear from David Brashler, Dawson Cooper, Terrence Shay, Syler Thomas, and Anna Meade Harris--parents who have kids ranging in age from 9-26 years old--about how to trust God with the children he has so graciously entrusted to us. "That time that we have with our kids in our home is short...and [our] kids are not [our own]."Resources:Luke 2:41-52Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Raising Teens by Paul David Tripp  Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this episode of the Rooted Conference podcast, Vanderbilt professor of history and religion Paul Lim speaks about how to engage teenagers in an era dominated by shifting philosophies. He says our kids are growing up in an "achievement society" determined to "discard negativity," and the impact of our devices reinforces these trends. "I need to actually worry less about the perception of the other and move and remind myself about the perfection of the Other, namely, God himself in Jesus Christ."Resources:The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han Power Failure by Albert BorgmannThe Social Dilemma documentary (also see our podcast) Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from Rooted 2023, 29-year veteran youth leader Danny Kwon shares both the why and the how of involving student leaders in youth ministries. Emphasizing the Rooted pillar of relational discipleship, Kwon outlines a process for developing a student leader team in your ministry. Kwon now serves as the Senior Director of Youth Ministry Content and Cross-Cultural Connections at Rooted."Student leadership is helping students to understand the gospel by serving alongside other student leaders and helping them develop maturity."Resources:Student Leadership Training Manual for Youth Workers by Dennis "Tiger" McLuenHelp! I'm a Student Leader: Practical Ideas and Guidance on Leadership by Doug FieldsA Youth Worker's Field Guide to Parents: Understanding Parents of Teenagers by Danny KwonMission Tripping: A Comprehensive Guide to Youth Ministry Missions by Danny Kwon Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from Rooted 2023, longtime youth and family pastor and Rooted founder, Cameron Cole, begins by debunking some myths about what family ministry means. He then moves into four key components of effective ministries to families in the church, with a special emphasis on how to work well with parents. Resources:Are My Kids on Track?: The 12 Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach by Sissy GoffRooted Reservoir Family DiscipleshipCPYUAxis MinistryGive Them Grace Elyse FitzpatrickAge of Opportunity by Paul David TrippJoin us at Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26! Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this talk from the 2023 Rooted Conference in Franklin, TN, longtime youth leader Mike McGarry encourages youth ministers to think deliberately about what a Christian is, and how to make disciples. Mike advocates for the longstanding church practice of a three- pronged approach to catechetical discipleship incorporating the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Mike is the founder and director of Youth Pastor Theologian."[Are we] enfolding students into the life of the church, not just deploying them into youth group.  Are we helping students to really embrace the church so that when they graduate, the roots of their faith are not planted in the youth ministry...?"Resources:See here for more resources from YPT.Join us in Dallas, Texas this October 24-26, for a Walk Through the Book of Daniel.Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today.   Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from the Rooted conference in 2023, Gospel-Centered Family founder and TGC editor Jared Kennedy explores God's good design for men and women. He describes how we can teach our children about gender so that they will understand and appreciate the bodies that God gave them."What we need to teach our students, and our kids (as parents), is that our bodies are gifts that help us to fulfill his creation mandate and his great commission."Referenced:Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15-25Purchase Anxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington today. Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from the 2023 Rooted conference in Franklin, TN, Syler Thomas shares nine principles that he uses to prepare the parents of the youth in his church for the changes that come with middle and high school. Considering Syler's experience as a youth pastor for over 25 years and raising his own four children to adulthood, you won't want to miss his wit and wisdom!"The biggest obstacle to youth group involvement in high school is a lack of relationships."Resources:Common Sense MediaSticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith In Your Kids by Kara Powell and Chap Clark Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from the 2023 Rooted Conference, CJ Moore gives a theological framework for short-term missions, an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of short-terms missions, and highly practical considerations for planning a trip. C.J. Moore serves as an Associate Pastor at Grace Bible Church in Oxford, MS and as an Adjunct Professor of Missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has more than a decade of ministry-related experience, including several years in campus- and church-based student ministry, as well as time as a mid-term missionary in East Asia and then as a stateside mobilizer for the International Mission Board. Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from Rooted 2023, Clark Fobes provides a foundation for teaching the Sermon on the Mount. After preaching through this text in his church, Fobes wrote Rooted's Sermon on the Mount curriculum. This workshop is a great place for anyone who plans to study this passage with their students or children."That's essentially how I try to approach the sermon on the Mount, by asking the question: What is Jesus revealing here, both about God's Kingdom and his covenant for his people?"Resources:Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas Texas, October 24-26!See our Sermon on the Mount Resources. Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this talk from Rooted 2023, Chattanooga family pastor Andy Cornett talks about how youth pastors can partner with parents and draw people of multiple generations to work with the teenagers in the church. These volunteers are crucial for the development of a fruitful youth community, where the gospel forms faith in young people.Andy Cornett is Associate Pastor of Families at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church at Chattanooga, TN and father of three children."Every kid is an at-risk kid. Every kid is one personal or parental decision away from being at-risk and having the whole course of their life upended.... In a society where kids or teens are being abandoned left and right by people, the church has to be the one place where there should be quality adult leaders who stand in the gap without agenda, without pretense, and open their lives to children and students." Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this workshop from Rooted 2023 in Franklin, TN, TGC journalist Sarah Zylstra shares wisdom about video games gathered from Scripture, her research, and her experience as a mother of teenage boys. This thought-provoking workshop will help parents think about their sons' gaming from a biblical perspective. Resources:How to Help Your Child Faithfully Navigate Video Games (Rooted 2023 Workshop Preview) by Sarah Eekhoff ZylstraGaming Alone: Helping the Generation of Young Men Captivated and Isolated by Video Games by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, TGCAnxiety: Finding the Better Story by Liz Edrington  Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26. 

In this highly practical, helpful workshop from Rooted 2023 in Franklin, TN, RUF pastor and Indelible Grace leader Kevin Twit shares from his experience a veteran college minister and parent of three adult kids. Helping teenagers to rely on adults before they go to college, teaching them the principles of common grace and general revelation."If you think you understand youth from two years ago, you don't understand youth."Resources: Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers by Chap ClarkSurviving Religion 101by Michael KrugerYou Are Not Your Own Alan Noble Follow us @rootedministry on Instagram.Join us for Rooted 2024 in Dallas, October 24-26.