Dr. Stephen Vandegriff
CHMN 301- B01
(Foundations of NextGen Ministry)
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A AJOURNAL RTICLE SUMMARY SSIGNMENT
Biblical Response/Admonition
God created us to live in a community with one another and to fellowship together. Shane
declared that engaging in a community with one another that community is part of their “ideal
2
Article #1 Summary
The article “3 Foundational Principles for Next-Gen Ministry” focus on individuals born
between 1997–2012. What’s quickly becoming clear is that they are very different from older
generations. Highlights the areas of the next generation (Gen Z). Shane discussed three
foundational ideas to jump-start your approach to influencing Gen Z. Firstly, we should develop
a strategy that outlasts your ministry personality, personality can’t be our knockout punch
anymore. He moves on to the next step by saying one should build a system that attracts adult
leaders that are worth following. Set high bar leaders, they will rise to the level of the bar you
set. Develop them spiritually, many Gen Z is not adequately developed spiritually. Help them
(Gen Z) build their own faith, but we also know that we cannot do this alone. We need incredible
adult small-group leaders that kids and students can trust. The last area he identifies is that of the
perception of parents. Shane mentioned that Sixty-eight percent of youth pastors say their biggest
struggle is parents who don’t prioritize their teen’s spiritual growth. Many parents do not pay
attention to the spiritual growth of their children. Involving parents will bring a great result.1
1 Sanchez, Shane. "3 Foundational Principles For Next-Gen Ministry". Outreachmagazine.Com,
https://outreachmagazine.com/features/leadership/60479-3- foundational-principles-for-next-gen-
ministry.html. Accessed March 3rd, 2023.
Article #2 Summary
The article “Three Ways to Change Your Parenting in the Teenage Years.”
The author focuses on how teenagers can be hard to parent because many teenagers tend to be
either terribly disorganized, requiring constant nagging, or tightly wound, perfectionistic, and in
need of constant therapy. There’s also all that new neuroscience showing, unfortunately, that the
brain regions that help humans make wise choices don’t mature until kids are in their mid-20s,
and that many potentially life-threatening risks become more appealing during adolescence while
the normal fear of danger is temporarily suppressed. Christine mentioned, knowing these things
can make it hard for us parents to relax. the good news is that parenting teenagers are in many
ways a hell of a lot easier than raising little kids. For this to be the case, however, our parenting
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church.”).” Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one
another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
(Colossians 3:12-13). The key is to build together with the strategies. We truly are better together
in our faith together.
Ministry Application
Shane mentioned that “we should be inspiring but we should also be focused on playing the long
game of building a sustainable ministry. The ministry application I chose in this article is to have
a ministry mindset that’s helping kids and teenagers own their faith, far beyond my
expectations.”
Ministry Application
The ministry application that comes to me in this article is that I should apply passion to my
parenting and leadership style. They need to see my passion and they need to have the freedom
Biblical Response/Admonition
Even though this is a crucial time or season for the teens’ parents but if we truly ask/seek the face
of God regarding how to raise them, He created this child, and he will show us how to parent
them well. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your
heart. They may not understand or accept you now but they will understand later.
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needs to shift.2 She wrote the three big shifts that parents of teenagers need to make to survive
their kids’ adolescence. First, give up your role as their chief of staff and become more like a life
coach, ask questions, and provide emotional support. Secondly, influence them differently, when
it’s time to bring up the topic you want to influence your teen about, speak as you would to
someone with the highest possible social status—someone you really, really respect. Lastly,
avoid having a hard conversation, instead of thinking about having a “big talk,” broach a difficult
topic in short observations and simple questions. Let teens lead; our real value comes when we
listen rather than instruct. Even when we have a lot to say, it’s more important to give them a
chance to speak and to work out what they are thinking in a low-risk environment.3
2 Christine Carter https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three ways to change your parenting in the
teenage years. Accessed by March 4th, 2023.
3 Ibid
Biblical Response/Admonition
to discover their own. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 10)
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Article #3 Summary
The article “Are Kids Growing up too Fast?
Jody talks about “her five-year-old daughter who came home from school and not only repeated
an expletive that cannot be printed in this magazine but also demonstrated the finger gesture that
accompanies it. Her hands were so small that she had to hold down four fingers with her other
hand. Days later, my seven-year-old son reported, without much exaggeration, that most of his
friends had seen an R-rated movie that my husband and I had thought twice about seeing
ourselves because of its explicit violence.4 Making rules and setting limits within your own home
can be difficult. But even if you do manage to achieve a certain degree of consistency, it may not
count for much if other parents in your community have a more casual and permissive attitude
toward child-rearing. One father of two preteenagers laments the fact that his children see
virtually every R-rated movie they want--on videos at their friends' houses.” Kids growing up too
fast can affect mental health, and social life, willing to explore more about sex, and prioritizes
friendships more than family. Leaders and parents need to teach them how to slow down and
enjoy their age.5
4 Gaylin, Jody. “Are Kids Growing up too Fast?” Parents; Des Moines Vol. 67, Iss. 3, (Mar 1992): 86.
Accessed March 4th, 2023.
5 Ibid
Ministry Application
The ministry application that comes to mind with this article is that we should decide to be
intentional parents and leaders, to train them in the way of God, and when they grow up, they
will not depart. Proverbs 22:6. Teaching is highly important.
This is a tough time navigating as a leader and parent, but there is hope for the parents. When
kids grow too fast, it can affect so many things. Set limits on technology usage. Parents can
absolutely be in control of this by using parental control apps and wi-fi password access. The
Bible says, in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV, “and these words that I command you today shall be on
your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit
in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”6
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Article #4 Summary
In the article “Essential Skills for Ministry Leadership” Jim Murphy focuses on many skills that
ministry leaders need to develop. Among them are skills like teaching & preaching, leading
meetings, planning events, caring for people, responding to crises, and so on. However, there are
some fewer fashionable skills that are just as essential and are just hard dirty work. There are five
in particular that has been on my mind, lately. These are managing checklists, managing
calendars, using time well, communicating well, and building teams. All this must be adequately
6 The Holy Bible ESV
Biblical Response/ Admonition
Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians (4:11-12) “Christ himself gave … pastors and
teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”
The mission is to equip, empower, and influence others to fulfill the calling that God is leading
them to.
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done in other to communicate well with families and build a lasting great team with the church
family.7 Every leader needs these skills to be successful in their ministry and more important
than any of those things is that we lead in brokenness, full of His Spirit. Speak into the life of
people, care for them, coach them, and help them to succeed in life.
Article #5 Summary
In the article, Raising Teens to Live with Technology Responsibly. Shipp explained “today, now
over 90% of teenagers are online. When it comes to social media, 50% of all teenagers log on at
least once a day, with 22% logging on more than 10 times a day. We, like our parents and their
Ministry Application
The ministry that I chose in this article is that though ministry may be overwhelming in the midst
of chaos and crisis I must still show love and care to others. As a leader, I should find a way to
communicate and help my team and bring laughter into chaos.
7 Murphy, Jim. "Essential Skills For Ministry Leadership". Nextgen & Family Ministry, Last modified
2016. https://thenextgenblog.com/2016/12/09/essential-skills-for-ministryleadership/.
Ministry Application
The ministry application that arises from this article is in 1 Peter 5:8 “be sober-minded; be
watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Satan hates young people who are conscientious, responsible, and compassionate just as much as
he hates teens who are bullies, refuse to accept responsibility, and remains on probation after
breaking the law. Teach them to trust in God and not technology.
Biblical Response/Admonition
This biblical response to this article is that this challenges me to surrender my will, my wants,
my theories, and my priorities to God every day. “To the weak, I became weak, that I might win
the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means, I might save some” (1 Cor.
9:22). The Bible did not go against the technology as this can be used to reach out to soul all over
the world but parents must set a limit.
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parents before them, are worried about the effect that technology is having on the development
of our kids. The author discussed the five rules for teaching teens to live with technology
responsibly. The 5 rules are: Set Screen Time Limits, inspect what you expect, give their devices
a bedtime, give freedom within limits, and when needed pause the internet. The author said, to
learn to leverage technology to TEACH your kid boundaries, self-governance, and how to
appropriately utilize something without abusing it — THAT is a skill that will serve them their
entire life.8
8 J. Shipp, "Raising Teens to Live with Technology Responsibly [Opinion]," in IEEE Technology and
Society Magazine, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 42-43, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1109/MTS.2017.2763451. Accessed March 4th, 2023.
Biblical Response/Admonition
The biblical response to this is that God created us to fellowship and communicate with one
another and with him. Listen to the Spirit of God in you and pray for them always. Carry each
other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.
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Article #6 Summary
This is an article “Parent-child communication about adolescent tobacco and alcohol use: What
do parents say and does it affect youth behavior?” by Susan Ernett. The author declared, parent-
child communication about tobacco & alcohol use is assumed to be critical to child use of these
substances, but it rarely has been systematically described & related to adolescent use. This study
included a national sample of 537 adolescent-parent pairs interviewed by telephone at baseline &
again 1 year later. Factor analysis of parent reports of communication identified 3 domains: rules
& discipline, consequences & circumstances, & media influences. Communication in these
domains varied by family characteristics, including parents' substance use & mother's education
level. Contrary to assumptions, parent-child communication was not related to the initiation of
smoking or drinking. Article analyses suggested, however, that parent-child communication
about rules & discipline predicted escalation of use. Because of pressure from friends, drugs can
be incredibly tempting and continue to be big issues around the world.9
9 Ennett, S. T., Bauman, K. E., Foshee, V. A., Pemberton, M., & Hicks, K. A. (2001). Parent-child
communication about adolescent tobacco and alcohol use: What do parents say and does it affect youth
behavior? Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(1), 48-62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2001.00048.x.
Accessed March 4th, 2023
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Article #7 Summary
The article “6 Needed Shifts for Reaching the Next Generation” was written by G’Joe Joseph.
The author mentioned six shifts we believe are critical to meaningfully engaging the next
generation.10 The first one is to move from the assumption that your audience is biblically
literate. The shifts are not only for the pastorate but for all believers seeking a meaningful
relationship. Secondly, move to a developmental approach to ministry, to develop them as the
evangelists of coming generations. then thirdly, move to a dialogue-oriented form of
discipleship, disciple and prepare them to give an eloquent speech to others in a simple way,
prepared to give a defense for the hope within us (1 Pet. 3:15). The fourth one is to move from
apologetics to hospitality by establishing a safe and secure space for gospel conversations., and
the fifth one is to move to emphasize shame before guilt don’t deny guilt and must teach it as
Scripture does, but try shifting the emphasis to shame as an entry point.11 Teaching on guilt may
need to come later. and lastly, moving to winsome boldness for the sake of evangelism, Paul,
Ministry Application
Ministry application is that I need a community of people who understands the struggles we face
day in and day out. God wants us to carry each other’s burdens and support one another through
life’s ups and downs. All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are
lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12ESV.
10 G"Joe Joseph, "6 Needed Shifts For Reaching The Next Generation", The Gospel Coalition, Last
modified 2019, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/6-shifts-reaching-nextgeneration.
11 G"Joe Joseph, "6 Needed Shifts For Reaching The Next Generation", The Gospel Coalition, Last
modified 2019, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/6-shifts-reaching-nextgeneration.
Article #8 Summary
Ministry Application
The ministry admonition/response for this is to apply the various shifts in other to do the work of
evangelists according to 2 Timothy 4:5. True ministry goes beyond the walls of a building.
Therefore, let us model his strategy in our churches and ministries and train the next generation
in the ministry Jesus model for us.
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amid far greater opposition, sought to stir the hearts of next-generation church leaders to witness
courageously. Paul, amid far greater opposition, sought to stir the hearts of next-generation
church leaders to witness courageously through evangelism.
Biblical Response/Admonition
The biblical response here is to follow the example of Paul, Apostle Paul teaches us that he had
become all things to all men, that he might in some way save some. As believers, we must follow
the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Preach
the word in & out of the season to stir the hearts of the next generation.
Article #9 Summary
Biblical Response
The biblical response that comes from this article is that to take Jesus’ message seriously with
teenagers, we must take a moment to get into a spot where we won’t be distracted. Matthew 6:33
says “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added
to you. Teach teenagers what it means to be a kingdom disciple in Christ.
Ministry Application
The application of this article to me is that we as a leader must stand to align ourselves under
Him as His disciples, only then will our teenagers fully take the message of Jesus seriously. The
mandate is “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19).
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This article deeply talks about “Taking Jesus’ Message Seriously with Teenagers”
Kerry mentioned that “the youth workers have been given a holy task, to speak the truth found
in God’s Word to students. The article challenges us to think about how we share the message of
Jesus with students and writes about four ways we may be cheapening the message when
teaching. “God is not simply saving individuals,” Hertweck writes, “God is forming a people.
Likewise, God is not only rescuing men, women, and children; He is at work restoring and
renewing all of creation.”12
12Kerry Trunfio, "Taking Jesus’ Message Seriously with Teenagers", Rooted Ministry, Last modified
February 2017, https://www.rootedministry.com/blog/new-toyouth-ministrydiscipleship/?
gclid=Cj0KCQiAnKeCBhDPARIsAFDTLTJYOffmAz7Jhbj7q2xfEmFIy
Ministry Application
The ministry application from this article is Romans 12: 1-2 which says, “I appeal to you
therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
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This article, “New Study of Teenagers and Pornography: Three Things Youth Ministers Need to
Know" discussed what youth leaders need to know and what we can do about it. Teenagers from
Christian homes are falling victim to pornography on a regular basis. 64% of Christian men and
15% of Christian women report seeing pornography daily. Chelsea wrote “As ministers of the
gospel, we rightly feel troubled that the teenagers we serve are finding their way to porn at
younger ages than our parents and grandparents ever could have dreamed. With the advent of the
iPhone and similar devices, and our increasingly “always-on-everywhere” lifestyles, as Andy
Crouch has put it, there can be no mistake the kids we love and serve are at risk.13 Know that
teenagers are being exposed to pornography earlier and what you can do is provide parents with
needed resources. Talk to our children about sex, and teach them Bible’s sexual ethic. Talk about
pornography at youth group.
Biblical Response
The biblical response that comes from this article is that hope and assistance are available for
Christian teenagers battling an addiction to internet porn. Teach teenagers to spend more time in
God’s Word and desires to pray more. “To him who, because of the power that operates inside us,
can do far more than anything we could ask or conceive.” (Ephesians 3:20).
13Chelsea Kingston Erickson, “New Study of Teenagers and Pornography: Three Things Youth Ministers
Need to Know", Rooted Ministry, Last modified 2020, https://www.rootedministry.com/blog/new-toyouth ministry
discipleship/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnKeCBh
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acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of
God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Youth leaders and parents must teach their teens
about pornography and how to overcome it.
Article #10 Summary
The article “4 Strategies to Engage Hard-to-Reach Students in Youth Ministry” this article is
written by Josh Hussung of Lifeway research, who addressed the issue in his article that there are
many unnoticed people in the church, especially the students/youth by saying “effective student
ministries will create an environment where this need is fulfilled. Why? Because the gospel will
have a better hearing in the hearts and minds of students who know there are people in the local
church who know, love and accept them. He mentioned 4 ways to engage students in youth
ministry, the first one is to set up a welcome group department to welcome and follow up on
them. Secondly, mobilize your small group so as to not lose count of one another at least 15 in
each group, and feel valued and accepted by other students. Thirdly, leverage the content of your
gathering. In your teaching, make it a regular occurrence for students to turn to the person next to
them and ask them a question or share a piece of information about themselves. And lastly,
paying close attention to attendance can help us know when someone is at risk of “falling
through the cracks.” This will make them feel valued and appreciated and can be done through
software, or in written paper form.14
14 Josh Hussung, "4 Strategies To Engage Hard-To-Reach Students In Youth Ministry - Lifeway Research",
Lifeway Research, Last modified 2019, https://lifewayresearch.com/2019/11/04/4-strategies-to-engage-hard-to-
reach-students-inyouth-ministry. Accessed March 5th, 2023.
Bibliography
Chelsea Kingston Erickson, “New Study of Teenagers and Pornography: Three Things Youth
Ministers Need to Know", Rooted Ministry, Last modified 2020,
15
Biblical Response
The biblical response to this article is to engage those who are lost in the crowd to feel belong by
setting up a perfect relationship with student ministry and making disciples of all nations. The
good Shepherd delights to deliver and care for the flocks. Jesus on the other hand lays His life
down for the sheep.
Ministry Application
The ministry application here I can relate this to is in Luke 15:1-2 explain to us why Jesus told
these stories about lostness. We are to engage students and make them feel loved until they are
established in His vineyard. Though we have to do with prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit
not to be confrontational, we know from other verses that Jesus happily ‘hung out’ with
notorious sinners like traitorous tax collectors for the Roman occupiers and scandalous
prostitutes. He didn’t always keep polite company. Youth leaders should do the same so that no
one slides away from the youth department.
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https://www.rootedministry.com/blog/new-toyouth ministry discipleship/?
gclid=Cj0KCQiAnKeCBh
Christine Carter https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three ways to change your
parenting in the teenage years. Accessed by March 4th, 2023.
Ennett, S. T., Bauman, K. E., Foshee, V. A., Pemberton, M., & Hicks, K. A. (2001). Parent-child
communication about adolescent tobacco and alcohol use: What do parents say and does it affect
youth behavior? Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(1), 48-62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-
3737.2001.00048.x. Accessed March 4th, 2023
Gaylin, Jody. “Are Kids Growing up too Fast?” Parents; Des Moines Vol. 67, Iss. 3, (Mar
1992): 86. Accessed March 4th, 2023.
G"Joe Joseph, "6 Needed Shifts For Reaching The Next Generation", The Gospel Coalition, Last
modified 2019, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/6-shifts-reaching-nextgeneration.
J. Shipp, "Raising Teens to Live with Technology Responsibly [Opinion]," in IEEE Technology
and Society Magazine, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 42-43, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1109/MTS.2017.2763451.
Accessed March 4th, 2023.
Josh Hussung, "4 Strategies To Engage Hard-To-Reach Students In Youth Ministry - Lifeway
Research", Lifeway Research, Last modified 2019, https://lifewayresearch.com/2019/11/04/4-
strategies-to-engage-hard-to-reach-students-inyouth-ministry. Accessed March 5th, 2023.
Kerry Trunfio, "Taking Jesus’ Message Seriously with Teenagers", Rooted Ministry, Last
modified February 2017, https://www.rootedministry.com/blog/new-toyouth-
ministrydiscipleship/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnKeCBhDPARIsAFDTLTJYOffmAz7Jhbj7q2xfEmFIy
Murphy, Jim. "Essential Skills For Ministry Leadership". Nextgen & Family Ministry, Last
modified 2016. https://thenextgenblog.com/2016/12/09/essential-skills-for-ministryleadership/.
