What’s at stake when we talk about discipling young people? According to Kara Powell, the answer is everything. In this episode, Jason Ballard is joined by Kara—Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and author of 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager—for a deeply insightful conversation on how the Church can respond to the challenges facing today’s youth.

Together, they explore:

The latest research on Gen Z’s spiritual formation and mental health
Why youth ministry must be a whole-church priority
How parents are the most influential disciplers—and how churches can support them
Practical steps for senior pastors to invest in holistic youth ministry
How Jesus uniquely answers young people’s deepest questions about identity, belonging, and purpose

Whether you’re a youth pastor, senior leader, or parent, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical insights to help you disciple the next generation with clarity and care.

Biography

Dr. Kara E. Powell is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and Chief of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. The mission of FYI is to equip diverse leaders and parents so faithful young people can change our world. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women to Watch”, Kara completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on Pastoral Role Expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA degree with Honors from Stanford University in 1991. In addition to her roles at Fuller Seminary, Kara serves as a Youth and Family Strategist for Orange, and volunteers in student ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. She is the author or co-author of 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager (releasing August 2021), Faith in an Anxious World, Growing With, 18 Plus, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, Sticky Faith Curriculum, Can I Ask That?, Deep Justice Journeys, Essential Leadership, Deep Justice in a Broken World, Deep Ministry in a Shallow World, and the Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum.

Partners

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Show Notes

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Paul Kingsnorth, "Alexandria" (Graywolf Press, 2020)