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What if we've been measuring youth ministry by the wrong scoreboard?

Attendance matters. Camp decisions matter. Great programming matters. But Jesus didn't commission us to create busy ministries—He commissioned us to make disciples.

Recorded live at SBC 2026, Zac Workun sits down with Dr. Jason Engle to explore one of the most important conversations every youth pastor needs to have: What does spiritual maturity actually look like?

Drawing from the Great Commission and Colossians 1:28, Jason argues that the true aim of youth ministry isn't simply activity, engagement, or even decisions—it's helping students become mature in Christ.

Together we unpack:

  • Why spiritual maturity should become the primary metric for youth ministry
  • How Paul's prayers reveal a biblical vision for discipleship
  • The difference between alignment and attunement in spiritual formation
  • Why students often open up more side-by-side than face-to-face
  • How teaching extends far beyond a sermon
  • Why fun and theological depth are never enemies
  • How to disciple teenagers in an age dominated by distraction
  • Practical ways to cultivate margin, abiding, and spiritual disciplines
  • Why students shouldn't graduate dependent on youth ministry—but equipped to pursue Jesus on their own

One of the most memorable moments comes when Jason shares the story of a student he believed wasn't listening, only to discover years later that God had been working beneath the surface all along.

If you've ever wondered whether your ministry is making a lasting difference, this conversation offers both biblical clarity and tremendous encouragement.

Key Scriptures

  • Matthew 28:18–20
  • Colossians 1:28–29
  • Ephesians 1:15–23
  • John 15
  • Hebrews 12:1–2

Memorable Quotes

"The goal isn't students who depend on the ministry. It's students who know how to pursue Christ when the ministry is gone."

"You can't microwave spiritual formation."

"Spiritual maturity isn't a destination—it's a trajectory."

"Students don't just need to hear about abiding. They need to practice abiding."


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