Lead Them to Jesus

Do you feel overwhelmed with the logistics of starting or sustaining a youth ministry? What about the tricky theological questions that keep you and your fellow youth workers on your toes? It’s a lot—especially for what is usually an “all-volunteer army.” Help is here!

Veteran youth pastor Mike McGarry offers a practical, comprehensive resource to jumpstart your youth ministry and equip youth workers with biblical answers to the tough questions students ask. In a two-part approach, he addresses both the practical skills and biblical depth needed for effective, gospel-centered ministry to today’s youth. McGarry guides listeners through twenty theological truths they should be prepared to discuss with students, along with twenty practical skills every youth worker should develop.

Lead Them to Jesus provides insight into the religious worldview of Gen Z and explains how to connect the gospel to their questions and core desires. Today’s young people are ready to engage with hard issues like suicide, suffering, and challenging relationships. More than ever, they are seeking authentic leaders who are committed to truth and deeply invested in their lives.

McGarry prepares both youth pastors and ministry volunteers to have meaningful conversations with students about what they believe and why. He also offers guidance on the strategic role of fun and games, handling conflict, and navigating social dynamics within youth groups. Lead Them to Jesus shows how the gospel shapes every aspect of youth ministry and helps get your entire team aligned—both biblically and practically.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Introduction
4. Starting Point: What Is the Gospel?
5. Chapter 1: How Do I Become a Christian?
6. Chapter 2: Can I Trust and Understand the Bible?
7. Chapter 3: What Is the Trinity?
8. Chapter 4: Is It Okay to Doubt?
9. Chapter 5: How Can a Loving God Send Anyone to Hell?
10. Chapter 6: Why Did Jesus Need to Die?
11. Chapter 7: How Do We Know Jesus Rose from the Grave?
12. Chapter 8: Will Jesus Really Return?
13. Chapter 9: Who (Not What) Is the Holy Spirit?
14. Chapter 10: Why Is the Church Important?
15. Chapter 11: How Do Christians Interpret the Old Testament?
16. Chapter 12: Can Christians Believe in Evolution?
17. Chapter 13: Should Christians Be Tolerant?
18. Chapter 14: How Should Christians Think About Mental Health Struggles?
19. Chapter 15: Does Committing Suicide Condemn You to Hell?
20. Chapter 16: Why Pray If God Will Do What He Wants?
21. Chapter 17: Why Does God Allow Suffering?
22. Section 2: Practical Help for Youth Workers
23. Chapter 18: Starting a Youth Ministry
24. Chapter 19: Attributes of a Great Youth Worker
25. Chapter 20: Fostering a Healthy Ministry Culture
26. Chapter 21: Fun and Games in Youth Ministry
27. Chapter 22: Understanding Gen Z’s Religious Worldview
28. Chapter 23: Mentoring and Discipling Students
29. Chapter 24: Preparing a Bible Message
30. Chapter 25: Teaching Students and Keeping Their Attention
31. Chapter 26: Leading Effective Small Groups
32. Chapter 27: Handling Discipline
33. Chapter 28: Using Social Media Effectively
34. Chapter 29: Thinking About LGBTQ Issues
35. Chapter 30: Helping Students Who Struggle with Porn
36. Chapter 31: Discussing Sex and Dating
37. Chapter 32: Organizing a Ministry Calendar
38. Chapter 33: How to Plan a Mission Trip
39. Chapter 34: Navigating Conflict Between Students
40. Chapter 35: Breaking Down Cliques
41. Chapter 36: Forming a Partnership with Parents
42. Chapter 37: Supporting Single-Parent Families
43. Chapter 38: Supporting Students from Unbelieving Families
44. Chapter 39: Responding to Criticism
45. Chapter 40: Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Mandated Reporting
46. Conclusion: Playing the Long Game in Youth Ministry
47. Closing Credits