104: Asking Good Questions, Chat GPT, Engaging Students with Scripture

In this episode, Mike McGarry and John Gardner discuss the intersection of youth ministry and theology, focusing on the importance of asking good questions that engage students in meaningful conversations. Discussing good and bad questions leads into a conversation about whether or not youth workers should use ChatGPT. The discussion also highlights the need for youth to engage with scripture outside of church settings.   Chapters 1:00 - The Importance of Asking Good Questions 5:49 - Asking Bad Questions 11:09 - Crafting Effective Questions 16:04 - Building Trust Through Questions 20:45 - Understanding Cognitive Dissonance in Youth Ministry 21:28 - The Role of AI in Asking Good Questions 23:18 - Debating the Use of ChatGPT in Ministry 30:04 - Our Spiritual Responsibility to Teach 33:33 - Engaging Youth with Scripture Outside of Church Send your question to Mike and John for the podcast here, and make sure to tell us you've left a rating/review to get bumped to the top of the list.    Mike McGarry is the Founder and Director of Youth Pastor Theologian and served as a youth pastor for nearly twenty years. He's written four books for youth workers and teenagers, his latest is releasing in August '25, Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World. Follow Mike on  Instagram or X/Twitter.    John Gardner is the Pastor of Youth Ministries at Grace Church in Longmont, CO. John and his wife Jackie have been married for 15 years and love spending time trying out new food, exploring the national parks, and playing board games. Follow John on Instagram.    Together, Mike and John co-lead the YPT Teaching Workshop, a one day training session to equip your volunteers and other area youth leaders to teach the Bible to teenagers with depth and clarity. GO HERE to learn more about how to host a workshop at your church.    Join YPT's Facebook group: @youththeologian (make sure you answer the membership questions) Follow YPT on Twitter: @youththeologian Follow YPT on Instagram: @youththeologian Subscribe to YPT's website to receive our newest articles and updates sent directly to your inbox. We won't spam you, but you will receive a link to download our ebook for free... Youth Ministry is Theological Ministry is a collection of articles from the blog archives to help new YPT readers catch the vision for theological renewal in youth ministry.