Youth Ministry Success Means Maturity w/ Dr. Jason Engle

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 ministryHow Paul's prayers reveal a biblical vision for discipleshipThe difference between alignment and attunement in spiritual formationWhy students often open up more side-by-side than face-to-faceHow teaching extends far beyond a sermonWhy fun and theological depth are never enemiesHow to disciple teenagers in an age dominated by distractionPractical ways to cultivate margin, abiding, and spiritual disciplinesWhy students shouldn't graduate dependent on youth ministry—but equipped to pursue Jesus on their ownOne 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 ScripturesMatthew 28:18–20Colossians 1:28–29Ephesians 1:15–23John 15Hebrews 12:1–2Memorable 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."Support the showJoin the community!