Kara Powell on the Questions the Next Generation Wrestles With That Every Pastor Should Consider
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Kara Powell is a veteran of researching young people and bringing practical ministry ideas to pastors and leaders in churches. Jason sat down with Kara to hear some of the latest research being released in her new book 3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.
They begin by highlighting why this all matters and what is at stake when we talk about discipling kids and youth in our communities. Kara highlights both the ways churches can impact the lives of young people positively, but also how young people can help transform churches. Going off research from past projects as well, Kara shares about what churches reaching young people are doing well and how pastors of kids and youth ministries are best discipling their people to follow Jesus.
Jason also explores with Kara the ways parents are the primary way of discipling young people and what it means for pastors to partner with them. They talk about ideas and tactics that have been effective at encouraging parents and building relational trust with parents that pastors can look to implement.
“I can’t think of a better way to reinvigorate a church than having its young people be passionate in their following of Jesus.”
They wrap up by unpacking the three questions her new book is centered on: who am I, where do I fit, what difference can I make? The search for identity, belonging and purpose are a part of every young person’s life, so learning how to walk with them through their struggle is key to them living a life following Jesus.
We hope this conversation with Kara Powell equips and encourages you, whether a lead pastor or a youth pastor, to better care for and teach young people in your church!
Kara Powell
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.