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

Youth Pastor Theologian

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.

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