Q&A: Rooting youth in the person and work of Christ — requires both good theology (who Jesus is) and practical application (how to live it out)

Barna research shows people who see the world like Jesus are more likely to live like Jesus. Churches must teach a robust biblical Christology: his suffering, his offensive statements, his deity and humanity, his full person and work. Cannot water down Jesus' teachings. But must also connect theology to life: what does following Jesus look like with my neighbor, online, while watching YouTube? McDowell references the structure of Romans: Paul gives deep theology (chapters 1-8) then shifts to the Spirit and practical living. Teach theology and show how it applies. At the end of lessons McDowell asks students: why does this matter? How does this shape how we live?