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Teaching kids the Bible can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Jim and Meghan welcome Mark Hart, speaker, author, and leader at Life Teen, to share the story behind Encounter and why it’s helping middle schoolers discover the beauty of Scripture. Mark also opens up about his own conversion, 30 years in youth ministry, and the simple ways parents can lead their kids in faith with confidence and joy.
What’s in this episode:
- How Encounter began as a teen Bible study inspired by Jeff Cavins’ Great Adventure timeline
- Why middle schoolers need humor, visuals, and story-driven teaching to stay engaged
- Mark’s own kids and their friends as the “test market” for developing new resources
- The role of parents when kids ask for Bible studies at home
- Why Scripture must be more than history, it’s a personal invitation to find your story in God’s story
- The call from his pastor that led him into 30 years of youth ministry
- How parenting today is complicated by distraction, technology, and emotional disconnection
- The importance of affirmation and presence for teens who seek validation elsewhere
- The challenge of forming young men in a culture of gaming, pornography, and immaturity
- Mark’s advice for parents who feel like they’re failing in faith formation
- One resource every Catholic family should know: Hallow App and the Truthly.ai tool
- Book he’s currently reading: The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila, and the Book of James
- Favorite book/author inspirations: Fulton Sheen, G.K. Chesterton, and St. Teresa of Avila
- Advice to his younger self: Never stop laughing, joy is trust in God
- Final wisdom: You’re not failing; keep praying, keep trying, and let your kids see your humility
Resources Mentioned:
Encounter – A middle school Bible timeline program from Ascension Press
Biblical Heroes – Mark Hart’s book for middle schoolers, highlighting young figures in Scripture
Letters to My Little Sister by Trinity Moriah – Catholic guidebook for middle school girls (Life Teen)
Hallow App – Catholic prayer and meditation app for families
Truthly.ai – Faithful AI tool for quick Catholic answers
