Students today scroll past more theology in a single week than many will hear in youth group all year—for better or worse. From half-truths and outright heresy to solid biblical teaching, social media has become one of the most influential discipleship spaces in students’ lives. Ignoring that reality doesn’t protect them. Preparing them does. That conviction led Ryne and his team to develop TikTok Theology, a youth ministry approach that has transformed how they disciple students and train them for biblical discernment in a digital world.

Why TikTok Theology Exists

The idea started when leaders noticed students reposting theological content online that was either inaccurate, misleading, or poorly understood. Sometimes the theology itself was questionable; other times the content was technically sound but came from teachers with problematic beliefs or assumptions. The goal wasn’t to police what students reposted. Instead, TikTok Theology was designed to create a training ground—one where students learn how to think biblically rather than simply what to think. By placing real social-media clips in front of students, leaders invite them to slow down, analyze arguments, and respond using Scripture rather than instinct or emotion.

Don’t Dumb Down the Argument

One of the biggest mistakes youth leaders can make is soft-pedaling opposing views. When adults play “devil’s advocate,” they often weaken the argument—making it easy for students to knock down but unrealistic to real life.

TikTok Theology does the opposite.

Leaders intentionally present strong, challenging arguments exactly as students encounter them online. Instead of putting the ball on a tee, they ask students:

• What is this person actually claiming?
• What assumptions are they making?
• How would you respond biblically?

Students aren’t told whether a clip is “good” or “bad” theology upfront. They’re required to wrestle with it first.

How the Format Works

TikTok Theology has been used on both Wednesday nights and Sunday nights, but it eventually became a permanent Sunday-night fixture because of student engagement.

Here’s the basic flow:

• Leaders play a short clip (usually 30–60 seconds) from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or a podcast.
• Students summarize the argument in their own words.
• Students respond biblically, using Scripture—not personal opinion.
• A teaching video from Ryne is played afterward, addressing the argument clearly and thoroughly.
• Leaders facilitate discussion and invitation, reinforcing Scripture and pointing students back to the gospel.

This approach removes pressure from volunteer leaders to “have all the answers” while still allowing them to shepherd meaningful discussion.

Why It Works So Well

TikTok Theology succeeds for several reasons:

• It mirrors real life. Students recognize the content because it’s what they already see online.
• It lowers defenses. Students discuss ideas, not personal doubts—making conversations safer and more honest.
• It builds confidence. Arguments that initially feel intimidating often unravel under biblical scrutiny.
• It trains discernment. Students learn to question analogies, verify Scripture citations, and identify faulty assumptions.
• It keeps Scripture central. Leaders constantly reinforce the question: Where do you see that in the Bible?
• Rather than producing cynics who tear down theology, the format also includes clips that are biblically sound—or issues where faithful Christians may disagree—helping students learn balance and humility.

Teaching Students to Spot Bad Arguments

Many clips rely on emotional analogies or misquoted Scripture. TikTok Theology trains students to:

• Question analogies that ignore biblical context
• Ask whether Scripture is being quoted accurately
• Distinguish between moral, civil, and ceremonial law
• Identify deeper questions hiding behind surface objections

Students don’t just learn answers—they learn how arguments work.

Always Leading Back to the Gospel

Every session intentionally leads back to the gospel. Ryne records teaching segments that not only respond to the argument but also connect the discussion to sin, grace, repentance, and faith in Christ. This approach has borne real fruit. In one instance, a discussion sparked by a clip questioning hell led to a student trusting Christ—through a volunteer leader who had been equipped and empowered by the format.

A Tool Worth Sharing

TikTok Theology isn’t proprietary. Leaders are encouraged to adapt it, use it freely, and make it their own. The heart behind it is simple: students are already being discipled online—so the church must train them to engage wisely, biblically, and courageously. When students learn to slow down, think critically, and respond with Scripture, they don’t just survive the digital world—they grow stronger in it.