About Steve

Invite Steve to speak

Steven Argue, PhD [Michigan State University], is a sought-after thought leader on the lives and spiritual journeys of those in their teens and twenties. He is a nationally and internationally proven speaker, trainer, consultant, and coach. His expertise has been shared at universities, colleges, conferences, and academic associations. Steve is the author of multiple books, book chapters, and articles, including Young Adult Ministry Now and Growing With: Every Parent’s Guide to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in Their Faith, Family, and Future.

His most recent research, funded by two multi-million-dollar research grants, has investigated how young adults experience life transitions, impacting their identity, belonging, and purpose. He is a frequent expert guest on college, non-profit, and leadership podcasts, including Carey Nieuwhof’s Leadership Podcast. He has worked in professional, pastoral, and non-profit contexts and served on the board of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators.

He is the Associate Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and the Applied Research Strategist at the Fuller Youth Institute [FYI]. As a researcher, academic, and advocate for the next generation, he equips leaders to mentor well and motivates the next generation to live courageously, hopefully, and faithfully into their callings.

Steve lives in Southern California, eats vegetarian, and runs marathons. He’s @stevenargue on social media platforms.

Topics I speak on frequently

How to Show Up Where Emerging Adults Need You Most

Emerging adults (ages 18–30) are navigating one of the most defining—and disorienting—decades of life. They’re no longer teens, but they’re still stepping into what adulthood means on their own terms. Their beliefs, relationships, priorities, and purpose are all in motion.
They still need trusted adults—but not in the same way they did before. What they need now is presence, not pressure. Support, not control. And a connection that’s responsive to their real lives, not just the lives we hope they’re living.

In this keynote, you’ll gain insight into how to meet emerging adults where they truly are, not just where we wish they’d be. We’ll explore how to shift your role, reimagine your influence, and embrace the cultural moment with both empathy and clarity. (A relevant topic for adults who pastor, mentor, leader, or parent emerging adults)

Key Takeaways

Understand where emerging adults are in their current challenges, aspirations, and identity formation
Reframe your role as a supportive adult to be more relational, responsive, and effective
Discover how emerging adults can teach you something essential about today’s cultural landscape and opportunities
Clarity on your next step—and how it’s the traction you need to get 30-Ready.

How to Embrace Your Twenties so your Thirties will Thank you

This conversation is all about helping you feel encouraged where you are and equipped to move forward. You’ll leave with practical first steps to invest in your future, new ways to process your experiences, and tools to build a life that’s truly your own. Your 20s aren’t just something to survive—they’re an opportunity to build a foundation that your future self will thank you for.

Key Takeaways

A fresh perspective on where you are and where you’re headed.
Practical steps to start building the life you want now.
New ways to talk about your experiences with friends, mentors, and family—so you can build a support system that really gets you.

Turn Your Twenties Transitions into Traction

Many people try to avoid transitions in their lives, thinking they are barriers. But the truth is that you can’t skip them. You have to go through them. And when you do, transitions can actually serve as a beacon—that guides your path and shows you the way forward. In this conversation, we’ll explore how to face your transitions directly by identifying what you need most right now and focusing on the shift that matters most to you.

Key Takeaways

An understanding that not all transitions are the same—so your solutions shouldn’t be, either.
Tools to live fully, even in the chaos of change.
Clarity on your next step—and how it’s the traction you need to get 30-Ready.

Why Faith is Hard and Doubt is Your Friend

How do you embrace the tension between faith and doubt without feeling unfaithful? Together, we’ll explore why questioning your beliefs is a sign of growth, not unfaithfulness. You’ll learn that the transitions you’re in might be where you hear God most. And, you’ll discover new tools to navigate this space and leave prepared to take practical steps toward an authentic, sustainable faith.

Key Takeaways

Understand that doubt is a normal and essential part of growing your faith.
Gain fresh language and imagery to help you make sense of your questions and experiences.
Learn practical steps to work through your doubts and build a stronger, more grounded faith.

My commitment to you

Invite Steve to speak

Offering fresh perspectives

Sharing clear, research-based ideas that help emerging adults make sense of what they’re feeling and experiencing.

Honoring every story

Recognizing that each journey—yours and theirs—is complex, meaningful, and still unfolding, and helping young adults find the courage to share their voice.

Providing clear next steps

Giving leaders and teams actionable ideas that build momentum and move emerging adults toward growth and purpose.

Cheering you on

Offering encouragement and practical guidance to help emerging adults take bold, confident steps forward.

Championing their potential

Believing every emerging adult has something unique to offer—and helping them discover it with confidence and purpose.

Making faith real

Helping leaders and young adults connect faith to everyday life in ways that feel honest, grounded, and transformative.