Friday Review (10/13/23)
Each week we compile a list of helpful articles from other sites, in a variety of categories, for youth workers to read, reflect on, and/or discuss with parents and volunteers. If you have any articles you’d like to suggest, we’d love for you to share those in the Youth Pastor Theologian Facebook group. That’s a great way to bring them to our attention and to discuss them with like-minded youth workers! (Inclusion in this list does not imply complete agreement with the publishing source, but we have found these articles to be beneficial.)
Youth Ministry
Four Themes for Teaching Chronicles to Teenagers, by Seth Stewart (Rooted)
The teenagers we serve are often disillusioned. But the central message Chronicles gives to an up-and-coming generation is to listen to the voice of God. If the youth of Judah and today want to see God’s Kingdom come—if they want to see their broken institutions restored—they must hear God’s voice and respond.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Today’s Defining Question: What Is a Human?, by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
Today we’re facing a third major crisis. This time the focus is on anthropology, the nature and destiny of humankind. What’s a human being? What does it mean to be made in God’s image?
Are Sinners Worthless?, by Thomas Brewer (Ligonier)
Today, we are five hundred years removed from these debates. The average individual on the street often has no inkling of what it means to be made in the image of God, much less any subtle theological understanding of just how much sin has affected our being created in His image. The very foundation for total depravity—the assumption that we’re created in God’s image—has been eroded.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?, by Michael R. Emlet (New Growth Press)
What does this mean for the Christian community? We must thoughtfully and compassionately apply a biblical worldview to serve the substantial numbers of children and adults diagnosed with ASD. Our approach must carefully consider the differences between behaviors related to ASD and behaviors related to heart issues found in most children.
‘No’ to Trans, ‘Yes’ to Gay Marriage: Will This Be the New Normal?, by Glen Scrivener (The Gospel Coalition)
More and more, public aspects of British society are expressing a skeptical no to key aspects of the trans movement. And yet, however much people might feel it to be a return to “common sense,” this isn’t a return to a Christian vision. Not yet.
Pastoral Ministry
Start With The End: 3 Reasons You Should Try Writing the Conclusion of Your Sermon First, by Andy Shurson (For the Church)
And as important as it is for a pilot to get you to the ground safely, it is even greater that those of us who labor in the proclamation of God’s Word to his church conclude with clarity and satisfaction. Here are three reasons why you should try writing your conclusion first.
Pastor, Not Entrepreneur, by Nathan Knight (9Marks)
When it came to making disciples and planting churches, Jesus or Paul never emphasized being entrepreneurial. It’s true, they believe hell is real and that making disciples and planting churches is desperately urgent. Yet this never led them to highlight industriousness or creativity for church planters.
Family & Parents
When It's All About Me, Me, Me..., by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
As parents, we must desire to see our kids live out and communicate the selfless Kingdom of God instead of the kingdom of self. Here are some initial steps we can and must take to counteract narcissism’s powerful and pervasive influence.
Top Tips for Parents, by Andrew Bunt (Think Theology)
What advice would you give to a group of parents and other adults involved in the lives of teenagers? That was something I had to think about earlier this year when I was asked to speak to a group of teenagers and parents about the transition from being a teenager to being an adult.
Gospel Catechisms for Young Children and Teenagers, from Rooted
At Rooted, we are passionate about young people being able to articulate the gospel. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to share the gospel with your child every day, below you will find three “gospel catechisms:” one for younger children, one for teenagers, and a “gospel identity catechism” you can use with any age.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast Episode 45: Ministry to Students with Disibilities with Sandra Peoples
How can youth workers and churches encourage and disciple students with disabilities (and their families, who are often struggling)?
Answering Common Objections to Theological Teaching in Youth Ministry, by Kyle Kennicott
What are some common objections to theological teaching in youth group, and how can we respond?
Offering Students Rest in Your Youth Ministry, by Linda Oliver
The longer I’ve spent in youth ministry, though, the more I’ve also seen that students are increasingly in need of healthy teaching and practices in the area of rest. Here are a few ways youth workers can teach students what the Bible says about rest while developing ministry practices that reflect that message.