Friday Review (11/15/24)
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
Youth Ministry: Preaching the Word in Our Kids' World, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
So, let’s be honest here: when we get busy with the good work of youth ministry, sometimes the things that fall by the wayside are our own devotional lives, along with the preparation/study needed to know God’s Word and teach it well.
Youth Minister, Don’t Neglect the Teenage Conscience, by Parker Hudson (Rooted)
Thus, on the one hand, as youth ministers, we must understand and teach that the Bible has a true, objective, and external ethical calling. Meanwhile, we must seek to disciple students and to form their internal consciences to sing along to that same tune. The following are biblical truths that help us practically.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Should Christians Reject Slavery and Affirm Same-Sex Marriage?, by Rebecca McLaughlin (The Gospel Coalition)
Rather than trying to reinterpret the Bible’s prohibitions, many who affirm same-sex marriage acknowledge that the New Testament does prohibit same-sex sex. But, they argue, Christians can nonetheless embrace same-sex marriage because the trajectory from the Old Testament to the New is one that (if continued) ends in validating same-sex marriage.
Is Stoicism a Friend of Christianity?, by Jonathan M. Threlfall
I’m concerned about the trend among Christians to embrace the techniques of stoicism as a way of dealing with the challenges of modern life. Christians, of all people, cherish the radical hope of a bodily resurrection. This hope for the future puts Christianity squarely at odds not only with the S/stoic worldview, but also with the many of the practices that accompany it.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
4 Ways to Pray for President Trump After the 2024 Election, by Nathaniel Williams (Center for Faith & Culture)
Last week, Donald Trump was elected to serve as the 47th President of the United States. As Christians, everything we say and do should be guided by scripture — including how we react to our elected leaders. How, then, should Christians respond in the aftermath of the election?
Engaging Culture: Recognising the Echoes of Eden and Glimmers of Grace, from Growing Young Disciples
For those of us who disciple children and young people, the question of how to engage with culture is an ongoing challenge. It’s tempting, and indeed common in some Christian circles, to view culture solely as a battleground—a place where we must protect young people from harmful influences. Yet, we need to approach culture with both discernment and hope.
Pastoral Ministry
The Harvest is Plentiful and the Workers Won’t Stay, by Krista Horn (A Life Overseas)
Although the lack of workers for the harvest has been a persistent problem since the time of Christ, nowadays there is a new and noticeable trend in missions: those who go don’t necessarily stay.
The Church’s Unsung Hero: The Persevering Sunday School Teacher, by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
Everyone can see the preacher on Sunday.… But few take notice of the faithful Sunday school teacher—the man or woman in the background laboring over a Bible lesson, incorporating new ways to engage children with the truth of God’s Word, and following up with prayer and support as the kids grow up.
Family & Parents
Regrets in Parenting and Bothering Jesus, by Lauren Whitman (New Growth Press)
Over the past year, I have dedicated much of my ministry work to parents. I have not sought to provide guidance on how to parent but rather to bring comfort for the many distressing emotions parents experience. One of the more challenging emotions parents experience is regret.
How (and How Not) to Implement Family Devotions, by Douglas Sean O’Donnell (Crossway)
Maybe you feel the same way? But maybe there’s still time for you to benefit from the lessons I’ve learned—what I think I did well and what I know I did wrong. Let’s start with how not to implement family devotions.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.82: How to Respond When Teenagers Get Pregnant with Sarah Loy
How do we respond with love and grace when teenagers in our ministry get pregnant? This episode will help you respond with gospel-fueled compassion that honors the Lord.
How to Understand and Teach James 2:14-26 by Kyle Kennicott
Below are four steps that assisted me in teaching this text so that my students could see how James 2:14-26 could be harmonized with the rest of Scripture.