Friday Review (11/17/23)
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
Benefits and Hazards of Gen Z’s Emotionally Engaged Faith, by Abigail Davis (The Gospel Coalition)
This culture of openly discussing mental health certainly has downsides, including a temptation to downplay the seriousness of sin by psychologizing it with therapeutic language, or denying our personal culpability by blaming past trauma. But one upside is that Gen Z has a fluency in talking about emotions in ways previous generations did not. As a result, Gen Z Christians tend to possess a keen awareness of how their emotions relate to their faith and how to engage with God through these emotions.
Responding to That Critical Email from a Youth Ministry Parent, by Ryan Oakes (Rooted)
As we grow in the grace of receiving input and feedback from the parents in our ministries, we will also become better shepherds of the teenagers in our care. Meanwhile, may we always remember that we are not defined by the work of our ministry, or by the critical emails we receive. Christ has carried all our mistakes and failings—past, present, and future—to the cross. He will continue to offer us grace for each opportunity we have moving forward, to love families in his name.
Biblical & Theological Studies
How Was Circumcision a Sign of the Covenant? by Nick Batzig (Ligonier)
Misunderstandings about circumcision should come as no surprise to us. After all, even many in old covenant Israel failed to rightly understand the nature of the covenant sign of circumcision.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Jonathan Haidt’s Way Forward for an Anxious Generation, with Russell Moore
While much of their discussion outlines the challenges young people face today, Haidt and Moore’s conversation hinges on hope. They propose meaningful opportunities for cultivating good mental health, confidence, and a sense of purpose in children and adolescents. And they encourage all who are investing in the next generation with practical advice for healthy homes and communities.
Pastoral Ministry
Debunking Myths About Mentoring, by Cindy Matson (Bible Study Nerd)
Have you been asked to be a mentor? Have you wondered if you should reach out to that younger believer, but you’re just not sure if you’re qualified to be a mentor? Are you looking for a mentor and wondering how old the person should be? Questions swirl around the topic of mentoring, so let’s take a few minutes today to debunk a few common myths.
Realistic Expectations From a Life of Ministry, by Mathew Santhosh Thomas (The Gospel Coalition India)
So, what can you expect from a life of ministry? You can expect personal life transformation. God will change your perspectives, plans, and your understanding of ministry and its outcomes. Any ministry without the transforming power of the Chief Minister is not worth pursuing.
How To Prepare a Sermon: From Complexity to Clarity, by Jonathan Nason (Sola Ecclesia)
Without focus, the sermon is less likely to hit the mark intended by the preacher and the text. As Haddon Robinson famously said, “A mist in the pulpit is a fog in the pews.” Most of these sermons were quite foggy.
Reaching the Dechurched Is a Whole-Church Effort, by Matt Rogers (The Gospel Coalition)
For years, theologically conservative evangelicals have cited studies about declining attendance in mainline denominations. We’ve pointed at their faulty doctrine as a driving force in the decline. But now the decline is affecting us as well. We have to look for answers.
Family & Parents
Our All-Sufficient God Will Help You Disciple Your Children, by Andrew Slay (Rooted)
Parents often feel inadequate to disciple their kids. Whether it be exhaustion from a busy day at work, lacking in biblical literacy and theology, or just being able to understand what their child is currently going through, parenting in a godly way at times seems like an impossible task. However, the Bible teaches us that God, in his grace, equips parents for the task of discipling their children.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast’s 50th Episode! with Jason Engle, Alex Tufano, & Will Standridge
In this special 50th episode, Mike is joined by three of YPT's regular writers to discuss what it means to be a youth pastor theologian and to celebrate what the Lord is doing through this ministry.
Five Ways to Observe Christmas Afresh, by Kyle Kennicott
Here are five ways to approach Advent and Christmas in your student ministry afresh, as either a one-off Christmas message or an Advent series.