Friday Review (11/22/24)
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
The Missional Necessity of Youth Ministry, by Clark Fobes and Zion Selvaraj (Rooted)
To put it plainly, youth and children’s ministries are one of the most important—if not the most important—ministries for the local church’s witness and mission. While there are many implications of Paas’ observations, three most obvious ones come to the surface as we think about the mission of our youth ministries within the broader church.
Why Is It So Hard to Appoint a Children’s, Youth, or Family Minister?, from Growing Young Disciples
Churches across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to appoint ministers for children, youth, and family ministries. Many senior ministers are frustrated by prolonged vacancies, failed hiring processes, and a limited pool of qualified candidates. It’s no longer uncommon to hear church leaders express concern about how this challenge impacts their overall ministry. Given the critical role these positions play in nurturing the next generation in the faith, it’s worth examining why this is happening—and what we can do about it.
Biblical & Theological Studies
How the Sabbath Is Missional, by Nicholas J. Weyrens (The Gospel Coalition)
Like our culture, these church contexts have mistaken rest as a means to an end. We only stop our work long enough to recover, then get back to the real work of sharing the gospel, planting churches, and sending missionaries. This misses that God’s design for the Sabbath is inherently missional.
3 Aspects of Our Job as Priests, by Edward T. Welch (Crossway)
These early descriptions of the priestly mission were always pointing toward something more and someone more. The mission converges on Jesus, the true high priest, and from him our job description explodes with new meaning.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Do Children Need to Consent to Puberty?, by Alan Shlemon (Stand to Reason)
As a result of this worldview shift in our culture, some people think it’s possible that any process of the body is optional. That’s why they think puberty might need consent. Indeed, even life itself is a matter of consent for some, which is why physician-assisted suicide is gaining in popularity. But there are two fundamental mistakes with this thinking.
The Joy of Missing Out: Lessons from a Church-Wide Digital Detox, by Darren Whitehead (After Babel)
This isolation—or atomization—has made it harder for parents to feel like they can allow their children to play outside independently, while simultaneously making it more convenient to provide kids with personal digital devices for use at home. While most of American society has become more atomized, there are exceptions: strongly-bound religious communities.
Pastoral Ministry
Ten Correctable Mistakes We Make When Preaching and Teaching, by Steve Burchett (Christian Communicators Worldwide)
The first half or so seemed engaging, but about 60% of the way through, my tone and word choices communicated a major reduction of awe and wonder. This led me to reflect on this question: “What mistakes have I made, or have I seen others make, when teaching the Bible?” Here’s the non-exhaustive list.
6 Ways Your Church Can Support Foster and Adoptive Families, by Katie Rietema (Lifeway)
As you continue to care for these families in your church, be prayerful, creative, and flexible. Remember each child will come with their own set of needs and giftings. And each family will benefit from different supports. As you seek to serve your families, consider the following ideas:
Make the Most of Sunday Mornings, by Matt Smethurst (Desiring God)
In an age of customized DIY spirituality that values convenience and comfort more than any previous era in history, committing to a local church amounts to a revolutionary act — and a beautiful one.
Family & Parents
Guard Kids’ Eyes and Hearts Online, by Tim Wolford (The Gospel Coalition)
I’m a career law enforcement official who has been working exclusively on child exploitation cases for the past six years. I’m also a parent and serve as an elder in my local church. So I’ve had the opportunity to study the issue of online exploitation from multiple perspectives.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.83: Translating Youth Culture for Student Discipleship with Evan Barber
Youth culture can feel like a foreign language, especially with how rapidly it changes. How can youth workers understand the culture of our students… and why is that important anyways?
How to Understand and Teach: Genesis 38 (Judah & Tamar) by Steve Yates
The story of Judah and Tamar is a challenging passage to teach, especially when you’re teaching teenagers. Here’s a helpful look at the background and bigger picture that displays God’s faithfulness.