Friday Review (12/20/24)
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
Why Advent Feels Hard for Children’s and Youth Workers, from Growing Young Disciples
Yet for children’s and youth ministers, Advent can often feel less like a season of thoughtful preparation and more like a frantic sprint to Christmas Day. The difficulty isn’t always Advent itself—it’s the relentless demands of ministry that distort the season’s purpose.
Practical Self-Care Tips for Youth Ministry Leaders to Thrive Long-Term, by Jody Livingston (The Longer Haul)
The good news is that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure you can continue leading with energy and passion for years to come. Here are practical steps to help you incorporate self-care into your daily routine, all while maintaining your leadership and service.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Beware of Relational Heresy While Addressing Perceived Doctrinal Heresy, by Bob Kellemen (RPM Ministries)
We talk even less about right relationships while talking about right doctrine. Our failure to address this runs counter to God’s all-sufficient Word. The Bible is replete with commands about how we treat one another while we address doctrinal disagreements. The Bible consistently commands us to guard our hearts against relational heresy.
Are Catholics Christian?, by Stephen Kneale (Building Jerusalem)
This might seem like a particularly odd question to ask. It is, I admit, one of those slightly niche questions. But it does matter a little bit. And the answer, when all is said and done, boils down to a question of definitions. It all depends how we define the term Christian.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Postmodernism and the Gospel, by W. Tyler Sykora (For the Church)
What is a faithful and biblical response to postmodernism? In this next section, we will overview some basic responses to postmodern beliefs. Then, in the final section, we will turn to consider how we can effectively evangelize postmodernists.
The Virgin Mary and Modern Therapeutic Culture, by Casey McCall (Remembrance of Former Days)
History is full of pendulum swings. Human beings tend to overreact to errors by committing equal and opposite errors. To avoid driving the car into one ditch, we jerk the steering wheel so hard that we end up in the other ditch. I believe modern Western culture is currently stuck in a therapeutic ditch on the question of what it means to live a blessed life.
Pastoral Ministry
Helpful Hacks for Preaching from a Manuscript, by Sean DeMars (9Marks)
The aim of manuscript preaching is to make it look like you’re not preaching from a manuscript, which isn’t easy. I’ve had my fair share of fumbles along the way. But those fumbles have taught me some things.
What Does Your Pulpit (Or Lack of One) Communicate to the Congregation?, by Colin Fast (Reformation21)
No doubt, the Word does the work – pulpit or no – but there are visual cues we can give that the Word is still fundamental to our faith and our practice. Bring back the pulpit – bring back the central importance of Word ministry – and the church may well follow..
Family & Parents
Teach Your Teen About Christian Freedom, by Jared Kennedy (The Gospel Coalition)
One of the best ways to train a teenager in wisdom is to talk to him about what Martin Luther called “Christian freedom.” For us, “Christian freedom” brings to mind disputable matters like whether it’s appropriate for Christians to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes—topics that are important but daunting to bring up with your child as he heads toward his adult years.
Making the Most of the Holidays with Your Adult Children, by Gaye B. Clark (Crossway)
It’s been estimated that one in four parents are estranged from at least one adult child. Many parents yearn for their kids to return to the faith in Jesus they have abandoned. Some parents vividly recall an argument over political differences that turned into a shouting match. Many parents would simply long for that Folgers moment: they haven’t seen their adult children come home for Christmas in years.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.87: Managing Expectations in Youth Ministry with Joseph Bradley
Everyone has expectations: you do, and so do your students, parents, volunteers, and church leaders. How can you identify people's expectations and respond with humility and confidence when you don't quite "meet expectations"?
Heroes of Christmas: The Shepherds by Nick Hartman
There are three ways the shepherds’ role in the Gospel of Luke can help us form a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas: the redemption of the world.