Friday Review (12/6/24)
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
6 Ways to read Scripture together in your youth ministry during Advent, by Brad M. Griffin (Fuller Youth Institute)
There’s no shame in hosting fun youth group Christmas parties. But if you’re also looking for more than party ideas this season, here are a few fresh ways you might incorporate Scripture into your ministry’s rhythms.
Building Authentic Community Among Gen Z: Discipleship & Connection at Transformation Church, from Barna
When asked which is more important at a Christian church, hearing a thought-provoking sermon or building strong relationships with other Christians, nearly half of Christians side in favor of relationships (48% vs. 42%, with 10% unsure). Among younger Christians, the percentage climbs to 57 percent of both Gen Z and Millennials opting for relationships over sermons. (Editor's Note: Inclusion is not intended to encourage less sermons/teaching, but rather to emphasize the strong desire for community. If we neglect that and solely focus on our teaching, we may not be ministering as effectively as if we are purposeful in both.)
Biblical & Theological Studies
Unexpected Grace: The Christmas Story You Never Knew, by Ashley Anthony (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
The book of Ruth may not be the first place you’d look for a Christmas story. Yet, Naomi’s story of loss, pain, and restoration offers hope to our weary hearts this season—all through the birth of a baby boy.
Did Jesus Actually Claim to Be God?, by J.D. Greear
There’s a convenient myth among modern people that the true Jesus, the one who actually wandered around Jerusalem, was likely just an itinerant moral teacher. He was a good one, a societal revolutionary, and maybe even a messenger with a special connection to divinity—similar to the Buddha or Mohammad or the Dalai Lama. But he never claimed to be God. That claim only came later, added on as a sort of legend to beef up his authority.
A Protestant Lady Looks at Mary, the Mother of Jesus, by Diane Jones (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
Mary was a humble young woman who used her mind. She considered, she pondered, she prepared, she believed. She was a woman with complete faith in God. Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mary modeled this love in the Christmas story. Protestants would do well to give Mary fresh consideration—and not be afraid to let our esteem and affection for her increase.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Resist Paganism. Embrace Inefficiency. Give Thanks., by Noah Senthil (The Gospel Coalition)
Some may dismiss the parallel because ancient idolatry is “irrational” and “unscientific,” as opposed to technological advancement, which is based on scientific discovery and innovation. But the motives are the same: to maximize efficiency and expedite natural processes.
Wicked Culture Will Trump Politics, by Stephen McAlpine
We can’t go back to pre-Christian, we can only go forward to what the likes of Wicked might do with the Christian detritus lying around the wreckage of a secularism that is already past its use-by-date. We’re not in Kansas anymore. The world has changed.
Pastoral Ministry
You’re Exactly As Holy As You Want To Be, by Tim Challies
You and I sin only when we grant permission to our temptations, only when our will bows low before our evil desires. We sin only when we fail to embrace the enabling power of the Holy Spirit who is present in every temptation to provide a way of escape. We sin only when our desire to sin is stronger than our desire to not sin.
Dear Pastor, Keep This in Mind When There Is “Too Much to Do”, by D. A. Carson and John D. Woodbridge (Crossway)
I’ve been asked if I have any suggestions for sorting out how to live when there is “too much to do.” With the preface in mind that the “preacher practiceth not what he preacheth,” here are a few thoughts:
Family & Parents
Give Your Kids Lasting Joy for Christmas, by Brandon Cooper (The Gospel Coalition)
I’m not a curmudgeon. I affirm the goodness of giving gifts, especially to children. But even as we model God’s abundance for our kids, we must point them beyond material possessions to lasting joy. How can we do that?
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.85: Apologetics and Doubt in Youth Ministry with Mary Jo Sharp
How can youth leaders help students navigate doubt well, and what role does apologetics play in a Bible-teaching ministry?
Heroes of Christmas: Mary by Alex Tufano
In our attempt to focus on Jesus, have we rushed past other characters in the Christmas story? This article focuses on what we can learn from Mary.
A Sneak Peak Behind the YPT Curtain: 2024 in Review by Mike McGarry
Youth Pastor Theologian equips youth workers to call teenagers into lifelong faith. YPT’s prayer is to see theological renewal take place in youth ministries around the world. What’s that looked like this year and where are we heading in 2025?