Friday Review (2/14/25)

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

Giving Teenagers Theological Depth—Without Going Over Their Heads, by Stephen Yates (Rooted)

Like a toddler banging away at a tablet screen, we can be tempted (especially in the face of criticism) to just try a different thing every week to see what sticks to the wall. Unfortunately, this rarely works. More often, this approach creates ministry whiplash in both the students’ and leaders’ minds, making your teaching feel uncomfortable and hard to follow.

The Most Exciting Story Ever Told, from Growing Young Disciples

This is not a call to make the Bible “fun.” Nor is it an invitation to replace depth with entertainment. It is a call to wake up. If we truly believe that Scripture is the voice of the living God, we cannot teach it in a way that leaves young people cold. If we truly believe that Christ is the pearl of great price, we cannot teach in a way that makes Him seem ordinary.

Biblical & Theological Studies

In Divine Missions, God Gives us Himself, by Adonis Vidu (TGC’s Carson Center)

Mythology is full of divine and celestial beings who visit our world, from Zeus to Thor to Vishnu. What distinguishes the Christian story from these “visits” is that it doesn’t sacrifice the transcendence of the One who comes down from heaven.

Breaking Gender Stereotypes to the Glory of God, by Cindy Matson (Bible Study Nerd)

While a biblical worldview may be accused of reinforcing gender stereotypes and putting women into a straightjacket of patriarchal oppression, when applied rightly, it actually provides beautiful freedom in gender expression (how you express your maleness or femaleness) while leaving no ambiguity regarding gender identity (whether a person is male or female).

Straining Gluten-Free and Non-Alcoholic Gnats Whilst Swallowing Camels, by Stephen Kneale (Building Jerusalem)

I do not see anything in the command of Christ – implied nor explicitly demanded – that would stop us using gluten-free bread or non-alcoholic wine. I do believe we are necessarily excluding people from the ordinance if they cannot receive the emblems.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

The Sports Betting House Always Wins. Who Loses? We Do, by Rashan Frost (The Gospel Coalition)

For fans, a game’s stakes used to be emotional: happiness if your team won or sadness if they lost. But with the growing influence of sports betting, the stakes of any given game or athlete’s performance can now involve huge sums of money and a gambler’s entire livelihood. Those stakes turn sports from pleasurable mass entertainment into something far darker—both for individuals and societies.

How Reality TV Broke Dating Culture, by Emily Brown (Relevant)

In fact, reality TV didn’t just normalize dating multiple people at once—it directly influenced dating apps. Swipe culture is built on the same foundation as reality dating shows: the idea that romance is a numbers game.

Pastoral Ministry

Gospel-Centered in Person, Not Just in Paradigm, by Jared C. Wilson (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)

Whatever her pastors are, a church will become. If we do not much find the gospel resilient, over time our people won’t either. If we do not find it a versatile resource, neither will our congregation.

The Role of Systematic Theology in Preaching, by David R. Helm (Crossway)

Vibes come, vibes go, but human sinfulness remains stubbornly the same.  Our duty in this vibe shift will be to present the gospel in as compelling, and counter cultural ways, as we did when we were proclaiming it pre-vibe shift.

Is No-Contact a Biblical Response to Toxic Relationships?, by Daniel Seabaugh

I seem to meet more and more Christians who have no-contact relationships with members of their family or people they once considered close friends. Some grievance or wound—something that has caused deep hurt or emotional turmoil—has led the offended to want nothing to do with the offender. But is no contact a biblical response in such situations?

Family & Parents

Are You Building Up or Tearing Down?, by Julie Lowe (New Growth Press)

In our home we use a short question to help guide our interactions with one another: Are you building up or tearing down? Meaning, do my words or actions give life or cause destruction? What am I communicating with my words, tone, facial expression, or body language? Is it building up my family?

From YPT this week

YPT Podcast ep.91: Church and Youth Sports with Paul Putz

How can youth workers and parents think biblically and collaboratively about youth sports and discipleship?

How to Teach a Character Series: What Hezekiah Can Teach Youth by Nic Bianchi

Short series can be an opportunity to take a character from the Bible and learn from them and their walk with the Lord. Here’s an example about King Hezekiah.