Friday Review (2/2/24)
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
Letters: To Senior Pastors – What I Want You To Know About My Generation, by Rosia Li (Sola Network)
Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have a church culture where more families spontaneously invite young people into their homes and lives? And where students can train in the ministry of hospitality by example? Relational solutions require precious time and energy, yet the rewards are beyond measure. The church can play its part in solving this dire prognosis of isolation and lack of face-to-face real relationships within Gen Z’s hearts.
Dear Youth Ministers, Don’t Be Afraid to Talk to Your Students About Eating Disorders, by Grace McReady (Rooted)
While it’s not your responsibility to prevent your students from developing eating disorders, your willingness to address this topic may indeed prevent them from walking down (or from walking further down) the destructive path of an eating disorder. You don’t need to be afraid of approaching this topic with them.
Helping Teens Question Their Way to Faith, by Mike McGarry (New Growth Press)
At some point or another, every Christian will have questions about God, the Bible, and how the gospel applies to life today. This is especially true for teens who are trying to find their way and develop their own faith. It is perfectly normal, and there is no reason to be embarrassed by such questions.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Answering Jesus Mythicism, by Eli Kunkel (Center for Christ & Culture)
I’m convinced that the reason Jesus mythicism remains popular is precisely because many Christians are no longer contending for the faith. As Christian engagement with the faith decreases, popular level arguments against Christianity – like Jesus mythicism – increase.
What Are Demons, and How Should Christians Think about Them?, by Jon Nielson (Crossway)
Finally, as we consider demons’ work—their lies, evil, and attacks in this world— we should take comfort in the fact that there will be a final reckoning. Jesus will return to this earth as the Judge and will make all things right. Satan and his demons will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10), death and sin will be finally defeated, and God’s people will dwell with him in a new heaven and new earth that is free from the influence of sin and evil. This should be a great comfort for Christians as they continue to struggle to follow Jesus now.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
The New Testament and Sexual Culture in Antiquity, by Michael Bird (Word from the Bird)
But what if I told you that the New Testament prohibitions on “sexual immorality” were not a product of Victorian-era prudishness about what is a normal and natural human desire for intimacy and fulfillment? There is far more going on behind the scenes here!
What Parents Can Do About TikTok, by Mark Bauerlein (First Things)
I have some interesting news for parents who worry about what social media are doing to their kids. If you go to this website, you will see a page with the heading, “JOIN THE FIGHT: Stop TikTok from Destroying America’s Youth.”
Pastoral Ministry
Okay Thought Leaders: It’s Time to Stop Bagging Out the “Average Church Member”, by Stephen McAlpine
My experience is that many of those who dismiss the average church member have been failed pastors who tried to radically change the nature and rhythm of their existing churches to fit a “ninja Christianity”. This extreme version of the faith was going to be the change in the world. But this just forced people out of the church, dispirited and burnt, when that didn’t happen.The blame game began.
Family & Parents
Will My Children Forsake the Faith?, by Michele Morin (Desiring God)
Of course, the weighty question lands with a thud in parenting conversations for every life stage: How can parents pass along a vibrant faith? How can we communicate the truth we believe in a way that will not be forsaken by our children and our grandchildren?
Vetting Kids’ Entertainment Isn’t a One-and-Done, by Brett McCracken (The Gospel Coalition)
While it’s good to be highly selective in terms of which streaming media options you deem acceptable for your kids (a difficult enough process), an increasingly important consideration must be the ongoing vetting of shows over time and across multiple seasons.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast Episode 56: How Can Youth Workers Partner with Parents with Anna Meade Harris
Every youth pastor knows they should prioritize partnering with parents. This episode helps youth leaders know where and how to start.
Don’t Let Curriculum Shortchange Your Ministry, by Jason Engle
Curriculum and resources are incredible aids in ministry, especially for new youth pastors. But they can also hinder your growth and shortchange your students if you rely on them too much.