Friday Review (2/28/25)
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
Why Children’s Ministry is for You, Too, by Rachel Greening (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
Regardless of our qualms about the next generation, it’s important to see them as valuable parts of the body and care for them as such. I would urge every believer to be intentional in devoting time each year to spiritually feed the young. Our kids need the maximum input of whatever is true, lovely, pure, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). It’s the role of the whole body of Christ, regardless of gifting, to step up and serve these vulnerable members of God’s family.
What Every Kids Pastor Wishes the Youth Pastor Knew, by Ronald Long (Download Youth Ministry)
Youth pastors, your kids pastor isn’t just a coworker—they’re your biggest ally. When you build a strong partnership, you’re setting students up for long-term spiritual growth. So, take them to coffee, ask them what they wish you knew, and start working together to make that transition the best it can be.
Caring Well for Children’s and Youth Ministers in Your Local Church, from Growing Young Disciples
If your church has the blessing of a children’s or youth minister, one of the greatest ways you can serve them is by caring for them well. Not just appreciating their ministry from a distance, but actively supporting, encouraging, and strengthening them so they can persevere with joy and faithfulness for the long haul.
Biblical & Theological Studies
David and Jonathan: The Illusion of Sex and the Nature of True Friendship, by Peter Witkowski
While the hypothesis that Jonathan and David were friends with benefits makes sense of the modern belief that unrestrained sexual expression is the highest good, it does not make sense of David’s world or of adherence to Biblical morality.
Did an Antediluvian Theology of Sacrifice Exist?, by Andrew Kerr (Gentle Reformation)
I want to suggest six hints in the first eleven chapters of Genesis that point to a far-more-developed sacrificial system prior to the Flood that most care to think.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
‘Severance’ and Pop Culture Visions of Hell, by Brett McCracken (The Gospel Coalition)
Perhaps for a generation growing accustomed to blurred lines between work and home, the “severance” pitch sounds like heaven. But quickly in the series, and throughout its two seasons, the reality of being severed turns out to be much more like hell.
The Daily Battleground We Often Ignore in Therapy Culture, by Casey McCall (Remembrance of Former Days)
I’m thankful that therapy culture draws attention to the reality of mental illness. Many emotional struggles do indeed arise from forces outside our control. We should try to avoid compounding mental anguish through false guilt. However, even in such instances, individual moral agency must be preserved.
Pastoral Ministry
Should I Use AI to Help Me Write Sermons?, by John Piper (Desiring God)
Let’s use ChatGPT and other sources that are coming along for information, even for inspiration, just like you use commentaries and articles and books and songs and poetry. But don’t use it for composition unless you’re going to give credit for it.
Don’t Preach a Commentary, by Michael C. Lyons (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
I am immensely thankful for pastors who take the Scriptures seriously and preach exegetical sermons. As a man who often has the privilege of sharing God’s Word on Sunday mornings, I am thoroughly committed to exegetical preaching. We need more serious exegesis from the pulpit, not less. Yet the job of the pastor is not to preach like a Bible commentary.
Family & Parents
A Parent’s Limits: God’s Gift or Satan’s Trap?, from Rooted
Our culture tells us that we should be able to do all the things we want to do. But the promise of no limits is just fancy bait on a big hook. If we swallow it, we’re left feeling constantly upset and discontent with the limitations in ourselves and others. Disciple your kids, recognizing and laughing at your own limits. Shine a light on that gator Satan! Show them how your limits lead you to depend on Jesus.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.93: Theology of Art and Ministry to Artsy Youth with Melody Bellefeuille-Frost
How can youth workers develop a biblical appreciation for art and serve our students who are artistically-minded?
How I’m Teaching About Friendship by Nick Hartman
Friendships are vital to the spiritual, emotional, and physical health of teenagers. Here’s how I’m teaching about friendship in youth group.