Friday Review (3/17/23)
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 Bible Stories Every Child (and Adult) Should Know, by Ryland Brown (Logos)
The Bible is a big book. More accurately, the Bible is a collection of books written at different times to different people by different authors. Readers will find that the Bible contains literary genres including history, narrative, law, poetry, wisdom literature, Gospels, letters, and apocalypse. All, however, hang on the fundamental narrative of Scripture: the Bible is, at its heart, a set of stories.
Saved and Kept by God, by Kristen Hatton (New Growth Press)
This is why we need gospel glasses to understand that if you obey and keep my commands is not a conditional clause. God’s love is not based on us being worthy. Remember, by the time of the exodus God has already made his covenant. The Israelites are his chosen people. He did not set his love on them because of anything they did, nor did he remove his love because of anything they failed to do. Their obedience was not what kept their status as God’s people; their obedience was a sign they already had a status as God’s people.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Carried to the Table, by Joseph Bradley (Knowing Jesus Ministries)
This may not be the story that comes to your mind when you think of the greatest king of Israel …. This story reveals why David was called a “man after God’s own heart.” It is the story of a dinner party with an unexpected guest.
20 Christian Women Who Shaped Church History, by Karen Engle (Logos)
It’s women’s history month—and March 8 was International Women’s Day. To celebrate, we’re highlighting 20 Christian women in Church history who served God in both extraordinary and ordinary ways.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Buddhism Went Mainstream Decades Ago. US Churches Still Aren’t Ready, by Angela Lu Fulton (Christianity Today)
To help the church better understand Buddhism, CT is launching Engaging Buddhism, a biweekly series that will look at different facets of the religion and how Christians can engage and minister to Buddhists. First, we will explore Buddhism’s spread through Asia to America’s shores, its influence in the US, and the opportunities churches have to reach the Buddhist diaspora.
Pastoral Ministry
Should I Take Communion If I've Never Been Baptized? By Brandon Sutton (Knowing Jesus Ministries)
Paul scolded the Corinthians for taking the Lord’s Supper “in an unworthy manner” (1 Corinthians 11:27). Apparently, in the mind of the Apostle, there is a right and wrong way to remember the Lord’s sacrifice. While space won’t allow me to articulate all the improper ways to partake in the Lord’s Supper, I do want to focus on one wrong way—and that is to take communion before one is baptized.
A Pastoral Prayer for Love and Unity, by Tim Challies
So, even though we are aware of all the ways we mess this up, we are all here now and looking to You and saying, “Please intercede on our behalf before the Father to answer this prayer.” Make us one. Not a group of people that all dress alike, think alike, talk alike, raise our kids alike, spend our money alike, but a bunch of people who look at all the ways we differ, and even all the ways we offend and sin against each other, and say, “I choose to be one with you.” This is our prayer for true fellowship, Lord.
Hope Not Slain, by Emily Terell (Gospel Centered Discipleship)
Job’s language is staggering for two reasons. First, what kind of God slays his own people? Second, why in the world would anyone continue to hope in a God who slays his own people? Nevertheless, in spite of his suffering, Job remains confident in and committed to God. Though he may be slain, nothing can slay his hope in the God who is sovereign over all.
Family & Parents
Right Turns Only: Smartphone Guidance for Parents of Older Teens, by Katie Polski (Rooted)
A smartphone in the hands of a teen is not all that different from car keys in the hands of a teen. If our kids are not well prepared to enter adulthood with a good understanding of how to handle having a phone, then the results can be devastating, not only for our children but for those around them. Eventually, with appropriate accountability, our older teens may benefit from more freedom with their phones while still under the protective cover of our home.
As a Parent, What Does Success Look Like to You? By Chris Sasser (D6 Family)
I know a lot of adults who have achieved worldly success, who have chased and caught the American dream, and who are still so very empty. They have worked hard for years and years to provide for themselves and their family, but they have missed so much along the way. They have chased after things of this world and have sought to build their own kingdom with a false sense of stability. As I think about my kids and what I want for them and their future, I’ve landed on a few things.
From YPT this week
The Vine Project’s Four E’s of Spiritual Growth, by Kyle Kennicott
The Vine Project outlines how our ministries should mirror the Christian walk and helps youth ministers disciple youth with greater intentionality.
Saint Patrick, the Missionary, by Mike McGarry
Students hear about Saint Patrick’s Day and immediately think about drunken parties and leprechauns. How can youth workers help students learn who St. Patrick really was?
