Friday Review (3/24/23)

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.)

Special Announcement from YPT

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes with Youth Pastor Theologian. If you’d like to support this ministry by praying for and/or giving, please join our YPT Partners Facebook Group and fill out this Google Form so we know how to share both prayer and financial needs with you.

Youth Ministry

Truths and Tips for Discipling Teens, by Jen Oshman (The Gospel Coalition) 

My husband and I are still in the thick of parenting and discipling our kids who range in age from 15 to 25. The finish line is yet in the distance. So as a fellow sojourner and not a seasoned expert, I humbly offer some truths we’re clinging to and practices we’re applying as we go.

Incorporating ‘Whole-Brain Discipleship’ in Your Ministry, by Ashley Chestnut (Rooted)

With some students, we quickly see spiritual fruit as they read, pray, and learn God’s Word. But what about students who have learning disabilities and struggle with reading and writing? What about students with ADHD? What about students who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, or grief, which affects their motivation, reading comprehension, and concentration? 

Biblical & Theological Studies

Is It Time to Quit ‘Quiet Time’?, by Dru Johnson and Celina Durgin (Christianity Today)

Such microdosing of Scripture without a grasp of the whole can easily distort our interpretations. Time-tested traditions of long-form Scripture engagement expose us to and familiarize us with the contents of Scripture.

Four Biblical Categories for Theological Triage, by Dwayne Cline (The Gospel Coalition Canada)

I decided to take a closer look at Scripture. How does Scripture classify itself? Does Scripture indicate doctrinal priorities? I discovered four general categories in Scripture:

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

Fortnite Creative 2.0 Might Change Everything, by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)

This is…a huge deal. It really can’t be overstated how big this is with regard to not only the video game world, but also to the future of the internet. You’re probably wondering why. I’m going to do my best to tell you, but…there’s a lot, and I probably won’t adequately cover it all.

“Listen to Us.” What These 12 Kids Want Adults to Know. by New York Times Opinion

We invited 12 kids ages 11 to 14 to tell us about how things look from their vantage. Over a couple of hours, the participants in this focus group, who live in states across the country, shared their views on school, family, recreation and their goals.

Pastoral Ministry

The Honorable, Shameful Service of True Leaders, by A.W. Workman (Entrusted to the Dirt)

Yes, the leaders of the church need to be free from waiting tables in order to focus on the ministry of the word and prayer, but this shouldn’t mean a complete separation from the kinds of service that would be our equivalent to foot washing.

I Always Feel the Worst Sunday Night, or How to Pray for Your Pastor, by David M. Hare (Hare Translation Journey)

I certainly do not want to communicate that my experience is universal, nor Spurgeon’s. However, I think it is likely that your pastor hits their lowest point each week on Sunday night. Satan is a real enemy and he without a doubt is most active against those on the front lines. So, here are two requests that we can bring before the Lord today, and perhaps every Monday:

Strongmen vs. The Structures of a Healthy Church, by A.W. Workman (Entrusted to the Dirt)

On the other hand, the best way to prevent the people of God being ruled by these domineering men is to order the church wisely, even if this involves great intentionality and careful organization. Protecting the church means organizing it so that it might fully display the glory of God – not only in its organic love and obedience, but also in its wise systems and structures.

Family & Parents

Marriage Isn’t Rehab for Sexual Sin, by Rutledge Etheridge III (The Gospel Coalition)

But whatever our circumstances or marital status, the Lord himself is the One who sanctifies (Eph. 5:26). Neither marriage nor its benefits are necessary for this work (1 Cor. 7:32), much less are they mandated because of our sin.

5 Questions to Ask Your Teen Over Spring Break, by Aimee Joseph (Core Christianity)

Spring break provides a chance to slow down and peer into the hearts and souls of teenage children. Below are five questions to consider asking your teens over spring break.

From YPT this week

Should We Celebrate Baptism and the Lord’s Supper at Youth Group?, by Will Standridge

Should we celebrate Baptism and the Lord’s Supper at camps, youth group, and small groups? A sensitive question, but an important one to ask. 

YPT Podcast Episode 30: Youth Ministry in the UK with Nic Bianchi & Anna Lane)

What does youth ministry look like in the UK and what can Stateside youth workers learn from their international colleagues?