Friday Review (3/7/25)
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
Own Your Faith, by Jacob Crouch (Aliens and Pilgrims)
You live under your parents’ discipleship for years and then finally go off into the world. Maybe it’s college, or maybe it’s a job, but for the first time, you are on your own. Here’s my advice to you: Own your faith.
Biblical & Theological Studies
The Invisible Man, by Greg Koukl (Stand to Reason)
The existence of the soul is controversial nowadays, though. It’s fashionable for “enlightened” people tutored in scientific materialism—the idea that nothing is real except the physical things science can measure—to sniff with contempt at the antiquated idea of the “ghost in the machine.”
Here Be Dragons: What Christians Need to Know About Romantasy, by Kathryn Butler (The Gospel Coalition)
Why have these books achieved such a wide readership over the last few years? Even more importantly, what should Christians know about romantasy—and how can we guard our hearts as these titles become increasingly prevalent?
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Generative AI and Christian Wisdom, by Chad Huffman (Center for Faith & Culture)
I do not think this allows us to be utilitarian in our decisions, that the ends justify the means. But it does not also follow that I should never use Generative AI and that to do so somehow calls into question Christian integrity or faithfulness.
On Cherry-Picking Jesus, by Blake Long (Theology and Life)
Can someone love Jesus and His teachings but reject everything else about Him? Some people seem to think so. Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, creators of Good Mythical Morning, were recent guests on Rainn Wilson’s “Soul Boom” podcast where they briefly discussed details surrounding their respective deconstructions from the evangelical Christian faith.
Why I Complain, by Samuel D. James (Digital Liturgies)
Computers promise user-designed paradise. That’s why we live in them. That’s why the old pictures, the old friend requests, the old YouTube commercials, the old music, appeals to us so. There is safety in the digital time capsule, because we made it, it’s ours, we can control it. In the modern, digitized control age, we are God.
Pastoral Ministry
Is Your Christianity Too Quiet?, by Greg Morse (Desiring God)
We have been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Go and tell it on the mountains, over the hills, and everywhere. Go and do street evangelism, or hand out gospel tracts, or knock on doors, or preach in the open air, or move overseas as a missionary, or engage in mercy ministries, abortion witnessing, or letter-writing.
The One Gift Every Pastor Must Have, by Jason K. Allen (For the Church)
For pastors, preaching and teaching God’s Word has a way of stripping us all bare; it exposes us and puts our gifting on public display. You can’t finesse your way through a sermon with polished appearance, warm people skills, or seminary credentials alone. In the moment of truth, your ability—or lack thereof—to teach and preach God’s Word reveals much about your calling.
Family & Parents
Detective Parenting, by Sarah Reju (New Growth Press)
Untangling this mystery is not merely an interesting hobby. Rather, you’re on mission to help your child discover who God has created him or her to be. And once you’ve discovered it, to help them become the godliest version of themselves possible. How is a detective-parent to do it?
Why Our Teenagers Believe What They Believe, by Chris Morphew (Rooted)
Your teenager’s brain is not a static object; it’s constantly rewiring itself. Neurons in their brain that repeatedly activate in particular patterns are more likely to fire in those same patterns the next time they’re activated. What this means is that the more your teenager repeats an action, a behaviour, or a thought pattern, the more natural that repetition becomes.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.94: Reflecting on the Asbury Outpouring with Zach Meerkreebs
Mike talks with Zach Meerkreebs, the preacher whose sermon sparked the Asbury Outpouring two years ago. What happened? What’s happening now? What can we learn?
How to Teach About God’s Judgment by Jennifer Kvamme
God’s judgment is a hard for youth to embrace as good news. Teaching the Bible’s message about God’s justice also shows us to powerful mercy of God towards sinners like us.