Friday Review (3/8/24)
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
Spurgeon the Forgotten Youth Pastor, by Will Standridge (The Gospel Coalition)
Caring for the young isn’t a new challenge. It’s one that transcends time. So, let’s follow Spurgeon’s lead. It doesn’t matter whether or not “youth” is in your job title. If you’re a pastor, you’re responsible for the whole church, including the youth.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Three Reasons Why the Exclusivity of the Gospel Causes Offense, by M. R. Conrad (Rooted Thinking)
Now, the tension could be your fault. Your approach could be abrasive, condescending, or even rude. But, then again, the trip line could have been the message itself. Those set on going their own way stumble on the exclusivity of the gospel.
Unpacking “No Creed but the Bible”, by Carl R. Trueman (Crossway)
There are many other benefits—doctrinal, ecclesiastical and doxological—which creeds and confessions offer to today’s Christians and to the modern church, but I hope that the above is enough to whet your appetite for more. All concerned with the transmission of the faith from generation to generation and from place to place will find these great documents to be an immeasurable help.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Sycophants and Liars, by T. M. Suffield (Nuakh)
While I am concerned about digital technology, its dehumanising effects, and the ways we can embrace our own humanity both with and without certain digital tools; today I’d like to explore what this piece of research says about us.
Three Ways for Students and Pastors to Use ChatGPT, by Jacob Haley (Center for Faith and Culture)
Maybe you have only heard of ChatGPT as a way to pass off a robot’s work as your own. To be sure, ChatGPT can be used as an unethical shortcut. While such concerns are valid, ChatGPT is first and foremost a tool, which means that it can be harnessed to serve the kingdom or undermine it. Here are three ways you can think about using ChatGPT in your workflow to better steward the responsibilities the Lord has placed before you.
Pastoral Ministry
Start Small, Step Up, and Fail Well, by Scott Hubbard (Desiring God)
But lately my mind has been focused on a passage from Paul to Timothy. Timothy was already a pastor at the time of Paul’s writing, but he was a young pastor, not far removed from the road of aspiring men. And Paul’s counsel applies wonderfully to those preparing to join him.
Hey Gen-X! Now That We Have Our Hands on the Ministry Wheel, Here Are Some Do’s and Don’ts., by Stephen McAlpine
What a time to watch as peers fall by the wayside, and Boomer seeker-sensitive leaders fall off the perch or fall from grace. We didn’t think we were going to get that influence and leadership calling, but hey, it’s suddenly been thrust into our hands. All that griping about how we would never be allowed to lead, and suddenly, “over to you”.
Find the Edge in Your Preaching, by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
Here’s a challenge every preacher faces: our effectiveness is diminished whenever we fail to connect God’s truth to contemporary concerns in a way that engages and holds the attention of our listeners.
Family & Parents
From Being a Self-Saboteur to a Sentinel, by Kelly Tarr (Club 31 Women)
We allow our longings for our kids to reach a point where we feel the need to begin manipulating circumstances, or we knee-jerk react out of fear when they sin. Does the Lord desire the same things we do for our kids? Maybe, but at this point, our desires for our kids have grown more significant than our desire for God.
Temptations Common to Marriage, by Bobby Scott (Desiring God)
I don’t know where you are relationally, but I’m writing to encourage couples married or about to be: if you and your spouse love Christ, your marriage can survive and thrive. So, for the purpose of thriving in your covenant, I’ll share three common challenges that all marriages between sinners face, holding up Christ as the only reliable solution for each.
From YPT this week
Episode 61: Practical Advice on Relational Youth Ministry with Joey Molloy
What can we make the most of attending students’ events/activities? How do we build warm relationships that help students grow in their faith?
What is the Relationship Between Apologetics and Theology?, by Scott Stein
Theology must precede apologetics since apologetics is a defense of one’s beliefs against challenges.