Friday Review (4/11/25)
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
The Tragedy of Imperfect Communion: Helping Teenagers Process Experiences of Racism, by Ericson Joubert (Rooted)
As students in our youth group may very well experience the brokenness of relationships with respect to racism, it’s vital to speak into those injustices with the hope of the gospel. A pastor I respect said once that the gospel comprehends, commends, and critiques every culture. Therefore, in the face of racism, our call as youth ministers is to uphold the gospel message, teaching the transforming work of grace found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Biblical & Theological Studies
The Dirtiest One Another, by Cindy Matson (Bible Study Nerd)
Doing the dirty, menial, grunt-work tasks to serve your church family may stink (literally and figuratively) in the moment. I doubt very much if Jesus enjoyed washing twenty-four smelly feet that had been dodging (or not) camel poop all day. But may we have the mind of Christ as we seek to serve others.
Why Hospitality in the New Testament Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does, by Michael J. Kruger (Canon Fodder)
Even so, all of us have to reckon with the fact that the core of our Christian identity is that we are a voyaging people. We are not to be an in-grown people, walled up in our homes of self-protection. But we are to be out and about, so to speak, always looking for ways to spread and advance the kingdom.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
On Netflix and Narnia: Three Questions and a Convicting Scene, by Ryanne Molinari
Gerwig might lift up an artificial Aslan but, like poor Puzzle, she knows not what she does. In an odd way, she is probably convinced that she is doing a virtuous and praiseworthy thing. She probably feels that she is liberating Narnia, making it more prosperous and postmodern—just like the Ape and the Calormenes do in The Last Battle even as they are ushering Narnia closer and closer to its end.
Can You Spot a False Cultural Narrative?, by Thomas West (The Gospel Coalition)
We live within stories that shape how we see the world and make sense of our lives. These cultural narratives often go unnoticed, yet they influence us. Through Scripture, we can uncover these hidden scripts, confront their distortions, and learn to live the gospel way.
Reimagining ‘Snow White’: How Counterfeits Reveal the True, by Anne Kennedy (Christian Research Institute)
It is as though Disney itself is the story we are watching unfold. Standing on the outside, observing some beloved person or society or enterprise slowly and persistently self-immolate is one of the most uncomfortable experiences of being a human. You stand biting your fingernails, watching it go by on the screen, ready to scream with frustration. It is an experience I have all the time when I am reading the Old Testament, watching the “heroes” of my faith fall into ruin and trouble.
Pastoral Ministry
Handling Praise and Criticism in Worship, by Matthew Westerholm (The Gospel Has to Be Sung)
But worship leaders who understand worship as service—a spiritual offering to God and his people—can listen carefully to all the feedback God may use to sharpen us. But how can we sort through that feedback in a way that builds Christ’s church?
Why Sabbath Is for Pastors, Too, by Mike Minter (Lifeway Research)
Enough griping, but I wanted to give you a picture of why a pastor needs Sabbath rest. And I don’t think it always has to be on Sunday. That might be impossible. The point is this: The pastor needs a day of real rest, and so does every person in the congregation.
Family & Parents
Motivating the Unmotivated Child, by Katie Polski (Rooted)
True motivation isn’t about coercion or control; it’s about discipleship. When we take the time to understand their struggles, listen to their dreams, and point them to God’s truth, we move beyond mere behavior modification into heart transformation.
Answering Kids’ Hardest Questions: Why Can’t I Have Screen Time All the Time?, by Andrew T. Walker & Christian Walker (Crossway)
Parents, has your child ever said, “No! Don’t turn off my screen!” Why is too much screen time not good for your child? We have some thoughts that the Bible has pointed us to. As we think about how Christians evaluate technology and screen time, it’s admittedly challenging because there’s no Bible verse that says, “Thou shalt not use an iPad,” or a commandment that says “You can have twenty-five minutes of screen time per day.”
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.99: Equipping Youth to Live with Wisdom with Rich Griffith
Mike talks with Rich Griffith about the importance of guiding our youth to live with wisdom and discernment, and encouraging them to live with godly courage.
Leading Effective Small Groups in Youth Ministry by Cole McCartney
What’s the purpose of small groups, and how does that shape the way we structure and lead them?
Long-Lasting Youth Ministry by Alex Tufano
There’s something beautiful about youth pastors serving in the same place for a long time. Why is this so powerful, what are some common obstacles, and how can we pursue long-lasting youth ministry?