Friday Review (4/14/22)

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

Why American Teens Are So Sad by Derek Thompson (The Atlantic)

Amplify these existing trends with a global pandemic and an unprecedented period of social isolation, and suddenly, the remarkable rise of teenage sadness doesn’t feel all that mysterious, does it?

Biblical/Theological Studies

"If you had one shot . . ." OR: Polemics about Confessions... by Rut Etheridge III (Gentle Reformation)

In our present-day efforts at theological persuasion, we should hesitate to use antiquated language and technical terminology that does not translate to our times. However much we rightly admire the linguistic styles and structures of Reformed writings from centuries past, the effort to rhetorically recreate conditions long gone actually runs afoul of the principles and practice of Reformed confessionalism.

Work is a Blessing by Brandon Sutton (Knowing Jesus Ministries)

Many Christians view work as simply a necessary evil, something we only do because we live in a fallen world. The truth is, work was made before the fall and it was originally designed for our enjoyment and God’s glory (Gen. 2:15). 

More than Doing: Categories for Applying God’s Word by Micah Colbert (Rooted Thinking)

Most people think of applying God’s Word almost exclusively in terms of doing… But how do we do Bible texts like those found in the book of Judges?

Cultural Reflection/Contextualization

Don't Overlook the Value of Cultural Apologetics by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)

To make inroads in a culture, we must be comprehensible. We must understand the ways in which the gospel fulfills the deepest longings of people and the ways in which the gospel exposes the lies people believe. Often, these two aspects are connected.

Will Smith, Hillsong, Branding... And Me... by Walt Mueller (CPYU)

But let’s be honest. Thinking here solely about Will Smith and Hillsong can divert us away from tending to that which we’ve each been called to tend to: ourselves. Paying attention to Will Smith and Hillsong can be helpful as their stories pull back the curtain on a universal bent that we all share. 

We Should Talk About Disney by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)

So, whatever conversations happen internally at Disney about their future programming, let’s make sure that thousands more conversations happen in our families about their current and past programs, appreciating what’s right and beautiful in their portfolio and recognizing what’s wrong and harmful. Whenever you turn on the TV, make sure you don’t turn off your mind.

Pastoral Ministry

3 Ways Social Media Affects Pastors by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)

But for the most part, when pastors reach out to me about the ways social media is impacting them, they’re lamenting and asking for help, not rejoicing. Here are three ways social media is affecting pastors.

Family/Parents

Mother Yourself Out of a Job: Nurturing Children Toward Independence by Michelle Morin (Desiring God)

But the journey from dependent child to independent adult is never without its pulling and stretching on both sides. As young adult children relinquish their need for hands-on parenting and take up responsibility for their own lives, there is a mirrored relinquishment for which we, as their loving parents, usually need plenty of grace.

5 Ways to Cherish Christ with Kids at Easter by Barbara Reaoch (The Gospel Coalition)

The days before Easter provide us an opportunity for us to be intentional with our kids and bold with our unbelieving neighbors. It’s a time to invite the neighbors over to hunt eggs in the backyard and share a chocolate bunny. Most importantly it’s a time to share the story and the joy of the resurrection.

From YPT this week

Resting in What Jesus Has Done by Nick Hartman

Do you rest in what Jesus has accomplished, or do you lead as if the ministry is actually on your shoulders? Here are important reminders that have helped me embrace this posture and discover my identity as a youth leader.

Incentivizing Discipleship by Mike McGarry

Should youth pastors motivate students to read the Bible and invite friends to youth group by offering incentives and rewards? Here’s wisdom from our YPT Facebook Group.