Friday Review (4/22/22)

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

Leading Our Youth Ministries at the End of COVID by Matt Ballard (Rooted)

Whether you have had something similar happen or not, leading our ministries at the end of COVID has its challenges. So how can we cast vision, create momentum, and rebuild ministry after the effects of these last two years?

Biblical & Theological Studies

What Affect Theory Teaches Us About Christian Growth by N. Gray Sutanto (Crossway)

Many Christians are aware of the so-called “sanctification gap,” that chasm between the doctrine we know and our concrete habits that are still so often mired in sin. But despite our affirmation of Paul’s teaching, we can still treat discipleship as merely content transmission, as if we’re speaking to robots that can be reprogrammed by just entering the right code. 

The Bible’s Not an Instruction Manual by Jared C. Wilson (For the Church)

If the Bible is not essentially an instruction manual for practical application, then, what is it? If it’s not mainly about what we need to do, what is it about? If it’s not about us, who is it about?

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

Sexual Behavior Isn’t the Most Important Issue by Alan Shlemon (Stand to Reason)

I’m simply pointing out that our hope is not to try to manage a non-Christian’s behavior. Rather, we recognize that what ultimately matters is for them to experience the loving grace of the gospel that will forgive their wrongs and make them right with their Creator. Once that happens, Jesus can transform every part of their life.

Things Are Real Even if We Don't Share Them by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)

Maybe the most toxic effect, though, is the sort of inversion of reality that takes place when we become too dependent on attention for too long. Reality becomes defined by “that which earns me the most attention,” our online lives become primary, and our offline lives begin to serve our online lives.

Pastoral Ministry

How to Renew a Decadent Evangelical Culture by Samuel James (The Gospel Coalition)

If it’s the hidden will of the Lord that our evangelical institutions, seminaries, and churches languish in decadence in perpetuity until they’re merely a historical footnote in the drama of the kingdom of Christ, then we must simply agree that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Ps. 19:9). But our task as Christians is never to discern the hidden will of the Lord, but to remain faithful with the resources we have, in the generation he has placed us. 

Bible Reading in an Age of Double Literacy Loss by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)

If 80 percent of American families didn’t buy or read a book last year, should we be surprised when most Christians don’t spend significant time reading Scripture alone? And if individual Bible reading and personal study is not the primary way the next generation of believers engages with God’s Word, what might Scripture-focused discipleship look like?

Pastors Don’t Need Thicker Skin by Ike Miller (Christianity Today)

From my earliest days in ministry, I’ve been told that when it comes to criticism, I just have to develop thicker skin... Today, 16 years into ministry, I’ve come to the conclusion that thicker skin does not exist.

Family & Parents

Parents, Let’s Not ‘Get Back to Normal’ by Becky Paynter (Rooted)

Our children are watching and longing to know why following Jesus makes any difference at all. They desire to tread the difficult paths with us. The last thing they need is to merely “get back to normal.” 

Prepare Kids for Uncertain Times by Katie Faris (The Gospel Coalition)

With our older sons now teenagers, my husband and I are keenly aware their days living under our roof are numbered. As we prepare to launch them out of the relative safety of our home, we’ve been considering how we can best prepare them to live for Christ in uncertain times.

From YPT this week

Teaching Revelation in Youth Ministry by Mike McGarry

Teenagers are always curious about Revelation and end times. Here are a few keys to help you teach it faithfully in youth ministry. 

Building a Healthy Ministry Calendar by Mike McGarry

Here are some reflections about what it means to build a healthy ministry calendar around your theology of youth ministry.