Friday Review (5/12/23)
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
5 Tips for Learning to Preach as a Student Pastor, by Will Standridge (For the Church)
As student pastors, we must constantly seek to grow in our preaching abilities, ensuring that our messages are both faithful to Scripture and engaging to our audience. Many people treat having a staff pastor who is able to preach as a bonus, but Paul considers it a necessity. In this article, we will explore five practical tips for becoming a better preacher as a student pastor.
The Great Departure, by Melanie Lacy (Presbyterian Herald)
If there’s any hope for Generation Alpha and Generation Z (and there is), we need to radically review our practice, learning from where there is growth among young people in the Western church and most importantly heed the commands of Scripture: to teach and tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord.
7 Tips for Teaching Theology to Teens, by Jon Nielson (Crossway)
We are called to pass on the simple good news of the gospel as of “first importance” (1 Cor. 15:1–4)—as well as the rich and “solid” doctrines of the Christian faith (Heb. 5:12). But what does that look like practically? How can we begin helping teenagers think theologically—both formally and informally? Here are seven quick tips that I’ve found helpful (in years of youth ministry... and now as my eldest child approaches teenage years!)
A Plea for Fewer Metaphors in Children’s Talks, by Mike Lynch (The Gospel Coalition Australia)
Adult teachers gravitate to metaphors and similes because they seem so fun and vivid; because they are so meaningful for our own understanding; because we have seen them used over and over again in children’s talks in church, so we just assume it must be best practice. But in fact, by and large, it is not the best approach.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Did Jephthah Kill His Daughter to Fulfill a Vow to God?, by Robby Lashua (Stand to Reason)
The fact that God used a man who committed such an atrocity is nothing new when it comes to Old Testament figures. David, Solomon, and Abraham were all men God used to do good but also men who greatly sinned. But is there another way to interpret Jephthah’s story? There are three clues within the text that suggest something different happened with Jephthah’s daughter.
How to Read Wisdom Literature, by Max Rogland (Ligonier)
Scripture says that wisdom will be given to those who ask for it (James 1:5). In particular, the Holy Spirit has inspired diverse books of wisdom such as Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes precisely for this purpose. How should a Christian read the Wisdom Literature profitably?
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Don’t Underestimate Curation, by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)
To create and share our creation with others feels good. It feels like good stewardship of God’s gifts. I love it. But amid all of the hype around being a content creator, I think we need to recognize the tremendous value of being a content curator.
Making Sense of Sex/Gender Trends..., by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
For the Christian, we can do nothing but lean into God’s Word to discover His good order and design for sex and gender... an order and design that facilitates our good, His glory, our freedom, and our flourishing. Besides the reality is that sex and gender are rooted in the Creator’s good creation, there are a couple of very important foundational truths that each of us must remember as we think about, talk about, and process these issues and conversations.
Pastoral Ministry
Discipleship Should Create a Mature Community (Not Just Individual Stars), by Brandon Cooper (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
Should discipleship in our churches function any differently? Discipleship quite rightly involves both the individual and the community, the player and the team, so to speak. But curiously, in our current practices, we frequently flip the proper place of each.
Family & Parents
Hard Days Are Good Days: Why Kids Are Worth the Cost, by Jessica B. (Desiring God)
It’s natural to call children gifts from God when they emerge from the womb, stand on stage with combed hair, and make quilted forts in tranquility. In such moments, we swell with pride at our vibrant olive shoots and shiny arrows. But are they still rewards from our Lord when their anger is red-hot, they’ve been vomiting all night, and they harbor stony hearts?
4 Ways to Love Moms in Your Church, by Annie VanderHeiden (Core Christianity)
Each of these moms in your church community carries her own particular burdens from the week behind and for the week ahead. Whether a church leader, friend, or fellow mom in the trenches, how do you show these sisters they’re seen and loved? Here are four simple places to start:
From YPT this week
Resisting the Prosperity Gospel in Student Ministry, by Justin Love
The prosperity gospel is especially appealing to students for a variety of reasons, but youth ministers aren’t left short-handed. The gospel truly is good news and delivers what the prosperity gospel cannot. Here are some ways youth workers can call students to resist the prosperity gospel.
YPT Podcast Episode 37: Law and Gospel in Youth Ministry with Justin Schell
How can youth workers understand the role of God’s Law and the Gospel in the way we pursue evangelism and discipleship in student ministry?
Partnering with YPT to Make a Global Impact, by Mike McGarry
Learn more about Youth Pastor Theologian’s mission and our impact on youth workers around the world. Will you partner with us to encourage youth workers to pursue theological depth in ministry to the next generation?