Friday Review (5/24/24)
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
The Indispensable Necessity of Doctrinally Rich Young Adult Ministry, by Daniel Bouchoc and Zach Hollifield (For the Church)
Whether it’s the unsaved skeptic, the new believer, or the mature believer, there will be no fruitful ministry among GenZ college students and young adults apart from deep, rich, and robust doctrine.
Three Encouraging Truths to Share with Teenagers as They Prepare for College, by Grace McCready (Rooted)
Going to college (especially out of state) can be a huge transition, so if your college-bound child is anxious about starting college, consider sharing these three truths with them as the big move approaches.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Why the Global Church Still Needs the Creeds, by Adonis Vidu (The Gospel Coalition)
For many, the creeds are no longer self-evident, together with many other religious beliefs that used to hold society together at its seams. People who reject them no longer strike us as irrational or out of the ordinary. We’ve demoted the creeds to the status of hypotheses. But against the prevailing cultural winds and despite their contextual nature, the creeds must retain a central position in the church’s life.
Is the New Testament Historically True? (Tough Questions Teenagers Ask), by Andrew Slay (Rooted)
Before we delve into the evidence supporting the trustworthiness of the New Testament, let’s address a fundamental question: Does truth even exist? This question forms the basis of our argument, as it sets the stage for our exploration of the New Testament’s claim to truthfulness.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
The Dangers of Sports Gambling, by Lucas Smith (Center for Faith & Culture)
With the growth and proliferation of legal sports gambling, Christians need to be aware that sports gambling inevitably breaks the two greatest commandments: to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Although the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the activity of gambling, the Scriptures are far from silent on the topic.
Pastoral Ministry
Regulative Discipleship: Why a Full Calendar Doesn’t Necessarily Produce Mature Church Members, by Caleb Batchelor (9Marks)
Extrabiblical structures only exist to facilitate these things. Small groups can be helpful on-ramps to biblical community. Sunday school classes and Wednesday night Bible studies are great ways to provide other leaders more teaching opportunities. But even in these cases, pastors should promote them merely as optional forms for accomplishing mandatory elements.
What It Takes to Survive Ministry, by Darryl Dash (Dash House)
If you don’t think pastoral ministry will be hard, you’re wrong. Of course, it’s not the only hard vocation. Our congregations are filled with people who fill challenging roles. Pastoral ministry comes with many joys. My point, though, is this: it’s also filled with hazards and difficulties. If you suffer from idealism, pastoral ministry will beat it out of you.
Hospitality: A Command for Our Joy, by Kyleigh Dunn (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
The same heart behind hospitality—whether to strangers or close friends—is also seen in the way we care for suffering Christians outside our homes as well, as we love our brethren and the outcast. Our motivation for hospitality should flow from the commands of Scripture, yes, but also from our desire to help and be involved with those around us.
Family & Parents
Without This, Your Marriage Won't Make It, by Bob Lepine (New Growth Press)
Every marriage has elements that produce heat and friction. And unless your marriage is continually bathed with the oil of grace and the ability to forgive one another, you can expect your marriage to seize up, just like an engine that has no oil in the crankcase.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast ep.72: Revisiting Moralistic Therapeutic Deism with Kenda Creasy Dean
What is “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism” and is it still relevant to youth ministry today?
The Love of God is Good News for Teenagers by Jason Engle
While many affirm love as an attribute of God, my fear is that a grievous few hold a healthy biblical understanding of that truth.