Friday Review (6/17/22)
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
Revival and Revivalism in Youth Ministry by Mike McGarry (9Marks)
True and lasting revival isn’t built on a platform with lots of fanfare. It never has been. Passing the faith from generation to generation is both simpler and more difficult than revivalists prophesy.
Theological Depth as a Remedy to Our Students’ Anxious Hearts by Parker Hudson (Rooted)
Theological depth is difficult... While the consequences of this knowledge may not feel as immediately important as the knowledge needed to pass an algebra test, let us graciously communicate by our love for students and our teaching to them that within the gospel are pleasures forevermore.
The Importance of Theology in Youth Ministry by Steve Eatmon (Rooted)
Therefore, the youth ministry paradigm has to shift. Gone are the days of “if they have fun here, they will stay.” Instead, they will stay if they feel like the youth group shows genuine concern for others, specifically marginalized groups, and if the leader is willing to be authentic and help them wrestle with the deep questions of life.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Brands Taking Stands by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)
From my perspective, I don’t see it as a net positive for brands most of the time. This is probably just a byproduct of the negativity of the internet, but I feel like I hear about how brands-taking-a-stand backfires more than how it is done tastefully.
Faithful in Exile by Matthew Hosier (Think Theology)
We have got to have confidence in this reward, in Christ being the pearl of great price who it is worth pursuing over and above all else. It is that which will empower us to remain faithful in exile and navigate the complexities of our day.
Pastoral Ministry
Our Mission: Make More Disciples and Fewer Performers by Randy Alcorn (Eternal Perspective Ministries)
Pretend actors-for-Jesus can quote Scripture, but their desires haven’t changed. They merely feel good that they now have religion, too. Their faith is not a central transforming reality; it’s an add-on to enhance their lives.
5 Ways to Evaluate a Response to Abuse by Keith A. Evans (The Gospel Coalition)
At a time when it can be easy to downplay and dismiss sin, may the Lord call each of us to a more robust appreciation of our sin’s offensiveness. May he keep us from making excuses for our actions based on good motives or pure intentions. Instead, may we examine our actions, or lack thereof, and learn to sincerely care about the effect our behaviors have on others.
Pastor, Don’t Give Them an Unrealistic Christianity by Kent Bass (Acts29)
Following Jesus is hard. Helping people follow Jesus is also hard. As you shepherd the flock among you, seek to understand their unique barriers and obstacles to following Christ. Ask Jesus to give you eyes like his so you can take every opportunity to celebrate and encourage the faith of his sheep.
Family & Parents
Relationships: Bringing Everything Into Focus by Champ Thornton (New Growth Press)
Astronomers aren’t the only people who, when looking into the dark, desire greater clarity. Parenting can feel a lot like a search in the dark too. From the moment their children are born, many parents find themselves asking questions about the best path forward.
Baking Cookies While the World Burns by Brianna Lambert (Looking to the Harvest)
Today, I’m going to seek to walk in dependence on the Lord for each one of my tasks—whether it’s making playdough or folding the next load of laundry. Oh, and I’m going to plan our next cookie. Would you join me?
From YPT this week
Is Your Theology Nostalgic? by Alex Tufano
Are we blind towards the way our experiences and memories inform our theology and ministry, or will we intentionally build on the Bible?