Friday Review (6/2/23)
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
Jesus Is Rest: Anxious Teenagers Find a Better Story in Christ, by Liz Edrington (Rooted)
Some of these things may be helpful in the short run. They may provide a place for us to belong, a sense of cultural acceptance, and a hope that our lives will improve. But they lack the ultimate power and relief that the God who created the universe offers us when he says, “Come to me.”
A Word to Gen Z Graduates, by Aaron Menikoff (The Gospel Coalition)
That’s my final bit of counsel as you start the next chapter of your life. Run hard after the God of the Bible. He’s worth it! He’s the Creator; you’re the created. He’s the Master; you’re the servant.
Time Keeps Ticking Away: 8 Steps to Time Management in Youth Ministry, by Tim McKnight (Youth Ministry Roundtable)
As youth pastors, it is important that we apply this truth regarding making the most of each moment and each day to our ministries. We must manage and use our time well to minister effectively to our students, youth volunteers, and parents.
Biblical & Theological Studies
The Forgotten Side of Sanctification, by Nicholas Batzig (Feeding on Christ)
In order for us to understand why both definitive and positional sanctification are two aspects of the doctrine of sanctification most frequently overlooked, it will help us to consider what they are, why they have frequently been overlooked, and how it ought to impact our Christian lives.
How to Read Wisdom Literature in the Bible, by Barnabas Piper
While the Bible is a single volume, it is composed of sixty six individual books. And those books can be categorized into different genres: law, history/narrative, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic. Don’t let this overwhelm or confuse you! It’s actually a beautiful depiction of God’s creativity and care for his people. Each genre reveals something unique about God in both style and substance.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Why Is the Death Camp Tweeting?, by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)
A lot of life is simply too important for social media. We shouldn’t be livestreaming to Instagram from delivery rooms. We shouldn’t be creating YouTube content from our mother’s funeral. And maybe Auschwitz and other tragic symbols shouldn’t have social media accounts. Social media robs life of reverence.
You Can’t Tear Down the Norm and Then Be Surprised by What Comes Next, by Amy K. Hall (Stand to Reason)
The irony is that in the absence of an objective foundation, Sullivan’s preferred norms really are just that—preferences. And what right does he have to insist his preferences for society are better than the preferences of those who reject his norms? If he has already rejected the objective witness of the body as to its nature and purpose in sexuality and marriage, how are his objections to queer theorists’ preferences not mere bigotry?
Pastoral Ministry
On Not Giving Up, by Justin Dean (Sola Ecclesia)
There are far more leadership books about focus, vision, and passion than there are books about steadfastness. But, after the fear of God, steadfastness is the most important leadership trait a Christian can have. And without this ability, it is unlikely that you will be a successful leader for any period of time.
Anything Worth Doing, Is Worth Doing Badly, by Jacob Crouch
There are some things that are so worth doing, that they are worth doing even before you are great at them. And these things are so excellent, that to neglect them will be to the detriment of your own soul and will place you in opposition to God.
Family & Parents
A Guilt-Free Bucket List for Your Summer Break, by Brianna Lambert (Core Christianity)
The fear of time slipping away with our children makes sense. We’re finite creatures after all; our days are limited (Ps. 90:10). Our children will grow and the summers we experience as a family unit will cease. But we don’t need to enter the summer with a yoke of guilt upon our necks. God doesn’t call us to memory-packed summers. His burden is light, and when we approach our summer in his wisdom, we’ll find greater freedom and hope as parents.
Social Media Is Causing Our Children to Suffer, by Joe Carter (The Gospel Coalition)
We can’t completely control who children and teens are exposed to online. But we can pray earnestly to the one who cares for the souls of children and welcomes them into his kingdom. We can ask him to work in their hearts and the hearts of those around them, keeping their feet from evil ways and causing them to delight in him above all.
From YPT this week
Youth Leader, Learn How to Read, by Joseph Bradley
When I became a better reader, my spiritual life deepend more than I expected. Here are a few ways youth workers can become better readers.