Friday Review (6/7/24)

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

Why Youth Leave the Church: 10 Surprising Reasons Teens Disappear, by Marc Yoder (Church Leaders)

We all know them—the kids who were raised in church. They were stars of the youth group and maybe even sang in the praise band or led worship. And then…they graduated from high school and started leaving. What happened? How do we explain why youth leave the church?

Parents, Value Expository Teaching at Youth Group, by Jennifer Kvamme (Rooted)

I get their point. Teens do have a lot of practical questions, and we need to be able to help them address those topics from a biblical lens. We absolutely want youth group to be fun and relevant. However, I wasn’t convinced to stop teaching expository Bible messages to teens, and more than 15 years later, I’m even more sure of my decision. As a youth worker (and now as a mom as well), I believe there are at least three compelling reasons for consistently teaching through whole passages of Scripture with teens.

Biblical & Theological Studies

3 Waves That Have Shaped Evangelical Churches (and a 4th on the Way), by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)

Theological differences remain, but they’re less pronounced because virtually all evangelical churches have been marked by three waves that have crashed onto the shore and changed the landscape. The influence of these movements is so profound that many churchgoers don’t even notice their effects.

Why Only Pastors Can Baptize, by Kevin P. Emmert (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)

Many of us today would not object to this line of thinking. But just because we share an equal status in Christ does not mean we share the same responsibilities in Christ. There are biblical and theological, as well as historical, reasons why only ordained ministers should perform baptisms.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

The Rise of Hyperpleasures, by Samuel C. Heard (Mere Orthodoxy)

But suffice to say, the lid has come off. We know no limits to the kinds and degrees of pleasures available to us. Ordinary pleasures have given way to hyperpleasures — especially as companies and media platforms become more adept at identifying our discomforts and rooting them out.

What is Woke?, by Jennifer Defrates (Cross Examined)

We find it far easier to label things as “woke” to indicate, “Danger! Toxic! Avoid this!”, rather than to take the time to research it for ourselves. But that hasty labeling risks yeeting the baby with the bathwater. And it doesn’t teach people how to chew through their ideological food, swallowing the meat, and spitting out the gristle (i.e., what doesn’t align with biblical Christianity).

Pastoral Ministry

Let the Anxious Children Sing to Me, by Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (Christianity Today)

The impulse to offer children a simple resolution to a Bible story or problem often shows up in Christian music for children. Repetitive mantras like “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty” are words we want our children to learn, but they are capable of doing more than singing spiritual positive affirmations

What You Need to Understand about Evangelism before You Do Evangelism, by J. Mack Stiles (Crossway)

Every Christian should make it his aim to be a student of the gospel. The apostle Paul’s regular method of evangelism was to set out facts of the gospel, answer questions, and overcome obstacles. Paul taught the gospel. To do the same, we need to know the gospel message inside and out.

Family & Parents

Teenagers and Parental Hypocrisy: Seven Suggestions, by Kenneth Berding (Kindle Afresh)

I raised four daughters. That is to say, together with my highly-committed and sensible wife, Trudi, I raised four daughters. I must admit, though, that sometimes it feels like they raised me. Nothing highlights one’s sinful tendencies more effectively than raising children. Every parent reading right now knows what I mean.

3 Tips for Introducing Spiritual Disciplines to our Family, by Meredith Cook (Center for Faith & Culture)

We’re closing in on four years of developing and honing our practices, mostly by trial and many errors. If you’ve been thinking about implementing similar habits in your family, here are three considerations that may help you get started.

How to Not Exasperate Your Children, by Hannah Carmichael (The Gospel Coalition)

Parents are wise to take note when their child seems angry or discouraged and consider how their own behavior may have affected the child. After years of conversations with adolescent and adult children raised in Christian homes, I’ve noticed three parenting behaviors that, whether intentional or unintentional, commonly exasperate children to the point of anger and discouragement.

From YPT this week

Encouraging Students to Worship Through Singing by John Wiley

What are some reasons youth don’t sing and how do we prompt them to worship through singing at youth group?