Monthly Review: August 2023

Each month this summer, 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 Strategies for Teaching Neurodivergent Teens by Heather Lea Kenison (Women in Youth Ministry)

And over time, we realized that just a few simple tweaks to our programming could help neurodivergent students succeed in our ministry. And ultimately, prioritizing the needs of neurodiverse teenagers fosters a positive and inclusive educational experience for all teenagers. Here are 5 strategies for teaching neurodivergent teenagers.

Welcoming Church Leaders as Collaborators in Youth Ministry by Zac Lusk (Rooted)

Our mission as student ministers isn’t to have the best games, the most action-packed events, the best-sounding bands, or a bottomless pizza buffet at every event. Our mission is the discipleship of young men and women who will treasure Christ and lead others to do the same. The Bible first gives this task to parents. So youth ministry should support and champion them.

Four Ways to Help an Anxious Teen by Eliza Huie (New Growth Press)

Christians are called to be examples of faith to the watching world; our teens are part of the watching world. While coping strategies are necessary and wise to employ to help teens navigate anxiety, do not underestimate the power of your example of faith as you face challenges. Remember that our actions can speak louder than skills and strategies. 

Biblical & Theological Studies

Repentance: The Big Difference a Small Preposition Makes by McKay Caston (New Growth Press)

The same idea is true for repentance. Repentance is a pivotal part of our doctrine as followers of Christ. A small misuse of the term, however, could mean a colossal misunderstanding for Christians. It all comes down to the use of a preposition.

Songs Are Discipleship by Andrew Lovett (Sola Ecclesia)

If a mist in the pulpit is a fog in the pew, the same is true of the songs we choose and sing congregationally. How does this song build up the body of Christ? How does this song edify a seasoned saint? How does this jingle build up the newly-born believer? How does this worship leader understand his role and responsibility? We must take seriously the theological development of the individuals we call worship leaders because they are disciples too.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

10 Bits of Wisdom from 10 Years of Socials by Karen A. Ellis (Underground Rising)

While I was away from social media, I thought a lot about … you guessed it, social media, especially from the perspective of Kingdom Wisdom. I jotted down some things I wish I had known when I joined social media ten years ago, as well as a few things I’ve learned along the way, and I want to share them - free of varnish - with you now.

Teenagers Are (Still) Living In a Barbie World: Here’s How the Gospel Meets Them by Chelsea Erickson, Anna Meade Harris, Carolyn Lankford, and Rebecca Lankford (Rooted)

Just when you thought your daughter was done playing with Barbie, the voluptuous doll is back on the scene in a big way—this time with clever writing, dazzling costume and set design, and an unabashedly feminist agenda, all of which have young women turning out to theaters in droves. Whether your teenager, boy or girl, sees the Barbie film or not, Greta Gerwig’s message reflects Gen Z’s thinking du jour and develops it in some shocking ways. As parents and youth ministers, we are wise to recognize the way these messages are catechizing the teenagers we love (both girls and boys) so we can point them to the true Story in which they find themselves. 

Pastoral Ministry

10 Tips for Preaching Students by Jeremy Jessen (SBTS)

As a new semester begins at Bible colleges and seminaries, many students look forward to taking their first preaching course. Some have no preaching experience and hold the syllabus tightly with nervous fingers. Some have experience teaching in various capacities and received glowing reviews from well-meaning church members, so they assume there is little to learn. Both should enter the upcoming semester with humility, patience, and at least eight other perspectives.

Dear Pastor... You’re a Shepherd, Not an Entrepreneur by Nathan Knight (Crossway)

I wanted to write a few lines to you in an effort to reorient your work. We are pressed on every side—danger from without in the schemes of the devil and danger from within with the passions of the flesh. To be sure, we are also in danger from without in the ways we are so tempted to conform to the patterns of the world (Rom. 12:2). One of those patterns we are tempted to conform to as pastors is to see ourselves, or our work, as entrepreneurs.

Family & Parents

What If Our Kids Are Addicted to the Spirit of the Age? by Isaac Serrano (The Gospel Coalition)

Is technology bad? Of course not. It can accomplish much good. But it can do much harm as well. The Bible speaks of wine as a blessing, but it also gives grave warnings about overusing it. We must, with wisdom and faithfulness, navigate the dangerous waters of the digital age lest we and our children become lost in that addictive sea.

Shepherding Children through Exposure to Pornography by Darby Strickland (CCEF)

We can easily see the potential for great danger in this trend, yet most parents I speak with struggle to talk to their children about pornography, let alone the dangers of it. The Bible tells us that we are to shepherd our children, so we must push past what feels uncomfortable or brings up our own issues with sex. Our children are counting on it. 

From YPT this month

How Can Christian Parents Help Their Teenagers Think Theologically About Culture? by Jason Engle

How can Christian parents disciple their teenagers to build a Christian worldview by helping their kids evaluate culture through a gospel-centered framework? Here’s an example of what that can look like.

The Gospel is Relational (not merely legal) by Alex Tufano

The Gospel is more than God declaring “Not Guilty!” It’s a restoration into fellowship with our saving God through the finished work of Christ. 

Is Christian Universalism True? by Scott Stein

The gospel proclaims salvation for sinners. But does that mean literally everyone will be saved, or only those who believe in Jesus? 

The Benefits of Historical Theology for Youth Ministry by Yuta Seki

Church History and historical theology provide a surprising number of benefits for youth workers who want to meaningfully engage today’s students with the gospel. 

Teaching Students About the Holy Spirit by Joseph Bradley

It’s easy to be confused about the Holy Spirit. Where do we see Him in Scripture? What does He do? And beyond that, how should we talk about Him?