Friday Review (2/10/23)
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
Help My Unbelief: Prayers for a Doubting Student, by Becky Paynter (Rooted)
As we continue in our series on prayers for a struggling student, consider this prayer from the perspective of a doubting student. We invite you to step inside the shoes of a teenager who is battling unbelief, and perhaps to even pray alongside a teenager you know is struggling, trusting in God’s kindness to all of us who doubt, question, and waiver in our faith.
The Truest Better Option: Helping Teenagers Navigate FOBO, by Rebecca Lankford (Rooted)
FOBO adds to Gen Z’s already troublesome levels of anxiety. It makes them poor commitment-makers and keepers. Most importantly, it prevents them from experiencing the peace, freedom, and assurance that flows from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Biblical & Theological Studies
The Importance of Theological Pairs, by Nicholas Batzig (Feeding on Christ)
Many disagreements in theological matters come from only holding to one of two complimentary theological truths. When we grasp both we'll be able to refute theological error and minister more effectively to others with theological precision and care.
Striving for Warm Complementarianism in a Cold, Mostly Egalitarian World, by Benjamin Vrbicek (Fan and Flame)
And this is why, to come full circle, we not only write about our complementarian convictions in our membership booklet, but we put it in our job description. Now, may God our Father, help our belief of these doctrines to be more than mere aspirational belief, more than words on paper. And may he help us be the kind of warm complementarians who adorn the doctrine in such a way that people taste red velvet, not vinegar.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Young Men Need Better Than Andrew Tate’s Masculinity, by Vince Greenwald (The Gospel Coalition)
Don’t let the young men in your family, church, or neighborhood be discipled by their social media feeds. Step into the fray and disciple young men with confidence and conviction.
The Unabomber, Inflatable Clowns, and Internet Villains, by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)
I don’t have any interest in commenting on these individuals or why they became villains in the first place. What I am most interested in is that there needs be a perpetual internet villain at all. I think this can be explained by what is called “surrogate activities.”
Pastoral Ministry
Preachers Should Measure Twice and Cut Once, by Erik Raymond (The Gospel Coalition)
What’s true in the wood shop is also true in the study. The preacher must measure twice and cut once when preparing to make an argument.
3 Truths for Pastors Carrying Heavy Burdens, by Sam Allberry (The Gospel Coalition)
The task of carrying the flock of God would be far too much for us were it not that God has stepped in as the Good Shepherd. Everything else we think about pastoral ministry should flow from this.
Family & Parents
The Resilient Mother, by Michele Morin (Desiring God)
The resilient mother knows that godly mothering is a byproduct of the slow burn of faithfulness. She is well aware that resilience is not her claim on Christ, but, rather, the evidence of his claim on her.
Unshockable Parenting, by Rebekah Matt (Great and Noble Tasks)
Our children are not perfect, and they will not lead perfect lives. They will wrestle with sin, poor choices, and difficult issues beyond their control, whether publicly or privately, just as we do. How do we ensure that we can be a safe refuge for our teenage or adult children, even in their darkest moments or at times that they may cause us great sadness or disappointment?
From YPT this week
Four Ways Biblical Theology Shapes Conversations About Racism with Youth by Mike McGarry
Conversations about racism are difficult and bring many of us great anxiety. Here are four theological themes that shape the way we have these conversations with students.
YPT Podcast Episode 26: Ecclesiology and Youth Ministry with Charles Hedman
There’s a renewed conversation within youth ministry about integrating students into the life of the church. But why is this so important, what’s it looks like?