Friday Review (4/26/24)
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
Teach Teenagers About the Real Jesus: A Word for Youth Ministers About #goals, by Justin Wong (Rooted)
Our primary task as youth ministers and parents is to disciple our students to love the Lord with all of their hearts and all their minds. Ironically, what I hear often in my church is that students do not need “more theology” or even (brace yourself) that students “do not need theology at all.” It’s a silly response to a sad reality. But when the sad reality meets how we go about ministry, then it goes from sad to scary. What is that “one thing” we think our students need?
Influencer Culture Is Toxic for Teenagers, by Patrick Miller (Endeavor)
Perhaps none of this is harmful. Does it really matter if you spend more time engaging with a pair of influencers in New York City than you do with your coworker? Maybe. Maybe not. But where the real harm comes into play is with teenagers and preteens using smartphones.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Want to Grow in Hospitality? Start with Your Inner Circle, by Cindy Matson (Bible Study Nerd)
These thoughts are simple—nothing more than a humble starting place. But maybe that’s the point. As intimidating as hospitality can seem, it might actually be as simple as offering an atmosphere of grace with words of welcome around a table of fellowship—to the inner circle first and continuing out from there.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
"Why All the TVs? The Death of Attention and Our Loss of Ability to Listen", by Bryan Schneider (Gentle Reformation)
What impact does all of this have on our attention and our ability to deeply connect with others? Are we giving up relationships for pixels? Are we no longer able to listen to each other because we are bombarded with constant distraction?
Thinking Biblically about Transgenderism: A Biblical Response to Current Trends, by Ken Keathley (Center for Faith & Culture)
Keller seems to be right: unless there is agreement about the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of his Word, then there probably will be little agreement about LGBTQ+ issues, including Transgenderism. This article will seek to present a Biblical response to current trends concerning sex and gender.
What’s the Price of a Childhood Turned Into Content?, by Fortesa Latifi (Cosmopolitan)
In the unregulated world of vloggers, children are, for the most part, not entitled to a single cent they help earn. We spoke to creators—and a former kid influencer—to understand how this unusual family business actually works.
Pastoral Ministry
What I Wish the Church Knew about Grief, by Joy Beless (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
Every church has a unique culture and community formed by denominational standards, theological doctrine, and leadership. Adding in a layer of regional norms also affects the culture and dialogue regarding loss within individual churches. Although there are exceptions, most churches struggle to know how to talk about grief, despite the fact that loss will affect every member in the congregation at some point.
The Art of Extemporaneous Preaching, by Geoff Chang (Desiring God)
Far from enabling laziness, cultivating this skill will take more work than simply writing a manuscript. So why go through that work? Spurgeon believed extemporaneous delivery enables preachers to connect with their hearers far more than a read or memorized sermon ever could. Preaching extemporaneously enables the preacher to engage the hearer not only with his mouth but with his eyes and heart.
Family & Parents
How Should I Engage My Rebellious Child?, by Margy Tripp (Ligonier)
The Scriptures are full of the qualities and content of reconciliation. It is a spiritual journey—a process, not an event. Let us consider some biblical counsel for dealing with broken relationships with older children that have been caused by sin and rebellion.
A Second Chance With the Child We Miss, by Heidi Tai (H.T. Writes)
Perhaps grandparenting is an opportunity to recreate the Tiny Years—to pause to be fully present, to leave no words unspoken, to have one last hug and kiss. Perhaps it’s a way to heal from past regret, to undo old cycles, to love a past version of a child they miss.
From YPT this week
YPT Podcast 68: Should Youth Ministry be Incarnational? with Tim Gough
We often anchor relational discipleship in Christ’s incarnation, but is that the best biblical and theological foundation?
Whatever You Do, Don’t Do This… by Mike McGarry
Clickbait leaves no room for meaningful thought and reflection, which undermines the nature of biblical discipleship. What’s that mean for our youth ministry?