Friday Review (5/27/22)
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
The Most Important Question for Graduates by Trevor Nashleanas (The Gospel Coalition)
So, graduate, start asking yourself now, and never stop asking, “Who am I becoming?” It’s the one question no one else will ask you, but it’s the one question you can’t afford to leave unanswered.
Processing the Tragedy of School Shootings by Kara Powell (Fuller Youth Institute)
In a culture desensitized toward violence, it can become too easy to look the other way. Words sometimes ring hollow, unable to fill the void left in the aftermath of tragedy after tragedy. But in the days and weeks following community violence, the young people in your home and church may want—or need—to process what happened with you.
Do I Need to Study Theology for Children’s Ministry? by Robin Barfield (Union Publishing)
This has been the pattern of church life for decades—the children’s ministry is run by the happy volunteer or the young person who is testing out whether they are ready for the pastorate. Is this model the best one for children and youth? Perhaps there’s a better way and this thinking is upside-down.
Biblical & Theological Studies
How Seminary Downsizing Cuts into Community by Kirsten Sanders (Christianity Today)
It is undoubtedly true that the future of theological education will not be like its past. But to give up on residential learning altogether is to give up on the good of particularity and hospitality, of difference and community. These goods are expensive, yes, but they are far too valuable to lose.
My Heart Longs for Justice (Kind of) by Tim Challies (Challies)
When I honestly assess myself, I have to admit that my longing for justice is not universal. I want justice for other people’s sins, but not for my own. I want their misdeeds to be met with justice but mine to be met with mercy.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Be Careful On Social Media Today... by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
That which rattles us to the core must be discussed and acted upon. The Gospel demands it. But it’s wise to choose where we discuss how we should act. The great temptation today will be to engage in what’s called “virtue signaling” and “performative allyship.”
The Return of the Culture War by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
History is rhyming again, and so we’re witnessing the rise of a neo–Religious Right that seeks to recapture something of that movement’s focus on political priorities while connecting political thought to Christian discipleship. In forthcoming columns, I want to give some attention to this new development and then offer suggestions for how these resurgent culture-warring sensibilities can be properly channeled so as to result in a stronger church, without the collateral damage often associated with these kinds of battles.
This Is the Southern Baptist Apocalypse by Russell Moore (Christianity Today)
That’s more than a crisis. It’s even more than just a crime. It’s blasphemy. And anyone who cares about heaven ought to be mad as hell.
Family & Parents
God Isn’t Looking at Your Parenting Resume by Dawson Cooper (Rooted)
Thanks be to God, we parents have the answer to our cry of “Am I enough?” God answered it when he was willing to give his only Son that I may be counted as a true child of God, with all of the righteousness of Jesus. My identity is hidden in Christ alone, not in my parenting resume. In him I am enough.
The Mustard Seed Mum: A Letter to Special Needs Mothers by Ruth Clemence (RuthClemence.com)
We don’t all experience the same obstacles or feel the same frustrations. Our individual children with their unique needs, personalities and attitudes (plus our own as parents!) may be different. But we do share some common ground, even if we’re wearing different shoes on the journey.
From YPT this week
Is “Forgive and Forget” Biblical? by Mike McGarry
Conflict resolution is a long and difficult road. Are Christians supposed to forgive and forget, or does the Bible provide another way to pursue reconciliation?
A Prayer of Lament for the Next Generation by Mike McGarry
As youth workers prayerfully consider the last two weeks’ worth of racial violence, school shootings, and the unveiling of abuse within the SBC, we need to fall on our knees in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to show us the log in our own eye.