Friday Review (10/10/25)
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
More Than Helpers: Nurturing the Hearts of Your Volunteer Team, from Growing Young Disciples
Volunteers are the heartbeat of children’s and youth ministry... As leaders, it’s our privilege and responsibility to care well for these faithful servants. That care must go deeper than logistics or management.
A Letter to Youth Pastors Who Want Teenagers to Love The Church, by Kristin Elizabeth Couch (Rooted)
Youth minister, you regularly proclaim the good news of salvation through faith to your teenagers. You pray for your youth even as you teach them to pray with and for one another and the world. And you diligently labor to teach them what the church is and how they are a part of it.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Have We Sold the Church Short on Deacons?, by Stephen Watkinson (Northern Souls)
The Bible is clear that work of deacons is vital to the health and smooth-running of the church, but in recent years there has been such a focus on developing word ministry in the church, it may be that we have sown the seeds of the practical failure of many churches for lack of deacons.
Eight Purposes of the Lord’s Supper by Mitch Chase (Biblical Theology)
In our church services, we shouldn’t do things for no reason. Let’s put it positively: what we do in corporate worship should be purposeful. So, when we take the Lord’s Supper, we should reflect on the reasons why we do so. Jesus didn’t ordain the Supper arbitrarily.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
How Should Christians Evaluate Fictional Magic?, by Cap Stewart (The Gospel Coalition)
Debates abound on whether these two trends represent correlation or causation. Regardless, Christians know discernment is essential in a culture where fictional and real-world magic are more and more prominent. How do we discern what “fictional magic” is edifying and what isn’t?
What Does a Post-Literate Culture Look Like?, by O. Alan Noble (You Are Not Your Own)
So we have an entire ecosystem set up to distract us from the kind of contemplation and slow thought that is necessary for good reading, the kind of wrestling with words and meaning that we need in democracy and in our faith.
Pastoral Ministry
Take it on the Chin, by J. V. Fesko (Reformed Theology)
If you’re a pastor and find yourself under the fire of criticism, then you’re in good company. Don’t look for a way out—after prayerful consideration of whether the criticism is valid—press on and follow in the footsteps of Christ. Press forward in the way of the cross.
A Brief Theology of Preaching, by W. Tyler Sykora (For the Church)
The purpose of this article is to offer a brief theology of preaching. Undoubtedly, much more could be said! But I will attempt to offer a brief theology of preaching by answering the following questions: What is preaching? Who is preaching for? How is preaching different from teaching? What is expository preaching? And why is it preferred?
Family & Parents
Let Kids Read Dangerous Stories: 3 Thoughts On The Rise Of Cozy Fiction, by Chloe Ann (The Radical Reader)
In the face of a culture where “picture-perfect” is becoming the highest ideal, and health, wealth, and happiness are the primary goals people often strive for, kids need to read dangerous stories.
Balancing Sin, Discipline, And God’s Grace In Parenting, by Curtis Dunlap (Rooted)
Theoretically speaking, we know none of our children are perfect, but that is difficult to accept in the moment of pushback. We found ourselves addressing escalating behavior for what seemed like the millionth time.
From YPT this week
ep.113: Training Volunteers & Building Trust
How can youth workers train and equip their volunteers? What does a healthy recruiting and onboarding process look like? And how can a new youth pastor build trust with an established team of volunteers?
Leading Your Family as a Youth Pastor, by Bryan Barrineau
If we “win” at church but “lose” at home, that’s not success. Left unchecked, ministry will leave us and our families weary, wounded, and wondering whether it’s worth it.