Friday Review (10/23/26)
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
8 Hall-of-Fame Youth Ministry Thanksgiving Activities, Tim and Tasha Levert (ChurchLeaders)
Looking for some fun Thanksgiving activities for your student gatherings? Perfect! Here are eight ideas you can adapt to fit the needs of your youth group!
Having Fun Matters, Chris Hargrove (YM360)
The students you minister to and lead each week need fun in their lives, and you get to be the one who brings that to them. I’ve always said that fun builds culture. If you want to shape your ministry, don’t ignore the avenue of fun.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Do We Know Our Own Story? The Messiah, Mission, and Our Identity, Matt Fraser , (TGC Canada)
In light of the Western church struggling to articulate its own mission and story in a compelling way, this article argues that Paul’s introductory words to the Romans (Rom. 1:1-7) are critical for the church to understand itself and its mission.
A Devotional for Those in the Midst of Trial, Paul David Tripp (Crossway)
Jesus, knowing the future and being in complete control of the weather, put the disciples in the boat and sent them into a storm. The storm is exactly where Jesus wants them to be.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Skipping Secularism: 2 Clues from the End of the World, Collin Hansen (TGC)
What if secularism is less of an economic inevitability and more of a philosophical fad?
Pokemon and the Revenge of Physical World, Samuel D. James (Digital Liturgies)
The “license + consume” rhythm of digital life is a lot different from the kind of investment we make in physical objects. This is true whether we are talking about trading cards or our Bibles. Physical things bear physical marks that reinforce their role in our lives.
Pastoral Ministry
Unclear Evangelism Leads to Unclear (and False) Conversions, John Lee (9Marks)
Mez McConnell points out that the fruit of conversion looks different in everyone’s life, particularly for those who come out of difficult, or “messy,” backgrounds.
One Indispensable Key to a Joyful Ministry, Tyler Greene (For The Church)
Christian ministry can be glorious. But let’s face it—ministry can also be hard. If you’re not careful, a challenging season of ministry can take a serious emotional, relational, and spiritual toll on your life.
Family & Parents
The Impossible Choice of Childhood Education, O. Alan Noble (You Are Not Your Own )
I think the most difficult decision parents have to make is how to educate their children. No matter what you choose, someone will judge you, some Christian out there will judge you!
Help Your Children Understand AI’s Place: Three Foundational Truths for AI Use, Luke Paiva (Rooted)
AI itself is a product of the knowledge and creativity he has called us to pursue. However, creations make terrible masters, and any tool can be destructive if misused. The greatest danger of AI is if our children—or we—sacrifice our minds to the simplicity and ease of our own creation.
From YPT this week
Special Episode with YPT’s Summer Intern, Paris Buell YPT Podcast
In this special episode, Mike talks with YPT's summer intern, Paris Buell. Over the summer, she helped with various behind-the-scenes projects to help YPT prepare to become an independent nonprofit organization.
Avoiding Unforced Errors in Ministry, Joseph Bradley
To help us all avoid unforced errors in ministry, here are some simple practices to prioritize (even if we don’t want to).
