Friday Review (10/31/25)
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
Put Strong Teachers in Your Children’s Ministry, by Brian Dembowczyk (The Gospel Coalition)
Peter’s instruction to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you” (1 Pet. 5:2) includes the children in our pews. Yet many churches treat children’s ministry as glorified childcare rather than a discipleship lab.
Dear Anxious Teen: You Are Not Alone, by Eliza Huie (New Growth Press)
Here’s the thing: Anxiety isn’t just feeling nervous before a test or getting butterflies before speaking in front of a class. Those things are normal. Anxiety goes deeper. It can show up like this:
Biblical & Theological Studies
Does a Transient Lifestyle Stunt Discipleship?, by Daniel Seabaugh (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
But the truth is that if we want to follow Jesus and have a life that reflects his character and heart, the surest way to do so is to deeply root our lives in a gospel-centered local church. There’s no other way. Therefore, wherever you find yourself in the world, let God work in and through you there. Find a church, put down roots, and be transformed.
A Theology of the Bed, by Ian Wildeboer (The Gospel Coalition Canada)
I wonder if you have ever been asked if you have a proper theology of the bed. I haven’t. I don’t imagine you have either.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
“But is it True?” Cultural and Rational Apologetics, by Jono Darville (The Center for Faith & Culture)
To love our neighbors well, we need to adopt a holistic apologetic that listens to their existential and intellectual concerns and responds with a contextualized message that defends the beauty, goodness, and truth of Christianity.
Female Culture is Being Pornified, by Samuel D. James (Digital Liturgies)
In the evangelical world, however, it’s still not that common to see former ministry figures embrace such an openly sexed, therapeutic spirituality. When deconstruction narratives happen, there is usually at least a pretense of a more intellectual shift.
Pastoral Ministry
Ministry Doesn’t Have to be a Spectacle, by Josh Oh (Sola Network)
No one going to seminary admits that they want to be the next big pastor. Perhaps not everyone wants to experience the same kind of platform that many of our preaching heroes stood upon, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that most seminarians (if not all) go into ministry hoping to have some kind of impact.
Family & Parents
When Pleasing Our Kids Becomes Idolatry, by Adam Griffin (Crossway)
What would your home life be like if your children were completely in charge? What would you have for dinner? How would your kids want to spend your money? What would your kids want to do every day?
You’re Their Mom or Dad, Not Their Pastor or Evangelist, by Tim Challies
This is not a matter of hiding or denying faith, but rather a matter of obedience, wisdom, and trust—obedience to fulfill the role God has called each of us to, wisdom to know when it may be right to extend an invitation or speak a word of truth, and trust that God will work through the means he has appointed.
When Your Teen Slows Down: Rethinking Rest in a Performance-Driven Culture, by Jonathan Lilley (Rooted)
In a culture that prizes constant productivity and rewards the hustle, slowing down can feel dangerous. Without realizing it, we can begin to measure our children’s maturity by worldly standards—grades, activities, and accolades—rather than biblical ones like wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual formation.
From YPT this week
ep.116: Talking With Students About Sexuality and Gender
The Bible talks about sexuality. If we aren’t, then can we really say we’re teaching the Bible? In this podcast episode, Mike and John discuss how to go about teaching on sexuality and gender at youth group.
Shepherding Students Towards the Good Shepherd, by Nick Hartman
Here are some practical reminders about how to cultivate godly relationships with students that lead them to the Good Shepherd.
Is Youth Ministry in the Bible?, by Mike McGarry
You’ve probably heard people say “Youth Ministry isn’t in the Bible”, but is that true?