Friday Review (10/3/25)

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

The Sounds of Silence: Teenagers and Mental Health, by Danny Kwon (New Growth Press)

My hope is that churches, including pastors, youth leaders, and ministry volunteers, as well as parents themselves, can be a refuge, lighthouse, and first responder to our teenagers and their families, so that they need not struggle in silence.

Biblical & Theological Studies

Is Textual Criticism . . . Cool?, by Michael J. Kruger (The Gospel Coalition)

While it seems that textual criticism is as cool as it’s ever been (whatever that means), Huff’s conversation with Rogan isn’t the whole story. Most people don’t realize that textual criticism, and evangelicals’ role in that field, has been changing for 30 years. Put differently, Huff’s podcast appearance isn’t the beginning of changing perceptions about textual criticism but the result of them.

“All Things New,” not “All New Things” by Tommy Keene (Sign and Shadow)

The “newness” of the New World is not a reboot or a blank slate. It does not begin in the same way as Genesis 1, with Adam and Eve in the garden, new and naked and ignorant, in a wilderness world wild and ready for cultivation. It does not erase what came before; it is not a re-spawn or reset.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

What is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’? A Primer for Youth Ministers and Parents, by Justin Wong (Rooted)

There are moments in popular culture that don’t just capture attention—they define what everyone is talking about and set the cultural pulse. To call the Netflix phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters merely “popular” would be a huge understatement.

Tragedy Overload, by Alan Shlemon (Stand to Reason)

It hasn’t always been this way. Up until the last few seconds of human history, we never were burdened with tragedies near and far. We weren’t saddled with the sorrow of every victim and their families. But now we are. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be this way.

Monk or Missionary: Christian Approaches to Social Media, by Ian Harber (Mere Christianity)

It seems to me that there are going to be two dominant postures toward social media moving forward, both legitimate and both necessary. They are monks and missionaries.

Pastoral Ministry

The Hard Truth About Soft Discipleship, by Mike Hernandez (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)

That pastor’s story is also illustrative of a deep-seated issue and inconvenient truth that should be named and not be ignored: There is a form of discipleship out there that is plastic, fragile, and soft. It is soft discipleship that demands nothing and costs nothing. And if that is the case, then it is also worth nothing.

Why We Need to Talk About Body Image in Women’s Discipleship, by Andrea Lee (The Gospel Coalition)

Discussing body image in discipleship relationships is an opportunity to consider our God, the Creator of all beauty. In him, we see ultimate beauty and glory. He says lasting beauty is being like his Son, Jesus Christ.

Family & Parents

Spiritually Equipping Your Teenagers for the School Year , by Alexis Andre (Rooted)

Whether they’re engaged in a conversation about creation, who has a crush on whom, or the world’s latest news, most students pour from an intellectual and spiritual cup that their parents have filled. As a secondary school teacher, I’ve identified three primary ways that Christian parents can spiritually equip their teenagers for the school year.

What You Owe Your Parents, by Justin N. Poythress (Time and Chance)

Too often, young adults (or older ones), when sorting through the joys and hurts of their past, practice what I call radical parental deconstruction. Their parents become villain one, two, and three in their story.

From YPT this week

ep.112: What is Discipleship & Should we Practice Digital Discipleship?

Mike and John talk about Discipleship: What is it? What isn't it? And what pulls us away from it? Should we use video and social media to "extend" our regular discipleship efforts?

Teaching Students the Beautiful Gospel, by John Gardner

When Christ’s work is spoken of as complete, finished, and satisfying, the pressure of manufacturing beauty is removed.