Friday Review (11/28/25)
As 2025 comes to a close, Youth Pastor Theologian wants to take a minute to say THANK YOU!
Thank you for pursuing biblical and theological depth in your ministry to the next generation.
And thank you for allowing YPT to be part of your ministry.
YPT is asking you to help us serve fellow youth workers. Most of our support comes from simple gifts of $50 per month, rather than large ones (although those are certainly welcome!). Your support makes a very real difference. Will you join our team of financial partners?
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
Just “Getting Them to Jesus” Is Not Enough, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
I don’t question the reality that salvation is found in no other name. What I question is what is meant by the phrase, “just bring people to Jesus.” My concern is rooted in how “just bringing people to Jesus” is not only understood, but functionally pursued.
The Role of Apologetics in Student Ministry, by Daniel Sloan (Cross Examined)
Would students care about apologetics? Would they even need it? What I quickly learned is that apologetics can and really should have a major role in student ministry.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Christian Liberty, by J.V. Fesko (Reformed Theology)
Rather, they should look for a church that bears the three marks: the right preaching of the gospel, the right administration of the sacraments, and the proper administration of church discipline. From there, they should look for a church where people with all sorts of different personal convictions rally, not around their personal opinions, but around Jesus and his gospel.
I’m Not a Sabbatarian, But That Doesn’t Mean…, by Jacob Crouch (Aliens and Pilgrims)
I want each of us to know and love the Lord Jesus, and whatever your stance on the Sabbath, I hope that you hold high the finished work of Jesus. I hope that you find rest for your souls in the true Sabbath rest of Christ.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
There Were No Atheists at Nuremberg, by Andrew T. Walker (World Magazine)
Even so, one feature stands out with clarity: When confronted with atrocities of such scale, humanity instinctively appeals to an objective moral standard. Abstract academic debates about relativism sound impressive in seminar rooms. They sound absurd amid the piles of shoes at Auschwitz.
Should Holiday Parties Be Saved?, by Kira Nelson (The Gospel Coalition)
In a culture where parties are declining and loneliness is rising, Christians have a strategic opportunity to break the norm of isolation and foster community. Good parties will be marked by Christians who thoughtfully approach them—either as guest or host.
Pastoral Ministry
Keeping Your Well Full: Pouring Out Without Running Dry, by Skyler Spradlin (For the Church)
Continual ministry without refilling leads to consequences like burnout, half-hearted service, tainted care, and sin. Though called to pour ourselves out for Christ’s sake, we are not infinite creatures.
How We Choose Songs, by Chris Hutchinson (Emmanuel Baptist Church)
Accomplishing these realities (as consistently as possible) requires the best combination of songs sung by our congregation. Lyrics really matter. With only a certain amount of songs to sing each week, it will be important for them to be as impactful as possible.
Family & Parents
Gospel Hope for Parents of Boys Struggling with Motivation, by Jon Lilley (Rooted)
You’ve tried pep talks. You’ve tried consequences. You’ve even tried bribery. But your son still won’t budge. He seems to lack drive, purpose, and energy for anything beyond screens, snacks, and sarcasm. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The Trap of Fear-Based Parenting, by Jon Beeson (The Bee Hive)
I want my parenting to be free of the fears that so easily rise up within me. My only hope is to point myself and my children to who God is and who we are in him. Gospel-based parenting releases us from the grip of fear into the arms of our protective Father — the One who loves our children even more than we do.
From YPT this week
ep.120: Rooted Conference Highlights & Pressure to Become "Real" Pastors
Mike and John discuss highlights from the Rooted Conference, and reflect on a common question they heard from attendees: how do you know whether to stay in youth ministry or not?
How to Teach Psalm 23, Theologically, by Chandler Warren
Psalm 23 is one of the most-known passages in Scripture, but have you ever paused to think about it’s core theological message? Here are three beautiful truths to teach students from it.