Friday Review (1/16/26)
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
Take Your Kids Deep, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
Our ministries are only in the beginning stages when our students take that first step in following Christ. Now, we are to diligently and intentionally walk with them down the difficult path of whole-life discipleship.
Young People Are Turning to the Bible, by Murray Campbell
Search is on for meaning and for hope. Last year reports from the UK and USA suggested that the Bible is becoming more popular than ever. Indeed, a huge resurgence in Bible sales is taking place, especially among the U25s.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Let the Bible’s Sexual Ethic Point You to Christ, by Chaya Mauk (The Gospel Coalition)
The culture around us says that following our sexual desires will make us happy. But only the Bible’s sexual ethic brings us to true, lasting joy. What a privilege it is to be joined to this Holy God who knows what’s best for us.
Christians, Let’s Stop Abusing Romans 13, by Russell Moore
That Romans 13 is most often invoked not when the state is acting justly but when Christians feel the urge to quiet their consciences ought to trouble us—not because this habit puts too much weight on biblical authority but because it attacks it. The problem is not with Romans 13 itself, any more than the cocaine dealer quoting Judge not, lest ye be judged is a problem with Jesus.
Why Every Christian Should Care About Adoption (Even if They Never Adopt), by Andrew Hopper (New Growth Press)
Despite the difficulty, one truth kept rising to the surface even in the hardest moments: Adoption is first and foremost a gospel issue, not a personal one.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
What Conservative Young Men Really Need Right Now, by Samuel D. James (Digital Liturgies)
Fuentes, writes Lee, symbolizes an entire generation of men who have been oppressed by an ambient feminist culture. His moral degeneracy is the wrong answer to the right question, which is: How can one be a man in a world that hates men?
The Search for Identity in Digital Spaces, by Shelby Abbott (The Good Book)
Can you imagine what a day would look like without any digital connection with the outside world? Our everyday lives—especially if we’re part of a generation that’s grown up with the internet—are deeply engaged online. It’s impossible for most of us to think about not having a phone because of the nearly universal adoption of digital technology by everyone, everywhere, all the time.
Pastoral Ministry
Five Practical Tips for Pastors, by Matthew Ruttan (The Gospel Coalition Canada)
We are engaged in the proclamation of the gospel, pastoring a flock, teaching, praying, organizing, modeling, and leading. In and through it all, we want to do small things well, and resist the insidious distraction of our time.
Don’t Try to Make Christianity Look Good, by Amy K. Hall (Stand to Reason)
Do you carefully present a kind of truncated Christianity that you think people will like? Take a moment to evaluate yourself. Do you avoid certain truths our culture dislikes because you think that will attract people to Jesus?
Family & Parents
Discipling Teenagers Regarding Popular Music, by Alexis Andre (Rooted)
We live in a culture that praises music as inspiring, moving, and entertaining, yet dismisses it as noise one can listen to without much consequence. Given that, how do Christian parents talk to their teenagers about Swift’s new album? Here are a few talking points for parents to disciple your teens to think through popular music choices, including Showgirl.
From YPT this week
ep.124: Conducting Halftime Evaluations in Youth Ministry
Evaluating your ministry at the halfway point of the school-year will help you finish strong and fulfill your yearly goals. We break from our typical format and Mike leads John through an evaluation of his own youth ministry for the '25-26 school-year.
Disciples Make the Best Evangelists, by Mike McGarry
In this short article, I want to urge every youth pastor to think more biblically about the Great Commission in order to make disciples who evangelize.
