Friday Review (12/18/25)
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
What I Wish My Youth Leaders Had Told Me About Dating and Waiting, by Grace McCready (Rooted)
I encountered biblical teaching about sex and marriage many times during my teenage years: while participating in a Bible study, listening to a guest speaker at youth group, and in a dedicated talk at summer camp. While I agree with what I learned about trusting God’s plan for sex and marriage, I wish I had also learned about trusting his plan for dating and waiting.
Biblical & Theological Studies
The Rising Tide of Islam, by Alan Shlemon (Stand to Reason)
The rising tide of Islam in America signals an opportunity for the gospel to reach the largest unreached people group on earth: Muslims. According to demographic data, there are approximately two billion Muslims in the world. That means about one in four people on the planet is a Muslim.
Don’t Be Duped by This Year’s Biggest Religious Trend, by Missy Speir (The Gospel Coalition)
“You are enough” is a false gospel that looks within to find forgiveness, love, and grace, rather than looking into the face of a gracious and compassionate God who is enough on our behalf.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Your Subscriptions Are Holding You Captive. Here’s How to Escape, by Nicole Nguyen (The Wall Street Journal)
The allure is undeniable: Access to all the music for $8 a month almost feels wrong. But as the model expands from Spotify and Netflix to fitness rings, AI chatbots, flight trackers and more, we start to lose control.
Coherence Isn’t Wisdom: What AI Is Exposing About How We Think, by Mike Leake (Borrowed Light)
One of the greatest concerns I have with generative AI (like ChatGPT) isn’t with AI as much as it’s a concern with how WE use it. Or really, it’s a concern with how we tend to think, and how AI in those hands is a dangerous way to further deformation.
Pastoral Ministry
You May Not See the Fruit of Your Ministry, by Greg Morse (Desiring God)
What do you do when you serve the Lord and little happens? When you’ve spent all night fishing with no catch? How do you feel when you see another disciple’s boat filling and sinking from all the fish?
When People Leave Your Church, by Josh Lim & Peter Yi (Sola Network)
Given the inevitability of this experience, we wanted to share some words of encouragement and wisdom gleaned from our cohort’s discussion. May it serve fellow pastors and ministry leaders who are called to faithfully shepherd the flock that Christ has entrusted to them, even when their sheep move on to different pastures.
A Decent and Orderly Case for Raising Hands in Worship, by Sean DeMars (9Marks)
Brothers and sisters, many of us have wisely guarded against emotionalism and charismatic chaos in worship. This is good and right. But let us be careful that in resisting excess, we don’t neglect what Scripture encourages, and even commands.
Family & Parents
Encouragement for Moms Who Don’t Always Feel Gentle, by Katie Faris (Crossway)
Do you labor—juggling multiple hats and responsibilities for your family? Are you heavy-laden—bearing burdens of heart and mind for those you hold most dear? Soak in and absorb Jesus’s words to you:
Loving Aging Parents Well, by John Piper (Desiring God)
I think perhaps the most crucial consideration is to remember that we are to act in love as we were loved by Jesus, and that there are often competing claims upon our love. This is what makes things complicated: spouses to love, children to love, neighbors to love, churches to love, unreached people groups in missions to love.
From YPT this week
ep.123: Reflecting on 2025 & Teaching the Trinity
Reflecting on the highlights of 2025 and discussing how to teach the Trinity to Youth (and why this is important to do!)
Teaching About Joy in Advent, by Tim Franks
How can the Advent theme of JOY shape your teaching and discipleship during the Christmas season?