Friday Review (12/5/25)
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
Are Young Men Being Drawn to Christ or Christian Culture?, by Benjamin Vincent (The Gospel Coalition)
We should praise God for this quiet revival and eagerly welcome these new brothers into our congregations. At the same time, we should also ask careful questions. What’s driving these young men to church? What are they looking for?
Pushing Back on the Loneliness Epidemic Among Young People, by Shelby Abbott (Rooted)
I’ve been in full-time ministry with young adults for more than 25 years, and I’ve seen time and time again how the things lonely teenagers hold onto for comfort often cause them pain. There are plenty of these supposed comforts, but right now I want to cover just three.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Every Human an Image-Bearer, by Justin Huffman
Radical environmentalism paints humans and population growth as the great scourge of the planet, while strangely also pretending that humans are basically good down deep. Meanwhile God actually says the opposite: humans are broken sinners at heart; yet they are still made uniquely in the image of God, and so therefore still are given dominion over the earth and are to still multiply, fill the earth, and steward the planet on his behalf!
The What, Who, Where, and When of Theology, by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley (Crossway)
Theology frightens some people and fascinates others. It introduces us to an unseen world, one far greater and more lasting than the world we see and touch. Doing theology is the most important task that any human being can take on.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Misunderstanding Porn, by Matthew Loftus (Mere Orthodoxy)
There is a growing group of online provocateurs who claim that porn would cease to be a problem if more wives lost weight and turned themselves into their husband’s own “personal porn star.” (I wish I was kidding.)
Pastoral Ministry
Be Known, Not Impressive, by Barnabas Piper
An unimpressive pastor will repel, but not run off, people who want impressiveness over honesty, and value showiness over Christ-like substance. An unimpressive pastor will resemble the heart of Jesus and reflect the work of Jesus, especially toward the poor in Spirit, the least of these, and all those who labor and are heavy-laden.
Changing a Church’s Culture: 3 Essential Factors, by Alan Patrick (For the Church)
A church that is serious about eating, celebrating, and being intentional about God’s Word will become a Word-centered church. If you want to change the culture of your church, consider intentionally changing both their diet and their celebrations.
Make Room at Church for Special-Needs Families, by Sandra Peoples (The Gospel Coalition)
Reaching families affected by disability is challenging. Space is limited, volunteers are hard to come by, budgets are tight, and starting a new ministry feels intimidating because of all the unknowns. But realistic, practical strategies can help overcome these challenges.
Family & Parents
The 12-Hour Rule, by Tessa Lind (Pursuing Perfection)
If I had shared my pregnancy with people, I would have had a support network. Yes, Hubby and I would have made those difficult phone calls, but we wouldn’t have mourned behind closed doors.
...And Then There Were Three, by Joshua Budimlic (Iotas in Eternity)
As overwhelming as this news is in the best possible way,—the gift of a new life, a gift from the hands of God Himself—it is all yet to truly sink in. Everything has changed; but for the time being, most of life remains unchanged.
From YPT this week
ep.121: Unexpected Skills for Youth Workers
In ep.121 of the YPT Podcast, Mike and John discuss unexpected skills needed to thrive in youth ministry, with a special focus on what mental toughness looks like for pastors.
Teaching the Christmas Story Through the Lens of Hope, by Pedro Heizer
Christmas isn’t about pretending everything’s fine; it’s about remembering that God stepped into the world to bring hope.