Friday Review (2/25/22)
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
Youth Pastor, Your Students Need Apologetics by Bradley Blaylock (Rooted)
Apologetics is not some magic bullet that will make your students perfect evangelists or protect them from ever doubting. There will still be times when they are asked a question they can’t answer... Apologetics can however, help prepare your students to live good and faithful lives in submission to our gracious king, Jesus.
Youth Minister, You Need to Empower Lay Leaders by Justin Talbert (Rooted)
So if you’ve got a white-knuckled grip on your ministry like I did—even with the best of intentions, clear giftings from the Lord, and a heart filled with love for the next generation—you’re safe in Jesus’ kingdom of grace to admit it. Look to Jesus’ model, and then relax and release some things to others.
Biblical/Theological Studies
God Makes Himself Known as Trinity by Barry York (Gentle Reformation)
Knowing God as Trinity is not just a matter for those who like to read big theological books or have debates about God. Rather, as one pastor long ago said, you cannot think of God being one without seeing him in his splendor as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and no sooner do you distinguish the three persons than you are carried back to seeing God as one.
Ten Commandments for Commentary Usage by Peter Krol (Knowable Word)
There is an everpresent danger of relying on commentaries more than the text, or of allowing commentaries to prevent you from wrestling with the text as you ought... In the interest of helping you make best use of commentaries in your Bible study, here are ten commandments for your consideration.
Cultural Reflection/Contextualization
The Netflix Dilemma by Samuel D. James (Insights)
In other words, when human beings experience maximal self-determining liberty AND a virtually limitless set of options, more often than not the result will be frustration, not happiness.
The Information Superhighway Is a Dead End by Chris Martin (Terms of Service)
We can access endless amounts of information online, and that’s great! We can even come to know that information so that maybe we don’t have to access online anymore. But knowledge and information are not synonymous.
Pastoral Ministry
The Remedy for the Church’s Post-COVID Malaise by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
Perhaps it’s here, when we’ve come to the end of ourselves, when all the old measures for monitoring “how we’re doing”—those Bs of bodies, buildings, budgets, and baptisms—have been altered by the pandemic, that we’re most ready to hear afresh the gospel and to taste again the goodness of the One who called us into his service.
How the Gospel Is Good News for Every Worldview by Scott McConnell (Lifeway)
The beauty of the gospel is that it’s good news for salvation from guilt, fear, and shame. Jesus Christ satisfies these needs that everyone prioritizes a little differently. To share the gospel well in our communities, we must make our appeal to people holding each worldview.
Hope for the Wife of a Tired Pastor by Erin Wheeler (The Gospel Coalition)
Pastors’ wives watch the husbands we love become overwhelmed with struggles. We wonder if it’s a stage that will pass. But for many of us, weeks have turned into months, even years.
Family/Parents
Finding Wisdom in Blending Families by Christina Frost (Rooted)
It will be important for me to nurture my neighborly love for my stepchildren. This will look different for different families with different age children, but whether stepchildren acknowledge your parental role or not, they will always be watching your actions
From YPT this week
Why We Don’t Play Gross or Messy Games in Youth Group by Mike McGarry
Over the last decade, I’ve grown convinced that youth workers need to give more intentional thought about what kinds of games they play - because games create and reinforce our ministry culture.
YPT in Action: Nic Bianchi by Nic Bianchi
“YPT in Action” is an ongoing series where we hear from various youth workers about what it means for them to be a youth pastor theologian who builds their ministry to students on a biblical foundation. This edition features Nic Bianchi (London suburbs, England).