Friday Review (3/20/26)

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

The Suburban Arms Race: How Youth Sports Are Hijacking Our $ And a Whole Lot More, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)

Let it be known, I love sports. My kids have played sports. I have coached sports. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying God’s good gift of sport and play. But when this good thing becomes an ultimate thing. . . well, we are in need of some good-old idol-smashing.

Biblical & Theological Studies

Mercy Ministry Is Not Missions, by Mark Kuo (Confessional Presbyterian)

Mission work, as defined by Scripture, is the church sending ordained ministers to preach the gospel, make disciples, and plant churches through the ordinary means of grace—Word, sacraments, and prayer. While mercy ministries support gospel outreach, they must not be confused with missions itself, which addresses humanity’s deepest need through the proclamation of Christ.

Should Christians Always Stand with Israel?, by John Piper (Desiring God)

In times like these, reviewing perspectives from outside our immediate context can bring much-needed clarity. To that end, we’ve curated the following resources from John Piper, ranging from 12 to 22 years old. At issue here is not primarily how particular nations should relate to the modern nation of Israel, but how Christians as citizens of heaven might think about Israel today.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

The Danger of AI Isn’t Misinformation. It’s Mis-Formation, by Jonathan Sams (The Gospel Coalition)

The spiritual danger of AI is that it might condition us to take shortcuts in the means God uses to form disciples. Here are three ways this can quietly compete with biblical spirituality.

Is Christ the Center of Your Social Media Message?, by Jennifer DeFrates (Cross Examined)

Because it’s easy to see that social media is destructive and divisive within marriages and friendships. So, we need to make sure we don’t miss the opportunity to be a light for Christ on social media among our friends.

Pastoral Ministry

Dear Pastor, You Must Be Prepared to Be Watched, by Bobby Jamieson (Crossway)

If you want to be a pastor, start setting an example. Live a life that others should imitate. Live a life that others may safely and profitably imitate.

Pastor, You Need to Preach About Marital Intimacy, by Doug Hanna (For the Church)

We often hide behind pseudo-modesty, unwilling to shepherd this area of their lives while our churches have “sexual immorality among [them]” (1 Cor. 5:1). I’m not saying that pastors should have a lustful urge to preach graphic, nearly-pornographic sermons, but I am saying that we need to stop shrinking back from declaring the whole counsel of God.

What Happened to Our Pastor?, by Dan Doriani (Covenant Theological Seminary)

In recent years, the church has suffered numerous reports of catastrophic moral failure by some of its most talented and visible leaders. But it isn’t only famous, highly regarded pastors who falter. It happens to all sorts of pastors from churches large, small, and mid-sized. They hail from every nation and every branch of Christendom.

Family & Parents

Three Reasons to Help Our Kids Memorize Scripture, by Kyle Bjerga (Rooted)

One spiritual discipline that is particularly fruitful is Scripture memorization. Scripture memorization hides God’s Word in our hearts, which means we can remember and recall the words of God from the Bible in moments of need. It’s not easy, but it is worth it. Here are three biblical reasons from Psalm 119:9-11 why this discipline is so important.

How Stories Can Help Guide Kids Through Hard Choices, by Kathryn Butler (Crossway)

For parents, teachers, and pastors eager to guide children, stories offer low-hanging fruit. Good books not only encourage literacy and spark the imagination but also offer priceless opportunities to cultivate biblical discernment. When we read rich stories with our kids and dialogue with them about the conflicts that characters face, we equip them to navigate hard choices long after they’ve left the safety and security of our homes.

From YPT this week

ep.133: Why Biblical Theology Matters in Youth Ministry

In this episode, Mike and John talk about biblical theology in youth ministry: what is it and how do we practice it fruitfully?

How to Lead a Youth Missions Trip, by Cole McCartney

Here are some principles to help you lead effective and fruitful short-term missions trips for students.