Friday Review (3/27/26)
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
Keeping the Preeminent Things Preeminent in Youth Ministry, by Huey Lee (Rooted)
Youth ministries can feel alive and still be misaligned. Calendars can be full, rooms can be loud, and attendance can even grow. But if Jesus is not functionally preeminent—not just intellectually assumed but tangibly practiced—we may be swinging hard without being properly aligned.
Youthworker in Exile Syndrome, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
Simply stated, followers who lack the kind of wisdom and discernment that come from being biblically rooted are looking for and following leaders who answer to the will of the people rather than to the revealed will of God. Leaders enter into the prison of a feedback loop with their following, giving them a diet of what they want in order to maintain their popularity.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Christian Sexual Ethics Between the Ages, by David VanDrunen (The Gospel Coalition)
New Testament teaching on sexuality does correspond to our human nature and thus to God’s original intentions for righteousness in this world. It also echoes Old Testament instruction on sexuality, especially as found in the Mosaic law.
What Does the Bible Say about Demons?, by Robb Brunansky (The Cripplegate)
The topic of demons is, by all accounts, fascinating for believers because we have divine revelation that prepares us for spiritual battle with our enemies. Christians believe that God has revealed truth about the demonic realms for our benefit. So here, we will wrap up our series by looking at what Scripture says about demons.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Men Are Lost, by Murray Campbell
In accepting that Jesus is the plumb line for being human, we will discover that he stands at odds with all kinds of current thinking about sexuality and gender. It’s not a surprise that Jesus doesn’t feature as the answer to Louis Theroux’s investigations or to Victoria’s Secretary to changing men’s behaviour.
Pastoral Ministry
Building a Sermon with Biblical Theology, by Clayton Todd (For the Church)
This article seeks to advocate for the discipline of letting the Word speak by weaving biblical theology into Sunday sermons. Preaching that honors the whole canon empowers preachers to build sermons they can be confident in, edify the body with the whole Bible, and stand the test of time.
The Great Need of Reformed Churches Is Not Great Preachers, by Tim Challies
A man of average preaching ability, which by definition describes most of us, can still be a great pastor if he will simply love God and, out of the overflow of that, love the people God has entrusted to him. And that, as it happens, is the very thing Christians need the most.
Legacy Over Platform: Six Things That Will Outlast Your Sermons, by Jon Kelly (New Churches)
Preaching certainly matters. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. But if we are honest, most people will not remember the majority of the sermons we preach. What they will remember is the life that stood behind them.
Family & Parents
Five Essential Gifts to Give Your Kids: Connect the Dots with Relationship, by Jonathan L. Shirk (Gentle Reformation)
Dear parents, these things don’t happen within a surface relationship. They happen in a deep relationship. Deep relationships take time and much effort, even tears, but they yield immense benefits.
Church and Travel Ball, by Benjamin Quinn (Center for Faith & Culture)
Can we agree that the current youth sports culture grows increasingly hostile to fundamental Christian commitments to Church, wise financial stewardship, knowing and loving our neighbors, and the intrinsic goodness of sport as a gift from God? If so, the “what abouts” should not be ignored, but must begin in submission to the clear teaching of Scripture.
From YPT this week
ep.134 - Historical Theology in Youth Ministry & Responding When Youth Group Shrinks
In ep.134, Mike and John discuss the ways Historical Theology can help youth workers identify false teachings that are wrapped in new packages. They also discuss how to respond when youth group attendance drops.
After the Missions Trip: How to Debrief Well, by Jarrin Peeples
Although there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach, here are a few principles I’ve learned that has helped me debrief with missions trip teams.
