Friday Review (4/18/25)

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

Building A Table for Men and Women in Youth Ministry, by Rebecca Heck (Rooted)

Because I tend to thrive on a team with shared leadership and ownership, I came into ministry expecting that to be the case for everyone else. We are God’s children after all, brothers and sisters in Christ before any other title or identity, so wouldn’t we all want to work together? And couldn’t we work together more fruitfully if we committed to deepening our friendships with one another?

Biblical & Theological Studies

The Necessity of African Christian Authors and Publications, by Ronald Kalifungwa (Zambia Hunt)

The landscape of Christian literature has long been dominated by Western voices, leaving a noticeable gap in perspectives from other parts of the world. This gap is particularly pronounced in Africa, where despite rapid church growth, indigenous Christian literature remains scarce.

Only One Question Solves the Mystery of the Sin of Sodom, by Alan Shlemon (Stand to Reason)

There’s only one question that resolves this mystery: What sin explains all the biblical data? In other words, let’s first read the relevant passages and then ask what sin is best characterized by the verses.

Is the Resurrection of Jesus Likely or Unlikely?, by Michael J. Kruger (Canon Fodder)

Well, we are coming up on Easter. And while Christians will be celebrating the resurrection, others will doubt it. Our world’s skepticism over miracles is nothing new. Ever since David Hume, philosophers and scholars have been making the case against the possibility of miracles.

Cultural Reflection & Contextualization

Is TikTok Therapy Helping or Hurting Our Generation?, by Taylor Berry (Relevant)

Gen Z doesn’t need to be told to care about their mental health. They already do. What they need is a map—one that leads somewhere more solid than an algorithmic echo chamber.

Designer Babies as The Conquest of Nature, by O. Alan Noble (You Are Not Your Own)

I believe that Creation (Nature as God designed it) will always reassert itself in one way or another, no matter how hard humans try to numb themselves, manipulate themselves, conquer their nature, recreate themselves, or program themselves through propaganda. But I also believe that humanity will not stop trying to pervert that Creation and conquer it until Christ returns.

Pastoral Ministry

As Marriage Rates Decline, Should Pastors Encourage Singles to Marry?, by Barry Danylak (The Gospel Coalition)

The implication is that as a pastor to singles, part of my responsibility is to move singles from their “junior state” of singleness to the more “mature state” of married life. But is this what I should’ve been doing? By not actively encouraging singles to get married, was I undermining the institution of marriage?

Every Part of the Service Matters, by Jacob Crouch (Aliens and Pilgrims)

I hope you think every part of the Sunday service matters. I pray your churches are ordered according to God’s word. I hope your churches are full of reading, singing, praying, preaching, and communion and baptism. I pray that God’s people will catch the vision and show up ready for the full liturgy.

Family & Parents

Are We Really Bothered About Raising Easter People?, from Growing Young Disciples

Are we truly committed to raising children whose entire lives are shaped by the death and resurrection of Jesus? Are we willing to reorient our family priorities, our schedules, our ambitions, and our comforts around the central truth that Christ is risen—and that we are risen with him? Or are we simply enjoying the language of Easter while inadvertently training our children to live as though it never happened?

Somethingism: A Guide for Parents, by Luke Cawley (Rooted)

If we want our kids to help people like Jenni move towards this encounter, then we as parents can help them be ready to do so. Part of that is creating a hospitable and welcoming environment into which our children can invite their friends. Beyond this, though, there are a couple of other simple places to start.

From YPT this week

YPT Podcast ep.100: Revisiting “What is a Youth Pastor Theologian?” with Jason Engle, Nick Hartman, and Alex Tufano

To celebrate the podcast’s 100th episode, Mike welcomes some long-time contributors to discuss what it means to be a Youth Pastor Theologian.

Biblical Discipleship in Large Groups by John Gardner

The Bible is full of examples of large groups of God’s people being addressed and challenged together. How does this shape the way we teach and disciple in large groups?

Nostalgia in Youth Ministry by Jack Fitzgibbons

How do we look back on the “good ole days” of youth ministry and discern what to keep, what to change, and what to completely stop doing?