Friday Review (4/24/26)
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
Seeing the World Through Gen Alpha’s Eyes, by Dave Boden (New Growth Press)
Recently, I asked my Gen Alpha daughter why she thought adults so often struggle to understand young people today. She didn’t hesitate. “The older generation doesn’t understand us because they didn’t grow up like us. It’s as simple as that.”
Looksmaxxing: A New Trend Brings Intense Body-Image Pressure to Teenage Boys, by Andrea Lee (Rooted)
A trend called “looksmaxxing” is bringing intense body image pressure to teenage boys. The jaw-breaking idea really is one of the recommendations, along with many other “impossible, irrational, and dangerous” physical standards this community encourages young men to pursue.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Incarnation Anyway, by Mark Jones (Reformation21)
In fact, this question, far from being overly speculative, gets to the heart of God’s intention to create, namely, what was God’s desire for himself in relation to humanity? Clearly, we should be careful with counterfactuals, but there are some theological ideas that are worth teasing out based on teleology and what the fact of the incarnation (as it happened) teaches us.
The Problem with Deaconism, by John Carpenter (Theopolis)
It elevates a practical, serving office (the deaconate) into a ruling office, placing the church under the authority of men who are often biblically unqualified to lead. It is the worst of all possible polities, completely without a biblical argument for it.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
The Case Against Social Media: Seven Lines of Evidence, by Jon Haidt and Zach Rausch (After Babel)
We then turn to those who spend the most time with young people — parents, educators, and clinicians. They also witnessed the effects of social media across many young people, over many years. If we could call all of these groups to the stand, what would they say?
Why Did (almost) All Of Christian Music Become Worship Music?, by Andrew Osenga
So all of a sudden, almost every Christian artist became a “worship artist”. Christian labels became worship labels. Christian concerts became worship nights.
Pastoral Ministry
The Associate Pastor as Ministry Partner, by Tucker Anderson (Gospel-Centered Discipleship)
My current ministry context has revitalized my understanding of the associate pastor by affording the space for intentional, theological reflection on my role. An associate pastor must be anchored in the theology of partnership, be a good steward of God’s call, and have the posture of a dedicated servant.
Random Thoughts about Preaching and Being Preached To, by Tim Challies
Most pastors will preach thousands of sermons over the span of their ministry, and most congregants will listen to thousands of sermons over the span of their lifetime. This means we should think about preaching often and well!
Family & Parents
It’s Never Too Early to Teach Theology to Kids, by Lauren Groves (Lifeway Research)
We must stop subconsciously communicating kids aren’t capable of real faith. How then are we any better than the disciples with whom Jesus was indignant? When we don’t teach theology to our children, it’s more about our own lack of faith than theirs.
Is Your Fatherhood Like a Rubik’s Cube?, by D. V. Rider (Everyday Theology)
There’s a frustration in fatherhood that many men know at a deep level, and if you’re like me, you have a hard time explaining it. It goes like this: You give attention to one part of the home, and almost immediately another part begins to wobble.
From YPT this week
Ep.138: Is Youth Ministry in the Bible?
How can we integrate youth into the church, and why do we need more youth pastors to stay in youth ministry (even if they “can” do other things)?
The Power of Scripture Memory in Discipleship, by Bethany Hearne
Scripture memorization changes students' hearts because the Bible is the Word of God. How can youth workers practice Scripture memorization with students?
How Do I Choose a Youth Camp?, by Jack Fitzgibbons
Youth camps can be a special time of ministry, but they can also lead to real challenges if you choose the wrong camp. So, what are some questions to ask while selecting a camp?
