Friday Review (4/3/26)
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
How the Doctrine of Glorification Can Encourage and Equip Teenagers, by Mike Jones (Rooted)
Additionally, many teenagers—including those who profess Christ—often struggle to make God-glorifying choices with their bodies as they learn what it means to follow Jesus. In this world of frustration, disappointment, and anxiety, the doctrine of glorification offers profound comfort and solid hope for those who trust in Christ.
The Unexpected Legacy of a Youth Ministry “Failure”, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
Youthworkers. . . you never know! You never know! Preach the Word. . . and trust God to bring the harvest! With Wayne and his family, I am grateful for the way God used my Dad, Phil, and host of others in so many lives through their humble and faithful obedience.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Household Baptism, by Joe Smith (Gentle Reformation)
However, while I’m not one to dismiss traditional theological language, referring to our position as oiko or household baptism rather than paedo or infant baptism can be helpful. This is so because, as I hope to show briefly in this post, one of the most straightforward reasons we baptize the infants of believers is that we believe in baptizing the entire households of believers.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
How AI Is Probably Interrupting Your Relationship With God, by Chris Allen (RELEVANT)
A tool that once felt like software now feels strangely relational, and that shift is changing how people seek wisdom, how they process loneliness and how they understand what makes them human in the first place.
The Race to Make Designer Babies, by Grace Snell (World Magazine)
Worldwide, there simply aren’t adequate and enforceable safeguards to make sure something like the He Jiankui debacle doesn’t happen again. Meanwhile, there’s a growing interest in germline editing among certain biotech investors and enthusiasts—some with very deep pockets. They hope to usher in a future of affordable and accessible embryo editing as a reproductive service.
Pastoral Ministry
Pastoring the Scrupulous Conscience, by Michael Lawrence (9Marks)
Both physical and spiritual factors may be affecting those who experience unusual levels of guilt, fear, and anxiety regarding their spiritual state, and pastors are encouraged to deal gently with them, pointing them to the truths of Scripture; praying with and for them; and bringing along other church members who can speak the truth to them in love.
Hope for Those Who Have Made Sex an Idol, by Jen Oshman
What can be done with this idol which looms large over our world and our own thoughts, causing great harm to our souls and relationships? Is there hope for the Christian man or woman who has given in over and over to sexual sin?
The Plurality of Elders Protects a Pastor (& a Church) from Disaster, by Jonathan L. Shirk (Gentle Reformation)
It is unbiblical, unhealthy, and unsafe to have one supreme leader calling the shots unless his name is Jesus. All the elders must govern, lead, and shepherd willingly with joy. Money or possessions are not to be their motivation. They are not to be domineering over those they lead.
Family & Parents
Youth Sports on Sunday Morning, by Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski (Desiring God)
We may not have to decide whether or not we should race on a Sunday at the next Olympics, but today Liddell’s decision — while sounding to many as antiquated as the dial-up phone — remains just as relevant because of the evergreen question behind it: “How can I best honor God with my youth-sports journey, especially when it affects church participation?”
The Marriage Muscle: Why It Must Be Exercised, Not Ignored in Parenting, by Katie Polski (Rooted)
Difficulty between spouses is not evidence of failure; it’s an invitation to grow. Just like my weakened leg after surgery, a marriage that isn’t intentionally exercised will inevitably lose strength. But a marriage that is worked, trained, and prioritized becomes resilient. So, how do we keep the muscles of our marriages from atrophying in the busy season of parenting?
From YPT this week
ep.135: Practical Theology & Planning a Teaching Calendar
What is Practical Theology and how does it lead youth workers to carry out better and more fruitful ministry? Also, let’s put it to use by discussing how to plan a teaching calendar.
Teaching Difficult Passages: Ezekiel 47:1-12, by Joseph Bradley
Ezekiel 47 is a confusing passage to understand and teach. Here’s a good example of the kind of study that goes into teaching difficult passages well.
