Friday Review (5/2/25)
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
Student Ministry and Psalm 139, by Adrian Owen (For the Church)
Psalm 139 ought to impress the weight and wonder of God upon your soul. In light of this psalm, churches should in turn feel the weight and wonder of their ministry to students.
How to Lead Collaboration Between Youth and Children’s Ministry, by Andy Cornett (Rooted)
When you start to combine ministry areas (say, children and teenagers) or move to overseeing family ministry more broadly, you will face just such challenges. The practices I mention below aren’t necessarily guardrails against sin; rather, they are wise guides as we work together.
Biblical & Theological Studies
What We Miss When We Skip the Prophets, by Ryan Higginbottom (Knowable Word)
Aside from missing out on a fifth of God’s word, here are five specific treasures we miss when we consistently neglect the reading and study of the prophets. (These are not all features exclusive to the prophets, but they appear in most of the prophetic books.)
The Glory and Danger of Apologetics, by Nicholas McDonald (The Bard Owl)
But here is the point of all this. Smith has been a great gift to the church. In fact, I’m working through one of his books with a new Christian friend now. Smith is a brilliant apologist. But I take Smith’s journey as a warning to myself, and here’s why.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
We’ve Reached Peak Content. Now What?, by Emily Brown (RELEVANT)
The truth is, we’ve hit critical mass. Peak content. Peak noise. Peak distraction. And in a world where everything is monetized — including your peace — Sabbath might be the last truly rebellious thing left.
Strangers in Our Own Skin?, from Growing Young Disciples
For those of us raising and discipling children Christianly, the idea that someone could identify as a non-human being may seem perplexing at best and concerning at worst. Yet, this is a growing cultural phenomenon, and it is vital that we understand it, engage with it biblically, and respond with both truth and compassion.
Pastoral Ministry
Why Do We Keep Failing and Falling?, by Dave Wiedis (New Growth Press)
Over years of counseling ministry leaders, reflecting on public failures, and examining my own weaknesses and sinful tendencies, I’ve come to believe that spiritual health is more accurately measured by what truly rules our inner life—our “ruling passions.”
How Do You Know If You’re Called to Ministry?, by Jeremy Writebol (The Gospel Coalition)
How would you know if God is directing that same call toward you?... Five signposts he observed stand the test of time and can help us as well.
Family & Parents
Wisdom Principles for Christian Parenting, by Marny Köstenberger (Ligonier)
Keep a long view. Be patient. Realize the necessary long-term gradual development while keeping in mind the final overarching goal. Raising your child will, of course, take several years before launching them into independent adulthood.
3 Misconceptions Parents Might Have About Their Children’s Salvation, by Champ Thornton (Crossway)
Over the years, in his kindness, the Lord has helped me. He has used truths about salvation to calm my parentally anxious heart and stabilize my thinking. Here are three misconceptions about salvation that parents may need the Lord to correct.
From YPT this week
Responding to Criticism in Youth Ministry by Robin Barfield
How do we learn to respond to criticism rightly, avoiding discouragement while honestly listening to the concerns of others?