Friday Review (6/23/23)
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
Rules and Relationship: Discipling Teenagers in Love and Purity, by Steve Eatmon (Rooted)
When we frame Jesus’ rules within his command in Matthew 22, teenagers will have a better sense of what it means to follow Jesus. Sure, they may rebel, they may talk out of turn, skip youth group for a party, or date an unbeliever. They are teenagers, and like us, they have a sin nature. But our goal is to help them understand how Jesus’ commands serve to point them back to a life of loving God and worshipping him.
Biblical & Theological Studies
How Does the Doctrine of the Bodily Resurrection Shape the Life of the Local Church?, by Mitchell L. Chase (Credo)
Biblical doctrine is not just for the head but for the heart, for daily life as a disciple of Jesus. So it is, too, with the doctrine of bodily resurrection. Thinking about the future will help us here and now. In local churches that are pursuing faithfulness to Christ, we will want to connect the importance of sound doctrine to the lives of our church members. How, then, does the doctrine of bodily resurrection shape the life of the local church? Let’s reflect on four ways.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Wade - Don't Dive - Into AI, by Walt Mueller (CPYU)
I want to encourage you to move slowly, cautiously, prayerfully, and Christianly as I said earlier. Take the time to not only be aware of new technologies like the Metaverse and AI, but take the time to listen to those who are issuing warnings to be aware of the possibilities moving forward. Never forget that we will only continue to be disappointed an unfulfilled if we place our faith in humanity to solve problems. Remember that every new thing can either be used for good or for evil... and rest assured that this will be the case.
Transgenderism and Kids, from Gentle Reformation
Last week at the Presbyterian Church in America's General Assembly, I had the privilege of meeting Mary Wheeler, the Project Coordinator and Public Relations Manager of truthXchange. She shared the resource letter below with me which we publish here with their permission. This letter serves as an example of how to interact with families with a wealth of information as they deal with transgender issues.
FAQ: Is Celebrating Pride Month a Way to Love My Neighbor?, by Adriel Sanchez (Core Christianity)
That’s how we should be known as Christians, even as we abstain from certain cultural celebrations. We need to say, “No, this goes against my conscience, and it goes against God’s word.” But we want to be known as those who have love and compassion for others.
Pastoral Ministry
2 Things the Church Must Do to Help Our Post-Christian Neighbors Trust Jesus, by Bob Thune (The Gospel Coalition)
Yet Evan and Maddie don’t seem to know they’re missing anything. They haven’t identified any God-shaped holes in their hearts. I don’t think they’re hardened or closed off to faith; they just don’t appear to be asking any soul-level questions. How can we reach them?
Don't Fall Into Ditches When It Comes to Preaching, by Darryl Dash (Dash House)
Preachers love preaching, because they’re the ones that get to do it, they say, but it’s not producing the kind of spiritual maturity that it should, nor does it deserve as much prominence in the life of the church. I get concerned when I read statements like this.
If You Care About Spiritual Abuse, Watch Your Language, by Trevin Wax (The Gospel Coalition)
If, like me, you care about the people who’ve been hurt by pastors known for bullying behavior, manipulative words, and a haughty spirit, and if, like me, you want to see renewal in the area of leadership in the church today, then I appeal to you: watch out for a phenomenon taking place (largely online) that has the potential of derailing reforms in the church when it comes to matters of spiritual abuse, mistreatment, and harm.
Family & Parents
How to Help Your Kids Love the Bible, by William R. Osborne (Crossway)
As parents and caregivers, we want our children to know the God revealed in the Bible and come to love his word deeply, just as we have. But while there is little doubt—either anecdotally or through psychological research—that parents and caregivers impact the desires of their children, the production process is not perfect.
Ask Rooted: The Challenges of Parenting In the Summertime, from Rooted
On the one hand, parents love spending time with their children, but on the other, shifting gracefully from the overscheduled rat race of the school year to the unstructured rhythms of summer is harder than it looks. We asked a few Rooted parent writers how they chose to approach the summertime with their families. We think you’ll find their comments helpful and hopeful.
From YPT this week
Teaching Controversial Passages at Youth Group, by Joseph Bradley
How does 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 help youth workers deal with “controversial” issues related to Scripture, theology, church governance, etc.?