Friday Review (6/6/25)
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
More Than Just Christians?: Do Denominational Distinctives Matter for Discipling Young People, from Growing Young Disciples
Youth discipleship today takes place in many settings, Sunday services, youth groups, Christian camps, conferences, and parachurch ministries. Each plays a role in shaping young people, but a crucial question arises: Are young people being discipled within the theological convictions of their own denomination, or are they adopting a mix-and-match approach to faith?
Dear Daughter: The Heart of a Christian Father in the College Search, by Nathan A. Berkeley (Christian Scholar’s Review)
As you continue to prepare for college, I want to share a bit of my mind and heart, not for the particular university you attend, but for the kind of university you attend. I want this to be a dialogue between you, your mom, and me as we approach this exciting time of your senior year in high school. And I want this letter to inform that dialogue because it captures the thinking I have been doing on this matter for the last several years.
Biblical & Theological Studies
There is No Christian Defense of Pornography, by Samuel D. James (Digital Liturgies)
Two things put me here. One is my personal story, some of which I have shared publicly but will talk about briefly more. The other is Christian theology and a realistic, theologically-informed philosophy of the Web, both of which I believe seriously contradict the libertarian case against banning porn and equating it with protected speech.
Three Telltale Signs of “Christianity” Gone South, by Greg Koukl (Stand to Reason)
If you want to quickly spot any form of “Christianity” gone south, watch for three specific telltale signs—a hat-trick of errors that, in whole or in part, characterize virtually every single Christian-sounding group that is off the reservation.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
The Dangerous Secret Your Young Men Are Keeping: Neo-Nazi Thought Has Entered the Church, by Will Spencer (Christ Over All)
This is the information war being waged in America and the church. Left-wing extremism lost in the 2024 election, at least for now. Right-wing extremism in the anti-Semitic Neo Nazi narrative has taken its place. Its voices are smooth, its historical views are sophisticated, and its future vision is seductive—with promises of masculine power, vindication, and triumph.
Radicalised Loneliness, by Jacob Anderson (Sacramentality)
Therefore, whatever comes after Adolescence must fight the war on the terrain of desire and emotion. It is not enough to ban smartphones, raise the digital age of consent, or manufacture male role models. Without a holistic idea of what it means to live a purpose-driven, fruitful life, particularly as a young man, policy solutions will always fall flat.
Understanding Therapy Culture from Different Generations, by Sheryl Jacob (Indi Aanya)
As a pastor’s wife and a Marriage and Family Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of sitting across from people from every generation: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Each generation carries unique stories, pain, and questions about healing.
Pastoral Ministry
Breaking Gender Stereotypes to the Glory of God: What Now?, by Cindy Matson (Bible Study Nerd)
Silence your internal “Bruno” telling the lie that your differences make you inferior; anchor yourself in the character of God; take firm grip of your identity in Christ; and leverage your lack of conformity to gender stereotypes to the glory of God.
Family & Parents
Fear Not Fatherhood: The Glory and Strength of Young Dads, by Andrew Ballard (Desiring God)
Fellow young dads, if you are discouraged at the daunting task of building your own house, rejoice that God has built his. If he took care of his Messiah, he can take care of his Millennials. So, pursue marriage, count children as blessings, work heartily in all your efforts, and eat the bread of grateful toil.
Helping Your Teens Prioritize, Not Idolize, Health, by Grace McCready (Rooted)
While there are countless ideas floating around about what health is and isn’t, only God fully understands what true health looks like. He uniquely created every person—including your teen. Whether they take their health too seriously or choose not to prioritize it at all, you can play a crucial role in teaching them the appropriate perspective. Here are two specific, practical ways you can do this.
From YPT this week
ep.105: Youth Ministry as Catechesis & the YPT Curriculum!
How can the church’s historic practice of catechesis help youth workers disciple teenagers into mature faith… and a preview of YPT’s forthcoming curriculum.
How to Understand and Teach the Gospel of John by Tim Franks
John charters a different course with his Gospel by focusing on Jesus’ divine nature and his deep personal relationships with his followers.