Friday Review (9/5/25)
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
Truths and Tips for Discipling Teens by Jen Oshman
My husband and I are still in the thick of parenting and discipling our kids who range in age from 15 to 25. The finish line is yet in the distance. So as a fellow sojourner and not a seasoned expert, I humbly offer some truths we’re clinging to and practices we’re applying as we go.
Biblical & Theological Studies
Totems Diminish Human Worth and Distract Us From God, by Clayton Kaila (The Gospel Coalition Africa)
But totemism doesn’t merely provide the lion with a voice. As I’ll argue below, totems glorify the created world instead of God and undermine our God-given identity as those made in his image.
Reformed and Amillennial: Five Reasons to Embrace Amillennialism, by Anthony Faggiano (Reformed Dogmatika)
Why should Christians—especially those in the Reformed camp—embrace amillennialism over premillennialism or dispensationalism? In this post, I’ll share five compelling reasons that won me over, and I believe they can convince you too.
Why the Work We Do Matters, by Maria Currey (CDM Women’s)
In whatever profession, position, place, or walk and work of life to which you are called, you are not ultimately serving earthly masters but serving Christ alone.
Cultural Reflection & Contextualization
Taking Phone Addiction Seriously, by Reagan Rose (Redeeming Productivity)
We’re at a point where the problems with smartphones and social media for kids are now impossible to ignore. But even if you’re on board with keeping phones out of your kid’s hands until they turn 16 (Haidt’s recommendation), many adults still seem to think, “Yeah, it’s bad for kids. But I’m an adult, so I can handle it.” But this, too, seems like a belief that won’t survive scrutiny for long.
Pastoral Ministry
Pastors Should Preach Less, by Stephen Kneale (Building Jerusalem)
So, before we go any further, I am not arguing for less preaching here or less Word-ministry. This is not any sort of denigration of preaching. However, I do think pastors should preach less.
Put up Walls So You Can Welcome, by T.M. Suffield (Nuakh)
It seems counterintuitive, but hospitality requires an expression of difference. We need to know that you aren’t ‘inside’ the community if you aren’t.
Family & Parents
Do You Love Your Children Enough To Displease Them?, by James Williams (Growing in Grace)
One of the hardest parts of parenting is displeasing our children. This often happens when we tell our kids ‘no’ or hold them accountable for their actions. We naturally want to please our children and give them good gifts, which reflects the character of our giving God (Matt. 7:11). However, this good desire can go too far and cause damage without proper boundaries.
Surrendering Control: Parenting as Stewardship, Not Ownership, by Mike Ruamthong (Rooted)
Let’s lay down the burden of control and take up the mantle of grace-filled discipleship. As we do, we can trust that the same God who is faithful in our lives will be faithful in the lives of our children—accomplishing his good purposes in them, one day and one spill at a time.
Parents Don’t Get a 100% Guarantee, and That’s a Good Thing, by Kevin Schaal (Proclaim & Defend)
Do what God commands you to do as a parent. Do it by faith. Do it consistently. And trust the results to God.
From YPT this week
Cultural Apologetics in Youth Ministry by Joseph Bradley
What is cultural apologetics and why is it particularly helpful for youth workers today?