Your weekly installment of things we’ve been reading (and watching) around the web.
Podcasts of the Week Year
37 Christian Podcasts Worth A Listen, Clayton Kraby. We often get questions about podcasts—namely, which ones are any good. And while we’ve got our own preferences, it was with delight that we stumbled across Kraby’s list. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s the best one-stop-shop we’ve seen to date. He helpfully categorizes the podcasts by topic, and gives a brief summary of each. Peruse and find a new podcast or two. (Also, don’t miss The World and Everything in It. It didn’t register on Kraby’s list, but it’s too top notch to go unmentioned.)
Articles of the Week
Why The Church Should Neither Cave Nor Panic about the Decision on Gay Marriage, Russell Moore. There will be much, much more commentary to come on the heels of today’s landmark Supreme Court decision, in which they voted 5-4 to make same-sex marriage legal nationwide. But Moore offers a helpful perspective as we enter a new chapter in America. There is cause for concern, but much more cause for hope.
Eight Ways Young Preachers Can Help Their Hearers, Eric Davis. As with most preaching advice, this applies to the ministry more broadly. Davis is candid about the disadvantages of being a young man in the ministry, but instead of just telling you to wait until you happen to be old (a decent first step, admittedly), he offers practical help along the way.
How Do People Find Meaning in Life? David Brooks, N.Y. Times. Some of the testimonies in here are touching, others rather sad. But it’s impressive how many people reflecting on life’s meaning are forced to look outward. The full life, even for those who don’t profess Christ, simply isn’t one of success and wealth. (This article, sad to say, ends with a bit of a whimper.)
Five Ways Reading Makes You A Better Leader, Michael Hyatt. John Wesley used to tell young pastors, “Read or get out of the ministry.” Harsh words, but wise ones. You won’t get very far—in ministry or in leadership in general—if you refuse to read. Which is what makes the current trends about readership decline so disturbing. Hyatt points out that a readership crisis is actually a leadership crisis, and backs it up with some tangible reasons why you should be reading (and not just reading this blog).
On The Lighter Side
Jurassic World Theme Song (Like You’ve Never Heard It), PLO. In case you missed it (where were you?), Jurassic World recently came out. (It’s wonderful, by the way.) In honor of the original, here’s a memorable variation on the classic theme.
Wisdom For Your Weekend is presented to you by Chris Pappalardo, with occasional guidance from J.D. Greear. This is our attempt to reflect Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
