Resource Roundup
Some things I have found helpful lately: on teen pressures, women in ministry, and AI sexting
In the realm of things relevant to women in youth ministry, here are some things I have found helpful lately:
The Gender Gap in Teen Experiences - A Pew Research survey offers insights about the differing experiences of male and female teens. Notably, the pressures that teens differ by gender: girls feel more pressure to get good grades, look good, and fit in socially.
Growing Women in Ministry: Seven Aspects of Leadership Development by Anna Morgan - Not too long ago, I linked to a podcast episode in which Anna Morgan discussed her research on female ministry leader development. I appreciate the model she developed for women’s formation, as it gives us clear areas to focus on in our development and training efforts for women in ministry. I’m also adding this book now to my previous post with recommended books for women in youth ministry.
Leadership Anxiety & Integrating Men and Women in Ministry - Kadi Cole is a top thinker in the space of developing women in ministry, and Steve Cuss is an expert in systems theory and anxieties. Everything he says is gold. Here, I appreciate the way they integrate their expertise, talking about the anxiety that comes when we raise conversations about men and women working together in ministry. Steve encourages us to approach the topic with curiosity.
Teens are sexting with AI. Here’s what parents should know. - It’s strange to think we’re in an age where young people can now learn about sensitive topics like sex not from the people in their lives, and not from chat rooms or discussion boards online, but through AI. It may be appealing to teens who want a “lower-risk” (as in, no people are involved, even anonymously, so there’s less risk of feeling embarrassed) way to learn. This article shares some things to be aware of.