January–April 2020
Unit 1: First John
This unit explores the First Letter of John, describes the situation to which it was written, and helps teenagers reflect on relevant biblical truths. Although some portions of Scripture can seem old-fashioned and confusing, this unit incorporates more relatable material to help youth better understand each lesson. Youth will study 1 John in four sessions to discover the causes of a breakdown in a relationship with God, how to serve God faithfully, love all people, and successfully live “in the Son.”
Unit 2: Parables—Teaching What Jesus Taught
Understanding Jesus’ parables is one thing; teaching them to youth is a whole different challenge. In this unit, youth will look to some of the most well-known parables and explore their role in sharing the gospel with the people around them. Youth will study Matthew, Mark, and Luke to learn how, whether viewed by society as a sinner or saint, everyone can find refuge in Christ.
Unit 3: Bible Study Basics
More than just another religious best-seller, the Bible is our written revelation of God’s love and saving power. At the same time, it had to go through quite a bit of work to become the collection of Scriptures we know today. Each session in this unit introduces youth to basic concepts that can help them gain a broader understanding of what it means to interpret and study the Bible.
Unit 4: Easter—Mark’s Account
Mark 1:1-15 sets the stage for the remainder of the Gospel with Jesus as the main character. On the outside looking in, we often wonder why so many people in the story fail to see, hear, and understand what seems so obvious to us. However, if we are honest with ourselves, we do not always see what is evident in our own lives. Throughout this unit, youth will learn to place themselves in the Mark’s account of Easter to understand who Jesus is, what it means to follow him, and how our hope is a large part of our faith.
May–August 2020
Unit 1: Jeremiah
In this unit, we will explore five stories in Jeremiah’s life as examples of stages in a prophet’s journey. First, we will examine Jeremiah’s calling from God. Second, we’ll consider numerous factors that might interfere with a believer’s relationship with God and their calling as a prophet. Next, we will focus on Jeremiah’s inner struggle and private pain in a time when he wondered whether what God was calling him to do was really best. Fourth, we will consider how to determine the truthfulness of opposing messages. Finally, we will explore the advantages of God’s discipline as a path to reconciliation. God has our best interests at heart, and the prophetic journey is an expression of God’s love and hope for us as well as our community.
Unit 2: Someone Dial 911!
More than just a mimicked line from TV shows and movies, “Someone call 911” is the plea of many teenagers confronted with traumatic experiences, pain, loneliness, brokenness, and a number of other stressors. In this four-lesson unit, we will explore ideas of refuge and safety, lament, loneliness, and busyness. In the midst of a crisis, many youth long to feel connected with something or someone who cares. As a community of caring Christians, we can offer the hope, care, and presence of God to our youth and build a safe place for them to care for one another.
Unit 3: Ecclesiastes
The writer of Ecclesiastes sought the meaning of human existence and raised some troubling questions. Over the course of five lessons, we will explore the questions and reflections posed by the writer of Ecclesiastes, whom we’ll call the Teacher. In lesson one, we’ll focus on the Teacher’s skepticism and search for meaning. In lesson two, we’ll consider the Teacher’s emphasis on certain actions and feelings being fitting for specific seasons of life. Third, we’ll explore how the decisions and faithfulness of a single individual can make significant, positive contributions to the world. Lesson four emphasizes the importance of taking action, even when we can’t guarantee a specific outcome. Finally, lesson five affirms that the meaning of life can be found in God. Together, we will ask questions of our beliefs and avoid simplistic answers, marks of mature believers.
Unit 4: Paul—From Persecutor to Apostle
In this unit, we will explore four stories in Acts featuring Paul. The first will examine the changes to Paul’s life as a result of his meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, and those Christians who Paul met as a result. The second story tells of the Holy Spirit calling Paul and Barnabas to a special mission in Antioch, which affirmed both of their callings. Third, we’ll explore the story of Lydia’s gracious hospitality and leadership, and how in ministering to Paul, still largely considered an outsider, the church was greatly expanded and encouraged. In the fourth story, we’ll focus Paul’s uprightness as he confronts the leaders of Philippi, who unjustly imprison him after he casts a spirit out of a young woman. Throughout these weeks, teens will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal figure of the New Testament and how their personal faith might be expressed.