Use this free Youth Ministry Bible lesson to help teenagers understand what it means to be connected to God and to others. This material is ideal for a High School or Middle School lesson in Sunday School. It could also be used in a Youth Group retreat or Discipleship mentoring time.
Click here to download a word doc version to customize it for your own ministry.
Connection with God is so important in finding acceptance in your life. Your youth leader has passed out this lesson so you can work through it together. Hopefully together you will find additional ways and practices to connect with God, your Youth Group community, and others in your greater community. Know that Christ’s love shines the Way for you.
Lesson Introduction: What does it mean to connect with God?
Spend time with God
Prayer
Studying scripture
Believe
Those are rock solid and there is more
To be in awe of God’s creation
To be in awe of your existence and the beauty of your body and spirit
Read Luke 5: 6
Where do you get away when you pray? ______________________________
Spiritual Reflection: How do you know you are connecting with God?
When you……
See God at work in your life
Believe God is with you at all times (Kingdom Living)
When you know it will all work out and you believe it
Fear and worry subside
Will you commit to one or more of the following ways to connect with God?
Read a Bible verse every week. You can review the scripture that was used in Worship or at Youth Group or pick your own
Unplug and meditate on God frequently
Pray before meals
Talk to God throughout the day and ask for wisdom in making decisions
Make a list of blessings in your life and review and update it often. Lets take a minute and start that list
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Youth Group Discussion Questions
Anyone willing to share one from their list?
Ask God at the beginning of each day to show you someone you can help with a kind word or smile
Remove barriers like anger so you can be open for God to reach you
Forgive others and forget what others have done to you so God can forgive your sins as in the Lord’s prayer
Any others you think we should add?
___________________________
___________________________
Circle the ones you agree to do to get better connected to God over time.
Is all this possible and sustainable by yourself????
Or
Do you need ongoing encouragement and where can you find that encouragement?
How can you connect with God within your Youth Group community?
Share the “God Moments” you see in your life. Share how you are working to connect with God.
We learn best by discussing the Bible with each other and by sharing our thoughts and experiences
Be authentic
Participate in youth group and commit to be there for each other
Pray together
Go on a retreat, mission trip, and experience the power of living together and sharing a common God focused experience
Reach out and serve and encourage others together. Like in a service project
Any other ways?
_______________________
_______________________
Can we agree as a youth group on one or more of these?
Circle the ones we agree to do.
Optional: Make a poster board with the key words on it.
How does love help in building a community with each other and Jesus?
Love is at the heart of God’s blessings
Read John 13: 34-35
Do you want to be loved? Love is never solitary. It requires community.
How you can connect with God in the greater Community?
Open your eyes and see the needs of the people around you
Project your light by helping and encouraging others
Share what God is doing in your life
Send a note card or text congratulation to others on their accomplishments
Each week share with a friend where you saw God at work
Tell others when you have prayed for them. It means a lot for another person to know you see them and care about them
Read Acts 2: 42-47
Conclusion
It is important to be connected to God and also be connected to each other if we want to grow and find acceptance. To find peace and joy!
Questions:
Will you commit to take steps to connect with God? How?
Will you commit to connect with each other at Youth Group? How?
Will you commit to take steps to connect with others outside of your Youth Group to be encouraging? How?