Insight

Bible study methods for youth ministry - fresh expressions

The second of three articles on creative bible study methods for youth ministry.

SYMBOL STUDY

This is a very effective method of introducing young people to bible study. Ask a member of the group to read the chosen bible passage aloud. Everyone then takes a sheet of paper and writes the five symbols down the left hand side. After quietly reading through the Bible passage again, each person writes (next to the appropriate symbol) what they think the passage is saying.

After 10 minutes of individual work, encourage the group to share their findings together. Where individuals have questions, encourage group discussion to try to find out the answers together. Take a few minutes to summarise what you have discovered and close with a prayer to act on anything learned.

• ARROW POINTING UP Write something theses verses tell us about Jesus/God
• ARROW POINTING DOWN Write something these verses tell us about human nature
• A LIGHT BULB Write down any new discovery you have made reading these verses
• AN EXCLAMATION MARK! Write down the most exciting verse in your opinion and why
• A QUESTION MARK? Write anything you don't understand or want to ask about
• ARROW POINTING TO SIDE Write down something these verses say we should do

The symbol method is a tool used to explore the bible together in small groups and encourage the participation of all. It can be used with parables, psalms and many sections of the epistles. Examples of passages you could use are: Psalm 104, Psalm 107, Psalm 139, Romans 8:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-16, Colossians 1:15-23, Colossians 3:1-17, 1 Peter 1:3-16, 1 John 1:1-7.

Servant leadership - pick up your towel!

Watch the TV news, read a newspaper, look at the world. What comes to mind when you think of leadership and leaders? I guess ambition, power and control could be regarded as some of the clearest expressions of leadership today.

However, Christ's demonstration of servant leadership is in sharp contrast to the world. Jesus himself set the example for us, 'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'

His model of the leader as a servant reveals an example of leadership that embraces deep humility, disregards personal gain and ambition, and puts the needs of others first.

'You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.' Mark 10:42-45

Jesus was speaking to his disciples and he knew very well their tendency to want glory for themselves and to fight for position. James and John had just demonstrated that. Jesus was very clear. He could not afford them to miss the heart of His Kingdom: serving one another in love.

Youth ministry - what should it look like?

What are we trying to achieve in youth ministry? What is our goal? What should youth ministry look like? Only by answering these questions can we set our compass and set off in the right direction.

Here I'll share four insights which have helped me chart my own course in youth work.

1. YOUTH MINISTRY SHOULD BE INCARNATIONAL

'You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.' Philippians 2: 5-7

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church in Philippi reminds us of how we should live and lead. Jesus became a man. Without ceasing to be God, he became a human being. Born a human baby, he grew up through childhood and lived as we do. In his humanity, he shows us everything about God's character that can be demonstrated in human terms. The incarnation shows God identifying with mankind. Jesus became a servant.

Like Christ, we need to give of ourselves. It's not just about youth ministry programmes. Young people want to know someone who cares about them, someone who will give them time, and someone who listens and cares about their problems. The kind of people we ARE is the most important thing in Christian youth work. We need to reflect Jesus.

'The key to effective Christian youth work is people - people in whose lives Christ is alive, and who will open themselves to young people, not talk down to them, not dominate them with attractive personalities, but who show them how to love one another as Christ has commanded.' Mark Ashton, Christian Youth Work, Kingsway 1986

'The youth worker is not primarily a talker or organiser; he is a model, a person who by the power of his Christian example motivates a dedication to Jesus Christ.' Lawrence Richards, Youth Ministry, Zondervan 1972

Bible study methods for youth ministry - that's a good question!

The first of three articles on creative bible study methods for youth ministry.

As Christians, how can we make sense of our world, our relationships and our faith without some knowledge and understanding of the Bible? Well, I guess we can't! Finding ways to help young people explore, understand and apply scripture should be high on our 'to do' list in Christian youth work.

So we organise, creative, stimulating and engaging opportunities to explore God's word together as a group. Hmm. Easier said than done. In this series of articles I want to share some simple ideas and creative bible study methods I've found helpful.

Over the years I've tried to read widely and adapt ideas to work with different church youth groups. I'm indebted to friends and colleagues who have given me new ideas and inspiration in times of need! What follows is a compilation of ideas that have worked for me. But first, three key values for studying the bible with young people.

Welcome to Insight

Why 'Insight?' I've been serving as a Christian youth worker and trainer for 27 years and hopefully age and experience sometimes brings a little wisdom. Thanks for visiting.

From the sidebar you can download my free youth ministry eBooks or click on the category links to view my leadership reflections, icebreakers and games, team building activities, discussion starters and other resources.