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GOD’S LOVE

Connect Week

Reminder: Club time is designed to last 25-30 min. If your Club has less time, adapt the EPIC Guide to best fit what your Club specifically needs. Use the Holy Spirit’s guidance to discern what is best to cover during the time you have.

Resources Needed: Local Church information for students to be “Local Church Engaged”

Verses to have ready: John 3:16: and 1 John 3:1a.

Key Takeaway: Connecting with the local church, a faith community, and, most importantly, to Christ is the best way to deepen our relationship with God, especially if we’re unsure where to start. Whether we’re new believers or have known Christ our whole lives, being part of a body of believers helps us grow closer to the Lord.

Student Leader Roles:

  • Promo – Promote the Club through social media, announcements, and any other outlets the school allows.
  • Welcome – Stand at the door and welcome students to the Club as they arrive. Be sure to welcome any new students and connect them to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
  • Host – Start the Club with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
  • Speaker – Lead the Club through Tool Time, and Dig In, using the EPIC Guide, and any supporting materials.
  • Follow-up – Follow up with new (or newer) students, and students who accepted Christ for the first time or want to know more. This role requires follow-up every week, not just after INVITE Weeks.

HOST | STARTUP – 2 MINUTES

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month has been “God’s Love.” Today is CONNECT Week and we are so excited to share with you the many ways to connect with God through the local church.

Let’s start today’s club with prayer.

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for another great week that we get to be here at First Priority! I am so thankful for the local church and that we have a place outside of Club to gather and connect with other believers in your name. Thank you, God, that you have placed people in groups that love you and that will help each other walk faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best! Since it is CONNECT Week, a game that brings people together, builds community, and/or helps people to get to know each other might be the most appropriate. Use the Game list or come up with your own ideas. Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE:John 3:16 (NIV) –“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

SPEAKER | TOOL TIME – 10 MINUTES

Leader Tip: do this next part in groups or ask just a few volunteers for each section.

Let’s take a moment to share about how we are connected to Christ, Club, and the local church and how we can get those around us to be connected as well!

Christ: Anyone want to share their connection to Christ story? (How they came to a relationship with Christ.)

Club: Who can we connect to this First Priority Club next week?

Church: Ask students

  1. What Church do they go to? Where does your church meet and what time does it start?
  2. Why do they go to their church?
  3. What do they love about their church?

Leader Tip: Invite a Club Coach to share about their church!

SPEAKER | DIG IN: EXPERIENCING GOD’S TRANSFORMING AND EMPOWERING LOVE – 11 MINUTES

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it’s comforting to know that we have a God whose love is both transforming and empowering. God’s love has the power to change us from the inside out, and it gives us strength, courage, and purpose in every aspect of our lives. Let’s explore the transformative and empowering nature of God’s love through the lens of Scripture.

The Apostle John reminds us in 1 John 3:1(NIV), “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” This verse reveals the incredible extent of God’s love for us. It is a love that goes beyond measure, beyond our comprehension. It is a love that embraces us as His own children, with all the rights and privileges that come with that relationship.

God’s love has the power to transform our hearts. It takes us from a place of brokenness, sin, and despair, and brings us into a new life filled with forgiveness, healing, and hope. When we accept God’s love, it changes our perspective on ourselves and others. We begin to see ourselves as valuable and cherished, created with a purpose. God’s love transforms our identity and gives us a new sense of worth.

Moreover, God’s love empowers us to live victoriously. It equips us with the strength and confidence we need to face life’s challenges and overcome obstacles. It reminds us that we are not alone, but rather, we have a loving Father who walks beside us every step of the way. With God’s love, we can navigate through difficulties, pursue our dreams, and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussion if there are not enough people for small groups. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on club time.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does knowing that God’s love is transforming affect your view of yourself and others?
  2. How can you reflect this transformed perspective in your daily life?
  3. In what ways have you experienced God’s empowering love? Share a specific situation where you felt strengthened and supported by God’s love.
  4. How can you practically live out the truth of God’s transforming and empowering love in your relationships, studies, and personal growth? What steps can you take to lean on God’s love and allow it to guide your actions?

HOST | PRAYER TIME – 3 MINUTES (OR TIME REMAINING)

Take 2-3 minutes to allow students to give different prayer requests and pray for the needs of the students. Spend a few minutes praying for local churches.

Let’s close in prayer.

Closing prayer suggestion: God, thank you for the incredible love you’ve poured out on us, calling us your children and giving us a purpose in you. Help us to truly experience your transforming and empowering love in our lives and to share that love with others. As we leave today, guide us to stay connected to you, other believers, and the local church so that we can grow in faith and reflect your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

HOST | ANNOUNCEMENTS – 1 MINUTE

Next time we meet we will start a new cycle talking about the sin that separates us from God. If you have been coming lately and think God may be calling you to leadership, we invite you to come talk to one of us about getting plugged in and becoming a Student Leader! This is a great way to plug into a faith community!

Leader Notes:

  • Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
  • Review leader roles for next week! Use this as an opportunity to recruit new leaders!

Announcement suggestions:
This is the place for the Club to make any announcements for the upcoming week and or month. This is a great spot to add Student Leaders to your team and give responsibilities to them. It is also the place to check on the upcoming school schedule for days off or breaks (your Faculty Sponsor is a great resource for this).