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: Ephesians 2:8-9 and Hebrews 4:7.
Key Takeaway: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—today is the day to choose Christ. Life is uncertain, and His love and grace are available to us now. Connecting with Christ, a Club, and a local church is vital for spiritual growth and support. A community of believers encourages us, strengthens our faith, and helps us live out our purpose in Christ.
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 work on the Cross.” 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 those who committed their lives to follow Jesus last week. I am also thankful for the local church. 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! Click here to see the list of games available.
MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 2:8-9(NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
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
- What Church do they go to? Where does your church meet and what time does it start?
- Why do they go to their church?
- What do they love about their church?
Leader Tip: Invite a Club Coach to share about their church!
SPEAKER | DIG IN: WHY WAIT? CHOOSE CHRIST TODAY! – 11 MINUTES
Hebrews 4:7 (NIV) – “God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
In the journey of life, we often face numerous choices and decisions. Some choices require immediate action, while others can be delayed or postponed. However, when it comes to choosing Christ as our Lord and Savior, the question arises: “Why wait? Choose Christ today!”
What are you waiting for?
Each one of us has dreams, ambitions, and goals for our lives. We may find ourselves waiting for the “perfect” moment, thinking that we need to accomplish certain things before we choose Christ. However, the truth is that there is no better time than today to surrender our lives to Him. God loves us unconditionally, and He longs to have a personal relationship with us. Don’t wait for the perfect circumstances or achievements; come to Him just as you are.
What is the urgency?
Every day, we witness the uncertainty and fragility of life. None of us know what tomorrow holds. That’s why it is vital to consider the urgency of choosing Christ. The Bible reminds us that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). By choosing Christ today, we can experience the peace, joy, and hope that only He can offer. Moreover, by embracing Him, we secure an eternal future in His loving presence. Don’t let procrastination rob you of the opportunity to have a meaningful and eternal relationship with your Creator.
What is holding you back?
Sometimes, fear, doubt, or distractions hinder us from choosing Christ. We may be concerned about what others will think, or we may feel inadequate or unworthy. However, Jesus invites us to come to Him, assuring us that He will never turn away those who seek Him (John 6:37). Remember, His Grace is greater than any mistake or shortcoming. He offers forgiveness, restoration, and a transformed life. Whatever is holding you back, surrender it to Him and allow Him to work in and through you.
Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussion based on Club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we practically apply the message of “Why wait? Choose Christ today!” in our daily lives?
- What are some common obstacles or excuses that people often use to delay choosing Christ, and how can we overcome them?
- What are some practical steps we can take to deepen our relationship with Christ after making the decision to choose Him today?
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 gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. Today, we are reminded of the urgency and beauty of choosing you. Help us to lay aside any fears, doubts, or distractions that hold us back and to fully surrender our hearts to you. Strengthen us to walk boldly in faith and share your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
HOST | ANNOUNCEMENTS – 1 MINUTE
Be sure to join us next time we meet as we will begin a new cycle! We are going to dive deeper into the Love of God. We are going to talk about how we can share the love of God and be prepared to share His love with all those we encounter!
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).
