WHAT SEPARATES US FROM GOD

Connect Week

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.

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month has been “What separates us from God?” 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 this Club 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: Romans 3:23(NIV) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

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!

Romans 6:23(NIV) – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin is a reality that we all face in our lives. It is important for us, as students, to understand the effects that sin can have on our lives. The Bible teaches us that sin leads to death. This death is not only physical but also spiritual. Sin separates us from God, who is the source of life and joy. However, the Good News is that God has provided a solution for our sin problem through Jesus Christ. By accepting His gift of salvation, we can be reconciled with God and receive eternal life.

When we give in to sin, we experience various negative effects in our lives. Sin can lead to broken relationships, guilt, shame, and a sense of emptiness. It can also hinder our spiritual growth and rob us of the abundant life that God intends for us to have. Sin not only affects us individually but can also have a ripple effect on those around us. Our actions and choices can impact our families, friends, and communities.

As students, it is important for us to be aware of the consequences of sin and strive to live a life that pleases God. We should seek His forgiveness when we fall short and make a conscious effort to turn away from sin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the grip of sin and experience the transformative work of God in our lives.

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:

1. What are some examples of how sin can affect our relationships with others?
2. How does sin hinder our spiritual growth and intimacy with God?
3. How can being connected to a local church help us in resisting and turning away from sin?

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 teaching us about the reality of sin and how it separates us from you. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where we fall short and to seek your forgiveness. Thank you for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, who restores us and brings us back into a relationship with you. Guide us as we strive to turn away from sin and grow closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Our next cycle is God’s work on the cross. We are going to be talking about Christ’s sacrifice for us, how it impacts our lives, and how to share it with others. If you feel like you may be ready to take the next step and become a Student Leader, we want to invite you to come talk to one of us so we can get you plugged in!

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).