CONNECT WEEK
CONNECTING STUDENTS TO THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND THEIR COMMUNITY
WELCOME
Foundation Scripture
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
SAY: “Welcome to First Priority! This month, we have been learning about the Church and Spiritual Gifts. Does anyone remember how we define the big “C” Church?
Yes! A group of people who believe in and belong to God. We compared this to a family and realized that everyone is different and imperfect.”
Before we get started, let’s pray…”
OPENING PRAYER
DIG IN
SAY: Why does everyone make a big deal about going to church? Whether you go to church or not doesn’t really matter does it? Plus, there’s lots of great preachers on TV and online, so you can learn about God that way, right?
Here’s three reasons why you shouldn’t go to church.”
This next section is meant to be sarcastic but also helpful in understanding the importance of surrounding yourself with other believers. While reading, be sure that the sarcasm is read effectively to keep from any confusion!
SAY:
- You’re okay living an average life for God – God built the church to challenge you to grow. Going to church puts you in contact with people who can point out weak spots in your life. They will mentor you and challenge you to grow. If you want to live an average, boring life without being challenged to grow, church isn’t for you.
- You don’t like giving back to others – Church gives you a great opportunity to give to others. Whether you give money or your time, church is built to give you opportunities to give back to others. If you’re not into giving back, church is not for you.
- You don’t like meeting new friends – Church gives you lots of opportunities to meet new people. You can find some awesome friends and build lasting relationships. Plus, church usually offers fun hang out times which you can’t get anywhere else. If you don’t really like meeting new people, church is probably not for you.
Going to church is actually very important to you growing spiritually. Church brings you into contact with people that can help challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.
Church is also a place where you can learn more about God and His Word. Plus, the Bible talks about us getting together to worship God in…
Hebrews 10:25 – “not avoiding worshipping together as some do but spurring each other on.”
SAY: “It might be easier to stay home or to not get involved in church, but church is really important. If you want to have a thriving relationship with God and meet some great like- minded friends along the way, church is for you! I am so thankful for the church!”
TOOL TIME
Share…
Ask 1-2 students to share about their youth groups.
- Where they meet?
- What is the service like?
- What days do they meet?
Hand out church youth group Invite cards (Students Only Handing Out)
You might want to ask a few students ahead of time so they can be prepared, as well as open the floor for anyone else to share their youth group as well! Remember, there will be different denominations represented and this can be a sticky conversation for someone who doesn’t have a church home yet. Encourage students to understand that the most important thing is finding a place where they are surrounded with other believers who love and support them.
Say: “Hopefully, after today, you were able to learn a bit more about churches and how to get plugged in. And if you aren’t currently plugged in, maybe you heard about a church you would like to visit. If you have any questions or want to know more about a church or youth group, please feel free to come talk to any one of the leaders. We would love to share more with you! Let’s end today with prayer.”
CLOSING PRAYER
You may want to have a list of churches and their addresses with the different meeting times they offer. This can be a great resource to refer to when a student has questions about getting involved in a church. You can also invite that student to join you at your church. Going somewhere new can be scary to some, and having a friend to go with may ease some students fears.
