PREPARE WEEK
PREPARING STUDENTS TO LEAD
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 week is Prepare Week, where we prepare to reach our school and community with the Good News of Jesus. We’ve been learning about the Church and what it means to be a part of a family and community of God. This week, we want to take a closer look at what you can offer the Church and why each of us is so valuable to the family of God. Let’s pray…”
OPENING PRAYER
DIG IN
SAY: “Let’s start off by understanding that spiritual “gifts” aren’t always what we think they are. We usually think of gifts or abilities as something you can see outwardly and that gets a lot of attention. Some of you may be really gifted at a sport, some of you may be really smart and have good grades, some of you may play an instrument or be great at painting. While all of those things can be gifts that you have, they aren’t the most important things. The world places a lot of value on outward things, but God does not see people the way the world does. “
It is time to start, if you haven’t already, making plans for next year’s First Priority club.
- If your club’s leadership is all moving on next year, it. is time to start having younger students lead while you are still around. That is the best way to give them support and encouragement.
- If your club’s leadership are all younger grades, get commitments from everyone to see who is planning to help lead again next school year.
Read: 1 Peter 4:10 says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse is basically saying that every believer has spiritual gifts and we should be using them for the Lord.
Our Foundation Verse, Hebrews 10:24-25, tells us to use our gifts when we gather together.
There are a few passages in the Bible that talk about specific Spiritual Gifts. Let’s break into groups and read one of these passages and talk about the different gifts mentioned.”
Read:
- Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (prophecy, exhortation, mercy, service, giving, teaching, leading).
Discussion points for groups (If your Club doesn’t have much time, you can have one or two students briefly answer)
- What gifts are listed in this passage?
- Does everyone have a Spiritual Gift?
- Who gives us these gifts?
- Do you have any Spiritual Gifts that you know about?
(Close groups & have groups list out what Spiritual Gifts they saw in their verses).
SAY: “You may have noticed there are some confusing words listed as gifts and definitely some gifts that we don’t fully understand, so…how can we tell what gifts WE have?
We always begin by praying and asking God to help us see what gifts He has given us. Sometimes God will use another person to help us see what gifts we have and sometimes we find out almost on accident. Either way, we can trust that when we ask God to show us, He will.
Remember during Equip Week when we talked about families and how each member is different? That is the same with people in the Church – we all have unique gifts and we are better together.
So, no matter what our spiritual gifts may be, we all have a purpose and we are all important to the Church or family of God.”
TOOL TIME
SAY: “Now let’s look at our gifts and how we can use them to spread the Gospel.
This week, instead of writing out our stories like we usually do during Prepare Week, we are going to do something a little bit different. We all have spiritual gifts, not all of us may know what those are yet and that’s okay. I encourage you to keep an open mind as we try to explore and talk about what God has given us. You may be thinking, what are my gifts and how do I use them for God? Well, there are many spiritual gifts listed in the Bible and today we are going to look at just a few. Here are four examples…”
SAY:
Gift of Evangelism: The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming a born-again Christian. Acts 8:5-6
Gift of Hospitality: The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church. Acts 16:14-15
Gift of Leadership: The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea. Romans 12:8
Gift of Service: The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ. Galatians 6:10
Gift of Teaching: The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and depth to other Christians. Acts 18:24-28
There are so many gifts we can mention, but let’s take some time and brainstorm how we can use the gifts that God has given us!
(In small groups)
- Talk with a few friends about these gifts mentioned and the verses where they are mentioned in the Bible. Can you think of any other Spiritual Gifts? After you talk through them, can you relate to any of the gifts?
(Feel free to also use the “My Faith Story” sheet as an alternative to discussion.)
Wow, It’s so cool to see us all come up with ways we can uniquely share the Gospel using the gifts God has given us. I encourage you to keep developing these ideas this week and maybe one of you would like to share yours for Invite Week next week! Feel free to come talk to the Club Coach about sharing the Gospel through your God-given gifts! ”
SAY: “Our challenge is to pray throughout the next week and ask God to help us see what our spiritual gift or gifts may be. You can also talk to a Student Leader or your pastor for guidance.
As always, we encourage you to invite at least one friend to Club for Invite Week! There will be a Student Leader coming around to hand out invite cards, don’t forget to take some! Let’s end today with prayer…”
CLOSING PRAYER
Have a Student Leader ready to pass out invite cards at the end of the meeting or at the door as they leave.
Have any students who want to share their salvation story write it down first and let your Club Coach look over it before they share it next week.
There are likely to be many different gifts represented at First Priority. Try to engage with everyone and encourage them to incorporate their gifts at Club!
