BIG IDEA

The Jesus who suffered, suffers with you.

BIBLE

Matthew 26; Hebrews 2:9 & 17-18, 4:14-16; Isaiah 53:1-5

BIG IDEA

To be an influencer, tell God’s story – not just your own.

BIBLE

Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 10:13-15; Luke 8:4-15

QUESTIONS

 

Who's the best storyteller you know? What makes them a great storyteller?

Who do you always listen to when they speak? Why do you trust them so much?

In your own words, how would you explain the big story of God?

How are you and I a part of God's story?

When you think about sharing the good news of Jesus, what makes you feel excited? Scared? Uncertain?

What part of God's story do you feel most confident talking about? Why are you so comfortable with that part?

What part of God's story are you most nervous about sharing? How do you think you could become more confident?

Re-read Luke 8:4-15. Tell us about a time you could relate to this story. What does this parable each you about that situation?

How would you finish these sentences?

I am . . .

My influence is with . . .

My message is . . .

What's one thing you're going to do this week to either share God's story or better understand how your story connects with God's story?

THE BIG IDEA

To be an influencer, live small — and dream big.

THE BIBLE

Matthew 5:14-16; Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33

THE QUESTIONS

Who is someone you've never met who has influenced you for the better? How did they influence you?

Who is someone you know very well who has influenced you for the better? How have they influenced you?

What's one way you positively influence the people in your closest "ripple?" What about the people in your other "ripples" of community?

Why do you think it's important for followers of Jesus to learn how to be better influencers?

What are some practical ways we can shine the light of Jesus to people who aren't our closest friends or family?

What are some practical ways we can help the people closest to us see or shine the light of Jesus more brightly?

What prevents you and those closest to you from influencing each other for the better?

Re-read 1 Corinthians 15:33. Let's get honest again. What's one way you have negatively influenced someone in your closest "ripple?" What's one way someone has negatively influenced you?

What should we do when we realize someone is influencing us negatively? What should we do when we realize we are influencing someone else negatively?

This week, what's something small you can do to influence the people closest to you for the better?

THE BIG IDEA

To be an influencer, be humble — not arrogant.

THE BIBLE

James 2:14-17, 3:13, 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Luke 14:1-11

THE QUESTIONS

Who are you?

What choices do you make?

Who will you choose to influence?

The Big Idea: Students will be encouraged to build an atypical family to pray with them through difficult situations.

 

THE BIBLE: 1 Samuel 20:12-17

THE BIG IDEA: You can change the world today, not someday.

 

THE BIBLE: Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:14-19; 1 Timothy 4:12.

THE BIG IDEA: Your story is still in progress, not complete. 

 

THE BIBLE: Mark 5: 1-20; Acts 21:27-22:21; John 15:1-9.

THE BIG IDEA: Relationships are a choice, not an accident.

 

THE BIBLE: Proverbs 12:26, 13:20; Mark 2:1317; Romans 12:2.

THE BIG IDEA: Knowing God is an adventure, not a formula.

 

THE BIBLE: Luke 5, 6:12-13; Matthew 14:13; Mark 1:35, 14:32; James 4:8.