Our Vision: - SBC of Virginia – Strong Churches with a … · Web viewAt the end of the Sandals curriculum, you will find a commitment page for each member of the group to sign

Our Vision:

“During the forty years that I led you through the desert, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet.”

Deuteronomy 29:5

Why Sandals? Christ must be the foundation upon which our students walk.

Our students are walking in a world that is corrupted. The media lies to them everyday about how to find happiness and success. Discipleship Groups must teach them a biblical foundation so they can know the truth. We must give our students the tools needed to overcome the world and walk as Christ did.

Students will only take their sandals off in a safe place.Taking off your shoes can be a scary experience, especially if it’s a 6th grade boy. There’s no telling what smells might envelop the room. Our student’s lives are messy and smelly sometimes. They are struggling on a daily basis with issues and trials that many of us could never even imagine. Discipleship Groups must provide a safe haven where they know there is trust and care. Only then will they open their lives to share their most vulnerable needs.

Sandals are what students really wear.If you’ve walked in Old Navy or American Eagle lately, you’ve seen the sandal craze. There are so many different kinds of sandals and our teenagers are wearing all of them. Teenagers can relate to sandals because they’re everywhere. The teaching of Discipleship Groups must also relate to our students. It must be relevant to their culture and life. Read and learn about the culture of our teens so you can connect with them!

Students that wear sandals get dirty feet. Discipleship Groups give them a place to clean their feet and life.Discipleship Groups are more than just fun relationships. They are a place for students to be confronted with truth in a loving way. We must provide our teens with applicable ways to change their lives to look more like Christ. We must show them the forgiveness and redemption of Christ so they can be clean again.

Discipleship Groups give students the opportunity to get their feet wet through mission projects and serving others. Our teens are hungry to be challenged. They want more than just to hear the words; they love to experience what they hear. Help your students see that serving is calling by God, but also a very rewarding gift. Work alongside them in serving others and teach them to put others first.

Sandals Goals:

Sacrificing time, decisions and relationships for Christ

Accountability

Necessity of sharing Christ with others

Discovering God’s truth

Applying God’s truth to their lives

Leading out at school, home and church

Serving Christ and others

Sandals Curriculum:It is our goal for each group to go through two weeks of Sandals

Curriculum before starting a Discipleship Group (DG). You will find this curriculum over the next few pages. This will enable the students to understand what Discipleship is about and what part they can play in

their DG. At the end of the Sandals curriculum, you will find a commitment page for each member of the group to sign as they pledge

to do their part as a member of the DG. There are also commitment cards in the back pocket of your notebook for the students to sign and

keep for themselves.

*For those groups that complete the Sandals curriculum, you can choose to either begin your new level or start with one of the optional curriculums.

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Sandals CurriculumSacrificing time, decisions, and relationships for Christ

Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual

act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve

what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The passage above asks us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God. What exactly is a sacrifice? Part of the definition of sacrifice is to ‘forfeit something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.” God is asking you to give up (forfeit) something that we consider valuable for Him; realizing that He is the most valuable of anything we could ever have. The passage also says that we should sacrifice our bodies (our wants, desires, dreams) to God everyday. We should be living sacrifices, meaning we are constantly giving ourselves to Christ and His will for our lives.

Part of the cost of discipleship is sacrificing things that we think are valuable in exchange for the transformation that only God can bring. This might mean that there are friendships or relationships in your life that are not honoring to God. God might ask you to back away from those relationships so that He can mold your character to match his. You also might have some bad habits that are causing you to draw away from God. Those habits might be disobeying your parents, listening to worldly music, gossiping about your friends, etc. God might ask that you make changes throughout your life so that the things that you do and say will be honoring to Him. Discipleship will also require you to sacrifice your time. You will be asked to give up an extra hour each week to meet with your group. The time you spend in discipleship will be well worth it because you will be learning more about God’s word and will for your life. As we spend more time with God our lives begin to reflect more of Him than the world. This change is exciting because it means that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and lives to transform us!

Are there relationships in your life right now that you might need to give up in order to draw closer to God? Explain.________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________Are you ready to commit to give one hour a week to meet with your group? _____Are you also willing to commit extra time to reading the Bible and working on the curriculum you will be studying? _____

How will the time you spend in discipleship help you to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12: 1-2)? ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

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Sandals CurriculumAccountability

Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

The Lord knows everything about us. He knows our thoughts, our desires, our actions, our dreams and goals. We can hide nothing from Him. Things are a little different when it comes to our friends and family though. It is sometimes very easy to hide things from those we are around. We can get into the habit of being “fake” in front of others so they will think the best of us.

The amazing thing about having a discipleship group is that we can be ourselves and share our struggles and sins in front of our trusted friends. When you are able to share the real you it takes a huge weight off your shoulders, especially when you know you won’t be condemned or looked down on for who you really are. Sharing your struggles brings a sense of accountability to your group. Your other DB members can pray for you and encourage you. They can be honest with you if you fall back into a sin you’ve been trying to overcome.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” It is a great gift in discipleship to help our fellow brothers and sisters live godly lives. We must always be careful to not point the finger at others. We never know when our friends are watching us, but in prayer knowing that God is the only answer we have to overcoming our sin. Our guide for life should be God’s word, the Bible. If we see His book as a reference for our lives then we can truly enjoy the blessings of following Him.

Why is it difficult to be honest about our struggles and sins, especially with our friends and family? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How can sharing our struggles with your discipleship group bring you closer together? __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Each of you will receive an accountability card having questions you can ask at the beginning of each discipleship meeting. Don’t be afraid to answer these questions

honestly. Accountability is an important part of discipleship and your walk with God.

Sandals CurriculumNecessity of sharing Christ with others

The Great Commission is found in Mathew 28 and it says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We are commanded by God to share our faith with others in both our words and actions. Titus 2:7 says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” It is important to build relationships with others so that when the time presents itself you can share about Christ. If a friend sees your devotion to Christ lived out everyday then he/she will be more likely to believe your word when you explain why you’re a Christian.

Sharing about Christ is not only important because God commands us to, it is also important because it is for eternity. I John 2:17 says, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” WE are sharing an eternal hope that will not pass away but live forever! Sharing Christ is a necessity because their acceptance or rejection of Christ will determine where they will spend eternity. Every person should be given the opportunity to receive the free gift of eternal life that Christ offers them.

Sharing your faith with others might seem overwhelming at first. It seems like such a huge responsibility! Don’t be anxious. Gods asks only that we do our best. He is the one with the power to change hearts and lives. It is His will in their lives that will save them. All we must do is be an available vessel ready to share whenever we feel the Holy Spirit leading us. There are several ways to share Christ with others. One way is to share your personal testimony of your walk with God. No one can argue with what God has done in your life! It is also important to know scripture. The book of Romans has many scriptures that are powerful in leading someone to a saving knowledge of Christ. Never be afraid to share your walk with God! His word and life are powerful. Remember John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Take a moment to read through the Romans Road: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 3:16, 5:8, 10:9 & 10. How do these scriptures explain fully the gift of salvation? __________________________________________________________________________

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What are some highlights of your personal walk with God that you would definitely want to tell someone you were sharing Christ with? ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Sandals CurriculumDiscovering God’s truth

Have you ever seen the movie Goonies? It’s a 1980’s movie about a group of teenage friends (called the “Goonies”) that come across a treasure map and set out to find gold and jewels. They have many adventures and hardships along the way, encountering booby traps, villains, and physical exhaustion, but they stay focused on their goal: finding treasure. In the end of the movie, they find the treasure on a pirate ship which they sail away on. Sounds like a cheesy 80’s movie, Right? Nevertheless, as a kid watching I wanted nothing more in life than to be a “goonie” and go in search of treasure with my friends. I never had that opportunity—but you do!

What you are about to embark on is an incredible adventure to discover with your friends the treasure of God’s truth in ways you have never understood it before. God’s word is like an endless cavern—the farther you dig into it the more you realize that you haven’t even scratched the surface of what there is to discover inside. The more you discover, the more you will realize how valuable it really is!

Read Proverbs 2:1-7: “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

How is understanding God compared to hidden treasure in this passage?

You may have never thought of it this way, but God has made it pretty easy to understand a lot about Him by providing his word for us to read. I don’t know about you, but a treasure has never popped out of the ground and presented itself to me. God’s word is much the same way—unless we take time to search out God’s truth as we do treasure, we will never find the amazing truths that God’s word shares.

In your DG, you will have the opportunity to search God’s word for the treasure that lives within. But much like searching for a treasure, it will not be easy. There may not be any booby traps, but it is certainly challenging to stay focused on the goal and be diligent to read all that your DG asks you to read. You are part of a team that is

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searching for treasure, and if you don’t do your part in the search, it will hurt the entire team.

How much treasure you find on this journey is up to you. The more you are willing to study God’s word and search for the treasure the more you will grow in your world with Him.

Sandals CurriculumApplying God’s truth to your life

So let’s say that you were a part of the “Goonies’ and that you find this amazing treasure of gold and jewels. Pretty cool, huh! You’re like a gazillionaire and everyone wants to be like you all of the sudden. The only problem is that you decide that even though you have all of this money you aren’t going to buy a new house or a new car, or even a really cool pair of shoes. You decide not to spend any of the money…not one cent. That would be absolutely insane. Complete craziness. Out of this world! Right!

As crazy as that sounds . . . it happens all of the time in our lives. We come to church and read God’s word or study it in our personal time with Him, but so many times walk away from the amazing treasure about God without applying that treasure to our lives.

Read James 1:22-24:Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James uses an illustration here about a mirror. No one forgets what they look like as soon as they walk away from a mirror. No one wins a million dollars and decides not to spend any of it. Why does it happen that so often we read from the treasure chest of God’s word, and yet fail to apply it to our lives (actually do what it says)?

Can you give an example of a time you read something in the Bible and then actually applied to your life in some way?

Can you think of a time you read something in God’s word that wasn’t as easy to apply to your life?

o If you have a hard time thinking of a verse that was difficult to apply…read some of these verses: (Matthew 5:21-22, 5:27-30, 5:33-37, 5:38-42, Deuteronomy 4:11, 4:16, 4:19-21)

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If so, what made it difficult to live out what you had read?

In your DG, it is important that you not only read God’s word, but that you actually apply what you read to your life. Your DG will be helping you to understand the Bible more and will hold you accountable to actually making it a part of your life.

Sandals CurriculumLeading out at school, home and church

Sometimes it seems like the world is stuck on what age you are. We have to be 13 to be considered a “teenager,” 16 to get driver’s license (yippee!), 18 to vote, and 21 to be considered an “Adult.” Even when we are an official “adult,” people don’t really always treat us like one. Since the entire world seems to be stuck on ages, it may seem like there is no way that at your young age we could ever be leaders. Scripture however has a totally different view.

Read 1 Timothy 4:12“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

The book of 1 Timothy was actually written to a young pastor named Timothy. Paul wanted to give him instruction on how to lead, even though he was young. He gave him five areas that he could set an example for believers in. One of the best ways we can lead is by setting a godly example for others. People are looking up to you whether you realize it or not. They are watching what you do, what you say, and how you react. They want to know if you really are who you say you are: a follower of Christ.

Christians are watching you too. As your Christian friends, classmates, and even possibly your parents watch you, they are waiting for an example of Christ-like character to follow behind. After all, if you are living the life, they too can see what it means to live life as a Christ follower and follow behind you.

Paul gave Timothy five areas in which to set an example: Speech, Life, Love, Faith, and Purity. Which of these areas do you find it most difficult to be an example?

What are some things you could do to set a better example in those areas?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1:Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

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Paul wrote this to the Corinthians. He was so confident of the example he was setting that he asked them to follow His example, because if they did, then they would be on the right track to following Christ.

As a member of a DG, you are going to naturally be a leader in the youth group and at school, because you are seeking to know God in a deeper way. Are you at the point that you could say to your friends, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ?”

If not, what do you need to do to get to that point this year?

Sandals Curriculum Serving Christ and others

Read Philippians 2:3-11:“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

WOW! The King of the world (Jesus) made himself a servant for us. Not many people in the United States have servants that live with them, but many American families that move to Hong Kong to work there get an “Amma.” This is a person that lives in their house and takes care of all of the household duties—they are a servant. These “Amma’s” are usually women from other countries that give up their families to go and be a servant in Hong Kong because they can make money for their family. They give up everything they know to go and serve others. Can you imagine doing that? Jesus did so much more! He gave up everything to come down to Earth and serve mankind and save us from our sins.

He came to earth not only to save us, but also to show us what it meant to be a servant. WE are to be Amma’s to our friends, our families, and even our enemies. We don’t have to move to another country to be a servant…we can do it right here. It starts by changing the way you look at life. Instead of looking for ways that people can serve you, you look for ways that you can serve others. Instead of always doing what is best for you, you first look at what is best for everyone else. It’s not an easy way to look at life, but it is how Christ showed us we should live.

What are some ways that you can serve your friends or family this week?

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What are some things you could plan to do as a DG to serve the community?

What opportunities do you have at church to serve?

This year in your DG you will be required to do at least one community service project. How effective you are and how much you learn from doing it depends completely upon your attitude. Will you serve like Christ, or like someone that was told they had to do a service project? Ask God to help you to have a servant’s heart in every situation!

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Student Discipleship Commitment Card, 2005-2006(Leader Copy)

I, _________________________, commit to give 100% to my Discipleship Group (DG) this year. I promise to make every effort to attend all DG meetings, pursue healthy relationships, with all the members of my DG, and actively seek God and His guidance for my life. I will complete all curriculum requirements and any other requests my DG leader might ask of me.

Knowing that personal requests will be shared in my DG group, I promise to not speak of them outside of our meetings. I will keep in confidentiality everything that is shared among all the DG members. I commit to pray fervently for everyone in my DG and to go to God on their behalf when they are in need.

I realize that discipleship is meant to encourage me in my walk with the Lord and to teach me more about the character and truth of Jesus Christ. I will take this commitment seriously and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and teach me throughout this year.

_________________________________ ____________Signature of Student Date

_________________________________ ____________Signature of Discipleship Leader DateStudent Discipleship Commitment Card, 2005-2006

(Leader Copy)





_________________________________ ____________Signature of Discipleship Leader Date

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DG LeaderDiscipleship Group Leader

As a Discipleship Group Leader you will play a vital role in the spiritual growth of your students. The students within your DG will look to you for guidance and truth as they experience the highs and lows of life. It is very important that you be completely committed to your DG throughout the year.

As a Discipleship Group Leader your responsibilities will include:1. Two DG Leader Meetings per year (1 in the fall & 1 in the spring)2. At least 1 meeting per week with your DG at the time and location of your choice.3. Weekly contact with each student in your DG even if there is no meeting4. Individual spiritual growth to prepare you for your group time5. Organizing one mission project per curriculum level6. Planning at least 1 social/activity outside of DG time per semester

Great Discipleship Group leaders have three important qualities: (*adapted from The Student Mentoring Handbook, Youth Alive Student Ministries)

1. A Heart for God- Personal relationship with Christ that inspires you to grow individually and

corporately- Joyful daily walk with God both in His Word and through Prayer- Desire to go deeper and to never be satisfied with complacency

2. A Heart for Students- Demonstrate a burden to help students grow in the Lord- Demonstrate a willingness to share your life and experiences- Demonstrate desire to be a faithful leader, friend and encourager

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3. Relational Skills- Be a good listener and encourager- Be willing to ask the hard questions- Be dependable and consistent- Be an example through your lifestyle- Be a source of truth and information- Be authentic

DG Terms:

Discipleship Group (DG) – A group of 4-5 students and 1 adult leader that meet on a weekly basis at the time and location of their choice.

DG Levels – The discipleship curriculum is divided into 8 levels of study beginning with the basics and moving towards the most challenging. Each level has 6 – 10 weeks of required study, 6 scripture memory verses and 1 mission project to be completed by the group.

SANDALS – The symbol of the sandal is representative for Discipleship Groups both in the theme verse and its association to students. Our goal is for our students to walk through life in sandals that will not wear out. The sandals represent God’s unchanging truth and the power of His Word.

DG Mission Project – Each group is required to complete one mission project for each level of study. Mission projects can range from local (nursing homes, soup kitchens, VBS, community help) to global (actual mission trips sponsored through the church or the student ministry).

Accountability – Permission to ask the tough questions in regards to thoughts, actions, attitudes and behaviors. Accountability is a vital part of discipleship but a deep and trusting relationship must be established first.

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Student Profile – Designed to give you a place to record conversations or notes about a student’s life, prayer requests or spiritual needs. The Student Profile is a great way to track your students’ progress as they grow throughout their years in discipleship.

Teaching Methods

Each DG will be a different mix of students. Your students maybe ‘talkers’ and want to share everything that happened the week before in detail, or your students may be ‘quiet’ and need questions to spark their responses. No matter what kind of group you have there is a teaching method available to you. Be aware of your students’ needs and seek to meet those needs in the way you lead your DG. Remember that as your students grow, their way of learning may change. Change with them and continue to meet their needs through new ways of teaching!

Question Method – Some students will learn best through the question method. These students need

you, as a leader, to think of important questions that pertain to that week’s lesson. These questions will prompt their responses and will help start discussion. Continue asking questions until you find a part of the lesson the students are excited about talking about. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. Challenge your students!

Application Method – It’s always important to teach your student practical ways to implement what they

have learned. At the end of each week’s meeting give your students a practical application that they can actually do at home or school. For example; if the week’s lesson is on listening to God’s voice, challenge them for the next week to ride in the car without the radio on and listen to God. We often times fill our ears with so much noise that we don’t give God a chance to talk. At the next DG time, ask your students what God taught them about listening to Him.

In-Depth Study Method –

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Older DG students will have the desire to go deeper in their study and walk with God. A great way to do this is to study in-depth. If the curriculum asks you to study a verse don’t just read it! Look up a key word in the concordance and find other verses that pertain to that subject. Use the notes in your Bible to find out more about the history of that verse, when it was written, who was the author and what it meant to the church at that time. A great resource for this is the NIV Study Bible. Look up other books that speak to the topic you are studying and read more! You can also use commentaries over various books of the Bible to read other points of view.

Book Method – Some curriculum choices that we have provided for you have study aids, questions,

answers, and activities built directly into the study. Use what the book gives you! Don’t feel that you have to add a lot to what the author is saying. Go line by line in the curriculum book and pull out important truths and sayings that the author has written. Most of these studies are extensive and will cover everything you need for that week’s lesson. Ask your students to read before they come to group time and answer the questions ahead of time. Challenge the students to write in their books, use highlighters and mark important thoughts!

Advising (Counseling) Students

Many of the concerns that your DG will share with you and with each other will not require intense counseling with a professional counselor. Often the student just needs another adult, besides their parent, who will listen without being judgmental. In these situations, your gentle guidance may be all the incentive needed for the student to discover the solution to his/her concerns. Many times students come to realize the truth within their situation just by talking it out.

During your time with your DG you will be a friend, substitute parent, and a counselor. It will take time for your students to begin sharing with you. As the relationship with your DG grows, the amount your students share will also grow. Don’t feel discouraged if this takes time. You are building a lasting relationship that will hopefully benefit not only your students, but also yourself.

Be ReadyAsk God for wisdom in leading and encouraging your group. Because it can be a difficult thing for a student to share his/her personal problems, being a counselor is a serious responsibility. Listening to private thoughts, offering advice and/or leading a student to realize the solution to their problems calls for prayerful preparation. Remember your primary goal is to lead these students toward a deeper personal faith and trust in God and His direction in every area of their lives.

Be Available

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Be where your group members are! Make opportunities to share with your students by attending their school functions, hanging out with them at church or having fellowships at your house. Let our students know that you are easy to talk to by being open and accepting, not easily shocked, and not judgmental. Ask questions and listen instead of automatically giving a response. If the students start to monopolize your time then let them know when you are available to talk or hang out.

Be TrustworthyOne reason students come to you is because they trust you. If you break this trust, you may have distanced them even further from the help they need. Respect their need for privacy and confidentiality. Do not refer to their problems in public or discuss them with others.

*IMPORTANT!If one of your students shares something with you that is harmful to themselves or others it is important that you contact your Youth Minister immediately. In order to protect and care for our students we sometimes are faced with difficult decisions on whether or not to report what they have told us. After talking with one of the ministers at the church we can determine what steps need to be taken. Examples include: sexual or physical abuse, drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, etc.

Encouraging Scripture Verses

Serving as a Discipleship Group Leader is a vital role in (CHURCH NAME) Student Ministry. What an awesome responsibility and what a rewarding role to play in a student’s life!

Take a moment to read through these verses and allow the Holy Spirit to show you what a wonderful journey you are about to take.

Romans 12:6-8“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Ephesians 6:7“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…”

Philippians 2:5-11“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but made himself nothing,

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taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man,He humbled himselfand became obedient to death—even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 1:6“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

John 13:14-15“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

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DG Leader Commitment CardLeader Copy

I, _________________________________ do hereby accept the responsibility of being a Discipleship Group Leader for the (CHURCH NAME) Student Ministry. I realize what an important and vital role I will be playing in these student’s lives and I accept it with humility and a prayerful heart.

I commit to one full year of meeting with my Discipleship Group on a weekly basis and leading my student to complete all requirements of each curriculum level. I promise to take each group time seriously and to prepare diligently. My prayer is that every word that comes out of my mouth and every action that I make will be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If for any reason my life reflects anything other than Christ I understand that I may be asked to step down from my position as a Discipleship Group Leader. This decision would be made by the Youth Leadership Council and Youth Pastor after a series of meetings to discuss the situation.

I will lead my Discipleship Group with integrity and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I will teach my students the truth of God’s Word and the importance of a personal relationship with Him. I will care for each of them realizing that God has placed them in my care for a reason.

___________________________________Printed Name

___________________________________Signature

_________________Date

Getting Started

Finding a time to meet:Be sure to choose a time when all group members will be able to meet weekly. Many groups meet before school at the Donut Shop or McDonald’s or after school. Some meet one evening a week. Friday and Saturday are usually not good days because of families going out of town and busy social schedules of the students. Remember what nights other ministries, such as AWANA, are held.

Finding a place to meet:Your meeting place is extremely important! You want it to be a comfortable environment so that the students can feel free to share what God is doing in their lives. You also need it to be a place that you will feel comfortable talking about personal issues without people listening in. It is very important that the place is not too loud so that the entire group can hear each other. A home can be a great place to meet, but be aware that other family members walking around could be a distraction. Here are some other suggestions of meeting places:

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Leader’s home

A restaurant

Starbuck’s

Switch off to different students’ houses and let them “host” the DG.

McDonald’s/Burger King/Quizno’s/Chick-Fil-A

A park

Ice cream store

Picture of a DGThe DG HourA DG meeting is not like Sunday School. Since Discipleship is based on relationships, it is important that meetings be planned with this in mind. It is okay to take time to talk about what is going on in life and to spend time praying for each other. Make sure everyone is comfortable and ready to meet. It is important that the DG meets at a consistent place and time to avoid confusion. A DG meeting usually lasts about an hour.

The DG LeaderA DG Leader is more of a facilitator than a teacher. The object is not to talk “to” the students for the hour but to talk “with” the students. This is best done through asking open ended questions – questions that require more than a one word answer. It is through dialogue that students figure things out and the word of God comes alive to them in an applicable way. The DG leader is also responsible for setting the pace of the group – how much reading is expected, what scripture memory is required, and how involved the group becomes in each others lives. The more transparent and

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“real” a leader is with students, the more “real” the student will be in a group. The leader is also responsible for caring for the group. This includes making sure special occasions and accomplishments are recognized and being there for the students in the hard times.

The DG ScheduleHere is a sample of what an hour long DG meeting might look like. There is no particular order these must be done in—but it is important to include the primary elements in the meeting.

***It is important for DG’s to remain flexible in order to meet the needs of the group. This schedule is simply an example of how a meeting might be run.

Getting Started DG Questions:

Great questions to ask students as you get to know them!

Do you have any pets?

Have you lived other places?

What was your favorite vacation?

Names and ages of brothers and sisters?

Who are your close friends?

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Catch upon the last week 10 min. Pray to open 2 min. Talk through this

weeks’ reading materials 20 min. Accountability Questions 15 min. Memory Verse 5 min. Prayer Requests 10 min.

What was your most exciting moment?

What did you do last night? Last weekend?

If you could go anywhere, where would it be?

If you could do anything, what would it be?

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Where do you want to go to college?

Where do you go to school?

Where do you work?

What are your favorite classes?

In what activities are you involved?

What are your hobbies?

What kind of car do you drive?

What kind of car would you like to drive?

What is your favorite? (food, place to eat, candy, pop, activities)

What are your least favorites?

Digging Deeper DG Questions:

Great questions to ask as your relationship with students deepen:

If you were to die tonight, do you know for sure you would go to heaven?

If you were to stand before God and He were to say, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say?

How did you come to know Christ?

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Have you ever had doubts about your salvation?

What talents has God given you?

In what areas of your Christian life do you need help?

What skills would you like to develop?

What are some goals you have for the next month, year, and your life?

What progress are you making towards achieving those goals?

Have you had any recent failures and what have you learned from them?

What is your most painful experience?

Do you know what your spiritual gift is?

Have you ever lead someone to Christ?

How can I pray for you?

Weekly Accountability QuestionsOne of the main purposes of a DG is to hold each other accountable to specific areas of your spiritual walk. It is your job as a DG leader to define these areas and make sure that healthy accountability is taking place. Before true accountability can occur, a relationship must be built with trust as a foundation. As you get to know each other more, you will have more credibility to ask tougher questions. Here are some questions to help you in accountability: (These questions are printed on Accountability Cards located in the back of your notebook)

Teen’s Accountability Questions

1. Have you spent daily time in God’s Word and in prayer this week?

2. Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to any explicit materials such as internet, television, movies, music, etc. that would not glorify God?

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3. Have you spent quality time in your relationships this week?* Have you honored your mother and father?* Have you been a good friend?* Have you remained pure in your dating relationships?

4. Have you done your 100% best in your job, school, etc?

5. Have you told any half-truths or outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you?

6. Have you cheated on any of your schoolwork or tests in school this week?

7. Have you modeled lifestyle evangelism this week?

8. Have you allowed any person or circumstances to rob you of your joy or have you been angry at anyone this week?

9. Have you kept your tongue in check this week? (i.e. cussing, gossip, making fun of someone, etc.)

10. Have you lied to us on any of your answers today?

Ideas for Using Accountability Cards:1. Tell the students that each week they will draw a number out of a stack. That number corresponds to

one of the accountability questions and that will be the question they are responsible for answering.2. Tell the students that each week you will randomly ask them one of the accountability questions. They

won’t know which one so they should be prepared to answer any of them. This method would be more ideal for older students, especially if you know they are struggling with specific areas that relate to these questions.

Adapted from Character Counts questions by Youth Group at Mt. Pleasant Church in Greenwood, Indiana.

Activity Ideas for EveryoneIce SkatingTheme ParkSports Park

BowlingWater Park

Christian ConcertsRichmond Braves

Washington Nationals

Activity Ideas for GuysPaintball

Golf24

ArcadeRichmond Braves

Laser Tag

Great Ideas for a home:Cook Out

Football GameBasketball Game

Making a Movie (with video Camera)Video Games

MoviesSports

Water SkiingJet Skiing

Horseback Riding

Activity Ideas for GirlsShopping

Ice SkatingScrap Booking

Manicures

Great Ideas for a home:Munch Fest

Swimming PartyManicures/Pedicures

Slumber PartyDinner and a Movie

Makeovers

DG MissionsOur goal is for each DG to choose a Local, National, or International mission partner of Ironbridge Baptist Church and become involved in this mission partnership in one of four ways:

Praying:If a DG decides to be involved in a mission partnership by praying, the group must consistently pray for the organization during DG time. The DG leader should also encourage the students to pray for the mission partnership daily. The leader may help the students with this by finding out specific areas that the mission partnership

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needs prayer for as well as giving the students things to take home to remind them to pray for that mission partner. Anything that could be done during DG time to educate the students about what type of ministry is done by the mission partner and what needs are would help the students pray for that mission partner more regularly. This is the most basic level of partnership. Every DG should be involved in a partnership at least on this level.

Giving:The next level of partnership with a mission is by giving in some way to help their cause. This may be a monetary gift or simply providing items that they are in need of. It may also mean supporting an Ironbridge member or even a student in the DG to go and serve on a short term mission trip. Your class may organize some type of activity to raise funds or supplies needed by the mission partner, but all such activities must be approved by the Student Ministry.

Going: This is the highest level of involvement in the ministry of a mission partner. Your DG may decide to go as a group on a mission trip lead by the DG leader, or one person may go from the DG. The Missions Council will assist the DG Leaders in planning a mission trip from start to finish. Please speak with Larry Justesen @ (804) 425-6052 for more information about where groups may go and how to plan a trip.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

Be a Big Brother/Big SisterThis level is for those completing one high school semester who receive a recommendation from their DG leader. These high schoolers will be assigned a Little Brother or Little Sister who is involved in a Middle School DG. The Big Brother/Sister will contact the Little Brother/Sister monthly and encourage them as they ask about how they are doing in their DG. Big and Little Brothers/Sisters will meet as a group once each semester for prayer, fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.

Please see the next page for a complete listing of local, national, and international mission partners.

Mission Partnerships(Partial List)

Metro Missions:Essex VillagePrison MinistrySalvation ArmyHabitat for HumanitySpecial Olympics

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Crisis Pregnancy Center

Kingdom BuildersMiddle District Baptist Association9413-D Hull Street Rd.Richmond, VA 23236(804) 276-8481 Elton Cooke at [email protected]

National Missions:New OrleansCamp PianketankDisaster Relief

International Missions:Ned and Wanda StewartSteve EppsGordon and Bonnie Caldwell

Other Mission Ideas(Partial List)

Angel Tree (give contact info for these)Salvation Army

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GoodwillHabitat for Humanity

Other Ideas:Garage sale to raise money for missionsHelp with Ironbridge Baptist Church Children’s Ministry Collect Diapers and baby items for Crisis Pregnancy Center

Our desire for the Discipleship Curriculum is to focus on topics and biblical truths that each student should know by the

time they complete the discipleship program. In order to achieve that goal we have divided the curriculum into 8 levels.

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Each level will consist of:

6-10 Weeks of Required Curriculum6 Memory Verses1 Mission Project

This Curriculum Section will list all 8 levels along with the required curriculum choices for that level. The memory verses for each level are located behind the curriculum choices. We have also included a list of

optional curriculum that you can choose from after your group has completed the required curriculum.

As the DG Leader you will evaluate your students and decide which level would be most appropriate for your group. We ask that each group complete at least one level per year. If you would like to accelerate

your group’s pace, you can complete more than one level per year. It is also each group member’s responsibility to purchase any curriculum

ordered for Discipleship.

*We ask that you contact either the Discipleship Coordinator (?) by phone or email to let them know which level your Discipleship Group will be studying.

*Several of the levels have curriculum choices that must be ordered through the youth office. The curriculum is called The Discipling Cycle. Those choices are noted and will be mailed to you after you inform us that you would like to use them. Their cost is $5.00 per book.

Optional CurriculumAfter completing the required curriculum your group is allowed to choose any other topic of study. We have provided some examples for you. We realize that each

group of students has different needs and interests. Choosing your own curriculum

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from this section of Discipleship allows you to meet the direct needs of your students while providing Godly counsel.

Guys Curriculum Girls Curriculum

The Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley True Beauty by Andrea StephensThe Man in the Making by Greg Johnson Lady In Waiting by Jackie KendallEvery Young Man’s Battle by Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh

Stephen Arterburn Girls of Grace DevotionalBy Point of Grace

Mirror, Mirror byGirls by Music, Jessup, Kirgiss

Topical Study – Purity, Dating, Cussing, Topical Study – Purity, Dating,Alcohol/Drugs, Competition, Pride, Gossip, Popularity, Balance,Anger, etc. Friendships, Depression, etc

Book Study from the Bible – Proverbs Book Study from the Bible – Esther,Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Timothy, etc Ruth, Titus, 1&2 Corinthians, etc

Dating Curriculum

Dateable by Justin Lookadoo and Hayley MorganTrue Love Waits by David PayneLady In Waiting by Jackie KendallHe’s Hot, She’s Hot by Jeremy and Jerusha Clark

*Most of the curriculum can be purchased through the IBC web site.

Other Optional Curriculum30

Barry St. Clair Discipleship Series* Following Jesus* Making Jesus Lord* Giving Away Your Faith* Influencing Your World* Spending Time Alone with God

Think Books* Posers, Fakers and Wannabes by Brennan Manning* Promises, Promises, Promises by Eugene H. Peterson

* Pray by Tony Jones* Destination Unknown by Gordon S. Jackson* How to Stay a Christian in High School by Steve Gerali* Read, Think, Pray, Live by Tony Jones

Jesus No Equal by Barry St. Clair

gForce by Bo Boshers

The Chase by Jerry Bridges

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

The Hardest 30 Days of Your Life by Justin Lookadoo

Max Q by Stuart Hall

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Each Curriculum Level will list the curriculum choices and any other requirements. Memory verses for each level are located

at the back of the “Curriculum” section.

Curriculum Level One – Starting Point

Choose from:

Starting to Go Where God Wants You To Be by Doug Fields

Basic Student Discipleship: Essential Tools for Spiritual Growth

Once Upon A Time, Book I: The Beginning by Marlyn Staggs (girls only)

One Mission Project (Local or within Ironbridge Baptist Church)

6 Memory Verses

Curriculum Level Two – Growing in God’s Word Choose from:

Connecting Your Heart To Others’ by Doug Fields

Once Upon A Time, Book II: The Great Adventure by Marlyn Staggs (girls only)

Keep a Prayer Journal for at least 6 weeks


6 Memory Verses

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Curriculum Level Three – Becoming a Disciple

Choose From:

Growing to Be Like Jesus by Doug Fields

Following Jesus by Mark Dowds


6 Memory Verses

Curriculum Level Four – Sharing Christ Choose from:

Sharing Your Story and God’s Story by Doug Fields

Exploring Christianity by Mark Dowds

Becoming a Contagious Christian Youth Edition by Bo Boshers

Have an Impact Card of 3 friends that you are praying to have the opportunity to share Christ with.


6 Memory Verses

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Curriculum Level Five – Serving Christ

Choose from:

Serving Others in Love by Doug Fields

Experiencing Life by Mark Dowds


6 Memory Verses

Curriculum Level Six – Imitating Christ

Choose from:

Surrender Your Life to Honor God by Doug Fields

The Discipling Cycle – “Character of Christ”(order through Youth Office)

The Disciple: DFD 2.4

One Mission Project (Local, Global, or within Ironbridge Baptist Church

6 Memory Verses

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Curriculum Level Seven – Purity of Life

Choose from:

The Discipling Cycle – “Purity”(order through the Youth Office)

The Walk: DFD 2.2


6 Memory Verses

Curriculum Level Eight – Doctrine

Choose one of these books to read and discuss:

The Discipling Cycle – “Doctrine”(Order through the Youth Office)

The Life: DFD 2.1

The Faith: DFD 2.3


6 Memory Verses

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Level One Memory VersesLove the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Deuteronomy 6:5

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.Matthew 18:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.Acts 4:20

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker…Psalm 95:6

Level Two Memory VersesBlessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Matthew 5:8

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:32

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

James 5:16

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.Proverbs 25:11

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.Psalm 9:1

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Level Three Memory VersesBut seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you a well.

Matthew 6:33

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

Ephesians 3:16-17b

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.Psalm 46:10

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

James 1:2-3

Level Four Memory VersesFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,

that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.Luke 19:10

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,Which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patientwith you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.Matthew 28:19-20

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Level Five Memory VersesI praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.Psalm 139:14

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.Mark 10:43

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for goodto accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Level Six Memory VersesTherefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,

Holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.Romans 12:1

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.Psalm 145:5

Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.Philippians 3:7

Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.Psalm 31:5

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Level Seven Memory Verses

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you

were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.1 Corinthians 6:18-20

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in he attitude of your minds; and to put on

the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also

provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.1 Corinthians 10:13

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the

Spirit desires.Romans 8:5

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Level Eight Memory Verses

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears,

And he will tell you what is yet to come.John 16:13

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed

anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.Acts 17:24-25

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and

pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

“I am the Alpha and the Omega” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:8

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Your Students:

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

Email _____________________________________________

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

Email _____________________________________________

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

Email _____________________________________________

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

Email _____________________________________________

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

Email _____________________________________________

Name ____________________ Phone #_________ Age_____

Address _____________________ City _________ Zip______

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Email _____________________________________________

Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________

Favorite Activity/Hobby:___________________________

Favorite Food: __________________________________

Favorite Music Artist ______________________________

Favorite T.V. Show/Movie __________________________

Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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Student Profiles:

Name______________________ Phone #_______________

Grade___________ Birthday _________________


Favorite Food: __________________________________



Other info:

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DG Prayer Requests

Prayer Request Date Date Answered

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DG Prayer RequestsPrayer Request Date Date Answered

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Documents

Our Vision: - SBC of Virginia – Strong Churches with a … · Web viewAt the end of the Sandals curriculum, you will find a commitment page for each member of the group to sign