Just when you’ve settled into a nice summer routine, out come the back-to-school signs, supplies, and sales. Here we go!
As you and your students stand on the precipice of another uber-busy school year, take a moment to think strategically on how God can squeeze a Word in edgewise. Or maybe the better perspective is this: front load your school year with pre-thinking on how an uber-busy school year can squeeze into God’s Word. At that point, we give you two simple checklists, presented in the classic “5 W’s and the H” format, to prompt your thinking, one for your teens and one for your ministry.
For Teens (personal Bible engagement):
Some questions to ask as you think about how your busy school year can fit into God’s Word:
- WHO? Who will be your Bible encouragers? Who in your life can you share your Bible “wow” moments with and who will keep you accountable to spend time with God in His Word?
- WHAT? What do you want to do to engage in Scripture? Do you want to explore a book (like Colossians)? A theme (like redemption)? A person (like John the Baptist)?
- WHEN? When are you most alert and can give God the first-fruits of your energy? It doesn’t have to be early morning. Maybe it’s during a study hall, or lunch, or as soon as you get home from school. Be creative here.
- WHERE? Where’s your spot? Designate a spot that gives your mind and heart a cue that says “this is where I go to meet God.” Be creative here, too.
- WHY? Keep in touch with why you do this: enjoying intimacy with the One who gave His life for you
- HOW? Do you have a Bible app that you like and a Bible version you can understand? Do you have a way to highlight, mark, and make notes? You’ll also want to keep a journal of your thoughts and “wow” moments.
For Youth Workers (ministry Bible engagement):
Some questions to ask as you think about how your student ministry programming can fit into God’s Word:
- WHO? Who in your student ministry is spiritually hungry and ready for a deeper step? Pose that question to your group and start with however many, or few, answer with “me!”
- WHAT? What kind of Bible engagement do you want to do? Study a book, theme, or hot-button issue?
- WHEN? When can you provide a deeper experience for students who want more? After or before school? An evening through the week? An hour before your regularly scheduled ministry time?
- WHERE? Where can you meet that communicates to students “this is different”? A home? Starbucks or McDonald’s? A relaxed space in your church (lobby, pastor’s study)?
- WHY? Keep in touch with why you do this. It’s not a task to complete, but a time to listen to what God has to say through His Word.
- HOW? How can you ensure students are engaging? You may want to incorporate different learning styles from week to week to help students observe, interpret, and apply the Scripture you are exploring.
Need more tips and help?
We’re serious about helping you fit a busy school year into God’s Word. That’s why we’re offering a 20 percent discount on the helpful book Unleashing God’s Word in Youth Ministry. You can check out the book and discount here!