preteen leadership spiritual preparation...

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Preteen Leadership Spiritual Preparation Guide

Leader’s Guide

Retreat’s Theme: Victorious in Christ

Retreat’s Purpose: To help preteens understand their identity in Christ.

Key Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now

disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the

glorious riches of the mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-27

Pre-Retreat Materials Preparation

• Provide Tracts/Witnessing tools to share with students who become Christians during

the retreat.

• Create a banner with the key verse to be displayed during the breakout sessions.

• Breakout Session 1

o For Ice Breaker: Gather white copy paper, (one piece per participant)

o pens or pencils for each student

o Write the following Scriptures on index cards—one Scripture per card:

� John 6:35

� John 8:12, 9:5

� John 10:7, 9

� John 10:11

� John 11:25

� John 14:6

� John 15:1,5

o Write the following identifying statements on large sheets of paper—one phrase

per paper. Write in large letters:

� The Gate

� The Resurrection and the Life

� The True Vine

� The Bread of Life

� The Good Shepherd

� The Light of the World

� The Way, the Truth, the Life

o Copy the Handout entitled “Who is Jesus?” one per person

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o Copy Personal Reflection Handouts—one per person


o Blank Paper

o Pens/Pencils

o Poster Board one per small group

o Poster Board or butcher paper for the leader

o Markers

o Various colors of construction paper



o Print the following names on tags or pieces of paper. These will be attached to each

preteen’s back. Everyone needs a tag.

� Shrek

� Fiona

� Batman

� Robin

� Lady

� Tramp

� Buzz Lightyear

� Woody

� Lightning McQueen

� Mader

� Winnie the Pooh

� Tigger

� Lilo

� Stitch

� Mickey Mouse

� Minnie Mouse

� Princess Atta

� Flik

� Charlie Brown

� Snoopy

o Long pieces of Butcher paper—enough pieces for small groups

o Copy the Handout entitled “Me”—one per person



o Copy Listening Guides—one per person

o Pens/pencils

o Personal Reflection Handouts—one per person

o Prayer Request Handouts—one per person

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Leader’s Spiritual Preparation

Leaders:

As you prepare for the Preteen retreat, bathe your preparations in prayer. Pray that God will

guide you and your efforts in leading the preteens in your ministry.

The preteens in your ministry are looking to you for guidance. Although peers are important to

preteens, please remember that adults are influential as well. They are listening to your words

but also watching your actions and lifestyles. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians

8:9) he reminds Christians to not take actions that will cause others to stumble in the faith.

Remember Paul’s words as you prepare and lead your preteens, “But take care that this right of

yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” I Corinthians 8:9

In your prayer time:

1. Examine your heart.

2. Ask God to help you exhibit a Christ-like life.

2. Allow God to speak to you and guide you.

3. Pray for the other leaders who will attend the Preteen Retreat.

4. Pray for the lost students who will attend the retreat. Pray that they will ask Christ to

be their Savior.

5. Pray for the pre-teens from your church. Pray that God will open their hearts and

open their ears as they strive to follow God’s Will in their lives.

6. Pray that the Preteen Retreat will be a time of growth for all concerned.

A few things to remember about Pre-teens:

Socially:Socially:Socially:Socially:

� Peers are very importantPeers are very importantPeers are very importantPeers are very important to Preto Preto Preto Pre----teensteensteensteens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

� PTs are selPTs are selPTs are selPTs are selffff----critical and critical of otherscritical and critical of otherscritical and critical of otherscritical and critical of others

� PTs aPTs aPTs aPTs are seeking independence and autonomy from parentsre seeking independence and autonomy from parentsre seeking independence and autonomy from parentsre seeking independence and autonomy from parents

� PTs are iPTs are iPTs are iPTs are increasingly concerned about their physical appearancencreasingly concerned about their physical appearancencreasingly concerned about their physical appearancencreasingly concerned about their physical appearance

� PTs aPTs aPTs aPTs are becoming more Reflectivere becoming more Reflectivere becoming more Reflectivere becoming more Reflective

Spiritually:Spiritually:Spiritually:Spiritually:

� They are very open to a personal relationship with GodThey are very open to a personal relationship with GodThey are very open to a personal relationship with GodThey are very open to a personal relationship with God

� Their fTheir fTheir fTheir faith is shifting from a parentaith is shifting from a parentaith is shifting from a parentaith is shifting from a parent----given faith to a personalized faithgiven faith to a personalized faithgiven faith to a personalized faithgiven faith to a personalized faith

� They hThey hThey hThey have the ability to make significant spiritual decisionsave the ability to make significant spiritual decisionsave the ability to make significant spiritual decisionsave the ability to make significant spiritual decisions

� PTs are finePTs are finePTs are finePTs are fine----tuning their consciencestuning their consciencestuning their consciencestuning their consciences

� They are extremely aware of the fairness and honesty of surrounding adultsThey are extremely aware of the fairness and honesty of surrounding adultsThey are extremely aware of the fairness and honesty of surrounding adultsThey are extremely aware of the fairness and honesty of surrounding adults

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BreakouBreakouBreakouBreakout Session One:t Session One:t Session One:t Session One:

Teaching Outline (50 Minutes):Teaching Outline (50 Minutes):Teaching Outline (50 Minutes):Teaching Outline (50 Minutes):

• Ice Breaker Game (10 minutes)

• Bible Study (30 minutes)

• Personal Reflection and Prayer (10 Minutes)

BEFORE THE PRETEEN RETREAT CREATE A BANNER WITH THE KEY VERSE. DISPLAY BEFORE THE PRETEEN RETREAT CREATE A BANNER WITH THE KEY VERSE. DISPLAY BEFORE THE PRETEEN RETREAT CREATE A BANNER WITH THE KEY VERSE. DISPLAY BEFORE THE PRETEEN RETREAT CREATE A BANNER WITH THE KEY VERSE. DISPLAY

THE BANNER IN A PROMINENT PLACE DURING THE BANNER IN A PROMINENT PLACE DURING THE BANNER IN A PROMINENT PLACE DURING THE BANNER IN A PROMINENT PLACE DURING THE BREAKTHE BREAKTHE BREAKTHE BREAK----OUT SESSIONS.OUT SESSIONS.OUT SESSIONS.OUT SESSIONS.

Key Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now Key Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now Key Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now Key Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now

disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the

glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, thglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, thglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, thglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians e hope of glory.” Colossians e hope of glory.” Colossians e hope of glory.” Colossians

1:261:261:261:26----27272727

• Ice Breaker Game (10 minutes): Ice Breaker Game (10 minutes): Ice Breaker Game (10 minutes): Ice Breaker Game (10 minutes):

Gather the students. Begin the session with a Snow ball fight!! See below.Gather the students. Begin the session with a Snow ball fight!! See below.Gather the students. Begin the session with a Snow ball fight!! See below.Gather the students. Begin the session with a Snow ball fight!! See below.

Snow ball fightSnow ball fightSnow ball fightSnow ball fight

Supplies needed:

---one piece of white copy paper for each person

---one writing utensil for each person

1. Have students write down three interesting facts about themselves. Tell them to not write their

names on the paper.

2. When the facts are written, ask them to ball-up the paper and throw it across the room.

3. Everyone picks one up and opens it.

4. The object is to find the author.

• Bible Study (30Bible Study (30Bible Study (30Bible Study (30 Minutes):Minutes):Minutes):Minutes):

The purpose of this lesson: In order for preteens to understand their identity in Christ,

they must first understand who Christ is.

Supplies Needed:

Bibles

Prepared index cards (7)

Prepared large sheets of paper (7)

“Who Is Jesus” Handouts—one per person

Personal Reflection Handouts—one per person

Pens or Pencils

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Ask students to gather for a time of Bible study (they will need their Bibles). Begin with

a time of prayer.

Explain: The purpose of this retreat is to understand our identity in Christ.

Ask students what does the word “identity” mean? Encourage students to respond.

The word “identity” means “the individual characteristics by which a thing or person is

recognized or known.” (Webster’s Dictionary)

In order to know our identity in Christ or who we are in Christ, we need to understand

who Christ is.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except

through me.” John 14:6

Who is Christ? He is the way to God. Jesus is truth, as opposed to deceit or falsehood.

Jesus is life; we are alive in God through Christ. (Matthew Henry’s commentary) He is

the true way to life!

Let’s look closer--

1. Who is Jesus? Jesus tells us in the book of John who He was. He made 7 “I am”

statements. By Jesus making these “I am” statements He was revealing to man that He

was the Son of God.

Pass out the index cards with Scriptures to 7 students with Bibles. Pass out the large

sheets of paper to 7 other students. Have the two groups stand in front. Ask one student

to read their verse. Ask the audience to match the “identifying phrases” with the verse.

Ask these two students to stand by each other in front of the group. Read all the verses

until they have a matching “identifying phrases.” Then review who Jesus is by reading

the phrases on the large pieces of paper. (See answers below)

� John 6:35—The Bread of Life

� John 8:12, 9:5—The Light of the World

� John 10:7, 9—The Gate

� John 10:11—The Shepherd

� John 11:25— The Resurrection and the Life

� John 14:6—The Way, the Truth, and the Life

� John 15:1,5—The True Vine

2. Pass out the handout entitled “Who is Jesus?” DiscussDiscussDiscussDiscuss the meanings of each of the “I

am” statements. Ask students questions about the “I am” statements. Guide the

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discussion. Do not give them the answers; help them see the answers for themselves.

Refer to the Bible verses as needed. (“My Identity in Christ” by Gene Wilkes and

Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

o Jesus is the Bread of Life—what does this mean?what does this mean?what does this mean?what does this mean? Jesus is our source of daily

strength for living. Just as we need food to live physically, we need the

living bread, Jesus, to live spiritually.

o Jesus is the Light of the World—Explain this phrase.Explain this phrase.Explain this phrase.Explain this phrase. Jesus is how we see in

our dark world of sin. The visible light of the earth is the sun, one sun lights

the entire earth. Jesus is the light of the world—one Savior to enlighten all

people with His saving love.

o Jesus is the Gate—How is Jesus like a Gate?How is Jesus like a Gate?How is Jesus like a Gate?How is Jesus like a Gate? We can enter a relationship

with God through Jesus. Jesus is the gate between man and God. We come

to the Father through Christ.

o Jesus is the Good Shepherd—A Shepherd, Why? A Shepherd, Why? A Shepherd, Why? A Shepherd, Why? Jesus cares for us. He

guides and protects us like a shepherd cares for his sheep. A good shepherd

would give his life to protect his flock. Jesus gave up His life by dying on

the cross to save us from our sins. Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

o Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life—Explain. Explain. Explain. Explain. Through Jesus we can have

eternal life.

o Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—Can we get to heaven by simply Can we get to heaven by simply Can we get to heaven by simply Can we get to heaven by simply

being a good person? No!! being a good person? No!! being a good person? No!! being a good person? No!! Jesus is the way to heaven, he is our source of

eternal life.

o Jesus is the True Vine—What does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? What does this mean? Jesus is our source of spiritual

life. The spiritual fruit produced in our lives is dependent upon Christ.

Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes): Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts.

Give each student a Personal Reflection Handout. Tell them this is a time to

read their Bibles and pray by themselves. Have the students sit by themselves if possible.

This is a time for students to spend with the Father. As they read their bibles and pray,

there should be no talking.

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Who Is Jesus?

(“My Identity in Christ” by Gene Wilkes)

John 6:35—Jesus is the Bread of Life—

John 8:12; 9:5—Jesus is the Light of the World—

John 10:7, 9—Jesus is the Gate—

John 10:11—Jesus is the Good Shepherd—

John 11:25—Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life—

John 14:6—Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—

John 15:1, 5—Jesus is the True Vine—

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Personal ReflectionPersonal ReflectionPersonal ReflectionPersonal Reflection

Session 1

Read John 14:6

Write the passage in your own words:

Who is Christ to you?

Have you been faithful to Him? When?

When have you been unfaithful to Christ? Why?

What are examples in your everyday life that you let others know you are faithful to

Christ?

Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask Christ to help become and remain faithful to Him in Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask Christ to help become and remain faithful to Him in Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask Christ to help become and remain faithful to Him in Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask Christ to help become and remain faithful to Him in

all areas of your life.all areas of your life.all areas of your life.all areas of your life.

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Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session TwoTwoTwoTwo::::

Teaching Outline (50 Teaching Outline (50 Teaching Outline (50 Teaching Outline (50 Minutes):Minutes):Minutes):Minutes):



• Learning Activity (10 Minutes)



disclosed to the saints. To disclosed to the saints. To disclosed to the saints. To disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the

glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians

1:261:261:261:26----27272727

IIIIce Breaker Game (10 minutes):ce Breaker Game (10 minutes):ce Breaker Game (10 minutes):ce Breaker Game (10 minutes):

Come to Order!

Object of the game is to stand in line!! Stand in line by the criteria given. Divide into groups of 5

to 8. When the leader yells out the criteria, the groups must line themselves in the correct order.

The group to complete the task first wins. Play as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes.

Criteria:

1. Line up by age—the youngest to the oldest.

2. Line up by birthdays—January first, December last.

3. Line up by height—tallest to the shortest.

4. Line up by Length of hair—shortest hair to the longest.

5. Line up by shoe size—the largest to the smallest.

6. Line up by height—shortest to tallest.

7. Line up by first names—alphabetical order—a to z.

8. Line up by last names—alphabetical order—a to z.

BBBBible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):

Bible verse for session 2Bible verse for session 2Bible verse for session 2Bible verse for session 2————“I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

John 14:20John 14:20John 14:20John 14:20

The purpose of this lesson is to show pre-teens what it means to be “in Christ.”

1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the

Bible Study time and will speak to each person through his word.Bible Study time and will speak to each person through his word.Bible Study time and will speak to each person through his word.Bible Study time and will speak to each person through his word.

2. B2. B2. B2. Bible Studyible Studyible Studyible Study————

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• To begin this session, read John 14:20. Ask preteens—what does the phrase “in

Christ” mean? Listen to their answers.

o Possible answers: Living for Christ, being true to the Savior, not listening to

Satan, etc.

• Next look at the following 4 Bible verses. Divide preteens into small groups of 3’s

and 4’s. Assign the following Bible verses. Each group receives one verse. If you

have more than 4 groups, you may give several groups the same verse. Ask the

groups to read the verse and decide what the verse says about being “in Christ.”

(Provide groups with blank paper and pens) Ask adult leaders to guide the

students in their decisions. (10 Minutes)

o Romans 6:11

o Romans 6:23

o Ephesians 1:7

o Ephesians 1:11

• Gather the students back into a large group. Ask each group to share their

responses. Guide them to the following answers (10 Minutes):

o Romans 6:11 “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to

God in Christ Jesus.” Through Christ we can overcome the influence of sin.

We must ask God for strength to conquer sin. He will answer our request.

o Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life

in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through Christ we have eternal life. We will live

forever in heaven with Christ.

o Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the

forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” In Christ

we have redemption—SALVATION and forgiveness of ALL of our sins.

o Ephesians 1:11 “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined

according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity

with the purpose of His will.” Christ wants to have a relationship with us!!

In Christ we can have a close relationship with our Savior.

o

• Ask students how do we live “in Christ?” Answer—by asking Christ into our lives.

(Be sensitive to students who are not Christians. Decide beforehand how to give

these students an opportunity to become Christians or ask questions privately.

Perhaps at the end of this time period say, “If any of you has questions about your

relationship with Christ or would like to begin a relationship with Christ please see

me after our session ends.” We want students to become Christians of their own

will, not from feeling pressure from others.

• After we become Christians, what is next? Just a prayer and back to life as usual? No, we must

develop a relationship with Christ. (The activities below help reinforce this point.)

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LLLLearning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose one learning Activity from below.earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose one learning Activity from below.earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose one learning Activity from below.earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose one learning Activity from below.

**Choose Learning **Choose Learning **Choose Learning **Choose Learning Activity #1 or #2 for your groupActivity #1 or #2 for your groupActivity #1 or #2 for your groupActivity #1 or #2 for your group

Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #1—

Supplies needed:

----Poster board one per small group

----Poster board or butcher paper for the leader

----Markers

Divide students into small groups of 3s and 4s. Ask them to list ways (on the poster

board provided) we as Christians can have a close relationship with Christ. Have them

list as many ways as possible in 5 MINUTES.

After 5 minutes is up. Ask for responses from the groups. Let them popcorn—simply

calling out answers in no particular order.

Discuss as preteens respond.

Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #2

Supplies Needed:

----Various colors of construction paper

----Markers

Divide students into groups of 3s or 4s. Pass out one sheet of construction paper and a

marker per group. Assign each group a biblical character (see list below). Give the group

5 minutes to read about the character’s obedience to God. Ask the groups to discuss

among themselves the characters’ obedience to God. The groups should write their

findings on the construction paper provided. (Prior to the retreat read the Scriptures Prior to the retreat read the Scriptures Prior to the retreat read the Scriptures Prior to the retreat read the Scriptures

describing the following biblical characters.)describing the following biblical characters.)describing the following biblical characters.)describing the following biblical characters.)

After they have had time to discuss, ask each group to join another group. Allow the two

groups time to share their findings with each other.

Biblical Characters:

1. Daniel—Daniel 6:1-11

2. Saul—Acts 9:1-18

3. Lydia—Acts 16:11-15

4. The widow—Luke 21:1-4

5. Jesus—Luke 4:1-13

Add others if needed.

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PPPPersonal Reflection (10 Minutes):ersonal Reflection (10 Minutes):ersonal Reflection (10 Minutes):ersonal Reflection (10 Minutes): Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Give each

student a Personal Reflection Handout. Tell them to read their Bibles and pray by

themselves. Have the students sit by themselves if possible (spread-out through the

room). This is a time for students to spend with the Father. As they read their Bibles and

pray, there should be no talking.

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Personal ReflectionPersonal ReflectionPersonal ReflectionPersonal Reflection

Session 2

Read Romans 3:25.

Write the verse in your own words:

Have you made a commitment to follow Christ? If not, and you would like to commit

your life to Christ please talk with a leader from your church.

How do you show your commitment to Christ every day?

What do you do on a regular basis to deepen your relationship with Christ?

What can you do today to deepen your relationship with Christ?

What can you do next week to deepen your relationship with Christ?

Spend time in prayer. In your prayer praise God for whom He is, thank Him for

remaining faithful to you. Ask Him to show you ways that you can deepen your

relationship with Him.

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Breakout Session ThreeBreakout Session ThreeBreakout Session ThreeBreakout Session Three






Key Verse: “The mystery thaKey Verse: “The mystery thaKey Verse: “The mystery thaKey Verse: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now t has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now t has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now t has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now


glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians

1:261:261:261:26----27272727

IIIIce Breakerce Breakerce Breakerce Breaker————FaFaFaFamous Pairsmous Pairsmous Pairsmous Pairs

Prior to the retreat—see the list below. Print each name on tags or pieces of paper. Attach/tape the tags

on each preteen’s back. They must do two things. First find out the name on their back by asking

questions that require a yes or no answer. Then they must find their famous partner.

Shrek and Fiona

Batman and Robin

Lady and the Tramp

Buzz Light Year and Woody

Lightning McQueen and Mader

Winnie the Pooh and Tigger

Lilo and Stitch

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Princess Atta and Flik

Charlie Brown and Snoopy

BBBBible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):ible Study (20 Minutes):

The purpose of this lesson is to help preteens understand they are unique creatures in

Christ and to help them begin to understand their identity in Christ.

1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the prayer. Pray that God will bless the prayer. Pray that God will bless the prayer. Pray that God will bless the


2. Bible Study2. Bible Study2. Bible Study2. Bible Study————To begin this session, pass out the handout entitled “ME.” Ask student to

spend a few minutes completing the handout. When students are finished place them in

groups according to their birthday months. Everyone with a January birthday forms a

small group, February, etc. Have students compare their answers with each other. Are

any two people alike? No. (Allow only a few minutes for this activity)

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Ask students to gather back into the large group.

After the students have re-gathered, say I am going to read a story from the Bible.

Reading from the Bible requires listening to God’s Word. Listen to God’s Words. (Read

from a translation that the students can understand. Read the story with feeling and

emphasis. Read in such a way that students will listen to God’s Word.)

Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

Ask the following questions:

1. Who did Samuel think God would choose for the next king of Israel? Eliab

2. Why? Probably because of his outward appearance—probably tall and good-looking

(vs. 17)

3. Who did God choose? David, the youngest son.

4. Why? God looks at the person’s heart (thoughts, intentions, actions, etc)

Read 1 Samuel 16:7.

When God looks at a person He sees their thoughts, intentions, actions, not their physical

appearance. Our spiritual identity is what God sees. Ask the students what does God see

when he looks at you? Who are you in Christ?

LLLLearning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose earning Activity (10 Minutes): Choose one learning Activity from below.one learning Activity from below.one learning Activity from below.one learning Activity from below.

**Choose Learning Activity #1 or #2 for your group**Choose Learning Activity #1 or #2 for your group**Choose Learning Activity #1 or #2 for your group**Choose Learning Activity #1 or #2 for your group

Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #Learning Activity #1—

Supplies needed:

----Butcher paper—one long piece per group

----Colored markers—enough for various colors to give each group

Divide preteens into groups of 4’s and 5’s. Instruct them to draw pictures/symbols of

things in our lives that represent God or Godly actions. For example, a heart represents

love—Godly love, a picture of one person helping another, etc. After 5 or 6 minutes, ask

preteens to explain their drawings to the people in their group. Encourage all group

members to share. If possible hang these in your cabin or large group area.

Learning Activity #2Learning Activity #2Learning Activity #2Learning Activity #2————

Ask preteens to sit in one large circle. Ask them what Godly character is. Allow several to

answer. Beginning with the adult leader say a word that starts with the letter A which

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represents God or His character, the next person says a word that begins with the letter

B, continue through the alphabet. Encourage students to help each other, especially with

difficult letters!! As the game ends, emphasis with preteens the importance of showing

Godly character in our lives.

Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes):Personal Reflection (10 Minutes): Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Distribute Personal Reflection Handouts. Give each

student a Personal Reflection Handout. Tell them to read their Bibles and pray by

themselves. Have the students sit by themselves if possible (spread-out through the

room). This is a time for students to spend with the Father. As they read their Bibles and

pray, there should be no talking.

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Personal Reflection Session 3

Who is Christ to you?

When your friends see you at school or out away from church how would they describe you as a person?

How would they describe your actions?

Do people identify you as a Christian by your actions?

Do your words match your actions?

Read Matthew 6:21. How do you spend most of your time? Are your actions honoring God? Do you

treasure God and God’s word?

How would you describe your character?

It has been said that character is who you are when “no one else is looking.” When no one else is looking

describe your character—describe your spiritual identity.

List one thing/action that you can do today to deepen your walk with God, to enhance your spiritual

identity, to develop who you are in Christ. Read Matthew 6:11 again.

Spend time in prayer. Ask God to continue to develop your spiritual identity. Ask God to

help you define your identity in Him.

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ME

What is your whole name? First, middle, last name

What is your favorite color?

What is your favorite food?

Who is your best friend?

What is your favorite sport?

What is your favorite song?

What school do you attend?

Do you have a pet? What is it? What is its name?

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

How many houses have you lived in?

Have you ever lived in another country? Where?

Have you ever visited another country? Where?

Have you ever sailed in a boat?

Have you ever been snow sledding?

What is your favorite thing to do?

What is the most unique thing about you?

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Breakout Session FourBreakout Session FourBreakout Session FourBreakout Session Four








glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of gglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of gglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of gglorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians lory.” Colossians lory.” Colossians lory.” Colossians

1:261:261:261:26----27272727

IIIIce Breakerce Breakerce Breakerce Breaker————Mr. and Mrs. WrightMr. and Mrs. WrightMr. and Mrs. WrightMr. and Mrs. Wright

Have everyone stand. Divide the group in half. Have the two groups stand in a line facing each other. Read the story. When you

say "right" everyone takes a step to the right. When you say "left" everyone takes a step to the left.

This is a story about Mr. and Mrs. WRIGHT.

One evening they were baking cookies. Mrs. WRIGHT called from the kitchen, "Oh, no, there is no flour LEFT! You will need to go

RIGHT out to the store."

"I can't believe you forgot to check the pantry," grumbled MR. WRIGHT. "You never get anything RIGHT!"

"Don't be difficult, dear," replied Mrs. WRIGHT. "It will only take twenty minutes if you come RIGHT back. Go to Fifty-first and

Peoria, and turn LEFT at the stop sign. Then go to Sixty-first Street and turn RIGHT, and there it will be on your LEFT," declared

Mrs. WRIGHT as her husband LEFT the house.

Mr. WRIGHT found the store and asked the clerk where he could find the flour. The clerk pointed and said, "Go to Aisle four and

turn LEFT. The flour and sugar will be on your LEFT."

Mr. WRIGHT made his purchase and walked RIGHT out the door. He turned LEFT, but he couldn't remember where he had LEFT his

car. Suddenly he remembered that he had driven Mrs. WRIGHT'S car and that his car was in the driveway at home RIGHT where he

had LEFT it. He finally found the RIGHT car and put his purchase RIGHT inside.

Eventually, a weary Mr. WRIGHT found his way home. Mrs. WRIGHT had been waiting impatiently. "I thought you would be RIGHT

back," she said. "I LEFT all the cookie ingredients on the kitchen counter, and the cats got into the milk. You'll just have to go

RIGHT out again."

Mr. WRIGHT sighed. He had no energy LEFT. "I am going RIGHT to bed," he said. "Anyway, I need to go on a diet, so I might as

well start RIGHT now. Isn't that RIGHT, dear?"

BBBBible Studyible Studyible Studyible Study————

1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God 1. Transition from the ice breaker to Bible Study with prayer. Pray that God will bless the will bless the will bless the will bless the


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2. Bible Study2. Bible Study2. Bible Study2. Bible Study————

Supplies needed:Supplies needed:Supplies needed:Supplies needed:

----------------Handout entitle Listening GuideHandout entitle Listening GuideHandout entitle Listening GuideHandout entitle Listening Guide

----------------pens/pencilspens/pencilspens/pencilspens/pencils

Bible Verses: “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this

earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in

the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4

The purpose of this session is to help preteens understand how to continue to live a

Godly life with a strong spiritual identity.

To Begin this session, pass out the listening guides to each person.

Open this session by asking students to turn to Galatians 2:20. The adult leader should

read the verse aloud. Ask the following questions:

1. What does the verse mean when it says “I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in

me?”

Possible answers—we strive to live by the Bible, using verses like the Ten

Commandments, reading the words of Jesus in the New Testament to understand

how to allow Christ to live in us. Ask God to help us allow Him to guide our

lives, choices, actions, etc.

2. As preteens how do we live for Christ?

Possible answers—Read our Bibles, pray, spend time with Christians, make wise

choices, etc.

3. If we are living for Christ, will others see a difference in our lives? Yes.

Ask preteens to turn to John 15:4. The adult leader should read the verse aloud. Ask the

following questions:

1. What does the word abide mean? Remain. Some versions use the word remain instead

of abide.

2. How do we abide or remain in Christ? Developing and maintaining a relationship

with Him. How do we develop and maintain a relationship with Him? The same way

we develop relationships with our friends and family—spending time with Him.

Ask the preteens to look at the handout. Complete the acrostic.

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How do we LIVE for Christ and Remain in Him?

LLLLove God. Ask preteens to give examples in their lives of how to show their love for

Christ.

IIIInvest your time in His Word. Ask preteens when can they invest their time in God’s

Word.

VVVVictorious Living. What are examples of victorious living in the lives of preteens?

• Honoring their parents

• Being examples to friends, family

• Making wise choices

EEEExpecting to live a life worthy of Christ. What does this mean? Set high expectations for

yourself. Preteens should hold each other accountable. When we are not living up to a

life worthy of Christ our Christian friends should step-in and help us. We should do the

same for them. Be compassionate and helpful----not judgmental.

After discussing the verses with preteens, distribute the Personal Reflection Handouts. Ask

preteens to follow the instructions, spend time with God in prayer, and return to the

large group.

As a conclusion, pass out Prayer Request handouts. Ask preteens to spend time

completing this handout. Ask them seriously consider their answers. Next ask them to

make the sheet into a paper airplane. Then ask preteens to fly their airplanes to various

parts of the room. Finally ask them to pick-up a plane—not their own. Open the plane,

drop to the knees and pray for this person. Ask them to carry it with them and pray for

the person during the next week.

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Listening Guide

Session 4

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V

E

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Personal Reflection Session 4

Read Galatians 2:20.

Write the verse in your own words.

What does this scripture say to you?

How can you live for Christ?

Read John 15:4.

Write the verse in your own words.

How can you remain/abide in Christ?

Spend time in prayer with God. It is easy to make commitments at a preteen retreat or Spend time in prayer with God. It is easy to make commitments at a preteen retreat or Spend time in prayer with God. It is easy to make commitments at a preteen retreat or Spend time in prayer with God. It is easy to make commitments at a preteen retreat or

camp. It is difficult to go home and continue living these commitments. Ask God to help camp. It is difficult to go home and continue living these commitments. Ask God to help camp. It is difficult to go home and continue living these commitments. Ask God to help camp. It is difficult to go home and continue living these commitments. Ask God to help

you kyou kyou kyou keep your commitments to Him.eep your commitments to Him.eep your commitments to Him.eep your commitments to Him.

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Prayer Request/Praises

Name:

I am thankful for:

Prayer requests:

Please pray for me as I try to live a life for Christ and

continue to develop my identity in Christ.

preteen leadership spiritual preparation...

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