Reach4Life Training Handbook

STRATEGY

TRUTH

TRAIN

REACH4LIFE

TEAM

Ambassador Handbook

LESSON GUIDE

LESSON #1

LESSON #2

4 JOURNEYS

21

TRAIN

29

TEAM

41

LESSON GUIDE

LESSON GUIDE

44

LESSON #1

LESSON #1

50

LESSON #2

LESSON #2

56

4 JOURNEYS

4 JOURNEYS

PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

EQUIP CHURCH LEADERS

BUILD STRONG GROUPS

MEETING SETUP AND ICEBREAKERS

SUICIDAL SEX

REACH FOR LIFE

GENERAL LESSON GUIDE

REACH4LIFE

STRATEGY

TEAM

LESSON GUIDE

TRUTH

TRAIN

THREE R4L STRATEGIES LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK

9

WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH R4L

TRUTH

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STRATEGY

STRATEGY

3

GLOBAL

REACH4LIFE STRATEGY STRATEGY

IC M E D N A P L A U X E S N E TE

WHAT IS REACH4LIFE?

7 in 10 are sexually active by 19th birthday

Reach4Life was developed in Africa by Biblica’s South African staff. They were tired of seeing children and teenagers die of AIDS.

People globally living with HIV

TRAIN

34 MILLION

TRUTH

TED HERE

E STAR REACH4LIF

Why not use the...

MONDAY

GLOBALLY 1 IN 4 YOUTH HAS AN

STD

their 2nd birthday without diagnosis or treatment

4

1 in 3

GIRLS WILL GIVE BIRTH BY AGE

18

5

4 JOURNEYS

IN THE POOREST REGIONS OF THE WORLD

LESSON #2

COMPLICATIONS FROM PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH CONTINUE TO BE A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS AGED 15-19 IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES.

The answer to this question became the answer to the teen sexual pandemic 1.4 Million youth have gone through R4L 14 Languages have been translated 24 Countries are using R4L 5 Continents have R4L programs 95% of youth had never owned their own Bible

LESSON #1

50% DIE BEFORE of HIV infected infants will

In 2004, as Biblica’s South African staff saw AIDS destroying the youth of their nation, they asked; “Why not use the Bible to fight AIDS?” After all, the Gospel is the answer to life’s biggest questions. Couldn’t the Gospel hold the answer to HIV? Couldn’t the Bible be used to teach abstinence to kids at risk for AIDS?

LESSON GUIDE

youth are infected with HIV every day

...to fight AIDS?

TEAM

1,000

REACH4LIFE STRATEGY

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING WITH R4L?

Not just giving books; but implementing a transforming strategy

TRUTH live w

e

re

ll

ell ad w

TRUTH

TRUTH

Youth recieve thier own copy of a R4L New Testament so they can learn to read and live the Bible well.

u IN s

accountabi lity relationsh ips

stain

LESSON GUIDE

As a R4L Ambassador you are to help...

4 JOURNEYS

6

re

rela t

• LEAD effective discussion.

• BUILD relationships with youth.

• WALK with youth closer to Jesus.

LESSON #2

• Equip leaders with a VISION • Equip leaders with a CURRICULUM • Equip leaders with a STRATEGY.

AM hips TE acco oi ns Build unta Strong Groups

y bilit

l

• OPEN doors to give R4L books to youth.

• PRESENT books in front of youth.

• GIVE a R4L New Testament to each teenager.

ch TRAIN sust laun Mobilize ain Christian Leaders

LESSON #1

WHAT’S MY ROLE IN THIS STRATEGY? ll TRUTH live da we Provide wel God’s Word

Provide God’s Word

TEAM

A

M TEA

R4L

launch T R

TRAIN

Local Christian leaders are equipped to launch and sustain a thriving R4L ministry.

TRUTH

TRAIN

TEAM

Youth team up in small groups to process biblical principles in relationship and hold each other accountable to living out those principles.

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

5

CONDOMS’ BROKEN PROMISE

Copies of R4L

Condoms are

81.4% READ

970

1

against HIV and other STI’s when used correctly and consistently

African Teens

Condom Use

2

2. Condoms at the center of a “Safe Sex” strategy only the HIV & STD prevalence rates.

1 in 5

2

1 W.H.O. repots male latex condoms have an 80% or greater protective effect against the sexual transmission of HIV and other STIs. 2 From Broken Promises: How the AIDS Establishment Has Betrayed the Developing World by Edward C. Green, John Hopkins Medical School and former Director of the AIDS Prevention Project at the Harvard School of Health.

9.8% 4.4%

77.1% OW

R ELE

V A NT IS

TH E R 4L BIB L E T

LIF O YOUR

E?

78.2% CHOSE To abstain from sex until marriage

9

4 JOURNEYS

4. Only the found in the Bible provides the power needed to resist sexual temptation outside of marriage (thus preventing HIV).

8.7%

H

adults in Botswana is now HIV+

But when Westerners convinced Botswana that condoms would stop AIDS, the results were catastrophic.

People are now dying.2

3. Will based abstinence will not prevent the sexual pandemic because people are not strong enough.

No Answer/Blank Extremely Relevant

LESSON #2

When Ptolemy said the sun orbits the earth, he made one of the most notorius mistakes in scientific history. Yet no one died from it.

Somewhat Relevant Not Relevant

LESSON #1

1. The U.N. has described the AIDS pandemic as the “Greatest human

of our day.

I find it so easy and amazingly exciting to read the Bible. R4L has a way of provoking us to the Bible.

LESSON GUIDE

over

The program deals with relevant facts on abstinence and has encouraged me to remain sexually pure till I get married.

Most of my friends have made the same decision.

TEAM

HIV Infection Rate

ER, R4L IS A B EMB REM

Would you fly on an airline that crashed 20% of the time?

OLS IGH SC H O IC H

The R4L Bible openly discusses sex in relation to its CreatorGod-in a manner I TRUTH A E R have never seen S . THE E PUBL IBLE before. I just like it that way.

TRAIN

80% effective

970

TRUTH

African High Schools Surveyed

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

• Strategically schools, churches, or places in community where youth are gathered.

Open Doors

Open doors to give R4L Books to youth.

Present

Present books in front of youth.

A R4L New Testament to each teenager.

PROS Easy access Biblical culture Youth with needs Youth ministry

CONS Already Reached Some Apathy

rs to o o d n e op How to RCHES U H C d n LS a SCHOO

• PRAY: Pray for God’s favor and that He would open the door.

• MAKE APPOINTMENT: Be polite.

Confidently explain that you are a part of R4L and want to include the school/church/group in a nation-wide campaign to positively shape the sexual values and behaviors of youth. Tell them everyone in the school/church/ group will be given a free copy of the R4L book.

• CONFIRM: Telephonically confirm the appointment on the day.

• ON TIME: Do not be late for the meeting.

• MANNERS: Dress well. Act polite Be friendly, yet respectful. Be humble, yet confident.

• GIFT: Give them a copy of R4L that they can keep regardless of the outcome of the meeting.

LESSON GUIDE LESSON #1

PROS Very strategic Filled with youth Non-Christian kids Lots of need CONS Secular Enviornment Difficult Access

PROS Youth naturally gather Relationally based Volunteer commitment Going to where youth are CONS Low stucture Earned authority Can be difficult to start

TIPS FOR OPENING DOORS

TEAM

Give

• Pray for God’s favor that He would lead you in what youth to talk to.

• Keep your eyes open and your “spiritual radar” engaged.

• Invite people to start a group with you. Tell your friends and ask them to tell their friends.

• Make an announcement at school or Church.

• The more non-Christians that come, the better.

TRAIN

• Get from those in authority (if necessary) to hand out R4L Books and present R4L vision and challenge.

How to open doors to youth in the COMMUNITY

TRUTH

WHAT THREE THINGS DO R4L AMBASSADORS DO TO GET THE BIBLE INTO THE HANDS OF YOUTH?

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

11

4 JOURNEYS

10

LESSON #2

WHAT TO SAY

• Explain what you do: We want to hand out a free copy of the R4L book to everyone in your school/church and explain how to use it.

• Explain book: The book includes the New Testament and principles to help young people make wise decisions and deal with real issues they are facing—especially around sexuality.

• Explain impact: Our goal is to seal off the next generation of young people to HIV, STD’s, and teen pregnancy. We want them to reach for life by catching the vision, rather than the virus.

• Address Faith: Many students aren’t Christians, but the book appeals to all faith because of the timeless principles and wisdom.

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

GRAB

Use two pieces of paer glued together to illustrate how sex inside marriage glues us together, but outside of marriage, it tears us apart.

• Gather lessons ahead of time.

• Follow the simple .

1. Grab their attention 2. Reveal the book 3. Explain “How to” 4. Challenge to join

THE BOO L A E K EV

Up Front School Assemblies, Student Conferences, Larger Youth Ministres, Churches (main service)

Small Groups Classrooms School Clubs, School Classes, Community Clubs, Health Classes, Community Groups, Churches without Youth Ministry, Student Hang Outs Smaller Youth Ministries

4 JOURNEYS

N

O”

LESSON #2

R 12

I O J LEN GE TO

WHERE YOU CAN PRESENT R4L...

LESSON #1

C

HAL

LESSON GUIDE

Challenge them to discover how life was meant to be lived by going through R4L in a R4L group. Illustrate this by folding 2 pieces of paper into paper airplanes.

TEAM

R4L PRESENTATION OULINE (Details on the next four pages)

OBJECT LESSON SUPPLY LIST q 5 Pieces of Paper (two pre-glued together

with enough time to dry) q Bottle of Glue q R4L New Testament q Cell Phone (optional)

E

Show them how to use their R4L Book by taking them through various pages, including the road map on page 29 of the four journeys.

IN “HOW T XPLA

Show how R4L is like a cell phone allowing you to hear from, and talk to, The Creator of Sex--God. It’s a book that can transform your life!

TRAIN

• Our Goal = Get them to start or join a R4L .

TRUTH

ATTENT R I E H T I

ON

ONCE THE DOOR IS OPENNED WHAT DO I PRESENT?

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

REVEAL THE BOOK

“Do you want to see what sex is?”

“Do you know who invented sex?”

“Sex is glue!” Hold up a bottle of glue.

“It was God. He gave it to us as a gift to help glue us together in marriage for a lifetime.”

“So, what happens when we tear the 2 pieces apart?”

Take 2 glued pieces of paper that have had time to dry (prepare ahead of time) and rip them apart.

“Our culture is addicted to sex. How do I know?

•

“1 in 4 teenagers has an STD. “

•

“1,000 teenagers a day contracts HIV which is the virus that causes death through AIDS.”

“By the time many find the person they do want to marry and spend the rest of their life with, they don’t have anything left. Hold up paper with holes in it. Their life is full of holes. They may have contracted an STD, had an unplanned pregnancy, or worse, have HIV. But there is a different way...”

“That’s what this book is. It is like a personal cell phone for you to hear from and speak to God.” Hold a R4L book up to your ear as if its a cell phone.

“One of the things God wants to say to us is this: ‘Don’t settle for less than my best in the area of sex. Your sexuality is a special gift that I want you to look after.”

“He wants to tell you, ‘Your sexuality is a gift that I want you to save for one partner in marriage. I’m not telling you this because I want to take away fun—I’m telling you this because I love you and I want to save you from much pain. Listen to me.”

Hold a R4L book up to your ear. Every time you read this book it is like a cell phone conversation with God. It recharges your soul.

4 JOURNEYS

“7 out of 10 will have sex before their 19th birthday.”

“Let me explain. Imagine if you had a cell phone you could pick up and immediately have a conversation with God. What would you ask? What would you say?”

LESSON #2

•

“This book reminds me of a cell phone.” Hold up a cell phone.

LESSON #1

“But instead of finding life, they are left with holes in their soul and they wonder why they are so full of misery.”

“This book will launch you into a radical revolution in the way you live. It will help you to reject life that leads to death.”

LESSON GUIDE

“The problem is, so many in your generation are looking for love.

They are looking for happiness and pleasure. So they pursue sexual relationships and are glued together with others, sometimes multiple people.”

“We are giving it to you today because it is the master plan for sex—written

by The One who created the gift of sex.”

TEAM

“Neither piece stays whole. In fact, each has holes ripped out of them” Hold the two pieces up. “Each leaves a piece of itself. Each is left empty.”

“We have a gift for you today. It is this book.” Hold up R4L Book.

TRAIN

“Let me explain. God designed sex to be like glue—it was meant to glue two people together for a life time.

Take two pieces of paper and glue them together in front of the audience (put this wet set aside).

TRUTH

01

GRAB THEIR ATTENTION

“HOW TO” THE BOOK

Read Pages 6-7 in the R4L Book

“On page 29 you will find the ‘road map.’ It lists the four journeys— ’Finding Faith, Getting Growing, Loving Life, and Choosing Change.’”

16

If you join us you will discover life as it was meant to be lived. Hold up the finished paper airplane. Life that rejects our culture’s standards for sex. Throw the paper airplane into the audience.

As you say this next part, take torn piece of paper that has the most to it and fold it into a second paper airplane. Even if you’ve already given in sexually, and you want to find healing for those holes in your soul.

God can renew you, and restore those holes. He can help you find healing and hope. You can find this in this book. So join us and find what life is all about.

Throw second paper airplane.

4 JOURNEYS

“You can read these forty lessons on your own, or you can take this journey with friends in a R4L group.”

“I’m challenging you to join a R4L group. We are going to start these groups (day) at (time). If you are interested just meet at (place).

LESSON #2

“This is the the first lesson. There are forty “double page” lessons like this in the book. This is the first and it is based upon John 8:8-11.” Point out under “Look” 8:1-11 and show them that it is highlighted on the previous page.

As you say this next part, fold one piece of paper into a paper airplane as you speak.

LESSON #1

“Look at the first journey. It starts on page 222.” Have everyone turn to page 222.

“This is a big challenge, but it will change your life. I’m challenging you to start, or join a R4L group. Read page 658. Explain how pages 659-661 have directions in how to start & run a group.

LESSON GUIDE

“I am inviting you today to join this sexual revolution by going through these four journeys that make up R4L. Through these journeys your life will be transfromed and forever changed.”

“You can reject the standards of our culture, and live a bigger life. You can choose to reach for life, and reject the death and pain of sex outside of marriage.

The four journeys in this book will lead you there.” Hold up R4L Book.

TEAM

“R4L was the result. Let me show you how to use it. turn to page 28 and 29.” Read page 28.

“Life wasn’t ment to be this miserable.” Hold up the torn pieces of paper that were glued together.

TRAIN

“The young man who wrote the notes in this book knows personally the pain of HIV. His father died of AIDS. This man was from South Africa. Not only did he watch his father die, but he saw millions of teeangers die of AIDS around him. He decided to spend his life helping others aviod the mistakes of his father.”

CHALLENGE TO JOIN TRUTH

03

Read Page 4 in the R4L Book

TRUTH PROVIDE GOD’S WORD

• Youth should have a R4L in hand before you begin your R4L presentation.

HOW DO I MAKE SURE EACH TEENAGER GETS A COPY OF R4L? TRAIN Mobilize Christian Leaders

TEAM TEAM

The type of group you are presenting to will determine your strategy for getting a R4L book into each teenager’s hand.

TRAIN TRAIN

• Order more R4L Books through your Biblica contact.

TRUTH

• The the group you present to, the more you need to think through logistics.

LESSON GUIDE GUIDE LESSON PRAYER 4 JOURNEYS

18

LESSON #2 #2 LESSON

• Think through your strategy ahead of time.

• Get as many leaders involved as possible in handing books to teeangers.

• If possible, you may want to consider placing books on every seat before students enter the presentation location.

• Teams of leaders can hand books to students as they enter the presentation room.

• For small groups, you may consider wrapping the R4L book up for each teenager as a present.

LESSON #1 #1 LESSON

Tips for handing out books

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

A MOVEMENT TAKES A TEAM

HOW TO RECRUIT OTHERS TO THE TEAM Make a list of all these people and their contact info q Make personal Contact with them q Give them a copy of R4L New Testament You can call a meeting and invite them all at the same time q Photocopy pages you need from this handbook to share the vision q Use this handbook to train them. q

q

Youth Workers Many schools have Christian groups and clubs. Mobilize them as a part of a R4L strategy.

Church Leaders

Teachers have a heart for their students. Find teachers who are Christians and challenge them to join you in launching and sustaining Reach4Life.

LESSON #1

Who is most effective at reaching teenagers? It is another teenager. Look for Christian teenagers you can mobilize as a R4L leader to help launch and sustain Reach4LIfe.

LESSON GUIDE

Christian Teachers

R4L Ambassador

LESSON #2

As a R4L Ambassador, you can’t do the job on your own. Mobilize Christian leaders to launch and sustain R4L with you.

Christian-Based Organizations

21

4 JOURNEYS

Partner with other Christan based organizations with a heart to reach students.

TEAM

Pastors, elders, other church leaders are not only a huge “cog wheel” towards getting R4L books into youth’s hands, they are also key to connecting teenagers to Churches.

TRAIN

Youth workers are gifted at ministering to teenagers. Mobilize them to help launch and sustain R4L in your community.

School Christian Group Leaders

Teenagers

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

equip church leaders with a Vision Ministry to youth is often a missing element in churches around the world. Leaders often lack resources, strategy, or even a vision for why a church should target teenagers in ministry. Reach4Life plays a key role not only in fighting HIV, but in providing a framework for student ministry around the globe.

A

KEEP IN MIND:

A vision for the need of reaching the next generation of their culture for Jesus Christ.

B

• Studies show that most people accept Jesus as their Savior before the age of eighteen.

A Bibilical curriculum as a focal point for their ministry to students.

A simple game plan to reach the teenagers of their community.

LESSON GUIDE

...a Strategy

C

• The latest trend in global missions is called “The 4-14 Window.” The idea being we must reach people around the world during the “window” of four-years-old to fourteen-years-old when they are most open to the Gospel.

A

LESSON #1

• Many church leaders around the world do not have a framework for ministry to teeangers.

•

Be a example of a passionate young follower of Christ.

LESSON #2

•

how R4L provides a simple framework in which churches can powerfully impact the youth of your community.

4 JOURNEYS

22

TEAM

...a Curriculum

• Areas devastated by HIV and the sexual pandemic often have a disproportionate population of children and teenagers.

TRAIN

...a Vision

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

equip leaders with a Curriculum

B How to prepare to teach a R4L Lesson

Page 29 is the road map for how the R4L lesssons work together.

START WITH THE FIRST TWO LESSONS

REACH FOR LIFE Pag es 641-66 1

URE YOU’LL BE TEA ULT

LOVING

TO HOW

JOURNEYLIFE3

READ R4L LEADER GUIDE

R4L SMALL GROUP LESSON GUIDE

LESSON #2

THEN CONTINUE THROUGH THE REST OF THE 40 LESSONS.

IONS! YOU’R E REA DY

WRITE NOTES

4 JOURNEYS

LAT RATU G N O C

!

PRINT NOTES 24

LESSON #1

JOURNEY 2

GETTING GROWING

SONS 10 LEASDERSHIP ON LE EY 4 JOUOSRINNG CHANGE CHO

R4L

LESSON GUIDE

10 LESSONS LIFE’S CHOICES

TEAM

10 LESSONS ON DISCIPLESHIP

READ YOUR R4L LESSONS

EXPERT AT TEA N A E M CHI N EB CO

4L GR

1 ON T0 LESSO HE G NS OSP EL J O U FIND RNE ING Y 1 FAIT H

29

OWN LIFE

INTRO pg

YOU CAN SHA ES

M YOUR FRO RE

B THINK A OUT THE C

LESSON 2

NG IN CHI

LESSON 1

• R4L to fit your unique circumstances.

THINK THROUGH S TOR I

SU Pages 6-28

• R4L can be done on a (42 days) or a basis (42 weeks).

TRAIN

ICIDAL SEX

• R4L proivdes up to 42 weeks worth of .

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

TRAIN MOBILIZE CHRISTIAN LEADERS

C • Christian are trained to launch and sustain R4L. • Christian leaders God’s truth to youth.

equip leaders with a Strategy

• Christian leaders youth in R4L groups.

RUTH live T l l e w w

Build Strong Groups

Lead

Lead your R4L group into powerful discussions.

Build

B

Build strong, authentic relationships in your R4L group.

C

Simply walk alongside the indivduals in your R4L group closer to Jesus.

PRAYER 4 JOURNEYS

Walk

LESSON#2 #2 LESSON

u IN s

stain

re

Get Han R4L B ds o ooks f Yo Int uth o

26

LESSON#1 #1 LESSON

Youth Introduced to Local Churches

A

launch T R A

ET AM

LESSONGUIDE GUIDE LESSON

R4L

TEAM TEAM

e

ers ead R4L an L ad isti o Le Chr ined t Tra

accountabi lity

TEAM

ll

ad

TRAIN

• Christian leaders youth to local churches.

relations h i p s

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

“th e

lo ok ”

th e m

yo

u r tea

o n ti n

uc yo

er. church lead

that says, “stop

lk Send th em out to ta

wi

th

!”

ve

THE LOOK

THE “GO”

m

t.”

Imagine the perfect small group.

n war

“I f

er or a

ou

Verbally

m the

Three “steps” to deal with a disruptive small group member. lea d

I’ll have to send yo u

KEEPING CONTROL OF YOUR SMALL GROUP

K THE TAL

ue

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

A

io Get th eir attent

• Use , or “command presence” in your small group.

Take care of Distractions Watch out for distractions.

Distractions take attention off the lesson and on to the distraction.

When the group is distracted, they stop paying attention and start goofing off.

Deal with Disruptions Immediately If someone is acting up inappropriately: • Don’t just let it go, deal with it. It’s not fair to the other members of the group.

• Don’t get angry. Remain calm and give “tough love.”

LESSON GUIDE

• Use essential “ ” or tools for leading small groups.

gi

TEAM

Reel in rabit trails Tangents can be easy to follow. The problem is it keeps your group from engaging with the lesson. If your group is off target, ask to complete that conversation after the lesson.

• the group, or the group will control you.

n

d an

LESSON #1 LESSON #2

Establish clear group boundaries Make sure they know you are there to engage with the book. Let them know there is a time for fun, and a time to think. Your small group time is a time to think.

Now imagine what

reality could look like.

29

4 JOURNEYS

28

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

ESSENTIAL “APPS” FOR LEADING A SMALL GROUP Megaphone App Call out their voice (4,425)

Details

Reviews

Coffee House App Think cozy comfort

FREE

(4,166)

Related

Details

Zoom App Take a closer look

Reviews

FREE

(3,228)

Details

Related

Reviews

Related

Reviews

FREE

(6,467)

Related

Most leaders new to small groups fear silence. But silence can be an amazing tool for engagment.

When they are quiet, it may mean they are thinking. Don’t jump in and fill the void. Instead, hit the “pause” button and let them break the silence with their thoughts.

Details

Details

Reviews

Danger App Too heavy? Get help!

FREE

(6,321)

Details

Related

Reviews

FREE Related

31

4 JOURNEYS

The trip leaders are there for you.

Never be afraid to ask for help or to bring a small group member to the trip leader when you suspect an issue is beyond your abilities or experience.

• Examples: suicide, clinical depression, abuse, threats to harm self or others, cutting, threatening behavior directed toward them, eating disorders, etc...

LESSON #2

The individuals in your group need to know it is a safe place where their opinions and thoughts are valued. Show them your value by being grateful anytime someone shares.

Verbalize it by saying, “Thank you

for sharing.”

Reviews Related

You are not the expert, just the leader. If a question or thought comes up that you don’t know the answer to, create a buzz by turning it back to the group. The most difficult questions may be the very spark that causes the biggest buzz in your discussion.

Thumbs Up App Be grateful (3,554)

FREE

LESSON #1

30

Details

FREE

Don’t get into a question-answerquestion-answer pattern. That’s boring. Instead: • Follow up—after someone responds to a question, ask a follow-up question to get them to go deeper.

• Bounce over—after someone responds, turn to someone else and ask, “What do you think about what said?”

Watch the speed of your group.

Don’t “get a ticket” for going too fast, or too slow. The key is to have a good tempo and pace.

• Go too slow (i.e. everyone answers every question), and the group will start to lose interest.

• Go too fast (i.e. you race to get through everything), and the group won’t engage.

(5,652)

LESSON GUIDE

Details

Related

Why do people pay $5 for coffee?

Because of the experience of the coffee house. The environment your group meets in matters. Do what you can to make it cozy, comfortable, and conversational.

• Sit in a circle at the same level.

• Remove as many distractions as you can.

• Sit close together, not spread apart.

Speedometer App Watch your speed (9,591)

FREE

Buzz App Don’t know? Ask them!

TEAM

As the leader, you control the “megaphone.” Therefore, encourage everyone to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences by: • Getting everyone to share in the first 5 minutes.

• Watch for those who aren’t sharing and directly asking them to share.

• Make sure one or two people aren’t dominating the “megaphone.”

Reviews

Pause Button App Don’t fear silence

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

IT’S OKAY TO LEAD

Three Keys to Leadership (Command) Presence

BOHDY LANGUAG

E

HyoAuVaIcOtRwill E B ow

H e how determuinr group well yo ngage. will e

nc

r es e

s e” i a te

VOICE

• Speak clearly and slowly knowing English may be a second language.

onder

s 32

• Command attention at the smallest disruption.

Welcome your small group as they arrive in the meeting space. Get to know each other by doing an ice breaker to break down language barriers, cultural barriers, and to help the group connect.

• For a suggested ice breakers see page 43 of the R4L Small Group Leader’s Guide (the last section of this book).

30-45 MIN - R4L LESSON

Complete the R4L lesson for the day. This will take from 30-45 minutes depending on the lesson. The two lessons you will be teaching are: • Suicidal Sex (pages 6-28) • Reach for Life (pages 641-661)

15 MIN - PRAYER

Close your time praying for each other.

• Explain the prayer is simply talking to God. • Ask for specific prayer requests.

• Write down names and requests.

• Take time to pray over every request.

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4 JOURNEYS

ing from first resp

• Project your voice.

Direct your voice to be heard clearly at a distance.

15 MIN - WELCOME & ICE BREAKER

LESSON #2

e borrow

PRES ENCE

we’r ique chn

ROUP LEADER G L L MA

The way you use your voice can be your primary tool of influence.

Get set up before your small group arrives with your local group leader. Arrange chairs; check out the space. Do what you can ahead of time to ensure your group can: • Sit in a circle at the same level.

• Remove as many distractions as you can.

• Sit close together, not spread apart.

LESSON #1

of off.

• Don’t go n, and time for fu There is a ad. a time to le me ally use ti • Intention ll group to a outside sm al capital” on ti la e build “r ard). ht to be he g ri e (earn th if alm, even at is • Remain C d is share th something omfortable, unc shocking, there. or way out

15 MIN EARLY - SET UP MEETING SPACE

LESSON GUIDE

“Com man dP

Command presence is essentially presenting yourself as someone in authority, trusted and respected. This is partially done through the message conveyed by how you LOOK, how you CARRY YOURSELF, how you ACT, and how you SPEAK. —Fire Chief Ron Richards

TEAM

ow yo yourself puocarry leadership rtrays p sence (or lack ore f it).

• Lead wit h your he ad up, eyes alert, and your e xpre conveying a warm inte ssion nt.

• Sit up an d lean forw ard.

Don’t slou ch or act la zy.

• Project th e image of someon e that kno ws why they are w here they are, who is trained, an d knows w hat they a doing. re • Portray o utw —even if o ard confidence n the insid e you are scared out of your wit s.

TYPICAL R4L SMALL GROUP SCHEDULE

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

WHY IS TEAMING IN STRONG RELATIONSHIPS IMPORTANT?

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS ARE ABOUT BEING AUTHENTIC

Small groups are a collection of relationships

AUTHENTICITY IS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE WILLING TO SHARE

LEVEL 2 Sub-Surface

Opinions

LEVEL 3 Mid-Level

Dreams

LEVEL 4 Sub-Deep

Feelings

LEVEL 5 The Deep

Authentic

Each person in your small group will be willing to share at a different level.

4 JOURNEYS

About

LESSON #2

34

LEVEL 1 Surface Level

LESSON #1

To build strong groups, push the individuals to deeper levels of authenticity.

Our goal = build strong authentic relationships in the small group we work with

LESSON GUIDE

Every individual in your small group will be willing to share at a different level.

We take a dive into every relationship and friendship we are in

TEAM

Teenagers teamed together in authentic relationships with accountablity are far more likely to apply the biblical principles of R4L.

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

B

Authentic Questions • • • • •

What is a mistake you’ve made that you wish you could undo?

What is your biggest struggle?

Do you like the person you are becoming?

What are the biggest temptations you face?

Are you growing closer to God or are you walking farther away from Him? Why?

• • • • •

Who is someone in your life that you would die for? Why? Who is someone from your past you are sorry you have lost track of?

What issue breaks your heart? Why? How do you feel about AIDS? Poverty? Suffering? America? Etc...

If you could ask God a question, what question would it be?

• • • • •

If someone gave you three wishes, what would you wish for?

What do you want to do when you grow up?

If you could travel twenty years into the future, what do you hope to see?

What does the word “success” mean to you?

What cause are you willing to die for?

• • • • •

Would you rather have many casual fans or one really close one? Why? Would you rather be really attractive or married to someone really attractive?

Would you rather be able to fly, or be able to turn invisible?

Would you rather become a football star or president?

Would you rather be able to end poverty or end disease?

• • • • •

What is your name? What is your nickname?

Tell me about your family?

What sport do you most like to play?

Why were you given your name?

Tell me what life is like for a teenager today?

• Start out with questions and work your way up the ladder.

Feeling Questions

Level 4

Dream Questions

Level 3

Opinion Questions

Level 2

• Jump too high, too and risk scaring off authentic relationships.

Ask “diving” questions during “free”time, and...

• The higher the the deeper you push your group to authentically engage.

TEAM LESSON GUIDE

About Questions

Level 1

Opinions

...during small group time.

LESSON #2

About

LESSON #1

Go up the ladder with people in your small group to go deeper in your relationships

Level 5

Dreams Feelings Authentic

37

4 JOURNEYS

Authenticity becomes glue that helps bond the group together long after you’ve flown home.

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

TEAM BUILD STRONG GROUPS

C • Every youth you influence is on a in their relationship with Jesus.

• Our as leaders is simple: leave our comfort zone, and walk alongside students as they walk closer to Jesus.

HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUTH THROUGH INTENTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS LESSON GUIDE Leave your comfort zone

Leader

Y

Y

outh #1

outh #3

out #5 h

Y

uth #2

Y

Yo

• Non-Christian • Reading Bible • Open Heart • Checking Out

COMMITTED

• Believer • Reading Bible Well • New Heart • Discovering

• Believer • Reading & Living Well • Growing Heart • Engaging

The above continuum chart based upon a Young Life chart used to picture walking alongside a student towards Jesus Christ. In the Young Life chart, the first section was “Hostile to Jesus,” then “Seeking Jesus,” the middle line represented “Salvation,” then “Growing Believer, and then ”Mature Believer.”

PRAYER 4 JOURNEYS

38

SAVED

LESSON #2 LESSON #2

• Non-Christian • Received Bible • Hard Heart • Sceptical

TRYING

LESSON #1 LESSON #1

HOSTILE

LESSON GUIDE LESSON GUIDE

outh #4

Leader

-Set Up -Ice Breakers -Lesson #1 -Lesson #2 -4 Journeys

TEAM

Enter their world and walk with them closer to Jesus

15 MINUTES EARLY SET UP MEETING SPACE

15 MINUTES WELCOME & ICEBREAKER DESERT ISLAND

d island Say, “You’ve been exiled to a deserte ls, you ntia esse the to n itio add In r. for a yea k and boo one sic, mu of e may take one piec (i.e. not a you with y carr can you item one ld you boat to leave the island!) What wou take and why?’

STAND UP

Group Smalhl edule!

Sc

LINE UP

HUMAN KNOT

Know another one you love?

Feel free to use any ice breaker you know, just make sure it is culturally sensitive and simple to explain.

4 JOURNEYS

40

Have your group form a circle. Ask each person to extend their right hand across the circle and hold the left hand of the other team member opposite them. Then extend their left hand across the circle and hold the right hand of another group member.

The task is to unravel the spider’s web of interlocking arms without letting go of anyone’s hands. Give them a five minute time limit to complete the task. Pressure!

LESSON #2

Ask the Ask the youth group to line up. er of…. group to form a new line in ord st. talle to t lles sma from , • Height ber.

• Birthdays, from January - Decem est. larg to t lles sma from , size t • Foo • Alphabetical first names (A-Z). es.

• Alphabetical mothers first nam names!

• Alphabetical grandmothers first • Anything else you think up.

LESSON #1

q Set up before your small group arrives with your local group leader. q Rearrange chairs/space to sit in a circle at the same level. q Remove as many distractions as you can. q Sit close together, not spread apart.

LESSON GUIDE

Set Up Check List

Divide into pairs floor with their . Ask each pair to sit on the out in front andpartner, backs together, feet stand up togeth arms linked. Their task is to this, two pairs joer. Once everyone has done in of four try to repeattogether and the group q Check two you’ll use the task. After th su eed, add an ey ot (one for each lessson) Kecc ep adding peopher two and try again. is trying to stan le until your whole group d together. A sig ht to behold!

GROUP STORY WRITING Start a story with a senten that ends with the word “SUDDENLY.ce ” The next person then has to add to story with his own sentence that endthe word “SUDDENLY.” Continuse with the until everyone has contributethe story d. The story becomes crazier as each per son adds their sentence. For example; “Ye rday I went for a walk and was passing an ste elephant when SUDDENLY.....”

30-45 MINUTES LESSON 1 - SUICIDAL SEX

READ Page 8 -

PAGE

“Getting Sexy”

8-9

ASK

Which ones do you think are good enough reasons to have sex?

TRANSITION Now that we’ve gotten to know each other a little

READ through the

EXPLAIN This is Reach4Life. There are 42 lessons in R4L that are

RAISE their hands for

reasons on page 9, have everyone...

bit, we are going to take some time to talk about an important issue that affects all of us.

the reasons they think are good enough to have sex.

starting a revolution accross the globe. We are going to start with the introduction—”Suicidal Sex.”

READ Page 7 ASK Tell me how AIDS

PAGE

6-7

10-11

READ Page 11

ASK Why do you

LESSON #2

agree, or disagree, that your generation is committing mass suicide because of HIV?

LESSON #1

is affecting people in your country?

PAGE

43

4 JOURNEYS

42

READ Page 12 EXPLAIN The World

Health Organization tells us that Condoms work only 8 out of 10 times to prevent HIV.

PAGE

12-13

ASK How would you

PAGE

16-17

feel about getting in a taxi in which the driver said, “By the way, 2 in 10 of our taxi fleet crashes every day, killing all passengers”?

READ page 17 ASK Why don’t

people use white silk to clean a dirty floor?

ASK Why are people

willing to risk these odds with condoms?

PAGE

14-15

24-25

READ Page 11

God feels about sex?

LESSON #2

READ Each insight on

LESSON #1

READ Page 14 ASK How do you think

PAGE

page 15.

ASK After each insight

44

45

4 JOURNEYS

ask, “Why do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

READ SILENTLY

Ask your group to read through pages 12-13 silently and...

PAGE

26-27

CHOOSE & SHARE

Three action plan items they’d be willing to try.

ASK

Why did you choose those 3 action plans in particular?

READ The first action

EXPLAIN

Jesus loves you, and has an amazing plan for your life. God doesn’t just care about sex, He doesn’t just care about HIV or AIDS. He doesn’t just care about poverty and suffering. He cares about you. He created you and wants to transform your life through His Word. That is what R4L is all about. It is a New Testament and this small group will take you on a life changing journey through it. You can reject the death that ensnares culture, and instead, reach for life.

plan item on the top of page 27, “Get serious...join a R4L group.”

PAGE

28-29

EXPLAIN Let me

q Go around and ask group members for prayer requests. q Write down each prayer request. q Finish by praying for your group.

LESSON #1 LESSON #2

explain what a R4L group is. I want to challenge you to join this small group to go through 4 journeys and join the revolution of life.

15 MINUTES PRAYER

46

47

4 JOURNEYS

I’m here for the first two lessons.

Tommorow we’ll go through the second.

30-45 MINUTES LESSON 2 - REACH FOR LIFE PAGE

643

A

TRANSITION Yesterday we began looking into R4L, and we

B

talked about “Suicidal Sex.” We discussed how sex outside of marriage is suicidal when it comes to HIV. To do so, is to choose death. But, today we are going to talk about the alternative. Instead of choosing death, we’re going to talk about reaching for life.

READ Page 641 ASK Why do you

PAGE

641

agree or disagree that God loves us?

READ Page 643a ASK Why do you

agree or disagree with that statement, “Sin is a soul-disease, worse than AIDS?

READ Page 643b ASK What’s a mistake, or sin you’ve made that you wish you could undo?

PAGE

644

READ Page 644

ASK

LESSON #2

If we’re loved so much, then what has gone wrong with the world and with us?

49

4 JOURNEYS

48

READ Page 647a ASK Who is Jesus,

PAGE

647

and how does He feel about you?

A

ASK How do you feel

PAGE

652

READ page 652a

about Him?

highlighting the 3 decisions you must make: 1) Turn from your sin...

2) Trust Jesus...

3) Follow Jesus...

ASK

What does it mean to make Jesus the leader of your life?

READ Page 648 ASK Who is someone

PAGE

648

READ Page 654a ASK Is anything

PAGE

in your life that you would die for? Why would you die for them?

654

stopping you? Why not pray to God right now?

ASK

READ & PRAY if

50

51

4 JOURNEYS

anyone wants to pray, use the prayer on page 655 to lead them to pray to receive Jesus as their Savior.

LESSON #2

Describe what it means that Jesus willingly died for you.

PAGE

READ If anyone

PAGE

accepted Jesus, read pages 656-657.

656-7

WRITE If anyone

accepted Jesus, have them fill out the form on the bottom of 657.

TURN to Page 29.

EXPLAIN Now that you have

Jesus you have the power to overcome HIV. Here’s my challenge. I’m leaving and going back to America. But you need to continue this journey. Page 29 is your map for the four Journeys that will teach you how to walk with Jesus. The first lesson is “Who is Jesus” and it’s on page 222.

TURN to Page 222.

EXPLAIN Next time you get together, go through this lesson

on page 222 together. Read the John 8:1-11. The next time after that (turn back to 29), go through “Sin” on page 340.

ASK Who’s willing to take this journey

READ Page 658 EXPLAIN The journey

PAGE

658

has just begun. I will be leaving, but you can continue as a group.

together?

15 MINUTES PRAYER

53

4 JOURNEYES

52

LESSON #2

q Go around and ask group members for prayer requests. q Write down each prayer request. q Ask for updates on prayer requests from the last time you got together. q Finish by praying for your group.

30-45 MINUTES FOUR JOURNEYS (EXAMPLE)

STEP 2: TURN TO THE LESSON READ The lesson title

PAGE

222

and the theme.

EXAMPLE Today we are going to cover “Talking to a Fish!” with the theme of “Who is Jesus.”

NOTE The first two lessons, “Suicidal Sex” and “Reach for Life,”

cover multiple pages. Thus, they each have their own guide. The 40 “Four Journey” lesson are two pagers. Thus, they are simpler to lead. We will use the first of these journeys, “Who is Jesus,” as an example. Apply the same principles from this guide to the other “Four Journey” lessons.

STEP 1: START ON PAGE 29 REMIND Your group

PAGE

29

what journey you are on (i.e. Finding Faith, Getting Growing, Loving Life, or Choosing Change), and find what lesson you are on (as an example we will use “Who is Jesus” on page 222.

STEP 3: “LISTEN” (INTORDUCTORY STORY) PAGE READ 222 The introductory story under “listen.”

ASK What do you like

about this story?

ASK

What’s weird about this story?

EXAMPLE as an

story make you think about?

54

55

4 JOURNEYS

example we will use “Who is Jesus” on page 222.. Say, “Turn to page 222.

ASK What does this

STEP 4: “LOOK” (BIBLE PASSAGE) TURN To the Bible

PAGE

Passage indicated under “Look.”

222

EXAMPLE This “Look” says “8:1-11.” Since this is found in the book of John, you would turn to John 8:1-11.

STEP 5: “LEARN” (PROCESS PASSAGE) READ The “Learn”

PAGE

223

section. Look back and refer to the verses indicated by (v2), (v7), etc...

PAGE

READ The Bible

EXAMPLE As you

221

passage indicated by the “Look.”

read through each point. When it indicates a verse go back and look at the verse. Point one says, “God cares about truth... and indicates (v2). Go back and reread John 8:2.

EXAMPLE

John 8:1-11 is the story of the woman caught in adultery.

ASK What do you like

about this story?

ASK

What’s wierd about this story?

ASK What does this

56

57

4 JOURNEYS

story make you think about?

STEP 6: “LIVE” (APPLY LESSON) ASK The “live”

PAGE

question(s).

223

EXAMPLE There are

15 MINUTES PRAYER

two live questions here: 1) What do you think God is like?

2) How does this story of Jesus change or challenge your view of God?

q Go around and ask group members for prayer requests. q Write down each prayer request. q Ask for updates on prayer requests from the last time you got together. q Finish by praying for your group.

STEP 7: “LINK” (HOMEWORK) ASSIGN

The link passage at the end as homework before the next R4L group.

PAGE

223

EXAMPLE This link

assignment is to read Philippians 2:5-11.

ASK Who’s willing to read this link passage 58

59

4 JOURNEYES

before our next meeting? (Don’t forget to ask who did the homework next time!)

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