How to Create a Christian Youth Bible Study
Youth groups typically meet once a week. During this time, teens play fun games, have a snack and talk about a subject that pertains to their life while using the Bible as a guide on what to do. Not many youth groups, however, have actual Bible studies that focus on specific passages of Scripture and how it relates to the rest of the Bible and relates to the present. To fill this gap, many youth or supporting adults create a Christian youth Bible study group and meet on a regular basis.
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Instructions
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Weigh the decision wisely. Starting a youth Bible study takes a lot of time and commitment. Groups typically meet at least once a week for up to two hours. Those wanting to create a group should pray about this decision for guidance and inspiration, and make sure this is something their calendar can accommodate.
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Seek advice. Talk to people that have led youth Bible studies in the past to see if they have any tips or advice about creating the group, where to meet, where in the Bible to begin, etc. These experienced people can become your mentors throughout the process and even after you have your group going.
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Select a youth Bible study format. There are many ways to conduct a Bible study. Some people purchase a book that has a pre-made Bible study already planned out. Some Bible studies are formatted in a way that has participants read the study passages at home so there is more time to discuss it during group. A youth Bible study group just might read through sections of the Bible during a group and then discuss whatever comes to mind. Or, the Bible study leader might develop a youth Bible study plan to read during the group times, but do research in other books or on the Internet beforehand to see what others have to say about the passages being studied. A Bible study leader should find a format that best fits their leadership style, create an agenda, and stick with it.
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Establish a day, place, and time to meet. These details should be based on when you'll know interested youth will be most available. Some of the best times might be before youth group or after a weekly church service. The place where the Bible study is held should have enough space for all the youth participants to sit comfortably.
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Invite people to participate. It's harder to have a youth Bible study without youth. Announce when the Bible study will start during church services and youth group, and have announcements printed in the bulletins as well. Promote the Bible study by sending letters to other local churches and send press releases to local newspapers to reach out beyond your own church.
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Hold your first meeting. Prepare to have youth arrive at least 15 minutes early by having all the chairs already arranged and snacks ready for the teens. Take a deep breath and try not to be nervous: you are among friends and you are all learning together. Have the meeting well planned and structured so that it will run smoothly.
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References
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