Show me the way

Group, Jul/Aug 1998 by Leuthauser, Karl

1. Mold Me-Supplies: Bibles and modeling clay.)

A few days before the meeting, set out a portion of modeling clay for every four teenagers in your group. Let the portions of clay completely dry out so that they cannot be shaped.

Form groups of four. -Say: In your group, I'd like you to come up with a symbol that represents what your group thinks it means to be a disciple of Christ After you've decided on a symbol, I'll give your group a small amount of clay to create it. Begin creating your symbol by deciding what a disciple of Christ is and does.

Give groups about five minutes to discuss their symbols. Then give each group a portion of the dried-out clay. -Say: Prepare your symbols now. Give each group that protests a new portion of soft and malleable clay. Direct groups to create their symbols.

After each group has created and presented its symbol, have groups -discuss: What were you thinking after I gave you the dried-out clay? How is that clay like a person who doesn't let God or others teach him or her? How is the soft clay like a person who's open to God's teaching and correction?

Read aloud Luke 11:1-4. .-Say: Just as the disciples were open to and eager for Jesus' teaching and direction, we need to be teachable. If we don't allow God to change us through his Word and the input of others, we prevent ourselves from becoming the people that God wants to mold and shape us into.

2.Class Is IN Session-(Supplies: Bible.) Ask a volunteer to read aloud Romans 12:2. -Ask: How does God transform our minds? What do we do that allows God to transform our minds? How do we sometimes prevent that from happening?

Have kids form pairs. -Say: With your partner, discuss these three questions: What's the biggest lesson God has taught you? How did he teach it to you? What other things do you think you need to learn from God? Try to learn from your partner's experience by asking clarifying and follow-up questions. Close by praying for each other. G