An interactive activity to help young people reflect on their use of social media and apps in light of what the Bible says. Perfect for both individuals and groups of young people.
Using the online quiz tool, Kahoot, create a quiz to help them unpack their response to the following verses. Get... See more
About Senior Youth
Bible studies for older youth, aged 14-18 years old.
Social Media and Apps
Contributed by: Lorna Gray, National Youth Facilitator
Endured
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Paul endured through all sorts of hard times when following Jesus. This teaching session on Paul explores his inspiring endurance and will help young people to understand that our hard times can be an opportunity to demonstrate God's grace.
You will need: 'Paul's suffering' verses, Bibles,... See more
Writer
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Paul sent letters to help churches and individuals continue growing in their faith in Jesus and in their understanding of how to live as his followers. We too can grow in these matters and Paul’s letters continue to help us today. This interactive and engaging teaching session gives a good... See more
Using your unique ‘SHAPE’
Contributed by: Emily Paterson and Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
The final session in the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series will help them see how the different aspects of their unique 'SHAPE' come together and discover how they can use their SHAPE to help others and to honour God.
About the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series
'Discovering Your SHAPE' is a... See more
Discovering your Experiences
Contributed by: Emily Paterson and Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This fourth part of the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series focuses on understanding that what they have experienced in life forms a significant part of who they are. They will learn that God can use their experiences, both good and bad, to help others.
About the 'Discovering Your SHAPE'... See more
Discovering your Spiritual Gifts and Abilities
This third part of the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series focuses on identifying what their natural abilities and skills are, as well as discovering what the Bible says about spiritual gifts and figuring out what theirs could be.
About the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series
'Discovering Your... See more
Discovering your Heart and Personality
This second part of the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series focuses on finding out their personality type and the heart that God has given them for people and causes.
About the 'Discovering Your SHAPE' series
'Discovering Your SHAPE' is a teaching series all about helping teenagers learn about... See more
Discovering your unique ‘SHAPE’
Contributed by: Emily Paterson and Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
'Discovering Your SHAPE' is a teaching series all about helping teenagers learn about their identity, with a special focus on how they can uniquely help others and impact their church and community using the gifts and skills God has given them.
Using the acronym 'SHAPE', they will learn about... See more
Repentance – David
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance. This study looks at how, even though he wasn't perfect, God loved his repentant heart. It is the sixth and final in a series for older teenagers, looking at the... See more
Obedience – David
Contributed by: Karen Spoelstra, Diocese of Auckland
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance. This study looks at how David demonstrated this trust in God through obedience. It is the fifth in a series for older teenagers, looking at the life of David - 'a... See more
Worship – David
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance. This lesson looks at how David worshipped God. It is the fourth in a series for older teenagers, looking at the life of David - 'a man after God's own... See more
Trust – David
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance. As we get to know God more, and look at his track record, we should be able to trust him. This study looks at how David demonstrated this trust in God. It is the... See more
Chosen – David
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance.
This study looks at how David was 'chosen' by God to be the King over Israel. This is the second in a series for older teenagers, looking at the life of David... See more
David’s Story
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Throughout David's life, he demonstrated some key attributes of following God - being chosen, trust, worship, obedience and repentance. This introduction to David's story will give your youth a solid basis for exploring key themes and aspects of the life of King David. It is the first part of a... See more
Seasons & Soul Food
Contributed by: Karen Spoelstra and Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This talk and small group discussion guide uses the process of bread-making to teach about spiritual practices and growing with Jesus the different seasons of life. You could use it as a follow on from the Bread of Life.
Note: If you don't have the resources or time to bake bread, you could... See more
Changed by the Light
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
'Changed by the Light' is the fifth session in a teaching series called ‘Light/Dark’ looking at our identity in Christ. Throughout this series, your youth will discover more about Jesus as the Light of the World, his victory over darkness on the cross, and the transforming power of his... See more
Family Feud
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
Explore the power of forgiveness in this third study on Joseph's Story.
Family Feud
Play a game of Family Feud (optional)
JOSEPH’S STORY: FORGIVENESS
If you played Family Feud, explain that Joseph’s own ‘family feud’ is at the root of his whole story.
Ask the group to... See more
God in the Ups and Downs
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
When we are in the thick of difficult situations, it can be hard to see what God is doing. Often it’s not until later on that we are able to step back and see the bigger picture. Then we are able to recognise how God has been at work in us and through us. Take your youth deeper with Joseph's... See more
Joseph’s Story
Contributed by: Emily Paterson, Diocese of Auckland
Joseph’s life was full of all sorts of ups and downs. It is a powerful story for helping young people journey with God through the ups and downs of their own lives. This Bible study divides Joseph's story into six key acts and will help your young people become familiar with his... See more
Genesis to Jesus 7: Isaiah & The Prophets
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the final study in the Genesis to Jesus series, exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus. This study looks at Isaiah's prophecies about Jesus.
You will need: Bibles, charades ideas, laptop, projector, speakers, Isaiah 53... See more
Genesis to Jesus 6: David & the Kings
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the sixth study in the Genesis to Jesus series, exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus.
You will need: wrapped clues with verses (see 'King David's highlights & lowlights' below), wrapping paper/newspaper, tape, scissors,... See more
Genesis to Jesus 5: The Israelites & Sacrifice
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the fifth study in the Genesis to Jesus series, exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus.
You will need: rolls of toilet paper, large sheet(s) of paper, pens, tape/blu-tak
Beforehand, draw brick shapes on the paper to make it... See more
Genesis to Jesus 4: Moses & the Law
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the fourth in a series exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus.
weird laws game show
Divide your youth into teams, and get each group to decide on a noise which they will use as their buzzer.
Round One
They need to be... See more
Genesis to Jesus 3: Abraham & Faith
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the third in a series exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus.
Introduction: Waiting Game
Play a game that requires speed or patience.
Have a discussion about how we like things to happen quickly (for example, fast food... See more
Genesis to Jesus 2: In the beginning
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
"In the Beginning" is the second in this series which explores the key people, stories and themes of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus.
Introduction: Story Time
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be looking at the big picture of the Bible: the people and... See more
Genesis to Jesus 1: Introduction
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
This is the first in a series exploring the key people and stories of the Old Testament, and how they point the way to Jesus. The aim of this session is to introduce the topic and help get your group familiar with the books of the Old Testament.
Finding our way around the Old... See more
Young Leaders Training: Shepherds and Sheep
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
'Shepherds and Sheep' is a training session intended to be used with a group of young leaders. By looking at Jesus, the Good Shepherd, they will discover more about Christian leadership and how to care for their own 'sheep'.
Introduction
If appropriate, you could share briefly about how... See more
Bread of Life
Contributed by: Charlie Baker, Diocese of Auckland
'Bread of Life' is a Bible study on John 6:25-40, based on the key idea that Jesus is essential for life.
Key scripture: "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John... See more
Topics Ticker – Stories, People, Places and Miracles
Contributed by: Luke Shaw, Diocese of Nelson
Ever asked your youth group what topics they'd like to cover and just been met with a big silence... because they just don't have any ideas?
Help them figure it out with this ‘Topics Ticker’ by the Nelson Youth Unit. Invite your youth to tick the boxes of the stories, people, places... See more
Six Symbol Study
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
The Six Symbol method introduces young people to Bible Study in an interesting and engaging way. It gives them a tool to explore a Bible passage and develops the skills of looking for meaning, understanding and application in Scripture. It can be used individually or together in small groups which... See more
Jesus Stopped: A Bible Study on Mark 10:46-52
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
Big Idea
Jesus is the compassionate king, distracted even from his biggest mission by one man in need.
Launching Questions
1. What stops you in your tracks? For example if you’re on your way to something, or have something important to do, what distracts you from... See more
Man of Steel Mirrors Jesus
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
Since his creation, it has been said that Superman is a type of Christ figure. For example, his heavenly Kryptonian father sends his only son to earth as a baby. Also, Superman is 33 years old when he finally reveals his great powers to the world -- the same age as Jesus when he went to the... See more
Peace in the Storm
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
Years ago, a major art gallery sponsored a competition for painters and they were offering prizes for the best painting on the subject of "Peace." The painting that won was a real surprise. The scene was the ocean in a violent storm. The sky was ominous, the lightning was cutting across the sky,... See more
The Two Towers – Romans Style
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
Bible Study on Romans 7:14-25
Big Idea: Jesus sets us free to do the good we want to do and overcome the sin that holds us back
Opener
Romans 7 describes an internal battle we all face between our good and our dark sides.
Think about yourself. What good thing do you want to do... See more
Depression
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
Opener
Share a time when you were really down or depressed (the goal is to show how common and normal depression is.)
OR
Show the YouTube clip Like Minds campaign: You make the difference (John Kirwan) (1m 2secs).
Depression in the Bible
EITHER: Introduce (or play) the... See more
Relationships and Sex in the Bible
Contributed by: Phil Trotter
God’s Word has a lot to say about sex and relationships. Use the verses below to help discussion on the questions attached to each heading.
No Shame
Genesis 2:18-2
Who created sexuality?
The Big Picture
Matthew 19:4-6
What are the two other important ingredients to... See more