Being able to understand and interpret scripture is an important skill in Christian leadership - not only for our own personal growth as a disciple of Jesus, but also for teaching others. This is a training session on how to use the framework of a 'journey' for understanding and interpreting... See more

Engage is a new way to engage with God through scripture. Created by Scripture Union NZ, its a daily Bible reading app that is aimed at getting young kiwis exploring the Bible every day.
New audio Bible readings, along with discussion questions you can follow with on-screen, are released every... See more

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

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

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

This is one of Phil Trotter's favourite resources! He highly recommends that every youth group has a copy of the Student's Guide to the Bible.
It’s a great resource just to have lying around the youth room. Because of its magazine style format– young people will pick it up and read... See more

"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

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

Produce a large piece of paper for the group. Begin with the leader writing down one line of a new psalm - praising and thanking God.
Once they have written their line, fold the paper over so their line is hidden from the next person chosen to write. They will then write one line, fold the... See more

Test your youth group's knowledge of the Bible with a game of Bible Netball.
You will need: a netball or volleyball, a hoop (we used a rubbish bin strapped to a chair), and a Bible for each team. Make sure you have enough space to pass the ball around relative to your size group.
How to... See more

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

Here is a simple method to use when reading scripture: respond with your head, heart and hands.
To make the most of this method, create a space that is quiet and free of distractions from the outside world or from your own busy mind.
Start by reading your chosen Bible passage, then ask... See more

The Kairos Method is a simple way to read the Bible, inviting readers to focus on a God thought, Life thought and Self thought that arises out of the passage.
To make the most of this method, create a space that is quiet and free of distractions from the outside world or from your own busy... See more

A great game for small groups. Sitting in a circle, give each youth a copy of the exact same Bible to use. Bibles must be face down on a table to start.
From your Bible, say out loud a book, chapter, verse and word number for them to find, for example "Genesis, 1:1, 3". Then say,... See more

The Swedish Symbol Method is a straightforward Bible reading method with three helpful symbols to help you get into the passage.
Start by choosing a passage - this method is most suited to the teachings of Jesus and sections of the Epistles.
Read the passage, then use the following three... See more

Anglican Youth Ministries has created a new 40 Day Lent Challenge for 2015! This year's challenge consists of 40 simple and fun tasks designed to show teenagers what it looks like to love God and love their neighbours.
The team at AYM have stepped it up a level this year too, with an... See more

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

Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is an ancient form of seeking to hear God speak to us through the Scriptures, which is attributed to Saint Benedict (c. 480 – c.543). Here the basic form has been adapted for use by small groups.
Small Group Method
Start by choosing the text that you... See more

The heart of a good study is the questions and personal study of the passage by the leader.
 
Well Beforehand:
Be well familiar with the passage; study it yourself, maybe using these notes.
Come up with a 'Big Idea' - a 1-sentence summary of what you think the passage is... See more