Teaching youth about the gospel can be challenging, but the Come Follow Me curriculum provides a fantastic framework. This post offers tips and resources to make your Come Follow Me lessons engaging and impactful for teenagers. We'll address common questions and concerns to help you create meaningful learning experiences.
Why is Come Follow Me Important for Youth?
The Come Follow Me curriculum encourages youth to actively engage with scripture, fostering personal revelation and a deeper understanding of the gospel. It moves beyond rote memorization to cultivate a love for the scriptures and strengthen their testimonies. This active learning approach helps them apply gospel principles to their daily lives, building resilience and faith in challenging times.
How Can I Make Come Follow Me Lessons More Engaging for Teens?
Engaging teenagers requires creativity and adaptability. Here are some strategies:
- Interactive Activities: Ditch the lecture! Incorporate activities like role-playing, discussions, group projects, games, or even creating short videos related to the week's scripture study.
- Relevant Examples: Connect the scripture stories to their lives. Use current events, popular culture references, or personal anecdotes to illustrate the principles being taught.
- Technology Integration: Use technology to enhance learning. Consider creating presentations, utilizing online resources, or even incorporating social media discussions (appropriately).
- Focus on Application: Help youth understand how the scripture stories apply to their lives today. Ask questions that encourage reflection and personal application. Encourage them to journal their thoughts and experiences.
- Create a Safe Space: Foster an environment of open communication and respect where teens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
What are Some Common Challenges in Teaching Come Follow Me to Youth?
Many youth leaders face challenges:
- Maintaining Engagement: Keeping teenagers focused and interested requires constant effort and creativity.
- Dealing with Diverse Learning Styles: Cater to different learning preferences by offering a variety of activities and approaches.
- Addressing Difficult Topics: Some scripture stories present challenging themes. Approach these with sensitivity, providing context and allowing for open discussion.
- Balancing Structure and Flexibility: While a plan is important, be flexible enough to adjust based on the needs and interests of the youth.
How Can I Help Teens Connect with the Scriptures?
- Encourage Journaling: Journaling prompts can encourage personal reflection and deeper understanding.
- Use Visual Aids: Pictures, videos, or even creative artwork can bring the scriptures to life.
- Focus on Personal Stories: Share personal experiences or invite others to share how the scriptures have impacted their lives.
- Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Open-ended questions can spark meaningful discussions and deeper engagement.
What are Some Resources for Come Follow Me Lessons for Youth?
While specific resources aren't linked directly to avoid promoting specific sites, a quick online search for "Come Follow Me youth lesson helps" will reveal numerous websites, blogs, and YouTube channels offering lesson ideas, handouts, and activities. Your local church resources are also invaluable. Remember to carefully review any resource to ensure its alignment with gospel teachings.
How Can I Make Come Follow Me Relevant to Today's Youth?
Relevance is key. Connect the ancient stories to contemporary issues. Discuss how the principles of faith, hope, and charity are relevant to issues such as social media, peer pressure, mental health, and relationships. Show them how the scriptures offer guidance and strength for navigating the complexities of modern life.
By incorporating these tips and actively seeking resources, you can create engaging and effective Come Follow Me lessons that help youth strengthen their faith and apply gospel principles to their lives. Remember, the most important thing is to create a loving and supportive environment where youth feel comfortable learning and growing.
