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Help teens explore the Bible on a deep, personal level.
Incorporate Relevant Themes
It is important to incorporate a teen Bible study on issues that are relevant to a teen’s life. When discussing a passage or verse, ask each teen how it relates to their personal experience. Pique a teen’s interest by discussing dating, social issues, parental and family problems and health questions. This will help them see that their faith can be an active part of their lives. Hopefully the Bible study will lead the teens to feel comfortable opening up and sharing with you as their leader, giving you an opportunity to mentor and pray with them.
Use an Appropriate Bible Translation
Use a version of the Bible that uses modern language and is easy for teens to understand. Two good choices are the New International Version (NIV) and the Good News Bible. Teens will easily become frustrated with text that is hard to interpret and understand. Avoid the King James versions and wordier text.
Encourage Journaling
Teens are young adults full of deep emotions and serious thoughts. Help them organize their thinking and questions regarding life, God and their spiritual walk by encouraging them to keep a journal during the week. The journal should be private, however encourage them to share thoughts from the week with the group on a voluntary basis. Sharing should never be mandatory as you want the journaling to be genuine.
Mediate Discussion
A teen Bible study should be a time of sharing and learning together. It is not a sermon or lecture from the Bible study leader. Make sure everyone in the group gets a chance to speak, however if someone does not have anything to say do not force them. A Bible study should be a place of comfort and trust, and trust in the group is often earned over time. Ask questions that help teens discover God’s work in their lives on their own. Your job as a teen Bible study leader is to facilitate discovery and learning, not to force or dictate it.
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