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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 12/22/2008 2:52:39 PM
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I have a new youth group that I have just taken over (or am about to take) that consists of some kids who are very well grounded, but I also have many junior highers and new Christians (including several kids from a beahioral rehab/instituional setting). I am looking for some good sunday school curriculum that will speak to these newer christians and teach the evangelical basics/foundational materials. any suggestions? I am soon taking over the sunday school and I've heard from the senior pastor that they have not had some of the real core stuff of faith (one of the reasons he wants me to take this program over).
http://christopherschmitz.blogspot.com
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Forum Guru
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 8:57:42 PM
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I have found that the best curriculum is the one you write yourself. Too often the curriculum that other people write is generally too vague or simplified to fit "most" types of youth groups. Quite frankly "one size fits all" usually doesn't fit anyone quite right.
You want them to know core information, don't give them a microwave dinner. Give them a home cooked meal. It takes more work, but it is far superior in quality and they will likely get more out of it.
I also have a very mixed group. I have pastor's kids who know it and who really need the meat, and i have students who are new Christians. I have found for this group that if i do more broad application studies on youth group night that reach the newer students, i can turn around and do the meat and potatoes on Sunday morning for Sunday School. Then everyone gets what they need. The new students aren't phasing out from lack of understanding (they mainly come on Wednesday nights), and the more mature students have something to really bite into (they come both times).
If you really want some solid materials to use, try clicking on some of the links in the sigs of some of the regular posters. There is quite a bit of material to glean from with their resources.
Masterpiece in Progress - Building masterpieces one person at a time.
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: 11/9/2009 11:16:23 AM
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www.studentlife.com has a great curriculum that cycles students through from jr high through 12th grades.
It's internet based, photocopying involved, there is a student book available but not required. We used this for our small groups and it worked well. Also allows the admnistrator/youth pastor or whoever is leading the Sunday School to log on and see when the teachers are logging on to prepare. This helps to prevent a teacher rolling in the last minute without preparing in advance. I highly recommend studentlife curriculum
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 2/9/2009 9:40:14 AM
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| Check out the Group book "Top 13 Questions about God." I have been using it, and I have found it very helpful. Obviously, it's only 13 weeks, but I found it a good place to start with my kids. We have a similar situation. I agree that you won't really be satisfied with any curriculum except what you write yourself, but face facts: we have a lot on our plates and sometimes need the canned stuff. I would say that is especially true for new youth ministers and new youth groups. Good luck!
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:20:52 PM
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Unless you are used to writing curriculum, I wouldn't start out writing my own. It will take up a lot of your time which might be best used in getting to know your students. Plus there is so much great, well written stuff out there!
Check out Group's Rooted for some awesome lessons to help the new Christians! Browse www.Group.com's youth section for several 6-13 week curriculum options.
Have you checked out Grapple for Jr. High? I am using Grapple for Preteens with my 5th/6th graders. Gets kids thinking and "Grappling" with real life faith issues.
Also, Faithweaver for youth is an awesome curriculum.
Remember, you can tweak any curriculum with your own additions to make it your own.
Lisa B from NC
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