I. Reasons to Read

• “The man who desires to grow spiritually and intellectually will be constantly at his books.”(148)
• “the spiritual leader must master God’s Word and its principles and know as well what is going on in the minds of those who look to him for guidance. To achieve those ends, he must, hand in hand with personal contacts, engage in a course of selective reading.” (148)

Once there was a time, according to legend, when Ireland was ruled by a king who had no son. The king sent out his couriers to post notices in all the towns of his realm. The notices advised that every qualified young man should apply for an interview with the king as a possible successor to the throne. However, all such candidates must have these two qualifications: They must (1) love God and (2) love their fellow human beings.

When communicating with your youth leaders, try to avoid the following:

By Passing

Different words have different meanings.  Make your communication idiot proof so that no one can misinterpret it.

Allness

We think we have said everything necessary after a few minutes. Always have a time for questions in order to check communication.

For several years now the Gallup Poll has surveyed thousands of teenagers to discover their most important needs. The seven needs listed below have been in the teen’s “top 10” list for the last 6 years.

Materials
Wrap up several empty boxes in bright, attractive wrappers. Try to use boxes that look like things that are easily recognizable and that the group would enjoy.

Group Size: Groups of any size.

Time: 10 minutes

Applications: Learning Names

Materials
None

Objective
For the group to learn each others names. As people are eliminated they will have to learn the names of different persons on their left or right until only two participants remain for the final duel.

Toothpick
To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others… (Matt 7:1)

TestaMint’s
To remind you to refresh yourself from God’s Word Every day (Psalm 119:11)

Aspirin
For the headaches that come with the job of ministering to teenagers.

Materials
None

Icebreaker Description
Youth will share a little about themselves as they choose a dream vacation that reflects their life goals.

Icebreaker Preparation
None

Icebreaker Activity

• “You’ve just won a dream vacation for two. You can travel to any destination in the world and stay there for two weeks, and all your expenses will be covered. Where would you go?”

Dr. G. Keith Olson, in his book entitled: “Why Teenagers Act the Way They Do” outlines some personality types of youth.

1. The Power Oriented and 2. Competitive

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. “Lord, I can’t go on,” he said. “I have too heavy a cross to bear.” The Lord replied, “My son, if you can’t bear it’s weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish.” The man was filled with relief. “Thank you, Lord,” he sighed, and did as he was told. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. “I’d like that one, Lord,” he whispered. And the Lord replied, “My son, that’s the cross you brought in.
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