Come, Follow Me is a powerful program designed to help youth engage deeply with the scriptures and strengthen their testimonies. This guide offers several lesson helps for youth leaders and teachers, focusing on creating engaging, inspiring, and relevant learning experiences. We'll explore creative methods to enhance understanding and application of gospel principles.
What are some creative ways to teach Come, Follow Me lessons to youth?
The key to successful Come, Follow Me lessons for youth lies in making the scriptures come alive. Avoid simply lecturing; instead, engage their minds and hearts. Here are some creative approaches:
- Interactive Activities: Use games, role-playing, discussions, and group projects to involve youth actively. For example, a debate on a challenging scripture passage can spark lively discussion and deeper understanding. A role-playing exercise can help youth empathize with characters from the scriptures.
- Visual Aids: Incorporate images, videos, music, and even art projects to enhance understanding and retention. Visual learners will especially appreciate this approach. Finding relevant images online or having youth create their own artwork related to the scripture block can add a personal touch.
- Technology Integration: Utilize technology effectively, but remember to maintain balance. Short videos explaining historical context or interactive scripture study tools can be valuable. However, avoid over-reliance on technology, ensuring meaningful interaction remains central.
- Guest Speakers: Invite individuals who can share relevant personal experiences or expertise. A guest speaker could be a missionary, a family member with a strong testimony, or a professional in a related field. This adds personal and powerful context.
- Service Projects: Connect the lessons to service opportunities. For instance, a lesson on charity could be followed by a service project at a local food bank. This makes learning tangible and relatable.
How can I make Come, Follow Me lessons relevant to youth's lives?
Relevance is crucial. Youth need to see how gospel principles apply to their daily lives and challenges.
- Personal Stories: Share your own experiences or stories from other young adults who have successfully applied gospel principles in their lives. This helps youth see themselves in the scriptures.
- Current Events: Relate scripture stories and principles to contemporary issues and challenges youth face, such as peer pressure, social media, or mental health. This bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern realities.
- Real-Life Examples: Use examples from popular culture, movies, books, or music to illustrate gospel concepts. This makes the lessons more relatable and engaging. Remember to carefully select examples that align with gospel teachings.
- Open Dialogue: Encourage open and honest dialogue. Create a safe and supportive environment where youth feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, even if they differ from traditional perspectives.
How can I encourage youth participation in Come, Follow Me lessons?
Engaging youth requires fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Small Group Discussions: Break down large groups into smaller ones to encourage participation. Small groups allow for more intimate conversation and personal sharing.
- Question & Answer Sessions: Regularly incorporate Q&A sessions to address youth's questions and concerns. This shows that you value their input and perspectives.
- Individual Accountability: Assign individual tasks, such as scripture study or reflection journaling, to promote personal engagement. This emphasizes individual responsibility in learning.
- Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and appreciate youth's contributions and efforts. Positive reinforcement motivates them to continue participating actively.
How do I help youth apply Come, Follow Me lessons to their lives?
The ultimate goal is to help youth apply what they learn.
- Action Plans: Encourage youth to create personal action plans based on the lessons. This provides concrete steps to integrate gospel principles into their daily lives.
- Goal Setting: Help youth set realistic goals based on their scripture study. This helps them focus their efforts and track their progress.
- Mentorship: Pair youth with mentors or older members who can provide guidance and support. Mentorship provides ongoing encouragement and accountability.
- Regular Reflection: Encourage regular reflection on the lessons and their application. Journals, personal reflection time, or even group discussions can facilitate this process.
By utilizing these strategies, youth leaders and teachers can create effective and inspiring Come, Follow Me lessons that strengthen youth’s faith and understanding of the gospel. Remember that the most important aspect is fostering a spirit of love and learning, creating a space where youth feel comfortable sharing their experiences and growing in their faith.
