Youth Ministry Blueprint

Some church members and myself decided to start planning regular youth events for the ten or so youth we have attending our little church. I am really excited! I have been involved with different youth ministries for five years now, but someone else usually planned which curriculum we would use.

Here is what I want to do for the next year:

John Wesley taught that believers should perform works of piety and works of mercy to develop their relationships with God and others.  So our first devotional will be on "Why we Study the Bible" then prayer, and so on. Febuary or thereabouts we will begin doing acts of mercy - such as volunteering at local charities.

One thing I want to emphasize with the youth: These acts are NOT what make you a disciple, or a Christian. These acts are not why God loves us.  God loves us while we are yet sinners. We seek him in need of grace, not holding up all our rags of righteous behaviour. Our walk with Christ is about relationship, not performance. 

So why do we do these acts?

1) Out of grateful hearts because the all-powerful God of the universe loves us!

2) To leave room for grace in our lives. When we seek God and help others and participate in communion and fellowship with the body of Christ, it provides many opportunities for God to communicate with us.  We find grace, often, while doing these acts.

3) Direction. Sure there's nothing wrong with me watching TV and messing around on Pinterest, but it shouldn't be my focus. These acts of piety and mercy give me a focus.

If you have any ideas for a devotional about any of the acts of piety or mercy, please let me know!  I'm looking for strong object lessons to communicate these truths!