Session: Introduction

Preparation

• Gather paper and pencils or copies of class or group rolls for the participants.
  
  
• Order copies of the book Introducing the 21st-Century Teenager (allow three weeks for delivery) or download the contents page and the Introduction. Make copies.
  
  
• Provide name tags if the participants do not know one another.
  

Reflect and Practice

1. As participants arrive, distribute copies of the class/group rolls or ask them to write down the names of the teenagers in their class, group, or team. Guide them to keep this list with them during the group discussions so that they can consider how the information is true of the individuals in their groups.
   
   
2. Distribute copies of this resource or the contents page to the participants.
   
   
3. Ask your participants to share what they would like to learn about the teenagers in their homes and groups at church. Refer them to the questions under "Who Is This Resource For?" As a group, determine the order of sessions the group will discuss. Refer them to the contents page. Each session covers one area of development.
   
   
4. Ask your participants to form three groups according to the age of the teenagers in their groups: Early Adolescence (12-13 years), Middle Adolescence (14-15), and Older Adolescence (16-17). Ask the groups to read the developmental summary for their age group to determine implications for their ministries.
   
   
5. As a total group, compile the lists of implications on a marker board or a large sheet of paper. Ask, "What actions should we consider to plan our ministries to fit the characteristics and needs of our teenagers?"
   
   
6. Encourage the members of your group to read before each session the article to be discussed during the session. The group experience will be enhanced by individuals' reading the article to prepare themselves for the discussion. Have a time of prayer to give each person an opportunity to make a commitment to understand the teenagers in his or her group. Remind your participants to read the article for the next session.