Session: Social Development

Preparation

• Hang a large sheet of paper on the wall or use a marker board. With a marker write the heading "Difficult Situations" at the top.

Reflect and Practice

1. Open the session with fellowship and prayer.
   
   
2. Facilitate a discussion about the friendships among the teenagers in your groups. Ask, "Do your teenagers fit the characteristics in this article?"
   
   
3. Continue the discussion by asking participants to identify any peer groups- clubs, cliques, or gangs among your teenagers. If so, are these healthy or destructive?
   
   
4. Ask, "How can parents and teachers guide healthy social development among our teenagers?" Let the group identify practical ways they can start using immediately. Ask, "Do any of our teenagers face difficult situations?" List these on the large paper or marker board. Ask, "How can we help our teenagers deal with dating?" Discuss specific ways your group can minister to these teenagers.
   
   
5. Close the session with prayer for the social development of your teenagers and the difficult situations some of them face at school, church, and home. Remind participants to read the article for the next session.