GRADUATING SENIORS: ® HELPING THEM FINISH STRONG and START EVEN STRONGER •YLO 87 Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 2

Home , Hello Hurricane, Jon Foreman, KB (rapper), Matt Bronleewe, Nine Lashes, Remedy Drive

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Youth Leaders Only / Music Resource Book / Volume 87 / Spring 2012 Cover: Switchfoot

Avoiding The Ultimate Dropout page 4 Seniors May Be Dangerous To Your Health page 7 ConGRADulations! Class of INSIDE: 2012 Music-Media-Gift Book page 10 Man Up Movie (Feat. Lecrae) page 22 Special Features: Twelve Switchfoot Discussion Guides page 48 Grad Prep Sessions (Finances, Worldview, Relationships) page 10 Heart of the Artist: Thousand Foot Krutch page 19 Switchfoot page 17 Rachel Chan page 16 Nine Lashes page 18 & M i n s t r y M u s i c o u t h Y i n M a x i m z n g M e d i a

GRADUATING SENIORS: ® HELPING THEM FINISH STRONG AND START EVEN STRONGER •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 2

>> CONTENTS MAIN/MILD/HOT ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST

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FEATURE Avoiding The Ultimate Tripping With Seniors May Be Dangerous ARTICLES: Dropout Your Seniors To Your Health

MAIN: 20 22 10 116 FEAT. LECRAE 116 FEAT. LECRAE CONGRADULATIONS! Artist: ALBUM DVD CLASS OF 2012 Album Title: Man Up Man Up ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Song Title: Man Up Anthem Grad Prep Sessions Study Theme: Biblical Manhood Authority Relationships, Finances, Worldview

MILD: 30 32 36 ELIZABETH Artist: SOUTH LEELAND RACHEL CHAN Album Title: Do It Afraid The Great Awakening GO Song Title: I Will Trust You I Cry Lame Study Theme: Trust Dependence Life; Purpose/Meaning

HOT: 26 28 34 CLOSE Artist: BRINSON YOUR EYES NINE LASHES Album Title: O.M.G. Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts World We View Song Title: He Said He Loved Me Valleys Anthem Of The Lonely Study Theme: Faith Forgiveness Peer Pressure

DEPARTMENTS: 2 3 54 Letter From The Editor How To Use This Resource Thematic Index

MUSIC RESOURCE BOOK:

Volume 87 • Spring 2012 The Youth Leaders Only Music Direct any questions or comments to Maximizing Music & Media Resource Book is published quarterly interlínc at 1-800-725-3300 or visit in Youth Ministry by Interlínc, Franklin, TN www.interlinc-online.com •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 2 •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 1

>> << Page CONTENTS 1 MAIN/MILD/HOT ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST

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FEATURE Avoiding The Ultimate Tripping With Seniors May Be Dangerous The Long View CONGRADULATIONS! Heart Of The Artist: ARTICLES: Dropout Your Seniors To Your Health Class of 2012 Rachel Chan, Switchfoot, Grad Prep Sessions Nine Lashes, Thousand Relationships, Finances, Foot Krutch Worldview

MAIN: 20 22 10 46 48 116 FEAT. LECRAE 116 FEAT. LECRAE CONGRADULATIONS! Artist: ALBUM DVD CLASS OF 2012 ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 STARFIELD SWITCHFOOT Album Title: Man Up Man Up The Kingdom Vice Verses Grad Prep Sessions Song Title: Man Up Anthem The Kingdom Of Our God Entire Album Discussion Guides Relationships, Finances, Worldview Study Theme: Biblical Manhood Authority Testimony

MILD: 30 32 36 38 40 ELIZABETH THE REND COLLECTIVE Artist: SOUTH LEELAND RACHEL CHAN EXPERIMENT RUSH OF FOOLS Album Title: Do It Afraid The Great Awakening GO Homemade Worship By Handmade People We Once Were Song Title: I Will Trust You I Cry Lame Christ Has Set Me Free Come Find Me Study Theme: Trust Dependence Life; Purpose/Meaning Freedom Jesus; The Good Shepherd

HOT: 26 28 34 44 52 CLOSE SOUTHBOUND THOUSAND FOOT Artist: BRINSON YOUR EYES NINE LASHES FEARING KRUTCH Album Title: O.M.G. Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts World We View The Anthem Of Angels The End Is Where We Begin Song Title: He Said He Loved Me Valleys Anthem Of The Lonely Unseen Be Somebody Study Theme: Faith Forgiveness Peer Pressure Spiritual Warfare Self-Identity; In Christ

DEPARTMENTS: 2 3 54 58 64 67 Letter From The Editor How To Use This Resource Thematic Index Modern Worship Section re:Tuned Ministry Resource Section

MUSIC RESOURCE BOOK: STAFF:

Volume 87 • Spring 2012 The Youth Leaders Only Music Direct any questions or comments to Publisher: Allen Weed • Editor: Ken McCoy • The WriteGroup: Rick Bundschuh, Cindy Engøy, Eric Gargus, Mary Wilson, Dave McGinley, Todd Pearage, Maximizing Music & Media Resource Book is published quarterly interlínc at 1-800-725-3300 or visit Doug Ranck, Paul Turner, Rusty Van Deusen, Jeremy White • Art Direction: Ken McCoy • Cover & Article Design: Thomas Ryan Design • Magazine Layout: in Youth Ministry by Interlínc, Franklin, TN www.interlinc-online.com Ken McCoy • Production Manager: Glen Allen Green • Proofing: Dale Weed, Jeannine Ugalde, Anne Conley •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 2

Page >> 2 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

By Ken McCoy A Strong Finish

I have always had a love/hate relationship with high school sen- her she told me that she had been listening to ConGRADulations! iors. I love seeing the young men and women they have become in her car prior to the accident and it was helping to provide the since that dorky freshman year. I love how they can step up and peace of God in the situation.” (Aaron Kennedy) take leadership responsibilities within youth ministry. And I love watching them take significant steps into the future that God has “I’ve been in student ministry for over 30 for them. years, and I’ve given many types of ‘Grad’ gifts. I’ve been using ConGRADulations! And yet I hate seeing some of them drift away from youth min- for several years. A couple of years ago istry once they get that acceptance letter from a col- my daughter graduated. It was an emo- lege or branch of the military. (Yeah, I live in a tional experience; I recognized her along military town.) I hate saying with the other graduates in our service. I goodbye to them once they gave her the gift. Fast-forward two years graduate. I hate not having to last week – her sophomore year in col- their training, knowledge, lege. I had to drive her car and in the influence, and enthusiasm player – her grad gift. Thanks for putting to help get next year’s min- together such a great resource.” istry going strong. (Donnie Sisk)

“A few days after receiving ConGRADulations! last spring, one of our seniors was involved in a car accident. Thankfully, everyone was okay but our graduate was shaken up a bit considering she Ken McCoy only had her driver’s license a few months. When I checked up on Editor •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 2 •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 3

<< Page Page >> 2 LETTER FROM 3 THE EDITOR

How to Use this By Ken McCoy A Strong YLO MUSIC Finish Resource Book Sure, at first glance you notice how great it looks—very current, very I have always had a love/hate relationship with high school sen- her she told me that she had been listening to ConGRADulations! iors. I love seeing the young men and women they have become in her car prior to the accident and it was helping to provide the stylish. Go ahead—flip through this book a bit. Notice the helpful since that dorky freshman year. I love how they can step up and peace of God in the situation.” (Aaron Kennedy) take leadership responsibilities within youth ministry. And I love design? Did you catch the organizational details? The more you look watching them take significant steps into the future that God has “I’ve been in student ministry for over 30 for them. years, and I’ve given many types of ‘Grad’ at this book, the more you will appreciate the functionality that has gifts. I’ve been using ConGRADulations! And yet I hate seeing some of them drift away from youth min- for several years. A couple of years ago been built into it. Here is a quick tour… istry once they get that acceptance letter from a col- my daughter graduated. It was an emo- lege or branch of the military. (Yeah, I live in a tional experience; I recognized her along military town.) I hate saying with the other graduates in our service. I goodbye to them once they gave her the gift. Fast-forward two years graduate. I hate not having to last week – her sophomore year in col- their training, knowledge, lege. I had to drive her car and in the influence, and enthusiasm player – her grad gift. Thanks for putting to help get next year’s min- together such a great resource.” istry going strong. (Donnie Sisk)

And so I try to finish strong This year’s GRAD gift includes a cou- with my young friends who ple of items that are important to me. are about to leave high My friend, Patrick Ivison, graduates school. I try to give them this year – his video and testimony are skills and information they included. And San Diego-based The Cover Bible Studies Modern Worship Section Reviews If you’re like most of us, you keep What makes Youth Leaders Only more In this section you’ll find encouraging Not every available contemporary will need to continue grow- Switchfoot’s song “Afterlife” is a key your YLO (Youth Leaders Only) books than “cheap music” are the music- and enlightening resources to help you Christian music CD can make it into ing in their faith. I hope to song included. (Mark Pittman and I are give them the encourage- stored on a bookshelf. When you want based Bible Study resources provided develop your youth’s worship ministry. the YLO box. So, we try to give you a proud of our hometown band!) Those two to search for a song or video that deals for you to use in your programming. You’ll find articles from recent SPIN taste of what else is available in your ment they’ll need when they items, along with the other videos, songs, with a certain topic, slide each book Finding good Christian music isn’t hard, versions of YLO or other worship local store. Since interlínc often gets go off into their future. An and resources, make this a special GRAD out a couple of inches and read the but coming up with ways to use it in leaders and Lead Sheets of songs “pre-release” copies of upcoming CDs, important tool in that for me. I hope you’ll experience just how themes and featured articles for each your ministry with teenagers takes time, from some of the CDs in this YLO. we can give you a “heads up” to new process has been interlínc’s important it can be to finish strong with your issue. Cool! talent, and energy. Real-world youth Although they are not really the kind releases that might be just right for you ConGRADulations! Class of… grad gift. And I’m not the graduating seniors! leaders write the Bible Studies; the of Lead Sheets most bands use, these and your young friends. only one. Maybe you can relate to these comments The Index sessions are field-tested and proven pages of “lyrics with chords over them” from other youth leaders trying to finish strong. ConGRADulations! isn’t the only valuable tool Take a look at the index or “table of effective with real-world teenagers. are a great help when you want to teach We hope this effort helps you reach in this edition of YLO. Make sure you check out contents”—notice the colored bars? the high school praise banda new tune. and disciple more young people “I have given ConGRADulations! to my graduating seniors for all the great music with corresponding Bible studies, the awesome They represent sections in the book Thematic Listing Many youth leaders tell us that the Lead to be go-for-it Christians! years. Each year I get a couple more than necessary to have one Man Up project, the complete-album discussion guides for and they clue you in on which albums / Not every song on every CD has a Sheets are an invaluable resource. or two to give to seniors that may show up late in the year. It’s Switchfoot’s Vice Verses, the ton of leadsheets included in the Bible Studies are “Main,”“Mild,”or “Hot.” Bible Study written for it. That doesn’t also been a perfect opportunity for me to make a connection with Modern Worship Section, and more! You won’t find this breadth of You will notice in the Bible Studies mean you can’t use those other songs re:Tuned some wayward seniors – kind of an excuse to reconnect with resources anywhere else – so make the most of them! section that each Leader Guide / Student in your ministry with students. Take advantage of some popular them. ‘Hey man, I have a gift for you! Can we get together?’ Who’s Guide is color-keyed the same way. secular songs to introduce a theme, going to say no to that?” (Scott Egan) Wow! Someone’s been thinking! supplement your regula Bible Study Godspeed, lesson, or outreach event. Use the opening questions and discussion “A few days after receiving ConGRADulations! last spring, one of Featured Articles Each issue of YLO has a certain “flavor.” ideas to get your students talking our seniors was involved in a car accident. Thankfully, everyone Around that theme are a couple of and thinking about the theme. was okay but our graduate was shaken up a bit considering she Ken McCoy “Feature Articles” as well as some of the only had her driver’s license a few months. When I checked up on Editor other items you have in your YLO box. These articles give you insight into the heart and ministry of some of the musicians included in the YLO box. •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:04 PM Page 4

Page >> 4 FEATURE ARTICLE

Avoiding the Ultimate Drop ou

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By Jeremy White Valley Church Vacaville, California [email protected]

Many evangelical watchdogs are sounding alarms concerning a disappointing type of college dropout: those dropping out of the Christian faith the moment they hit their university campuses.

“Dropping out” of the Christian faith raises all kinds of theological questions, When my wife explained that God is not afraid of her honesty, but rather so I will begin by affirming that I have a strong personal conviction about the pleased by it, and that Jesus prioritized the object of faith (Himself) over the doctrine of eternal security. I believe that born-again person can never be amount of faith (i.e. the mustard seed parable), Mary began to take baby lost or un-born, and I respect my Christian brothers and sisters who see steps. She now realizes that, like Thomas, God won’t reject her as she wres- it differently. tles with questions.

But here’s the point: many students arrive on college campuses each year Realize that apologetics is still important – but also changing. only to walk away from the very faith that once gave them guidance. While I am a natural skeptic, and early on God used the writings of many classic many will return to church involvement later in life, even a temporary hiatus apologists from C.S. Lewis to Francis Schaeffer to Josh McDowell to help can involve grave earthly consequences related to their future hopes and solidify my faith. But in addition to evidential apologetics we need to engage dreams. How can we help nurture a faith that remains strong even in the face in experiential apologetics. Students need to know not only that Christianity of the pressures of college and young adult life? is true – but also that it works.

Be theologically rich in your teaching ministry. It works when it’s keeping us from sin and its consequences. And it works I am surprised at the way I often underestimate the capacity of students to when we fall into sin and face its consequences. It works to bring peace Avoiding comprehend and apply deep truths of Scripture. With ready-made resources among enemies and it works to bring peace in the soul. It works in being offering to supplement our supposed lack of time for prep and study, we are realistic about the present and it works to bring hope regarding the future. It tempted to allow the canned resources to replace our pursuit of study, medi- works to rescue the soul from the grip of Hades and it works to rescue the tation, and reflection on the Scriptures. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve thanked body from the grip of poverty. As theology moves from the classroom to the the God more than once for resources like the one you’re reading now when I’m laboratory – as kids have the opportunity to both witness and participate in pressed for time or need something cool for supplement. But, a shepherd the “living out” of faith – they are much more likely to embrace Jesus as the cannot guide the flock of God to places where he or she has never been. holistic answer to all life’s complexities and not simply view him as a “Get out of hell free” card (as important as that is). Ultimate Theological richness stems from your personal growth with God. Are you growing in both your cerebral AND experiential understanding of God? Partner with Parents. Students can sense when you’re talking from personal passion and experi- I am amazed at how many youth workers want little or nothing to do with ence versus having read someone’s idea out of a book. Even when you use parents. This is one of the great scandals of modern youth ministry. Even some of the great pre-written material available, your ambition should be to non-believing parents want their kids to be solid, healthy, productive mem- make it your own. Wrestle with it, think through it, and tweak it until you bers of society. Make your priority to be even MORE available to parents believe what you’re teaching and are ready to live it out. than you are to students. When they walk into the room, acknowledge them. Invite their involvement in any way possible or appropriate. Offer gatherings Be honest about your own struggles with doubt. and training for them. Talk to them about specific struggles they face in the We’ve communicated to students that “doubt” is the enemy of faith. raising of their kids. This will not only earn you much credibility in their eyes, However, I believe that apathy is the real enemy of faith. Giving up is what but will keep your finger on the pulse of the home life, enabling you to minis- quenches the fire of faith. Sharing openly about the questions you’ve strug- ter with greater wisdom and sensitivity. gled with and how you came to various resolutions can go a long way in assuring students that true faith is not the opposite of doubt – but the oppo- John was a likeable kid who I wished would sign up for one of our camps – site of apathy. When a student becomes confused and then ceases to care but he never would. He was friendly, quirky, and a bit immature for his age— and gives up, he or she is a prime target for believing a false message. That but very loveable. Finally, after getting to know John’s dad over a cup of cof- Drop message may come in the form of secular humanistic philosophy or a false fee, I was made aware that John’s biological mother had severely abused religious system or something else – but come it will – and students need to him as a younger child. Because of this background, John struggled with a know how to let doubt become a friend to their faith instead of a foe that few behavioral difficulties that made his dad nervous about sending him o leads to apathy. away overnight. My new compassion for John and his dad led me to arrange for a handful of male leaders to be brought into the inner circle of awareness Just this morning my wife and I awoke to one of the best text messages we so that they could effectively monitor and minister to John – and next month, could ever have received. It simply read: “Sunday the 4th of January, I accept as a senior in high school, he will be heading to winter camp with us for the Jesus Christ as my savior. I ask him to be a part of my life and in my heart – very first time! Mary.” The reason for our joy is obvious, but even more so when you know u something of Mary’s story. My wife has been Mary’s small group leader for So be encouraged! You ARE making a difference! That appointment you two years. Mary comes to our youth gatherings regularly and is someone to recently squeezed in to make time for somebody; that extra ten minutes you whom faith has not come easy. She is a skeptic, a doubter, and someone spent to pray with that student; that late night conversation after they had we’ve consistently loved and shared the Gospel with since we met her. She blown it, it’s all working to remind your students that Christianity is not only always told us how she felt ashamed to come to God because of her doubt. true – it works.

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Tripping WithYour Seniors

By: Mark Pittman interlínc San Diego, California [email protected]

You know how a “good idea” can get shoved Since we spent most of Friday traveling we didn’t how we must bring God into our decision- to the bottom of the priority list in a busy have much time or energy to do a big meeting. I making process. I then had them talk youth ministry schedule? I had an idea for a always started with playing a fun grad-focused through Matthew 21:28–31 and write the senior trip, but it took a back seat to a con- board game (you can download it from answers to: What decisions have you made firmation class that I was informed I would grad2008.com). The game is like “Candyland” or that helped you live out your faith? What “have to do” for four important seniors. “Chutes and Ladders,” but the players encounter decisions might you need to make before Towards the end of the class someone sug- various college situations (“Eat Roommate’s Food, you’re faced with a situation? gested that we take a trip to celebrate, which Go Back 3 Spaces”). After the game I had them seemed like a good wrap-up event to me. So start on their “written plan” for continuing to grow Finally, I had the seniors write what aspects we went. After the weekend was over, I in their faith after graduation. The paper had these of church helped them grow, what parts of drove home stoked about the good conver- questions: “What are the three biggest questions / discipleship helped them grow, what life-val- sations we had. Right then and there I knew concerns you have as you graduate? What way ues helped them grow, and what service that the senior trip would become a yearly do you think you’ll change the most after gradua- projects helped them grow. They ended up ministry event. tion? What about who you are do you think won’t with a list of what to search for and recon- change at all? What kind of pressure do you think nect with in a new church or college ministry. My students were insanely busy, so I sched- you’ll feel the most at college / on your own?” I then had them fold up the paper and stick it uled our senior trips to occur about seven in the front cover of their Bible. weeks before graduation. This made sure On Saturday, we played. I took lots of pictures, that we had an open weekend and wouldn’t had a ton of fun, and made sure that I had some I tried to have coffee with each senior indi- infringe on finals or the many grad activities. good solid time with each senior. By the end of vidually sometime between the trip and grad- Doing the trip so early meant I was able to the day I knew what everyone was doing for the uation. Walking a senior through his or her set the table for graduation—the words and summer, where they were going in the fall, what spiritual growth over the last four years and memories from our senior trip would be the their major was going to be, and when they were highlighting gifts or traits that you love about frame for them as they threw the cap and leaving. We also reminisced—I could easily get him or her can have a huge impact. In looked toward life on their own. them going on the “remember when…” stories. August I called all the parents and got the new addresses and e-mails for the grads. A good senior trip can be a perfect time to Saturday evening or Sunday morning I had a Then I sent encouraging e-mails monthly and push “pause” and clarify the things in their graph that the students filled out. On the horizon- asked my former seniors about the church / life that contributed to their spiritual growth. I tal axis was their age (1–18) and on the vertical ministry where they were plugged-in. I also wanted them to finish the trip with a clear access was “Close to God” and “Far from God.” scheduled coffee or lunch with those grads plan to get plugged-in to a church and keep The graph helped them see that spiritual growth is when they came back home for Christmas growing after graduation. So the purpose of not a 45-degree line, but that there are ups and break. the trip was both celebration and reflection. downs. I had the seniors write down two “victo- ries”—times that God showed up in their lives big Go to grad2012.com for a pdf of Mark’s We had a lot of fun decorating the vehicles time. I think it’s very powerful for seniors to see Senior Trip “Student Sheet.” that we used—shoe polish on the windows, their spiritual progress graphs and be able to look streamers inside—we made the trip feel like at them again later. a party. We even created mix CDs of songs from all four years of their high school and I had the students unpack Proverbs 3:5 & 6. I played Name That Tune while we drove. also loaded them up with a bunch of verses about

Page >> << Page 6 FEATURE FEATURE 7 ARTICLE ARTICLE

By Scott Wilcher The UpStream Project Chesapeake Virginia Tripping [email protected] Seniors May WithYour Be Dangerous Seniors To Your Health

By: Mark Pittman I have hated graduation time for twenty years now. When all those interlínc San Diego, California graduation announcements arrive in the mail, I start to get a little grumpy. [email protected] Then, well-meaning people say to me, “You must left the safe place to go to a risky place, because Have a reunion. be so proud to see these kids graduate!” I paste He loves us. We, as His weak imitators, must After you have been in ministry for a while, have a on a polite wooden smile and say, “It’s quite a leave the safety of our emotional defenses and reunion of your graduates. Make it a big deal or day.” But inside I snap, “No! Can’t you see that love the new kids. Through that process, we bet- just have dinner and talk. Get some of the influ- I am losing my best kids – the ones I enjoy ter understand the persistence of God in moving encers from past years to organize it. Show old the most?” toward us, better understand the sacrifice of pictures and videos. Let some of them talk if they Jesus for us, and then live it out in front of kids, want. Invite them all, the “problem children” and You know how a “good idea” can get shoved Since we spent most of Friday traveling we didn’t how we must bring God into our decision- Clearly that is too dramatic, but anyone in youth so they can better understand it by watching us. the “golden children.” to the bottom of the priority list in a busy have much time or energy to do a big meeting. I making process. I then had them talk ministry who has a brain, a heart, and three years youth ministry schedule? I had an idea for a always started with playing a fun grad-focused through Matthew 21:28–31 and write the of experience understands that the job is danger- I am not calling for denial or perfection, but rather Take a break. senior trip, but it took a back seat to a con- board game (you can download it from answers to: What decisions have you made ous to your health. The longer we stay in it, the a measured, intentional fulfillment of our painful Shut your ministry down for August to mark the firmation class that I was informed I would grad2008.com). The game is like “Candyland” or that helped you live out your faith? What more we learn the dangerous truth: seniors leave, calling to love well. I’m suggesting we lay down end of one school year and the beginning of “have to do” for four important seniors. “Chutes and Ladders,” but the players encounter decisions might you need to make before and it hurts when they do. our lives in imitation of Christ and not allow the another. Use the break to train leaders and to Towards the end of the class someone sug- various college situations (“Eat Roommate’s Food, you’re faced with a situation? fear of future loss to derail our calling and our rest. The rest and the new energy at startup gested that we take a trip to celebrate, which Go Back 3 Spaces”). After the game I had them That loss at graduation may affect our ministry. impact right now. are valuable. seemed like a good wrap-up event to me. So start on their “written plan” for continuing to grow Finally, I had the seniors write what aspects As each school year begins, fully pouring yourself we went. After the weekend was over, I in their faith after graduation. The paper had these of church helped them grow, what parts of into the new kids is more difficult because you Here are some ideas to ease the pain of graduation. Take a personal retreat to reflect on the past drove home stoked about the good conver- questions: “What are the three biggest questions / discipleship helped them grow, what life-val- know they will leave eventually. But every fall, year or two of ministry. If you determine that you sations we had. Right then and there I knew concerns you have as you graduate? What way ues helped them grow, and what service young ones show up, bouncing and smiling, Celebrate the transition. are called to youth ministry, but are distant from that the senior trip would become a yearly do you think you’ll change the most after gradua- projects helped them grow. They ended up demanding silently, “Love us as you loved them!” Have a Junior/Senior dinner a few weeks after kids, consider asking for a few months or some ministry event. tion? What about who you are do you think won’t with a list of what to search for and recon- We smile back, and then stagger away, unable graduation. Invite your adult leaders, your gradu- weeks and pull back to do something completely change at all? What kind of pressure do you think nect with in a new church or college ministry. to remember the recent graduates ever being ates, and your rising seniors to a nice dinner. Have different. Learn something new. Travel. Do what- My students were insanely busy, so I sched- you’ll feel the most at college / on your own?” I then had them fold up the paper and stick it this goofy. them dress up. Let the parents come as well. ever refreshes you. Then jump back in and love uled our senior trips to occur about seven in the front cover of their Bible. those kids with as much Christ-like sacrifice as weeks before graduation. This made sure On Saturday, we played. I took lots of pictures, If we pull back just a little each year, at some point Ask the seniors to talk about their best memory, grace allows. that we had an open weekend and wouldn’t had a ton of fun, and made sure that I had some I tried to have coffee with each senior indi- we realize that we are closer to the folks in the worst memory, and most significant lesson infringe on finals or the many grad activities. good solid time with each senior. By the end of vidually sometime between the trip and grad- fading photographs on the wall than the real peo- learned. Just use it as a time to debrief. Tell each Distribute the joy and the grief. Doing the trip so early meant I was able to the day I knew what everyone was doing for the uation. Walking a senior through his or her ple standing there in the room. It becomes easy to one what your best memory was of him or her. If you find yourself unable to bear the weight of set the table for graduation—the words and summer, where they were going in the fall, what spiritual growth over the last four years and say that we have “aged-out” of youth ministry. If Be honest. Tell them it is difficult to send them persistent loss, get some folks on your team to memories from our senior trip would be the their major was going to be, and when they were highlighting gifts or traits that you love about the loss gets bad enough, someone will eventually out. Tell them they will leave holes in the ministry, share the weight of it. You cannot pastor every frame for them as they threw the cap and leaving. We also reminisced—I could easily get him or her can have a huge impact. In find us in some storage closet tangled in volleyball not to make them guilty, but to value them and child. Build a team of leaders who you can talk to looked toward life on their own. them going on the “remember when…” stories. August I called all the parents and got the nets, mumbling about pizza toppings. Or worse, their contributions. and who understand the loss of graduates. Talk to new addresses and e-mails for the grads. we become senior pastors. other youth workers about it. Encourage one A good senior trip can be a perfect time to Saturday evening or Sunday morning I had a Then I sent encouraging e-mails monthly and Then have a graduate challenge the rising seniors another to press into new relationships. push “pause” and clarify the things in their graph that the students filled out. On the horizon- asked my former seniors about the church / The normal human response is to go numb or go to set examples in the group. Have graduates pray life that contributed to their spiritual growth. I tal axis was their age (1–18) and on the vertical ministry where they were plugged-in. I also away, but we are not called to be normal. We are over the rising seniors and pass the mantle of Meditate on Philippians 2. wanted them to finish the trip with a clear access was “Close to God” and “Far from God.” scheduled coffee or lunch with those grads the Christians. More correctly, we are the leaders leadership to them. Charge the rising seniors to What would leaving the safe places of your life to plan to get plugged-in to a church and keep The graph helped them see that spiritual growth is when they came back home for Christmas of the Christians. So how do we respond? Yes, come to group no longer as students but as lead- move into relationship with your family look like for growing after graduation. So the purpose of not a 45-degree line, but that there are ups and break. there is need for Sabbath. Yes, there is need for ers who have a responsibility to serve and bless you? The leaders you work with? The kids in your the trip was both celebration and reflection. downs. I had the seniors write down two “victo- us to take the time to process the grief of loss at the younger kids. (This eases the problem of sen- group? Talk about it with your senior pastor or ries”—times that God showed up in their lives big Go to grad2012.com for a pdf of Mark’s graduation. Yes, we need to avoid punishing the iors wandering off because of lack of purpose.) mentor. How have you withdrawn over the last few We had a lot of fun decorating the vehicles time. I think it’s very powerful for seniors to see Senior Trip “Student Sheet.” new kids for our pain. years? Do you see a distance forming? Is it a life that we used—shoe polish on the windows, their spiritual progress graphs and be able to look Keep in touch. pattern or just a ministry pattern? Meditate on streamers inside—we made the trip feel like at them again later. Every school year, I reread Philippians 2:5-8 Keep up with your graduates through email or an Philippians 2 in such a way that you may love a party. We even created mix CDs of songs and remember that Jesus stepped from His wor- alumni website. If they go off to college, consider as Christ loves – without fear. from all four years of their high school and I had the students unpack Proverbs 3:5 & 6. I ship-drenched, angel-guarded throne into a dan- a road trip with another leader to visit and encour- played Name That Tune while we drove. also loaded them up with a bunch of verses about gerous world that assured Him pain and death. He age each one to follow Christ faithfully.

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People in ministry know about the circle. The cir- I sat in the circle, twenty- cle is where you often sit with other ministry team- mates. In the circle, you go around and share. On seven years old, two years this day we were sharing, or more correctly, pre- senting our ministries. The assignment of the out of seminary, only a few moment, “Tell us about your youth ministry.”

years into my first full-time What youth pastor/leader, to some degree, has not dreaded this time? In these conversations we youth ministry position. hear about the amazing things God is doing at other churches while we fidget, knowing the reality of our ministry, and wonder if we are the right person for the job after all.

Whenever we sit in the “circle”, we tend to compare. But when we compare, we lose. We either become proud, or we wallow in martyrdom.

The root of this problem is usually found in our need to be successful. We want others to know we are capable and have something great to offer. If we cannot present a positive front, our biggest temptation is to then produce a successful “spin.”

What is your definition of “success” in youth ministry? Is success having a full youth room on

By Doug Ranck Free Methodist Church Santa Barbara California [email protected]

Page >> << Page 8 FEATURE FEATURE 9 ARTICLE ARTICLE

People in ministry know about the circle. The cir- Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings? Is it teenager beyond high school into adulthood gives I sat in the circle, twenty- cle is where you often sit with other ministry team- having the biggest group at your winter camp? Is me a greater glimpse of God’s perspective. mates. In the circle, you go around and share. On it having growing and active small groups with seven years old, two years this day we were sharing, or more correctly, pre- students who carry a Bible/notebook and are Here are three tentative conclusions (with accom- senting our ministries. The assignment of the eager to learn? What do you talk about when peo- panying comments) I have made which helps me out of seminary, only a few moment, “Tell us about your youth ministry.” ple ask you to describe your youth ministry? What navigate a healthy evaluation of success and fail- would cause you to feel like your youth ministry ure in my own ministry: years into my first full-time What youth pastor/leader, to some degree, has is effective? not dreaded this time? In these conversations we This is not my ministry. youth ministry position. hear about the amazing things God is doing at Our descriptions, lists, and profiles mostly focus My role is to be a faithful servant/shepherd and to other churches while we fidget, knowing the reality on the “here and now.” For too many years, I offer opportunities for youth to begin a relation- of our ministry, and wonder if we are the right per- defined my success only in terms of temporary ship with Christ, grow in their faith, and serve Him. son for the job after all. fruit. I believed if youth said they wanted to follow I cannot make anybody do these things or be a Christ and were actively living their faith that we Christian. God completes the work as people Whenever we sit in the “circle”, we tend to com- had succeeded and could now move to the next choose to follow Him. pare. But when we compare, we lose. We either “project.” I also believed the inverse of those kids become proud, or we wallow in martyrdom. who rebelled and made a stand against participat- There are many different scenarios in the ing in the youth ministry and following Christ. This faith journey of youth. The root of this problem is usually found in our thinking, I now understand, was shortsighted. We •Youth may be great Christians throughout their need to be successful. We want others to know limit ourselves with “small picture” thinking while time in the youth ministry but reject it in the col- we are capable and have something great to offer. God is only interested in the “big picture.” lege years. If we cannot present a positive front, our biggest temptation is to then produce a successful “spin.” After twenty-nine years of youth ministry there are •Youth may be growing Christians through middle many times I feel that I know less than when I school and reject it in high school. What is your definition of “success” in youth min- started, but one thing I do know: there is a “long •Youth may not follow Christ at all through their istry? Is success having a full youth room on view” to youth ministry. Keeping my eyes on a teen years, but come to Him later in life.

•Youth may do one of the first two scenarios and come back to the Lord in college or later in life.

No program or even a fully invested relationship can guarantee the path of a teenager in his or her relationship with the Lord. What works for one may not work for another. We are all different, and we have the freedom to choose to follow the Lord. We must accept these different journeys as a part of the youth ministry profile and remember this is God’s ministry.

Long view = Hope view Opening my eyes wide to the possibilities of God’s work in a person’s life, at any time, offers me a whole new frame of reference to assess the “suc- cesses and failures” of ministry. I have learned after all these years (twenty-five of them in the same ministry) to never give up hope.

Some will measure their success by how many former students are now in full-time ministry, mis- sions, etc. To hear them speak of those youth we would naturally guess they were active, growing The Christians in their teen years; carefully groomed and nourished through the loving investment of youth leaders. However, over half of our youth who now serve God full-time in ministry or mis- sions were not even Christians through most of their adolescent years! Long The next time you sit in the “circle” and wait for your turn, in the moments that you are tempted to By second guess your “success” – may God remind Doug Ranck you that His work is not yet done. May He affirm Free Methodist Church in you the passion to continue your walk with Santa Barbara California youth beyond high school graduation into the rest [email protected] View of their lives.

Grad Prep Session #1 Empowering FriendshipsBy Ken McCoy • JumpStart Ministries • Escondido, California • [email protected]

Theme Transition Graduates, for the first time in their lives, will have the opportunity to • Can you remember your best friend from 2nd grade? Are you still choose their social networks. Previously, friendships were created for friends with that person? them – they just seemed to happen naturally around the kids they grew up with, played sports with, sat with in homeroom, etc. Now students • John Bryson on the video said, “Life is a team sport. Your circle of need to learn the skill of searching for, finding, pursuing, and building friends will determine, to a large extent, your future pathways.” quality relationships. This video is part of the “CollegeReady” materials. How have you seen the truth of that statement? You can find more great resources like this one at collegeready.com. • How would you describe what “Relational Passivity” is? • What makes someone your friend? Objective • What kind of friend would you say you are? Grads will learn about the opportunity of choosing with whom to build close relationships, and will understand the value of Bible Study empowering friendships. Use these Scriptures and discussion questions to guide you through the Bible Study time of your meeting. Have the students look up the verses Note and then write the answers to the questions before you This session is built around a six-minute video from the discuss the Scriptures as a group. ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 “Media Disc.” Even though this session is designed for high school seniors, you can easily do this 1 Corinthians 15:33 – We can only live life at a high level, and stay with your entire group – especially since it uses a cool video. The there, with a band of good brothers and sisters around us. video clip incorporates an intro voiceover segment that explains the • Restate this verse by making it a positive statement instead of the Empowering Friendships theme. If you have any questions, call negative one. 800-725-3300 or email [email protected]. • Why do you think people of “good” character are sometimes attracted to “bad” characters? Warm Up • What qualities would you notice in someone of “good” character? Start a discussion about choices in life by talking about the things that were chosen for you by your folks when you were younger, but now you Proverbs 17:17; 18:24 – The kinds of friendships we build can have the opportunity to choose for yourself. Use a chalkboard or a large either be shallow or authentic. sheet of paper to list similar choices that students can add. (Example: • Do you have a friend that is closer than family? What does that kind of clothes, food, movies, music, time to go to bed, etc.) relationship feel like? • What is the difference between a shallow friendship and an Transition authentic friendship? After creating the list, discuss: • Why is the wise person cautious in friendships? What does the • Now that you’re away from home, how much freedom of choice do Scripture say will happen if you are unwise? you have? • Is freedom of choice a privilege that is earned or a right that comes Proverbs 12:26; 27:6 – We need “empowering” friendships that by being on your own? What is the difference and why did you pick the build us up. statement you did? • Rewrite 12:26 in your own words. • What are “wounds” from a friend? The Video • How can you know if you can trust the hurt you experience Hand out the Student Guides and explain that while we did get to choose from a friend? our friends, they were chosen out of those we just happened to be around. Now, as we leave high school for college, the military, or the Wrap Up workforce, we have a completely different opportunity and responsibility to choose our friends. Show the video. Discuss: • What’s the common theme from all the Bible passages about friendship? • How are you allowing those close to you to really know you? • What steps can you take to move your friendships from shallow to real and create trust and accountability? Student Guide

Grad Prep Session #1 Empowering Friendships

Proverbs 12:26; 27:6 – We need “empowering” friendships that build us up. Rewrite 12:26 in your own words.

Proverbs 17:17; 18:24 – The kinds of friendships we build can either be shallow or authentic. Do you have a friend that is closer than family? What does that kind of relationship feel like?

What are “wounds” from a friend? 1 Corinthians 15:33 – We can only live life at a high level, and stay there, with a band of good brothers and sisters around us.

Restate this verse by making it a positive statement instead of the negative one. What is the difference between a shallow friend- How can you know if you can trust the hurt you ship and an authentic friendship? experience from a friend?

Why do you think people of “good” character are sometimes attracted to “bad” characters?

Why is the wise person cautious in friendships? What qualities would you notice in someone of “good” character?

What does the Scripture say will happen if you are unwise? Leader Guide

Grad Prep Session #2

Finances: StewardshipBy Ken McCoy • JumpStart Ministries • Escondido, California • [email protected]

Theme The Video With all the attention that “money” gets in the news (government bail- Hand out the Student Guides and show the video to your group. outs, stimulus funds, jobs, bills, etc.) you would think that today’s grads This clip is from the “Next Chapter” Bible study series. would have a good handle on handling money. Unfortunately, grads are as materialistic as ever – maybe more so. Once they get out of high Transition school they will be bombarded with significant money decisions to make: Discuss: school loans, easy-to-obtain credit cards, entertainment, gadgets, insur- ance, clothes – and on and on. Grads must learn solid principles for han- • What message did you get from the video? dling money. The decisions they make today will have a huge influence on • How would you respond to a person who says, “I own my stuff and can their financial future. do what I want with it”? Objective • Define “stewardship” in your own words. Grads will learn about wise money practices. Bible Study God has a LOT to say about handling money – too much to cover in this Note session, unfortunately. So, focus on these three issues: This session is built around a video from the ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 “Media Disc.” The video is an excerpt from a powerful student Bible Love God, Not Money (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9-10) study series called “Next Chapter” that offers fourteen weeks of Scrip- • What is incompatible between pursuing money and pursuing God? ture study, videos, application, resources, and ways to connect with oth- • Notice that money isn’t the root of all kindWho or what causes ruin, ers who will help make the transition out of high school a success. Check destruction, and grief? out “Next Chapter” resources at nextchapter.bgco.org. Any questions call 800-725-3300 or email [email protected]. Have a Plan for Your Money (Proverbs 21:5, 20; 27:12) Warm Up • Describe how you keep track of what you spend your money on. • What are the differences between a “wise sensible” person and a Hand out 3x5 cards and pencils. Have the students imagine that they “foolish simpleton”? have just been given $1000. Instruct the students to list on their cards how they would use that windfall – be sure that they list how every dollar • How can you strengthen the wise side of your money management would be used. Inform the group that you’ll be reading the cards aloud, and minimize the foolish side? so they shouldn’t write anything silly or embarrassing. When they have finished writing, tell them to put their names at the top of their cards. Avoid Borrowing Money (Deuteronomy 28:44; Proverbs 22:7; Collect the cards, then read them to the group. Have the kids try to Romans 13:8) guess who wrote each card. • Do you spend more money than you have? If so, how do you cover the difference? Transition • How will you handle the offers of easy-to-get credit cards? Discuss: • What happens to the person who borrows money? • What did you notice about the way people want to spend their money? Wrap Up • How would you describe the spending habits of people your age? Explain that how a person handles his or her money is an indication of • What can you learn about a person by observing his or her his or her character – wise, smart, and disciplined or foolish, simple, spending habits? and spontaneous. Remind students that Jesus said, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and Explain that spending isn’t a problem, but we can spend it wisely or fool- where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures ishly. God’s advice about this area of life is important to learn now, before in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not foolish decisions cause big problems. break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) Although money is necessary, it is not how we determine value. We love God, we plan for our spending and saving, and we live within our means. Bible Study Love ______, Not ______Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9-10 • What is incompatible between pursuing money and pursuing God?

• Notice that money isn’t the root of all kinds of evil. What is that root?

• Who or what causes ruin, destruction, and grief?

Have a ______for Your ______Proverbs 21:5, 20; 27:12 • Describe how you keep track of what you spend your money on.

• What are the differences between a “wise sensible” person and a “foolish simpleton”?

• How can you strengthen the wise side of your money management and minimize the foolish side?

Avoid ______Money Deuteronomy 28:44; Proverbs 22:7; Romans 13:8 • Do you spend more money than you have? If so, how do you cover the difference?

The Video • How will you handle the offers of easy-to-get credit cards that • What message did you get from the video? you’ll receive?

• What happens to the person who borrows money?

• How would you respond to a person who says, “I own my stuff and can do what I want with it”?

• Define “stewardship” in your own words.

Grad Prep Session #2 Finances: Stewardship Student Guide Leader Guide

Grad Prep Session #3

Worldview By Ken McCoy • JumpStart Ministries • Escondido, California • [email protected]

Theme The Video “Worldview” is a comprehensive conception of the universe and human- Show the video. kind’s relation to it. A Biblical worldview focuses on the big, basic issues: the existence of God, the nature of reality, the existence and knowability Transition of absolute truth, and the moral and ethical implications of these and Discuss the students’ reactions to the video. Have they ever experienced other primary questions. The “worldview” that incoming freshmen will anything like what the video portrayed? If so, let them tell their stories. encounter in college will be, in many ways, at cross purposes with a Christian worldview. The video is an excerpt from a powerful student Bible study series called “Next Chapter” that offers fourteen weeks of Bible Study Scripture study, videos, application, resources, and ways to connect with Hand out the Student Guides. Use this outline to teach the Bible Study, others who will help make the transition out of high school a success. and encourage the students to take notes. Encourage group discussion Check out “Next Chapter” resources at nextchapter.bgco.org. around the questions under each point. Objective Christianity doesn’t make sense – (1 Corinthians 1:27) God’s way of thinking is not the world’s way. Grads will be motivated to be prepared to handle the opposition they will experience to their Christian faith. • What are some “foolish things of the world” that God uses? • What are some “weak things of the world” that God uses? Note • Why does Christianity pose such a threat to the contemporary This session is built around a video from the ConGRADulations! way of thinking? Class of 2012 “Media Disc.” Any questions call 800-725-3300 or email [email protected]. Christianity does make sense – (1 Corinthians 15:32) Jesus’ resurrection is proof enough. Warm Up • How is your life more than what you experience here on earth? Agree/Disagree – Gather the group into the middle of the room. Explain • How does Jesus’ resurrection prove the viability of Christianity? that you will read a statement. Those who agree with the statement move • Put Paul’s way of stating today’s worldview into your own words. to the right side of the room, and those who disagree with it move to the left. There is no middle ground. When you have read a statement and the Christianity won’t make sense unless you know your stuff – students have chosen a side, call on a few students from each side to (2 Timothy 4:2) – The reason God has us here is to share the good news, explain their thinking. Use provocative statements such as: to correct false thinking, to rebuke those who’ve crossed the line, and to • Every word of the Bible is literally true. encourage each other to hang tough. • You can’t prove the existence of God. • What can you do to prepare yourself in your first year • What a person believes is truth – for that person. on campus? • Faith means believing in something you can’t see. • Why is “correcting” someone considered wrong today? • Evolution is incompatible with Christianity. • Have you ever been rebuked? Want to tell that story? • Etc. • Note the last two words: “careful instruction.” What would you need to be able to do what this verse says? Transition Wrap Up Discuss how truth is not relative, and yet we live in a society that has a vastly different worldview from that of believers. That worldview will be Explain that having faith in God is reasonable, not nonsensical. very prominent and persuasive in college. Jesus is a historical figure, who died, was buried, and came back to life. No one can explain the empty tomb except that Jesus was resurrected. Since He did come back to life, He validated everything He did and said, and proved that He is God. Close in a prayer. Christianity ______make ______1 Corinthians 1:27 What are some “foolish things of the world” that God uses?

What are some “weak things of the world” that God uses?

Why does Christianity pose such a threat to the contemporary way of thinking?

Christianity ______Christianity ______make make ______unless you ______1 Corinthians 15:32 your ______How is your life more than what you experience here on earth? 2 Timothy 4:2 What can you do to prepare yourself in your first year on campus?

How does Jesus’ resurrection prove the viability of Christianity?

Why is “correcting” someone considered wrong today?

Put Paul’s way of stating today’s worldview into your own words.

Have you ever been rebuked? Want to tell that story?

Note the last two words: “careful instruction.” What would you need in order to do what this verse says?

Grad Prep Session #3 Worldview Student Guide •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:05 PM Page 16

Page >> 16 HEART OF THE ARTIST

Rachel is the teenaged daughter of best-selling author and speaker, Francis Chan. This singer/songwriter recently chatted with interlínc’s Scott Osterbind. Rachel says, “I want to share the message with my peers to go and make disciples and to look different from the rest of the world in our actions.” Hear more about her mission behind her music.

As a 16-year-old singer/songwriter, what message do you want to relay to your peers?

Teenagers make the excuse that they’re “too young to get serious about God now,” and so they decide to wait until they’re older to truly follow Him, but that’s not what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 4 says that in our youth we are supposed to be examples to all believers. Since God is an awesome God, it should be our joy to follow Him. I hope to relay the message that we can’t be lukewarm in our faith if we want to call ourselves Christians. John 14 says that if we believe in God we will do greater things than Jesus did and so, in order to take on the name of Christ, we must be Christ-like. The Bible tells us that God will come back like a thief in the night and therefore my hope is that when He returns His children will be doing His will.

At your age, where do you draw inspiration to write such great songs?

Mr. Lubben (that’s Dave from the band, Kutless – he produced Rachel’s album) and I are on the same page when I say that the inspiration comes completely from the Lord. Each song involved much prayer and time in the Word. I’ve written many songs about random things, but none of them were as “blessed” as the ones written for the glory of the Lord. Writing for Jesus is such an honor, and God inspires all the words.

How did your dad (Francis Chan, the popular speaker and author) contribute to your song, “Prove It”?

How do you hope your music will help students?

I want to share the message with my peers that they should “go and make disciples” and to look different from the rest of the world in their actions. My music will only help so much, because the real help has to come from a relationship with Christ. I do hope that it will encourage kids to be bold in their faith and to not be cowardly in obeying God’s commandments. Turning to finite things won’t fill the infinite desire God puts in our hearts to thirst for Him. RACHEL

Check out the Rachel Chan Bible Study CHAN materials on page 36.

Page >> << Page 16 HEART HEART 17 OF THE ARTIST OF THE ARTIST

As a 16-year-old singer/songwriter, what message do you want to relay to your peers? SWITCHFOOT Teenagers make the excuse that they’re “too young to get serious about God now,” and so they decide to wait until they’re older to truly follow Him, but that’s not what the Bible says. 1 Timothy 4 says that in our youth we are supposed to be examples to all believers. Since God is an awesome God, it should be our joy to follow Him. I hope to relay the message that we can’t be lukewarm in our faith if we want to call ourselves Christians. John 14 says that if we believe in God we will do greater things than Jesus did and so, in order to take on the name of Christ, we must be Christ-like. The Bible tells us that God will come back like a thief in the night and therefore my hope is that when He returns His children will be doing His will.

At your age, where do you draw inspiration to write such great songs?

How did your dad (Francis Chan, the popular speaker and author) contribute to your song, “Prove It”?

That song was written to let others know about my fun and intimate relationship with my dad. Dad and I are best friends. I know that so many kids, especially teenagers, struggle with obeying their parents. This song gives listeners a peek into how fun my friendship is with my dad and how much he truly loves me – more than any boy could for a long time. The fact that dad rapped on the album was not my idea, and I actually opposed it for a while – until Mr. Lubben convinced me to at least hear it. When I heard the speaking Maybe it’s because they’re based in San Diego. Or contemplates mortality. In the ballad “Thrive,” he saved it for another record. We decided then that it that my dad did, I realized that it was a perfect way to express the fun, dorky maybe it’s because we’ve been following them muses, “Am I myself, or am I dreaming?” Foreman would be the title for the next record, whatever it relationship we have. The song is also a glimpse into my relationship with since they were still teenagers. Switchfoot always starts “Dark Horses” by admitting, “I’ve made my would look like. Long before Hello Hurricane came Christ in how He allows me to talk to Him and have a relationship with Him, seems to surprise us with their sound and their mistakes.” And in “Souvenirs,” he sings, “Nothing out, Vice Verses was well under way.” and how He protects me and calls me His “daughter.” content. Their latest album is proof that this band lasts forever.” But the one track that will really keeps growing and thinking. Read on to catch a throw fans for a loop is “Selling the News,” a Beck- Vice Verses expands the band’s sonic palette by glimpse of their heart behind the music. like song with a hip-hop beat that finds Foreman experimenting with a variety of sounds. There’s a How do you hope your music will help students? performing spoken word. great rhythm to songs such as the groove-oriented With its play on words, Vice Verses, the title of “The Original” and “Blinding Light,” which benefit I want to share the message with my peers that they should “go and make Switchfoot’s new album, coherently suggests the “I think the song is inspired by a lot of different from a hip-hop beat. “The War Inside” really puts disciples” and to look different from the rest of the world in their actions. My album’s theme: everything has two sides. “Every things,” Foreman says of “Selling the News.” “We the rhythm section up front, and the snappy “Rise music will only help so much, because the real help has to come from a blessing comes with a set of curses,” singer- are bombarded by a lot of talking heads and Above It” features a punk-funk vibe. relationship with Christ. I do hope that it will encourage kids to be bold in their guitarist Jon Foreman sings on the title track, all the salespersons in terms of billboards and television. faith and to not be cowardly in obeying God’s commandments. Turning to while wondering if “there’s a meaning to it all.” That I began to ponder the idea that these enormous “It’s funny because for us, we’re usually holding finite things won’t fill the infinite desire God puts in our hearts to thirst for Him. theme runs through the album’s songs and is even media machines are fed by advertisers, and they back,” Foreman says. “On this record we let a little reflected in the album’s black and white cover. are happy when there’s something sensational bit more out.” “We grew up listening to soul music going on in the world. This is a new paradigm that and Motown,” says Butler. “We took that influence “The whole thing is about polarity,” says Foreman. we haven’t seen before. There’s this onslaught of and made sure a song like ‘Restless’ has an “We wanted to write about the polarity of being information – the idea that we are raising emotional element to it.” human, the lights and darks. I’m intrigued by the generations that are completely accustomed to tension that exists between life and death. When watching wars on TV is a little frightening to me.” Check out the Switchfoot special section with making Hello Hurricane, there was a graveyard Discussion Starters for all 12 songs on their new right by the hotel we were staying at while we were The album’s title track was actually one of the last Vice Verses Album on pages 48 - 51. RACHEL mixing it. I spent time there each morning walking songs the band wrote for Hello Hurricane. But it through and sorting it out—really, Vice Verses wasn’t quite right for Hello Hurricane, so it was left started there. This record is as much about loss as on the cutting room floor. it is about what we still have while we’re living.” Check out the Rachel Chan Bible Study “I was reluctant to put it on Hello Hurricane materials on page 36. One example of that quest for meaning includes because it didn’t really fit with the other material,” CHAN the Foo Fighters-like “Afterlife,” in which Foreman Foreman says of the song. “So we shelved it and

Page >> 18 HEART OF THE ARTIST

Nine Lashes

Tooth & Nail Records’ newest band, Nine Lashes, visited interlínc’s home What is the overall theme that ties World We View together? office in Franklin, Tennessee recently. These guys are so excited to get their music into the hands of youth leaders; they have a big heart behind their hard- Basically, what you see around you is not your final destination. Dreams can core music. Here is a portion of their conversation with interlínc staffer, be achieved. Goals can be reached. Worlds can be changed. With God, all Scott Osterbind. things are possible. There are many themes throughout the songs, but this is the one that you see over and over. How did a festival promoter help you get a record deal? The name Nine Lashes is a reference to the “Cat of Nine Tails” We were just trying to get a concert scheduled. There’s a promoter who whip used on Jesus. What Scripture inspired your band name and organizes a festival in our hometown, and we sent our album to him hoping he the album’s title? would let us play. He liked the music, but the first thing he asked was, “Can you do it live?” We asked him to come to our next concert and see for himself. The Bible speaks of how Jesus’ torture was for our benefit. Everything He He came but had a prior engagement, so when he left in the middle of our set, went through was to restore us to our Father in heaven. We never want to we thought “He hated it.” Through all this we had no clue that this man had forget this. worked with Trevor McNevon from Thousand Foot Krutch, to whom he sent our album – also without our knowledge. Trevor had time to listen to it because When someone leaves your concert or listens to your album, what he was at home resting from a ruptured appendix. Long story short, God was do you hope they understand? involved and no TFK singers were harmed during the creation of this story. We want them to understand that God is a living being, who understands you, Your World We View album is a nice blend of indie, modern, hears you, teaches you, guides you, comforts you, laughs with you, cries with alternative, and even screamo rock. How excited were you to work you, and walks with you. He doesn’t want you to have the right words in your with Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on the song, “Our Darkest Day”? prayers or the right answers for your friends; He only wants your honesty. He wants you to be real with Him and trust Him. All other things will fall into place Very excited. We were really just wishing out loud about him guest appearing when we do that. on our album. The next thing you know, Aaron Sprinkle was on the phone making it happen.

Check out the Nine Lashes Bible Study materials on page 34.

Page >> << Page 18 HEART HEART 19 OF THE ARTIST OF THE ARTIST

Thousand Foot Krutch

Nine

Life Counts. manager, Tony Patoto, and the Fuel Music TFK’s front-man, Trevor McNevan caught up How was The End Is Where We Begin team, and we couldn’t be more excited with interlínc’s, Scott Osterbind to talk about made possible by a fund-raising about our new frontier together. We are just their new album. Make sure you read this entire campaign? getting started! Lashes interview to learn the advice that Thousand Foot Krutch has for your graduating seniors! We had many great options and some The “War of Change” lyric that sticks incredible deals on the table, but we felt like out is “Everything’s about the change.” Tooth & Nail Records’ newest band, Nine Lashes, visited interlínc’s home What is the overall theme that ties World We View together? Okay, for what is probably the the right thing for us was to go independent, How do you handle change (good or bad) office in Franklin, Tennessee recently. These guys are so excited to get their bazillionth time, what does “Thousand record, and release our music without a within the band? music into the hands of youth leaders; they have a big heart behind their hard- Basically, what you see around you is not your final destination. Dreams can Foot Krutch” mean? traditional music label. Fifteen years ago we core music. Here is a portion of their conversation with interlínc staffer, be achieved. Goals can be reached. Worlds can be changed. With God, all sold our records out of our cars and booked We make the mistake of reacting sometimes, Scott Osterbind. things are possible. There are many themes throughout the songs, but this is The name symbolizes the support system that ourselves. We used to play 300 concerts a and we’re not perfect, but prayer is the key – the one that you see over and over. our faith is to us. It’s the realization that we year, driving all night, setting up, playing, trusting God, believing He knows what’s best. How did a festival promoter help you get a record deal? can’t do it on our own strength. A common tearing down, and heading to the next one – If you try to carry the weight, you’ll be crushed. The name Nine Lashes is a reference to the “Cat of Nine Tails” misconception is that the name is saying that and forgetting to eat and sleep because there I speak from experience there, haha! We were just trying to get a concert scheduled. There’s a promoter who whip used on Jesus. What Scripture inspired your band name and we should use God as a crutch. Our faith is was no time! So we’re no strangers to doing organizes a festival in our hometown, and we sent our album to him hoping he the album’s title? who we are. things independently. God has brought us a “Graduating Seniors” is the focus of this would let us play. He liked the music, but the first thing he asked was, “Can long way. current volume of Youth Leaders Only. you do it live?” We asked him to come to our next concert and see for himself. The Bible speaks of how Jesus’ torture was for our benefit. Everything He Besides what you do on stage, What advice would you have for He came but had a prior engagement, so when he left in the middle of our set, went through was to restore us to our Father in heaven. We never want to what is Thousand Foot Krutch Doing it on our own also means covering all the students who are about to graduate into we thought “He hated it.” Through all this we had no clue that this man had forget this. passionate about? cost, so we started the process with a a much bigger world? worked with Trevor McNevon from Thousand Foot Krutch, to whom he sent Kickstarter campaign online. It allowed us to our album – also without our knowledge. Trevor had time to listen to it because When someone leaves your concert or listens to your album, what Our live concert is a big part of this band’s create unique packages that people could What I would say is, “Be the change.” Believe, he was at home resting from a ruptured appendix. Long story short, God was do you hope they understand? identity, and that connection with listeners is pledge for, from Skype calls with the band, to even when you feel as though one voice won’t involved and no TFK singers were harmed during the creation of this story. such a blessing. We get so excited to team up early downloads of the album, even earlier make a difference. Fight for it, even when your We want them to understand that God is a living being, who understands you, with great forward-thinking teams like downloads of certain songs, a free song if we hands are tired. Trust Him for the strength and Your World We View album is a nice blend of indie, modern, hears you, teaches you, guides you, comforts you, laughs with you, cries with Compassion International; our hearts are both hit our goal, a PRS custom TFK guitar, limited ability to accomplish your calling and dreams. alternative, and even screamo rock. How excited were you to work you, and walks with you. He doesn’t want you to have the right words in your to connect and to love people and there’s edition vinyl, handwritten lyrics, you name it. Sometimes you have to take a step even when with Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on the song, “Our Darkest Day”? prayers or the right answers for your friends; He only wants your honesty. He nothing more exciting than doing it together. I We weren’t sure what the result would be, but you don’t see the ground in front of you. God wants you to be real with Him and trust Him. All other things will fall into place took a trip with Compassion last year to through the faith and trust of our supporters promised that if we do the possible (that’s Very excited. We were really just wishing out loud about him guest appearing when we do that. Uganda – what they’re doing there and all over and audience, it finished being the second- everything you can do), then He’ll take care of on our album. The next thing you know, Aaron Sprinkle was on the phone the world really is incredible. We each proudly largest Kickstarter campaign to date. We were the impossible. Believe it! making it happen. sponsor several Compassion children of our blown away! We wanted to do this together, own and it’s such a blessing to be a part of. We and they made that possible; we’re so Check out the Thousand Foot Krutch Bible also work with a suicide hotline called Your incredibly thankful. We’ve teamed up with our Study materials on page 52.

Check out the Nine Lashes Bible Study materials on page 34.

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

116 FEAT. LECRAE MAN UP ALBUM MAN UP ANTHEM JOEL VAN DYKE MANUP116.COM REACH RECORDS CENTER FOR TRANSFORMING MISSION GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA [email protected]

and use a series of targeted questions to geous leadership. Also, what kind of Theme allow this group of young ladies to speak Bible Study reward does the world promise (tem- Biblical Manhood to the subject of what it might mean for Hand out the Student Guides. Explain poral, superficial, etc.)? young men to “man up” in the way our that Robert Lewis, a well-known pas- video will to call to attention. Here are tor, has written and taught extensively Now, contrast the second Adam Objective four potential questions for the girls. I’m on Biblical manhood. He defines a (Jesus) with the Genesis 3 Adam. Your guys will consider seriously the sure you can come up with better ones: real man as someone who “rejects Jesus lived out the above definition conflicting ideas of what being a man • What is the most frustrating thing for passivity, accepts responsibility, of manhood all over Scripture but in today’s world means; your girls will you about guys your age? (Let them leads courageously, and expects the nowhere is it more pronounced than in be instrumental in helping to make that have some fun with this one to break greater award.” In light of the “Man Up the last few hours of His life: challenge to the guys. the ice!) Anthem” video that we just watched, in • Rejected Passivity: Luke 22:7-38 what ways were the guys affirming this (especially vs. 14-16) • As a woman, what are your thoughts definition? Warm Up about the world’s definition of man- • Accepted Responsibility: Luke 22:39- Bring a bunch of newspapers and hood that we see hanging on the This definition comes from compar- 46 (especially vs. 42) magazines that the students will rip walls around us? ing Adam in Genesis with Jesus (as • Led Courageously: Luke 22:47-53 pictures and phrases from. Split into • How does the way you have person- second Adam). Take a look with your (especially vs. 51) smaller groups, mixing guys and girls ally been treated by men your age or students at Genesis 3 and point out or keeping them separate depend- • Expected the Greater Award: Luke older make you feel as a woman? the ways that Adam lived out the 23:32-43 (especially vs. 43) ing on which is best for your group. exact opposite of the above defini- The assignment is to make a collage • Share an example of a man truly acting as the kind of man you trust, tion. For example, he was passive in We need to “Man Up” and follow of pictures, phrases, images, etc. 3:6, refused to take responsibility in that encapsulates the way the world respect, and admire. (This can be the model given to us by the second from real life or an example from a 3:12, etc. This seems to be what KB is Adam! The world pushes us to follow defines “manhood” based on its getting at in the second stanza of the advertising, etc. Post the collages up movie or book.) the first Adam, but Jesus showed us Man Up Anthem when he spits out this that to “Man Up” means to reject pas- on the walls of your room and have the theologically astute rhyme: Right after students rotate around the room and sivity, accept responsibility, lead coura- The Video Adam every atom in our anatomy had geously, and expect the greater award. look at the work of the other groups. Show the “Man Up Anthem” video by 116. to make adamant after what Adonai When finished, ask them what patterns is against let me take you back to the they noticed in the collages, etc. Trinity never really just Seen the evil Wrap Up Transition deceit but Adam is the one who let it Read through the final Man Up video Transition Ask your students about their general in. (Man up) Standing Leading no… scene with your students under the impressions of the video. What imag- Select a group of 3-4 of your sharpest Man Up heading on the Student ery caught their attention most? What Ask your students to look around the Guide. Then, close in prayer. (and most vocal) young ladies to be on stood out most to them from the lyrical room again and point out from the col- a panel sitting in front of the rest of the content? What would they have done lages the ways that the world encour- group. Select a female moderator that differently if they were in charge of ages men to be passive, to refuse to can keep some lively discussion going producing this video? take responsibility, and to avoid coura-

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

116 FEAT. LECRAE MAN UP ALBUM MAN UP ANTHEM BIBLICAL MANHOOD MANUP116.COM REACH RECORDS

Definition The First Adam Man Up! A real man is someone who… Genesis 3 All: Man Up!

R______P______Leader: Let the process begin, separate the boys from the men

All: Man Up! A______R______Leader: Doesn’t matter how you started, partner, it’s about how you end

All: Man Up! L______C______The Second Adam R______P______Leader: Jesus is the model, follow us we go follow Him (Luke 22:7-38) E______the greater All: Man Up! A______Leader: We the last of a dying breed, it’s time that A______R______we… (Luke 22:39-46) All: Man Up!

L______C______(Luke 22:47-53)

E______the greater A______(Luke 23:32-43)

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 22 116 FEAT. LECRAE

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

116 FEAT. LECRAE MAN UP DVD MAINA MWAURA MANUP116.COM Greenforest Community Baptist Church Decatur, Georgia [email protected]

Note Know The The Short Film Meet the Creator We asked Maina Mwaura, youth pas- And Curriculum tor at Greenforest Community Baptist Content And of the Man Up The short film and curriculum are made Church in Decatur, Georgia to write up Materials: up of six areas: Authority, Responsibil- Campaign: a “How To Do A Man Up Event” guide Now we holding you to Man Up ’cause ity, Envy, Courage, Sexual Temptation, Interview with Sho Baraka: Director for you to use in your ministry. Maina we were made in His image. Start look- and Repentance. of Man Up has been closely involved with the Man ing at what you came from. – Lyrics Up campaign, and much of the video from the “Man Up Anthem” What inspired the Man Up project? on the Man Up DVD was shot at his The Soundtrack church. In addition to Maina’s “How The soundtrack is made up of songs I wanted the focus of the project to be To” ideas, we have included one of the The Campaign from the artists of Reach Records: on manhood and healthy relationships. six lessons that are a part of the Man Confusion over what manhood is has Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashi, Pro, KB, and I hoped to provide encouragement for Up curriculum. For more information, plagued our cities, families, and lives. Sho Baraka. fathers and sons, or mothers and sons. check out manup116.com! The concept of a Biblical man has What should churches expect to get been lost in our generation. Unfor- Where the men at? Seems like they all tunately, many churches struggle to out of this project? Hosting A lost, none of them are on the scene, provide its members, much less those Every church should be able to look Man Up Event beyond their walls, with a tangible Seems like they died off. They extinct at the six focus points of the project Three Key Facts in implementing the definition of a real man. but my dream is to rise up, and curriculum and be able to dialogue “Man Up” campaign with your group: We chasing the prize of the King the around them. Man Up is a campaign calling men of divine boss, 1. Know the content/materials all races to rise up and understand the If you were planning a man up event 2. Know the director/creator of the true Biblical manhood that comes thru But we fell away, now we ungodly what would it look like? project: Sho Baraka interview Jesus Christ. It a call for men to repent We lose and we really got the blues for their failure to become the men that I would play the soundtrack, watch 3. Plan a meaningful event God has created them to be and for like Navi, the movie, and dialogue about what believers to live as whom they truly are I wanna celebrate the dudes that’s people just watched. in Christ. beside me If you could say one thing to youth Fellas let’s elevate we through with The campaign is made up of three pastors about this project, what would parts: soundtrack, short film, and small the lobby it be? group curriculum. – Trip Lee, from the “Man Up Anthem” Don’t allow the curriculum to dictate what the students watch. Everyone can feel challenged. Every student is dealing with one of the six focal points.

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

Plan A Man Up Event: Eight steps to plan an eventful Man up campaign: • Start With Prayer – Prayer is often the one thing that we seem to leave out • Promotion – Making sure you use the interlínc promotional materials is impor- when planning event. Man up is too powerful of a resource to not ask God to tant – young men are very visual, so promotional materials are a must. Don’t use. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have forget to make use of the soundtrack! received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

• Reflect/Questioning – Don’t forget to reflect on the importance of the • Know The Event – I know this sounds so simple, but knowing the purpose of campaign and short film. an event is very important. Man Up is an event that every student, no matter which region or location, needs to participate in. Knowing the event and the purpose of why you are doing it is very important. • Commitment/Challenge – Asking students to make a commitment is not the end of the Man Up campaign – it’s the beginning. Young men can take the challenge to use tools that can help them become Men of God versus Men • Know The Group Dynamic – Knowing whom you are targeting the event or of the World. What make the “Man Up” series powerful is asking students the campaign for is HUGE. Are you using the Man Up resource to reach young powerful questions that take place in the short film, such as “What makes you men and women, or just men? Will middle schoolers be allowed to be a part of a real man?” it, or is it just for high schoolers? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you go a long way in using the Man Up resource. Being a man got nothing to do with age. You can be a boy till the day you lay in your grave. None of us behave in the image of who were made, ‘cause • Date And Time – What time of year will this resource be beneficial for your We fallen the ways it’s better known as the prey. ministry? Knowing when students will be more receptive is very important. Running from responsibility Really we crave the easy way out of places that call us to pull our weight. Man they’re going through everyday decisions are made, • Location – What will be the best place to kick off the campaign or watch the Responding to the call God’s giving ’em from the Man Up! short film? Make sure you plan BIG for this campaign and event!

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 24 116 FEAT. LECRAE

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song:Man Up Curriculum Lesson: Study by:

116 FEAT. LECRAE MAN UP DVD AUTHORITY MIGUEL DAVILLA MANUP116.COM ReachLife Ministries Atlanta, Georgia [email protected]

Discuss: Warm Up Transition • Look at verse 4. What was the choice Jesus As The Man Rubber Band Activity – Each young Discuss: that David had in this moment? • Can you think of a story of when man will receive a rubber band. Ask • Who is the hardest person for you to • How were his friends pressuring him? Jesus had to obey His parents? the group, “What is a rubber band obey in your life? Why? (Luke 2:41-52) designed for?” The rubber band was • See verse 5. How did David respond designed to flex and stretch to hold • What are the different areas of our to King Saul, who was an author- • Can you think of a time when things. At its resting state, no one will lives where we have someone over us ity in his life? Why do you think he Jesus had to obey the govern- ever want to use it. But, when it yields who tells us what to do? responded that way? ment? (Mark 12:14) to the force/will that its user exerts on • How do you feel about those people? • Imagine someone was trying to harm • Read Matthew 27:38-44. Jesus it, it will then be used in the way it was • Do they ever abuse their power? How? you. How would you respond? How always had a choice to do what created. The rubber band’s desire is should a real man respond to this? His Father in heaven wanted or to be at rest and not be stretched, but to do what He wanted or others it is not accomplishing the purpose Bible Study wanted. What was His choice in for which it was made. It was made to 1 Samuel 24:1-13 – Background info: The DVD this situation? Why would this be yield to the force of its owner and do hard to obey His Father and not • En Gedi is a wilderness area 30 miles Watch Video clip of Authority. Discuss: the work its owner wants it to do. It is the people yelling at him? • Who are the authorities and laws in only here when it is stretched that it is south of Jerusalem on the western Brian’s life? doing what it is created to do. shores of the Dead Sea. • David was on the run from King Saul. • Who are the different voices influ- In the same way, we are like the rubber Saul did not like David and thought if encing Brian to obey or disobey the band. We like to be lazy and stay at he could just kill him, all of his prob- authorities? What were they saying? rest--to do what we want. We were lems would be over. Saul thought • Who does he listen to and why? created to yield to the owner and David wanted to harm him, so Saul • What are the consequences for not creator of our lives and do what he launched a big campaign with many obeying the authority? desires. He will stretch us as we yield men to hunt David down and kill him. to him and his will, but we will be doing Saul even sent hit men to wait outside • Do you think his consequences were what we were created to do and glorify David’s house to kill him. fair? Why or why not? him in the process. • Remember, David had already been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel. The Holy Spirit had left Saul and was now with David.

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

116 FEAT. LECRAE MAN UP DVD AUTHORITY MANUP116.COM

1 Samuel 24:1-13 DVD Video Clip Jesus As The Man • Look at verse 4. What was the choice that David • Who are the authorities and laws in Brian’s life? • Can you think of a story of when Jesus had to obey had in this moment? His parents? (Take a look at Luke 2:41-52.)

• Who are the different voices influencing Brian to • How were his friends pressuring him? obey or disobey the authorities?

• Can you think of a time when Jesus had to obey the government? (Read Mark 12:14.)

• See verse 5. How did David respond to King Saul, • What were they saying? who was an authority in his life?

• Who does he listen to and why? • Read Matthew 27:38-44. Jesus always had a • Why do you think he responded that way? choice to do what His Father in heaven wanted or to do what He wanted or others wanted. What was His choice in this situation?

• What are the consequences for not obeying • Imagine someone was trying to harm you. How the authority? would you respond? Why would this be hard to obey His Father and not the people yelling at him?

• Do you think his consequences were fair? • How should a real man respond to this? Why or why not?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide

26 BRINSON

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

BRINSON O.M.G. HE SAID HE LOVED ME JEFF WILLIAMSON GODCHASERZ.COM GODCHASERZ UNION AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE [email protected]

faith in their peers. When the person earthquakes, fires, etc. God does Theme jumps off of the board, he or she will Bible Study sometimes use those things to get Faith likely crumple to the group because Remember that faith is not something our attention, but more often He the group was so much closer than you just decide to have one day. Faith speaks to us in stillness and quiet. A expected. Everyone should get a is something that you acquire – as you wind tore through the mountain; then Objective good laugh, and you should make see God at work, as you experience an earthquake rocked the mountain, The objective of this lesson is to help your volunteer into a hero! Him in your life, and as you see the but that wasn’t God. Next, a fire students work through their doubts amazing things He does! came, but again – not the Lord. Final- and fears. Transition • Elijah was a prophet – a man who ly, a gentle whisper came – and in could hear God very plainly and that gentle whisper, Elijah heard God Explain that faith in God is not a communicate these words of God to speaking to him, and he found his Warm Up blind faith. Faith is not something other people. During Elijah’s lifetime, strength from and faith in God again. You will need a strong board that that you just decide to have one day. a man named Ahab became the king will not break when a kid stands on You acquire faith as you experience of Judah. it. Send some students out of the God at work. Wrap up room and explain to the rest of the • Ahab wasn’t such a bad guy on Have the students complete the group what you will be doing. Have his own, but his wife was another exercise. Have the students reflect four of the strongest youth grab the The Song story. She came from a culture that on a time when they heard the gentle ends of the board and hold it about Have students listen carefully to “He worshipped the Phoenician god, whisper of the Lord. This moment was six inches off the ground. One at a Said He Loved Me.” Encourage them Baal. When she came to Judah, she their opportunity to experience “His time let the youth back in, blindfold to pay close attention to any concepts convinced Ahab to build altars and Strength and Faith” and no longer him or her, lead him or her over to or ideas that jump out at them about temples to worship Baal. have their “Doubts and Fears”! Close the board and have him or her step being focused on God’s love and how • Elijah challenged Ahab to gather all in prayer. onto it while holding onto your head we should respond to it. the prophets of Baal and meet him on for balance. Tell him or her to jump Mount Carmel for a big showdown. from the board. Now have them step Transition After the showdown, Ahab went back back onto the board and explain that and told sweet little Jezebel every- Do you believe these words: “A man you will have the youth on the end thing that had happened, and she got of faith even had fear”? The artist talks of the board to raise it higher. This pretty mad. She vowed to kill Elijah, about having doubts that God was time the students holding onto the no matter what the gods (or God) around while his mother was in the ends of the board will gently shake would do to her. Elijah was afraid, and hospital. When was the last time you the ends as though they are raising so he went and hid in a cave. it while you bend your knees so that let your doubts and fears overcome the person blindfolded thinks that your faith? With the Lord on our side • At Elijah’s bleakest moment, God the board is really being raised. Now, we can kick fear to the curb and let spoke to him, but not in a way that tell the person on the board to jump. faith stay inside. we would expect. When we think of The students may doubt this activity- God’s power, we think of big, pow- will work because they may not have erful, loud, obvious things – winds,

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

BRINSON O.M.G. HE SAID HE LOVED ME FAITH GODCHASERZ.COM GODCHASERZ

Faith is not something you just decide to have one day. Faith is something you acquire… Bible Study Think It Through • as you see God at work, ______was a prophet – a man who When was that time in your life that you recall hear- ing the gentle whisper of the Lord? • as you experience Him in your life, could hear God very plainly and communicate these • as you see the amazing things He does. words of God to other people. During Elijah’s lifetime, a man named ______became the The Song king of Judah. Listen carefully to the song “He Said He Loved Me” by Brinson. Pay close attention to anything that reflects your “Doubts and Fears”. Write them down if you’d like. – ______wasn’t such a bad guy on his own, but his wife was another story. She came from a culture that worshipped the Phoenician god ______. When When do you recall feeling His presence? she came to Judah, she convinced Ahab to build altars and temples to ______.

– ______challenged ______to gather up the prophets of ______, and meet him on Mount Carmel for a big showdown. After the showdown, ______went back and told sweet This moment was your opportunity to experience little ______everything that had “His Strength and Faith” and no longer have your “Doubts and Fears”! happened, and she got pretty mad. She vowed to kill ______, no matter what the gods (or God) would do to her. Elijah was afraid, and so he went and hid in a ______.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide

28 CLOSE YOUR EYES

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

CLOSE YOUR EYES EMPTY HANDS AND HEAVY HEARTS VALLEYS DEREK MANSKER FACEBOOK.COM/CYEBAND VICTORY RECORDS CAPE COD BIBLE ALLIANCE CHURCH BREWSTER, MASSACHUSETTS [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Forgiveness Explain that we often have good inten- Scripture gives us a clear picture of Condemning yourself for all the times tions about how we want to live as the struggle of not doing what we you have tried and failed can be so Christians. Too often those good inten- know we should do. This outline easy to do. But, you don’t need to Objective tions are met with everyday life and are takes a look at three examples from dwell on your mistakes. Rather, grab Students will be challenged to live in more of a challenge to fulfill than we the New Testament. For each verse, hold of all that Jesus Christ has for the forgiveness of Jesus Christ instead think. Trying to obey God can be even have someone read it through aloud you. Every moment you live is an of dwelling on their mistakes. harder. Living with our unfulfilled prom- a few times before the students important one when God can work His ises and our sin can be discouraging. answer the questions. plan in you and shape you into the person God intended you to be. This does Warm Up Philippians 3:12-14 not mean you will never sin again, but Hand out the Student Guides and The Song • What does Paul say needs to happen as you fall you get back up again and pencils. In small groups have the stu- Play the song. Have the students focus in order for you to truly understand pursue Him. Do not give up because dents come up with the top ten list of on the struggle that the artist is expe- what Jesus Christ has done for you? you have sinned, but rather press on things Christian teenagers promise but riencing. for a better life that will one day be fully don’t actually do. For example, “I will • What is your motivation for pressing realized in Jesus Christ. You have been read my Bible every day.” “I will show on in Christ? Is it the same as Paul forgiven in Christ, so live life knowing gratitude to my parents.” These could Transition lists? Why or why not? this is true! be things that retreats or conferences How would you describe the struggle bring out, or just things that they have that this artist is experiencing? Romans 7:18-25 Before closing in prayer, have each on their minds. Once they have com- • What is the tone behind this writing of person write a simple prayer to God. piled their list, have them share their Paul? (happy, sad, frustrated etc) “God, I need to stop condemning list with the group. • Why do you think Paul felt the way myself for ______and he did? receive Your forgiveness.” • How do you relate to this? Close in prayer. Pray that any sense of condemnation would be removed John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1 and that the forgiveness and freedom • In light of what Christ has done for you, of Christ would take over. Pray that all how should your life be described? would press on toward Jesus Christ • What role should your past failures and desire Him above all else. Thank play in your current relationship with God for that life and forgiveness and Jesus Christ? that trying more or trying harder is not the issue anymore – it is all about faith. • How have you experienced self- condemnation by punishing yourself for your mistakes?

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

CLOSE YOUR EYES EMPTY HANDS AND HEAVY HEARTS VALLEYS FORGIVENESS FACEBOOK.COM/CYEBAND VICTORY RECORDS

Top 10 Commitments Never Kept Bible Study Philippians 3:12-14 1. What does Paul say needs to happen in order for you to truly understand what Jesus Christ has done for you? 2.

What is your motivation for pressing on in Christ? Is it the same as Paul lists? 3. Why or why not?

4. Romans 7:18-25 5. What is the tone behind this writing of Paul? (happy, sad, frustrated etc)

6. Why do you think Paul felt the way he did?

7. How do you relate to this?

8. John 3:16-17; Romans 8:1 In light of what Christ has done for you, what should characterize how you live? 9.

What role should your past failures play in your current relationship with 10. Jesus Christ?

How have you experienced self-condemnation for your mistakes? Wrap Up God, I need to stop condemning myself for ______and receive Your forgiveness.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 30 ELIZABETH SOUTH

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

ELIZABETH SOUTH DO IT AFRAID I WILL TRUST YOU MARY WILSON ELIZABETHSOUTH.COM ELIZABETH SOUTH MUSIC UNKOMMON MEDIA MACON, GEORGIA [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Trust Have your students discuss: Shadrach/Meshach/Abed-nego, Mary, Have a large deep bucket of water • Did fear influence your decisions? and David were all young people faced in the room, 3-5 large light-colored with the choice of doing what God stones per student, and enough non- Objective • What were you afraid of? wanted them to do or giving in to their permanent markers for every student. Your students will think about the fears • Do you like taking chances? fears. Read about them and answer Ahead of time, write Luke 1:37 from that keep them from doing what they • If you finished with a worse option the questions. the New American Standard Version know God wants them to do, and they than what you started with, how did – “For nothing will be impossible with will read about some young people that make you feel? Daniel 3:13-18 God” in permanent ink on enough who made the right choices despite • Did Shadrach, Meshach, and stones for each student to have one. their fears. • Do you like knowing what you are Place a pile of stones near the bucket getting? Why or why not? Abed-nego know what God wanted them to do? of water and tell your students to • How often does “fear of the grab a stone for each of the “Fears Warm Up unknown” affect your choices? • Were they afraid? that keep me from acting” they listed Create your own game of “Deal or No • What was their answer to king on their Student Guides. Have them Deal” meets “Fear Factor.” Have at least Nebuchadnezzar? write one of those fears on each three “prizes” and three “risks.” (You The Song pebble/stone with a non-permanent may want to take a few of your interlínc Have your students listen to the song Luke 1:26-38 marker. Allow time for each student CD’s and create a prize stack of music and then make two lists on their • Did Mary know what God was asking to take their pebbles/stones to the or simply use a one, five, or ten-dollar Student Guides: bucket of water and drop them in, bill. The risk can be retrieving worms of her? • Things they know God wants or calls and, as they do, hand them a Luke from a plate of dirt or a note requiring • Was she afraid? them to do. 1:37 stone to keep. them to eat a biscuit held in the youth • What did she say to the angel? leader’s armpit.) Start by giving the • Fears that keep them from acting. Close by having everyone read from volunteer(s) the choice of a lunch bag or 1 Samuel 17:20-27; 32-40 his or her “Luke” stone in unison. box (old tin lunch boxes are great for this if you want to use volunteers to re-create • Did David know what God wanted a set like “Deal or No Deal”) and allow him to do? them to open their choice. Then give • Was he afraid? them the option to keep their “prize” or • What did he say to Saul? “risk” or trade for one of the unopened lunch boxes/bags. Use the phrase, “You can walk away now with what you have or take a chance on what is inside bag #1, bag, #2 or bag #3...” Play as long as you have prizes and risks.

ELIZABETH SOUTH

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

ELIZABETH SOUTH DO IT AFRAID I WILL TRUST YOU TRUST ELIZABETHSOUTH.COM ELIZABETH SOUTH MUSIC

While You Watch Fill in these two lists: Things I know God has called me to do Fears that keep me from acting

Bible Study

Daniel 3:13-18 Luke 1:26-38 1 Samuel 17:20-27; 32-40 Did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego know what Did Mary know what God was asking of her? Did David know what God wanted him to do? God wanted them to do?

Was he afraid? Was she afraid? Were they afraid?

What did he say to Saul?

What was their answer to Nebuchadnezzar? What did she say to the angel?

For nothing will be impossible with God. – Luke 1:37

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 32 LEELAND

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

LEELAND THE GREAT AWAKENING I CRY JOEL JACKSON LEELANDONLINE.COM ESSENTIAL RECORDS ST. THOMAS CHURCH BERNVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA [email protected]

might be going through a rough situ- would have been despised in Israel Theme Transition ation and may feel many of the same because of the agrarian economy. Dependence Say, “Sometimes life can feel like a emotions expressed throughout ‘I Cry.’ “Animals stalk me” – the bulls men- maze. Finding the right path is some- God has given us a great gift in the tioned would have been strong and times easy, and we feel that we can book of Psalms. The Psalms are praise potentially menacing. The roaring Objective just see our way through. Other times songs that interact with real life. Many lions would be a threat as lions often Students will realize that God is pres- we cannot really see the right path, but of the Psalms are expressed by people attacked shepherds and outlying ent in all moments of life, even when we feel that God is right there showing who question their faith, struggle settlements in Israel in that day. they feel that He has forsaken them us the way. And sometimes we feel as through the heartaches in life, feel a Dogs were filthy scavengers, not the and feel that their prayers seem to though we cannot see the path, and lack of God’s presence in the midst of nice house pets that we have today. bounce off the sky. there is no one there to guide the way. their situation, and yet continue to live “Poured out like water” – the experi- We may feel as though God has left us out their faith in God. Psalm 22 is such ence of a drought. “Bones out of in the middle of the maze – there is no a Psalm. The words expressed in it joint.” “My heart has turned to wax.” Warm Up light, – and yet we still have to make it are so raw and honest that even Jesus “My tongue sticks to my mouth” – I Ask for a volunteer, and have him or through the maze. We might pray for Christ uttered words from this Psalm am tired of yelling out my prayers. her leave the room. Instruct the rest of guidance, but it seems our prayers just as He died upon the cross.” “I am pierced” – like a criminal sen- the students to create a maze using hit the sky and bounce back down to tenced to death. chairs, other objects in the room, and the ground. We might look to Scripture • a. God is our strength; b. God is our themselves as the boundaries of the Bible Study for encouragement, but the verses we deliverer; c. God is our Rescuer; d. maze and as obstacles within the Have the students answer the ques- read just don’t seem to apply. We cry God is our Savior maze. Remind them that there must out to God, somehow trusting He is tions in the Student Guide and then be a discernible entrance and exit to still there. Yet, the silence remains.” discuss them together as a group. Use • b. He listens; c. All people, the rich, the maze and that there should be these notes as you lead the discussion the dead a number of wrong paths. When the of each question. maze is complete, invite the volunteer The Song • While the writer of the Psalm feels back. Blindfold the volunteer and lead Hand out the Student Guides. As the Wrap Up forsaken, he looks at the experience Have the students turn over their Stu- him or her to the beginning of the song plays, have students write their of the Israelites and knows that God maze. Instruct the volunteer to make answers to the questions under The dent Guide and write a personal poem has proven Himself in the past. The that explores the same issues as those it through the maze as quickly as pos- Poetry Of Song. writer is perplexed because the sto- sible, and explain that you will time the mentioned in both “I Cry” by Leeland ries he has heard do not measure up and Psalm 22. Encourage them to run. After the volunteer has completed to his experience. This is an impor- the maze, record the time. Have anoth- Transition explore their own feelings of forsak- tant point for youth to realize. As the enness or sorrow within this poem. er volunteer leave the room, have the Ask for volunteers to share their Psalm continues, the writer realizes students remake the maze, and then answers to the questions. Say, “This Encourage them to conclude the poem God’s presence even amid the pain by making statements of praise similar have the student who left the room singer is obviously going through and questions. walk the new maze blindfolded in order something rough. You all had some to the statements of the writer of the to beat the previous time. Repeat this great ideas about what the singer • “I am a worm” implies a state of Psalm. Once everyone has finished, with as many students as time allows. might be experiencing. You yourself decay and unpleasantness. A worm close in prayer.

LEELAND

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

LEELAND THE GREAT AWAKENING I CRY DEPENDENCE LEELANDONLINE.COM ESSENTIAL RECORDS

• List the 4 attributes of God that are mentioned in verses 19-21. How do these The Poetry Of Song attributes help you to depend on God in the midst of your tears? As you listen to “I Cry” by Leeland, answer these questions: a. What emotions does the singer express throughout the song? b.

What kind of situation do you think the singer might be going through? c.

d. How is faith in God expressed throughout this song? • The final verses of the Psalm express praise toward God along with assurance of God’s presence. Think on the following: a. Do you declare the name of the Lord to others even amidst your struggles?

The Poetry Of Psalm 22 b. According to verses 24-26, why do we praise the Lord? Read through Psalm 22 and answer these questions: • In verses 1-5, how do the experience/feelings of the writer battle with the writer’s expression of faith? How does life contradict what the writer has c. Who will praise the Lord? learned through faith? • Why do you think Jesus referenced this Psalm while hanging on the cross?

• How can knowing this Psalm grant us comfort when we cry out to God?

• In verses 6-18, the writer explores his pain through a number of images. Read through the Psalm and list as many images of pain you can. The Poetry in Your Heart On the other side of this paper, write your own personal poem that explores the same types of feelings found in “I Cry” and Psalm 22. Think about times when you have struggled to experience God. Do your best to conclude the poem with thoughts of praise.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide

34 NINE LASHES

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

NINE LASHES WORLD WE VIEW ANTHEM OF THE LONELY CHRIS KEATING NINELASHES.COM TOOTH & NAIL RECORDS FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD CARTHAGE, TEXAS [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Peer Pressure • Have you ever felt as though your Have volunteers read these Scriptures. Use this outline to help the message friends were pulling you in opposite Use the questions to generate discus- sink in. Objective directions? sion. • Think Eternally (Romans 8:18) Some- • 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Who do you times making a stand for what is right Students will learn what the Bible has • What did you do? think “bad company” refers to in may require us to stand alone, but it to say about peer pressure and how to this passage? How can your friends will be worth it when we are enjoying overcome it. The Song corrupt your character? Would your God’s presence in heaven. Nine Lashes explains, “This story character be positively or negatively • Think Like Jesus (John 2:23-25) Warm up was playing out in my head and I affected in the following examples? Jesus wasn’t concerned about what Case Study – Brad is a kid at school tried to capture the feeling of the Why or why not? (Cheating at other peoples’ opinions of him were. who is awkward and doesn’t have person having to stand strong on school, Abstinence, Telling the truth, He was solely focused on doing the many friends. One day, several their own. For me, this was salva- Making a stand for what is right, Not will of God. entertaining gossip) popular kids decided to include Brad tion: a treasure I had to hang on to • Think About Others (Proverbs 29:25) in their group by inviting him to the for dear life, being surrounded with • Romans 1:16 – Do you need cour- When we say no to peer pressure, we movies . However, this movie was friends and enemies alike pulling me age to stand and not be ashamed of are actually an example giving strength known for having a lot of profanity in different directions.” Play “Anthem being a Christian? Why or why not? to those who are watching us. and an explicit sex scene. Brad really Of The Lonely” and encourage your What does “power of God for the wanted to fit in and be a part of the students to think about what pulls salvation” mean to you? them in different directions. popular group but he also didn’t • Hebrews 12:1-2 – What does Wrap Up want to compromise his beliefs. If being “entangled” mean? (cause Discuss and come up with three ways you were Brad, what would you do to become twisted together with or we can say no to peer pressure. When and why? caught in) What hindrances do we you have identified your three ways, have that entangle us? How will fix- close in prayer. Optional Activity – Give every ing our eyes on Jesus help us take student a banana and explain, our stand for him? How do we get “Just like this banana, when we the strength and endurance to “run are all in a bunch we are together with perseverance the race marked and protected – but when we are out for us”? separated, we become vulnerable and can easily become peeled and eaten. As Christians we need to stick together so we can stand strong against peer pressure.”

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

NINE LASHES WORLD WE VIEW ANTHEM OF THE LONELY PEER PRESSURE NINELASHES.COM TOOTH & NAIL RECORDS

Case Study Bible Study Brad is a kid at school who is awkward and doesn’t have many friends. One day, 1 Corinthians 15:33 several popular kids decided to include Brad in their group by inviting him to the Who do you think “bad company” refers to in this passage? movies. However, this particular movie was known for having a lot of profanity How can your friends corrupt your character? and an explicit sex scene. Brad really wanted to fit in and be a part of the popular Would your character be positively or negatively affected in the following exam- group but he also didn’t want to compromise his beliefs. ples? Why or why not? • Cheating at school? If you were Brad, what would you do and why? • Abstinence? • Not telling the truth? • Making a stand for what is right? • Not entertaining gossip?

Romans 1:16 Do you need courage to stand and not be ashamed of being a Christian? Why or why not? What does “power of God for the salvation” mean to you?

Hebrews 12:1-2 What does being “entangled” mean? What hindrances do we have that entangle us from being all that Christ wants us to be? How will fixing our eyes on Jesus help us take our stand for him? How do we get the strength and endurance to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us”?

Think ______(Romans 8:18) Think Like ______(John 2:23-25) Think About ______(Proverbs 29:25)

Come up with three ways you can say no to peer pressure. 1. 2. 3.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 36 RACHEL CHAN

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

RACHEL CHAN GO LAME CINDY ENGØY RACHELCHANMUSIC.COM IN:CIITE YESWESERVE LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA [email protected]

the wisest person ever, thought that lives. Even King Solomon came to that Theme Transition everything is meaningless—every- same conclusion; that what we do for Life; Purpose/Meaning Have student discuss why they though thing is lame. So if he, in all his wis- God is what is important and what is certain things were lame. dom and knowledge, came up with meant to last forever. Ecclesiastes that outlook on life, what do we have 3:14 says, I know that everything God Objective to look forward to? Does anything does will endure forever… Your group will understand that while The Song in life really matter? Is everything is what is going on around them may Hand out the Student Guides and tell meaningless and lame? Let’s see seem important now, those things the students that they are going to what the Bible has to say. Wrap Up and issues will pass. What they do listen to Rachel Chan’s song called Brainstorm ways in which your stu- for Jesus is what is really important. “Lame.” They will listen to what she dents can do something for Jesus Read Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do thinks is lame. Have them write on that will last. Have the students get right! Seek justice, encourage the their Student Guides what they agree into their groups (or brainstorm as a oppressed. Defend the cause of Warm Up with Rachel are lame. You might need whole group) to come up with ways the fatherless, plead the case of the What I Think Is Lame – Have chairs to play this song a couple of times. they can do God’s will to be His widow. Okay, helping the helpless sent up in a circle. Everyone will be hands and feet. Some ideas maybe isn’t so lame. seated with one person in the middle. to help out at a senior citizen’s home, The person in the middle will say, “I Transition do a canned food drive for a local Who has Luke 6:31 and what does think most things are lame, but what After listening to the song a couple shelter, help with an after school it say? Do unto others as you would I really think is lame is…” – and that times, have students share the lame program. Have them write their sug- have them do to you. That sounds person will say something that he things they agree with Rachel and why. gestions on their Student Guides and like a good suggestion that isn’t lame. or she thinks is lame. Everyone who It might be good that if you have a then share them with the rest of the Treating others the way you wanted to agrees runs across the circle and white board, write these things down. group. Close with, “See, those sug- be treated. sits in an empty chair. Whoever is left gestions aren’t so lame! Let’s plan standing must go in the middle and be these activities into our program!” What does Romans 10:15 say? How the “it” person. Play this Lame Game Bible Study Then, close with prayer. for a while. There is a lot that is lame. You guys beautiful are the feet of those who mentioned some, and Rachel Chan bring good news! Now that doesn’t mentioned some in her song. You sound so lame does it? Bringing the know, if we focus only on the lame good news of Jesus to others is defi- stuff, life could get pretty depressing. nitely NOT lame. Believe it or not, even people in the Bible felt the same way. What does So really, what the Bible is saying is King Solomon say about it? Let’s that when we take our attention from read Ecclesiastes 1:2, 8, 9, and 14. ourselves and instead focus on what Everything is meaningless. Wow! Talk Jesus wants us to do, then life isn’t about a bummer – talk about being so lame. This really brings life into depressed! King Solomon, who was perspective and gives meaning to our

RACHEL CHAN

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

RACHEL CHAN GO LAME LIFE; PURPOSE/MEANING RACHELCHANMUSIC.COM IN:CIITE

Oh, that’s so lame… Bible Study What I think is lame! Ecclesiastes 1:2, 8, 9, & 14 What King Solomon thought was lame:

On second thought – not so lame…

Isaiah 1:17

Luke 6:31

What Rachel thinks it lame – and I agree! Romans 10:15

“Un-lame” Suggestions:

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 38 The REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

THE REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT HOMEMADE WORSHIP BY CHRIST HAS SET ME FREE JOEL JACKSON RENDCOLLECTIVEEXPERIMENT.COM HANDMADE PEOPLE ST. THOMAS CHURCH KINGSWAY MUSIC BERNVILLE, PA [email protected]

our sin. Each one of us, from the day • What happens when we are in Christ Theme we are born, is trapped within our cor- Bible Study Jesus? (We are no longer con- Freedom ruption. It is nearly impossible for us to Read Romans 7:24-8:4 to the group. demned, we are set free) find the freedom we long for, the free- Explain, “The book of Romans was • Why do you think it was important for dom that we need. We can only find written by Paul. Within the book, he Jesus to come in the likeness of man? Objective freedom through Christ! Listen carefully develops the fullness of the Gospel (Because only a man can take the Students will realize the freedom they to this song by The Rend Collective message and what it means for every- punishment – death – of those who receive through Christ’s sacrifice and, if Experiment. As you listen, consider the one. In this passage we are nearing are trapped in our sinfulness) they have not done so already, accept things the singer lists from which we the apex of his argument in which he Christ into their lives so they might can be set free through Christ. declares that it is only through Christ • What does this passage say in your experience the fullness of the freedom that we can be set free. Paul tells us own words? He gives. in chapter 7 that he tried to depend • If you believe in Jesus Christ and The Song on the law, his own efforts, and acts follow Him, what does His sacrifice Hand out the Student Guides. As stu- of obedience – but failed miserably. do for you? Warm Up dents listen, have them list the items In fact, the law only opened his eyes Form pairs. Have each twosome face from which the singer is set free by the to the fullness of his depravity and his each other. Then give each pair a work of Christ. When the song is over, need for some other method of deliver- Wrap Up couple of three-foot-long strings to have the students come up with other ance. In enters Jesus Christ our Lord. Have a time of silence – encour- tie their hands together. Have leaders things from which we are set free by Like Paul, many people think they can age students to contemplate their help them tie their hands together. One Christ’s sacrifice. reach heaven on their own efforts, by relationship with Christ. They should person’s string should be intertwined acting the right way, or by making the ask themselves whether they have behind their partner’s string so that right choices. We fail because of our taken advantage of the freedom that they are linked. Then challenge them Transition wretchedness. In enters Jesus Christ He offers them. If they already have to get free from each other without Say, “Jesus Christ came so that we our Lord.” then they should come forward and untying the strings or breaking the could be set free from the sin that take a string and a 3x5 card. (Six-inch strings. (Secret: To escape, pass the entangles us. Each of us has been Allow students time to answer these pieces of string should be tied to 3x5 center of one partner’s string through trapped in our own selfish lifestyles questions in their discussion guide: cards that say “I have freedom through the wrist loop and over the hand of the since day one. God wants nothing but Christ.”) If they want to make a deci- • Re-list some of the things from which other partner.) After the students have that we might be set free and able to sion now they should be encouraged we need to be set free from our dis- struggled for a while you can give them live a life of freedom in relationship with to talk to a leader about the decision cussion about the “Christ has Set Me the secret or cut them loose. Him. We will look at a passage from and then receive a string and a card Free” song. This is what Paul refers Romans that explains the action of from that leader. Each student who to when he declares he is a wretched Christ on our behalf. As we learn what receives a string with a card tied to it man. We are all wretched because of Transition Christ has done for us, please consider should be encouraged to display it on the sin that entraps us. Ask the students how difficult it was if you have truly experienced the free- their book bag, purse, or elsewhere to get free from the strings. Then dom that Christ offers to you.” • Where did Paul find his freedom from where it declares their freedom. explain that we are all slaves, we are those things that entrapped him? (In all trapped, and we are all tied up in Christ Jesus the Lord)

The REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

THE REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT HOMEMADE WORSHIP BY CHRIST HAS SET ME FREE FREEDOM RENDCOLLECTIVEEXPERIMENT.COM HANDMADE PEOPLE KINGSWAY MUSIC

The Song Freedom Declared Response To Christ As you listen to the song, write down anything the Romans 7:24-8:4 In this time of silence please consider your relation- singer declares he is now freed from because of Re-list some of the things from which we need to be ship with Christ. Do you experience the freedom that Christ. After the song is over, write down other things set free from our discussion about the “Christ has Set Christ grants to those who believe in Him? If you do from which Christ sets you free: Me Free” song. This is what Paul refers to when he great, praise God. Come forward to receive a testa- declares he is a wretched man. We are all wretched ment to your belief. If not, please consider belief in because of the sin that entraps us. Him and come talk to one of the adult leaders.

Where did Paul find his freedom from those things that entrapped him?

What happens when we are in Christ Jesus?

Why do you think it was important for Jesus to come in the likeness of man?

What does this passage say in your own words?

If you believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him, what does His sacrifice do for you?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 40 RUSH OF FOOLS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

RUSH OF FOOLS WE ONCE WERE COME FIND ME DAVE WEISS RUSHOFFOOLS.COM EONE MUSIC NEW CREATION FELLOWSHIP READING, PENNSYLVANIA [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Jesus; The Good Shepherd The point of allowing the other stu- Have your students read Luke 15:3-7. • How can you know the voice of the dents to shout false instructions is Discuss: good shepherd? (By getting to know Objective simple – in order to get through the • When the man in the story lost one of Jesus through prayer and the Word; obstacles of life, we have to learn to his sheep what did he do? (He left the learning to follow what He said.) In this lesson we will look at how Jesus listen to the right voice and pick that 99 to go and find the one.) cares for us. voice out from all the others bent on • What did Jesus say in verse 8 about slowing us down and keeping us from • What did he do when he found it? (He your conflicting voices? (Once again, our goals and dreams. picked it up and carried it back to the they are thieves and robbers – don’t Warm Up rest of the flock, and he rejoiced to the listen to them.) Before your group arrives, set up a point of throwing a party.) • What’s the difference between the series of safe obstacles in the room The Song • Verse 7 gives the moral of the story. good shepherd and the hired hand? and place three bags of candy or Hand out the Student Guides. Have What does this tell you about Jesus’ (The hired hand is not invested and other snacks on the opposite side of the students fill in the blanks for the lyr- feelings toward the people who have runs at the first sign of trouble. The the room. Have your students group ics as they listen to the Rush of Fools gone astray? (He loves them and good shepherd lays down his life for up in teams of four. Blindfold three song, “Come Find Me.” wants them back and He celebrates His sheep.) of the four students on each team. when they come home.) These players will be the Sheep and • How do we know that Jesus is the the other student will be the Shep- Transition good shepherd? (He laid down his life The have them read John 10:1-15 and for His sheep.) herd. The object of the game is for Say something like, “The songwriter answer these questions: the shepherd to shout instructions speaks of being a sheep that’s gone to the sheep to get them to the other astray, leaving the other 99. Have you • Remember in the game when others Wrap Up side of the room, to get the snack ever felt that you’ve gone astray – were shouting out trying to keep you Revisit John 10:10 and say, “Why is bags, and to return back to the start- you’ve listened to the wrong voices, from reaching the goal? What “voic- following the right voice so important? ing point. Time each team, and at the gotten way off track, and needed help es” in your everyday life do the same One voice leads to destruction, but end of their round return the snack to get back on the right path? The thing? (These could be any “voice” the good shepherd – the one who laid bags to the other side of the course. Bible tells us that Jesus is the good that draws us away from God and His down His life for you, the one who left The team that gets the best time wins shepherd who lay down his life for His will for our lives.) the 99 to come and find you – wants to the snacks. To make the game more sheep. Today we’re going to look at • What did Jesus say (in verses 1-5) give you a full and meaningful life.” Ask interesting, the other teams are also two passages of Scripture that explain about those conflicting voices? (They your students which voice they have allowed to shout false instructions to what that means to us.” are thieves and robbers.) been following. Give an invitation of try to slow down their opponents. • How can you avoid following the prayer for anyone who wants to say to wrong voices? Jesus, “Come Find Me.” • What should you do instead of following those voices?

RUSH OF FOOLS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

RUSH OF FOOLS WE ONCE WERE COME FIND ME JESUS; THE GOOD SHEPHERD RUSHOFFOOLS.COM EONE MUSIC

The Song Leaving The 99 Come Find Me Fill in the blanks. Luke 15:3-7 John 10:1-15 • When the man in the story lost one of his sheep • Remember in the game when others were shouting In a _____ that can’t seem to find what it ______what did he do? out trying to keep you from reaching the goal? What “voices” in your everyday life do the same thing? Give me ______in a ______that my ______have not ______• What did Jesus say (in verses 1-5) about those conflicting voices?

Walk in to the ______of my ______• How can you avoid following the wrong voices? Take hold of the ______that are • What should you do instead of following those So ______like ______gone astray voices? And if you ever leave the ______• What did he do when he found it? • How can you know the voice of the good shepherd?

Come ______• What did Jesus say in verse 8 about your conflicting voices? Come shine Your light in my ______Come ______• What’s the difference between the good shepherd and the hired hand? Put consuming fire in my heart In a _____ that can’t seem to find what it ______• How do we know that Jesus is the good shepherd? Give me ______in a ______that my ______have Reread John 10:10 not ______• Why is following the right voice so important? • Verse 7 gives the moral of the story. What does this tell you about Jesus’ feelings toward the people • Consider the choices you’ve been making. Which who have gone astray? voice have you been following?

______since the day I ______• Are your choices destructive to you and/or others? Learning how to ______for Your ______Why or why not? You’re ______this ______gone astray • Are your choices leading to an abundant meaningful And I pray You’ll leave the ______life? Why or why not? • Is it time to call out to the Good Shepherd and say, Come ______“Come Find Me”?

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In less than 120 days, yours grads will be on their own. You’ll hand ‘em the keys and watch as they drive off into their future. Your grads will be in the driver’s seat, going down the road at freeway speeds. They’ll need all the direction you can give them between now and then. Right now, their lives are filled with big questions. Now, more than ever, it’s time to give them big answers. The top names in Christian music have brought their songs and their wisdom to the ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Grad Gift to help your grads in the biggest transition of their lives.

Switchfoot, Tobymac, Lecrae, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, O ConGRADulations! UPDATED AND IMPROVED FOR THE CLASS OF 2012

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Switchfoot, Tobymac, Lecrae, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Owl City, Newsboys ConGRADulations!Have Something To Say To Your Graduating Seniors UPDATED AND IMPROVED FOR THE CLASS OF 2012

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44 SOUTHBOUND FEARING

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

SOUTHBOUND FEARING THE ANTHEM OF ANGELS UNSEEN MARY WILSON SOUTHBOUNDFEARING.COM RED CORD MUSIC UNKOMMON MEDIA MACON, GEORGIA [email protected]

Theme The Song Bible Study Wrap Up Spiritual Warfare Hand out the Student Guides and have Read 2 Kings 6:15-18 and then Close the meeting by reading Romans your students answer the questions as discuss: 8:38-39 as a responsive reading. (You Objective they listen to “Unseen.” • Why was the servant afraid? may need to adapt the participant • By the way, how is he? categories to your specific group.) Students will consider standing up to • Who could see the truth? the unseen forces in their lives. • What is fighting him? (Demons) • How were the servant’s eyes opened? All: For I am convinced • What does he want to feel? (Some- • Who did he see was there to fight Leader: that neither death thing more) for them? Warm Up Guys: nor life Have your students pick a partner (or • What does he want to fight? (The • Do you need God to open your eyes? unseen) neither angels pair them off yourself by height) and • What battles in your life do you need Girls: decide which one will be blindfolded • What is he giving away? (It all) God’s help to fight? Leader: nor demons and which one will have their hands • What is crashing around him? (Waters) tied behind their back. (A cheap bag All: neither the present nor the future of XL men’s tube socks work well as • What does he know? (What he’s Guys: nor any powers blindfolds and hand ties.) Give each been told) pair of students a task such as putting • Who does he feel by his side? Girls: neither height together a Mr. Potato Head or a child’s Guys: nor depth floor puzzle. They must work as a pair Listen to the song again and then to complete the task – one blindfolded, answer these questions: Leader: nor anything else in all creation and one with hands tied behind their • What keeps you awake at night? back. (You may need to serve as qual- All: will be able to separate us from ity control for the restraints.) The first • What demons are you fighting? the love of God that is in Christ Jesus pair to finish wins. You may provide a • What does the water represent to you? our Lord. small prize for the winner. • What if all you knew was what you’d been told? Transition • Is there anything (including demons) that can separate you from God • How did not being able to see affect and His great love for you? (Read your ability to complete the task? Romans 8:38-39.) • Did having “another set of eyes” help? • Who got the most frustrated?

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

SOUTHBOUND FEARING THE ANTHEM OF ANGELS UNSEEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE SOUTHBOUNDFEARING.COM RED CORD MUSIC

Listen To It Unpack It Learn About It Wrap It Up Answer these questions as you listen What keeps you awake at night? 2 Kings 6:15-18 Romans 8:38-39 to the song: Why was the servant afraid? By the way, how is he?

All: For I am convinced Who could see the truth? What is fighting him? What demons are you fighting? Leader: that neither death

Guys: nor life What does he want to feel? How were the servant’s eyes opened? Girls: neither angels

What does the water represent to you? Leader: nor demons What does he want to fight? All: neither the present nor the future Who did he see was there to fight for them? Guys: nor any powers What is he giving away? Girls: neither height What if all you knew was what you’d been told? Guys: nor depth Do you need God to open your eyes? What is crashing around him? Leader: nor anything else in all creation

All: will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus What does he know? our Lord. Is there anything that can separate you What battle in your life do you need from God and His love? (Check out God’s help to fight? Romans 8:38-39) Who does he feel by his side?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 46 STARFIELD

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

STARFIELD THE KINGDOM THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD DAVE JONES STARFIELDONLINE.COM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MILTON, PENNSYLVANIA [email protected]

not have to rely on our own power to and John’s request for boldness Theme The Song do this; we can call on God to give us was answered in Acts 4:31. All we Testimony Hand out the Student Guides. As “The strength. God will provide and make need to do is obey and pray since Kingdom Of Our God” plays, encour- our efforts successful. Ask, “What we know that God will answer our age your students to describe under does being successful in sharing Christ prayers, too. Objective the My Testimony section how they mean to you?” Students will learn that the best way came to Christ. Note: If unsaved stu- to proclaim the greatness of God is dents are present, you could encour- There is no way to fail when you obey Wrap Up through their own testimonies. age them to listen to the words and God’s command to witness. God does Say, “God truly is great; but how will focus on the fact that they can experi- not measure success as the world the world know that truth if believers ence the greatness of God that the does—the world forces people to not fail to share it? God has promised us Warm Up song mentions. only act, but also produce results. the Holy Spirit. God has promised to Have your students write about some- God calls His people to act, and He take care of the results Himself. All thing exciting that has happened to produces the results (1 Corinthians believers need to be willing to share them. Instruct them to give as many Transition 3:6). When we obey Him and share what God has done in their lives, pray- details as possible, but keep it anony- Say, “This song points out that not only our testimony, not only is His will being ing for boldness in the process. Let mous. When they’re finished, collect all is God great, He wants to live in each accomplished, but we become suc- us not miss out on the fact that God the papers and read them aloud. See of us. Part of the way we experience cessful – regardless of the results – by wants to build His kingdom by utiliz- whether anyone can guess who might that is by our sharing the story of how way of our obedience. If someone ing His people.” Encourage students have written each story. He changed our lives. This song serves accepts Christ because of our testimo- to sign the Testimony Commitment as a call to all believers to sing the ny, we receive an added blessing from Card, then tear it off and keep it in their praises of God.” God. Someone accepting Christ after Bibles or some other place where they Transition we share our testimony is simply an will not easily forget it. Say, “We know, inside ourselves, added blessing that God has given us. that God is great. However, the Bible Bible Study Ask, “What are some reasons people Before closing in prayer, you may commands us to share the greatness We all want to be part of something are afraid to share their testimonies?” want to encourage those who are of God with everyone we meet. (Acts great. No one wants to fail and then (Discuss answers) unsure of their salvation to stay after. 1:8) We are always willing to share share about those failures. Rather, we Some youth leaders are not comfort- about our exciting events, but not as seek to share our accomplishments The best way to overcome our fear is able giving an altar call at each youth willing to share about the greatest and those things that we are really to pray for boldness. We need to fol- service. However, this study provides event ever: our salvation when Christ excited about. Acts 1:8 tells us that low the examples of Peter and John a natural progression to an altar call entered our lives.” we can be part of something great. in Acts 4. Peter and John acknowl- and could be adapted to most any God will empower all His children with edged the importance of sharing youth group settings. the Holy Spirit for the cause of telling their testimonies (vs. 20) and prayed about Him. Believers tell about God by that God would give them boldness sharing their testimony – simply shar- to take a stand (vs. 29). God is faith- ing what God has done in them. We do ful and keeps His promises. Peter

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

STARFIELD THE KINGDOM THE KINGDOM OF OUR GOD TESTIMONY STARFIELDONLINE.COM

My Testimony Bible Study Testimony In the space below, describe who, when, where, and Acts 1:8 any other details surrounding how you came to know How can believers be great? Commitment Card Jesus as your Savior. I commit to sharing my testimony with people that God brings into my life. I will call upon God to equip me with the Holy Spirit to accomplish His work.

What is the difference between success according Signature:______to the world and success according to God? Date:______

1 Corinthians 3:6 How can believers partner with God in the building of His kingdom?

Acts 4 What can be learned from the example of Peter and John?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page >> Switchfoot • Vice Verses 48 discussion GUIDES

Switchfoot’s Vice Verses is about questions and hope. It’s a dichotomy between the now and the not yet. It sums up the life of everyone, especially a teenager’s life. Switchfoot challenges us to look at life as a whole and not just its parts. God has made an art form of painting pictures of things that don’t go together – a servant king, a king savior born in a manager, and dying to live. The students in your group don’t just need to hear these songs, they need to wrestle with them, use their Bibles as a high-wire walker uses a pole to balance himself 100 ft. off the ground. After all the wrestling, they can lay on their backs, look up in the sky, and see hope.

Paul Turner, a longtime Youth Leaders Only member, interlínc WriteGroup member, and the youth pastor at the tornado-ravaged Pleasant Grove Assembly of God Church in Birmingham, Alabama created a Discussion Starter for each song on Switchfoot’s latest album. Use these Discussion Starters in small Bible study groups, car rides with a bunch of kids, or even as the basis for cabin discussions at retreats or camps. Afterlife The Original The War Inside When you were little, what could you not wait until Which Is Better? – Name a re-made movie, re-mixed From the time we get up in the morning we face you were old enough to do? There are so many song, or updated product, and ask, “Which is bet- small battles such as, “Should I get out of bed, or things we have to wait to do until we are old enough: ter, the original, or the new? Why?” “Which movies sleep a little later?” The war within us is made up drive a car, date, get married, get a job, vote, join the do you like, the old or the new?” “Which do you like of many small battles, but the battles intensify the military, collect Social Security. when it comes to music?” further we go into our day. The choices get harder: “Should I talk to that new girl, or should I sit with Jesus was one of a kind. He is the only religious that lonely kid at lunch?” The battles get even more Play the song. figure of any religion to die for the sins of the world intense when we are deciding major issues of life and rise from the dead. Jesus did things in a new such as whether we should do drugs, or drink just Character Study: Peter (Matthew 14:22-33) Peter way. Where hate was the way, He showed love. to get along with everyone, or have sex although we lived life large. He acted or spoke first and thought Where judgment was the way, He showed mercy. know it’s wrong. These battles all spring out of the later. Contrast James and John – who argued about Jesus was an original. original battle between Adam and Eve and Satan. the afterlife and who would be next to Jesus (Matthew 20:20-21) with Peter – who wanted to Play the song. Play the song. experience the power of the afterlife now, as seen in his jumping out of a boat to go to Jesus. Like the Character Study: The Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) Switchfoot sings, “Ain’t no killer like pride, ain’t no song says, “I’m ready now, I’m not waiting on the You would think it would take a lot to blow Jesus killer like I, no killer like what’s inside.” What do you afterlife.” Discuss: away, but a simple request from a Roman soldier did think Switchfoot means by “the war inside”? • Have you ever done something without thought just that. The Centurion’s servant was sick. He knew – maybe even recorded it and put it on YouTube? Jesus was a healer, so he went to ask for healing for Character Study: Paul (Romans 7:14-20) – (Read this Explain. his servant. Jesus offered to come to his house and in multiple versions, e.g. The Message paraphrase, • What was the difference between Peter and the two heal him, but the Centurion told Jesus, “Lord, I do so the youth know exactly what Paul was trying to brothers James and John? not deserve to have you come under my roof. But get across.) Paul knew the evil that was in him. As a just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” former persecutor of the church, he was a man who • How can we move from talking about the afterlife to Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, I have not found would drag believers to court, to prison, and possibly experiencing it here and now? anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Jesus said, in to their deaths. There was a battle within him – not to essence, “I have found an original!” go back to the old life, but to pursue what he knew The good news is that Jesus wants us to know Him, • What made the Centurion an original in Jesus’ eyes? was right. For most of us, going back to bad is easy. enjoy Him, and live for Him now. Have a student read It’s easy to sin and disobey God. What is not easy is John 10:10. Jesus said that He came to give life • Would you call yourself an original or would our pursuit of good and the best God has for us. Paul “more abundantly.” Ask the students: you consider yourself a copy when it comes to knew it then and we know it now. faith? Explain. • How do you know something is alive? • Does this war continue today? How so? • Is there a difference between living and being Read Matthew 7:15-20. Jesus said you could tell • How does Satan continue the war today in our lives? alive? What? the original from a copy by the fruit (actions, speech, • How can we enjoy the abundant life Jesus is talking etc.) of a person’s life. The question is, do we look Read Galatians 5:16-18 and James 1:13-14. about here, right now? like the original Jesus or have we become a poor Although Satan can become a convenient scape- knock off version of Him? goat whenever something goes wrong (“The devil Jesus came to show us how to live life to the full- made me do it.”), the Bible is clear that we have a est. He hung out with the wrong crowd to show Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. What does Paul say about major scar from the original battle. After receiving them the right way, performed miracles, and these copycat Christians? Christ we now have a choice to make: the old way showed us what living out our faith to the fullest or Christ’s way? is like. There is a line in the song that says, “And I “One essential ingredient for being an original in the wonder why would I wait to come alive, I’m ready day of copies is courageous vision.” (Charles Swin- Have a bowl of sand available. Have students pass now.” What are you waiting for? doll) Let’s pray that we will choose to be an original the bowl of sand around. Ask the students to, one at when it comes to our faith. a time, draw a line in that sand and pray to pursue the side of the line that represents Christ. After they have said a silent prayer, have them erase their line and pass the bowl.

Restless Blinding Light Selling The News Augustine was an early church father, a Bishop in In this song, a young man and young lady are Recently, the “supreme leader” (the dictator of North Africa who wrote a book called City of God that encouraged to be themselves and not buy into the Korea) passed away. Kim Jung Ill’s son Kim Jung Eun includes this quote: “You have made us for Yourself, false promises of the American Dream. It is said that took his place. Here is what the Korean people were O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find a young person will see or hear over 3,000 media told of the former dictator: a bright star lighted up at his their rest in You.” This song would have been Augus- messages a day – most of the messages are try- birth; he made five hole-in-ones in the same golf game tine’s favorite song. ing to sell something. Ads on YouTube, games, and and shot a 38; his fashion was a global trend; people cellphones are trying to define their habits based on celebrate his birthday all over the world and throw festi- Play the song. Ask, “Which of these metaphors that a product or a way of life. It’s as old as the promise vals in his honor; he invented the hamburger; if he gets the song uses most relates to when you are feeling made by Satan himself in the Garden of Eden; he addicted to a drug, so does everyone else; and finally, far from God?” told Eve, “If you eat this, you will become this.” the whole world loved him. The people of North Korea • Broken, leaking pipes (your desire for God is a con- had no way to disprove this. stant, almost annoying, drip) Play the song – encourage your students to identify what each young person is being sold. Play the song. • A raindrop seeking the deepest part of the earth (always wanting more of God) • What are some of the promises being made to the • Do you watch the news? If not, how do you find out young people in the song? what is going on in the world? • The breaking seas try to reach shore (a tumultuous heart waiting to reach God) • What are some of the things that advertise • Are news shows biased one way or the other? What promises? (e.g. If you use this product, you will do you think? Character Study: David (Psalm 77:1-6; 102; 22; become this.) • Do you think the news exploits or takes advantage 37; 43; 130) David, the giant killer and the writer of • Have the world’s ideas and promises of success come of people? Why or why not? many of the Psalms, was restless for God. He often through for America’s youth? Why or why not? wondered when God would vanquish his enemies Character Study: Solomon (1 Kings 3:6-28) Solomon or when his trouble would be over. We all become Character Study: The Rich Young Ruler and the wanted to please God more than anything. He could restless when life does not seem like it’s coming Prodigal Son (Mark 10:17-27; Luke 15:11-32) The have asked God for anything, but he asked to be together, or worse, it’s completely falling apart. Rest- song continues, encouraging youth that they are bet- able to tell the difference between good and evil. lessness is not bad; it is our soul’s signal that we are ter than what the world paints them and better than a That’s called “discernment.” Right after Solomon’s connected to something great than this earth and we cheap promise, but they respond they are still hope- dream he had two women come to him and asked have a divine nature created by God. We ultimately ful that the world will give them what they are looking him to solve a dispute involving a baby. Solomon won’t be happy until we are connected with Him in for. In the two stories above, each young man looked had to choose wisely. He did not just want to make this life, and we will not be satisfied until we are with to riches as the answers. The Rich Young Ruler could a decision, he wanted to provide justice – to do the Him in the next. not do without them, and the Prodigal son could not right thing based on the information he had. • What are some things that David was restless about hang on to them. In each case, riches played a part • Do you filter the information you hear to make sure in these Psalms? separating a young person from God’s best. it’s true, or do you believe what everyone says? • How are you like David? • Do you think they received what riches promised? • Does everyone on the news/YouTube tell the truth? • Finish this statement: “I get restless (inwardly • Why are we so easily fooled by false promises? Why or why not? dissatisfied) with my spiritual life when…” • What do you use to help you tell the different Read 2 Peter 1:4; Matthew 7:26-28; 1 John 2:17; between what is right and wrong in God’s eyes? Psalm 145:13. Discuss: Play the song again, and encourage the kids to • Is the Bible more reliable than the news? Why or reflect on the lyrics and on their own restlessness. • What contrast do these Scriptures offer between the why not? promises of God’s and the promises of the world? • Even if the world could make good on its promises, Read Philippians 4:8. Discuss. would people be better off than with God’s prom- • If this verse became your standard for watching the ises? Why or why not? news or any other show, for that matter, how would this change your viewing habits? Have each student empty their pockets or wallets of money and place it in front of them. Ask, “Is what • Why do you think God wants you to have such is in front of you enough to separate you from God? a high standard for what goes through your eyes Why or why not? Is there an amount that could and ears? separate you from God? Let’s pray that there is not!” Ask the students to take their money, hold it in their The message of Jesus is called the “gospel”, a Greek hands, and pray this simple prayer, “Father, do not let word that means “good news.” Consider the news riches or the false promises of riches come between Jesus offers the next time you are presented with the me and You.” bad news of man’s opinion.

Thrive Dark Horses Souvenirs This song is the story of us all. We have days where Have you ever heard a sportscaster talk about a Whenever I travel to a state I have never been we don’t feel like ourselves. We have to take a long team being a “dark horse”? The term “dark horse” to, I pick up a deck of cards from that state for look in the mirror to know whether we are thriving or was first used in the 1800’s to describe an unknown my daughter. The souvenir is for her, not for me. surviving. Once we’ve stared down our image, we horse winning a race. Later the term came to mean We often pick up souvenirs to remind us of great have to make a declaration to do one or the other. an unlikely political candidate who could possibly win trips and fun times with friends and family. Every The person in the song is very honest; he openly an election. Sportscasters use the term to describe time we look at the souvenir, we are reminded of admits that he is not right. That is the trouble with us teams who are unlikely to make it to the champion- those moments. all. Let’s examine the song and see if we can figure ship but are still possible contenders. The definition out a way to thrive and not just survive. from the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy is: “an unex- Describe your favorite souvenir. Where is it from? pected winner.” The Bible is filled with dark horses— What makes it special? Play the song. winners who did not expect to win. • Can you relate to this song? Explain. The song describes looking back to a time of youth Discuss: and inexperience. For many college students, faith • What is the definition of someone who is just “sur- is a memory, something left behind because they viving” in life? • How do you know if you are wining with your parents? suddenly outgrew it. Youth Camp, prayer meetings, • What is your definition of someone who is “thriving” Bible studies, and great times with the Lord become in life? • How do you know if you are winning in relationships? souvenirs instead of milestones. How can we keep • The song says, “A warm body does not mean I am • How do you know if you are winning with God? from putting our faith in a box in the attic? alive.” What does this mean to you? Play the song. Play the song. Character Study: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) You might say that Zacchaeus was tired of surviving Character Study: Peter (Luke 5:1-11), the woman at Character Study: Peter, James, and John (Matthew and he wanted to thrive. He knew of Jesus but had the well (John 4), and the woman to be stoned (John 17:1-13) Peter, James, and John went on a day trip never seen Him. So he climbed in a tree to get a 8:1-11) Discuss: with Jesus. On this trip they did a little mountain better look. Jesus noticed him and called him down. • In the world’s eyes, what made these people losers? climbing. On the mountain, something amazing Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, but wealth was happened. Moses and Elijah appeared to them! The • According to Jesus, what made each of them guys’ response was to want to build three altars not enough. From his brief encounter with Jesus, winners? Zach’s life went into thrive mode. His heart changed there – one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for to the point where he returned money to those he Jesus. It was a good idea, but Jesus was not inter- Salvation is an unexpected gift. The Bible says we ested. The disciples missed the point. Then the voice had cheated, and Jesus ate at his house that day. cannot know God unless the Holy Spirit draws us to Sounds like thriving to me! of God thundered, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him (John 6:44). Jesus often popped into people’s him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Maybe we’ve lives and declared them winners, although they did Read Matthew 23:27. Jesus called out the Phari- built an altar to Jesus at camp, or we built Jesus an not look like winners and did not even know they altar at church, and we only hear from Him when we sees, the religious leaders of the time, as only looking were in the race. Have you had this experience? alive on the outside. visit those places. • Do Christians have this problem today? The song declares to “not count us out.” Don’t count • Is there a place you sense Jesus more than others? Where? • What are some of the activities we paint ourselves yourself out; God doesn’t. with to show others we are alive, when we are really • The Father’s command to the disciples was to listen dead inside? to Jesus. How can we do a better of that when we are not at the special place? Read James 2:22-25. The song says, “The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes.” Could we feel Read Hebrews 10:32. The writer of Hebrews says like strangers because we look in God’s Word but we should remember those days when we strongly don’t see ourselves? Part of thriving as a believer is felt God’s presence during hard times. If you were spiritual authenticity. Let’s not be afraid to look in the asked about your faith five years from now, what mirror. The truth hurts but dishonesty hurts us worse. would you be able to look back on that made a difference in your life? Being young is a short trip; pick Hand out a paper and a pen to each student. Ask the up a few souvenirs of faith along the way, but don’t students to divide the paper into two columns: Sur- stop travelling. viving and Thriving. Ask them to write in the Surviving column everything that makes them feel they are “surviving” in life., In the Thriving column, ask them to write whatever makes them feel they are “thriving”. Close in prayer and challenge students to live by the list that makes them feel alive in Christ.

Rise Above It Vice Verses Where I Belong Sometimes, life feels phony, as though we’re play- There are quiet times when we think deep thoughts Knowing where we belong is an important issue in acting. Shakespeare said in As You Like It, “All the such as, “Why am I here?” or “Where is God?” life. If we know where we belong we can get on with world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely Those are good questions that lead us to diverse whatever we think we are supposed to do. Unfortu- players.” Do you sometimes feel that way? Why? answers and possible solutions. nately, for many teens and adults, this search goes on too long. The world is real, but not reality. The reality is that life Water is used throughout the song and album to • How important to you is belonging to the “right is brief. If we are blessed enough to live 80 years, it describe the fluidness of faith. Like the tide, we are group”? still does not seem enough, does it? What do these up and down, in and out, searching, reaching, and Scriptures say about this life? (James 4:14; Job 7:7; crashing. The tide never disappears. The tide is • Why do we spend so much time trying to find the Psalm 39:5; 78:39) erratic but is always present. If you could describe “right group”? What do we think it will gain? your faith in terms of water (it’s bigger than the • Is there a place (looking at the stars, the ocean, the Play the song. ocean, it’s cold like an Arctic fishing hole), how would mountains, etc.) that makes you feel as if earth is not you describe it? the final place you belong? What is the song asking us to rise above? This song can be a just another slogan or it can be a lifestyle. Character Study: Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1) Does The song reminds us of something very important In truth, we’re either rising above life’s difficulties and this sound like your experience? Before you think while we are searching, “This skin and bones is a phoniness or sinking deeper into it. A line from the of jumping off a cliff because of these somewhat rental.” The Bible is clear to remind us that earth is song says, “Hear us sing tonight like it’s the last night depressing statements, consider that Solomon not our final resting place. on earth.” Live this life to the fullest but let’s not for- asked many questions and eventually came up with get that this life is not all there is. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Character Study: Jesus (Matthew 26:36-46) The reality of where we belong hits home when we read Character Study: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke Let’s ask all the questions we can. Let’s meditate and about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. I 16:19-31) Have you ever wondered why you born in daydream. Let’s complain and moan like in the song, do not know what Jesus was thinking but His words America and not elsewhere? Have you ever won- “Where is God in the earthquake?” These questions are clear. He wanted to know whether this painful dered why you have all you need and someone is will always exist until we see Jesus face to face. In place was where He belonged. He had seen cruci- barely getting by? We cannot control where or when fact, that will be the only time when we will have all fixions before. He knew His death would be painful. we are born, but we can control how we live the the answers. But He knew, after prayer, that this was where He life we are given by the choices we make. We don’t belonged. know why Lazarus was born and wound up this way, Read 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “Now we see but a poor and the same for the rich man. If Lazarus lived in our reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to Sometimes we can feel that we do not belong in this time we’d say, “Get a job!” Well, we know that is not face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even place, this home, this family, this church – and yet, so easy anymore. as I am fully known.” we may be exactly where God wants us. Jesus had • If you were allowed to ask Jesus a question right to be at this place, at this time for our sakes – to take We don’t know why Lazarus could not “rise above.” now and receive a direct and immediate answer, our sin so He could one day say, “In my Father’s The rich man had everything, and by all accounts what would you ask Him? house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would looked as if he had risen above everything—every- have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for thing, except pride and arrogance. In the end, Laza- • Why is that important to you? you.” (John 14:2) He is preparing a place where we rus did rise above and the rich man did not. all belong. Solomon tried many things in his life and came • If the rich man heard this song how do you think he up empty. When we are young, we usually do the would interpret it? Read 2 Corinthians 5:1; Job 4:19; and 2 Peter 1:13- same. Sometimes it takes time to separate the 14. The joy of being a Christian is our hope – life with • If Lazarus heard this song how do you think he worthwhile and the worthless. The song says “a God. The song says it well when it says, “Where the would interpret it? little resurrection every time I die.” There are bless- weak are finally strong, where the righteous right the • How do you interpret the song for you? ings and there are curses. Solomon discovered wrongs.” both and so shall we. • What do you need to rise above? • What are you looking forward to most about heaven? Read 1 John 2:27 – “The world and its desires pass • What wrongs do you want to see righted? away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” Close in prayer. To quote the song again, and to encourage you to live out your faith to the end, “And when I reach the other side, I want to look you in the eye, and know that I have arrived, in a place where I belong.” Heav- en is the place where we all belong.

Play the song again, and ask students to think about heaven and eternity. Gather everyone together and hold hands or put hands on each other’s shoulders for prayer. Ask for volunteers to pray for any needs in the group. Instead of asking everyone to say “Amen” ask students to say, “We belong.”

52 THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH THE END IS WHERE WE BEGIN BE SOMEBODY TODD PEARAGE THOUSANDFOOTKRUTCH.COM THE FUEL MUSIC THE GATHERING DAYTON, OHIO [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Self-Identity; In Christ Ask, “What did you learn about our As the students get settled, have them I want you to think about two things: group?” (They should say things like, share their names and discuss: • We all want to be somebody – and Objective although we are similar in some areas, • If you could trade places with anyone in in Christ, we are somebody. So write we are still very different and unique.) the world, who would it be, and why? your name in that first blank. Who do Your students will realize that they are you think gets his or her name in the loved and valued by God. • Take a look at the chorus; did you The Song get all the blanks filled in? (Answers: second blank? (God) Hand out the Student Guides and say, down, sound, chemistry, me, fire, I • You probably know someone who Warm Up “We’re going to listen to ‘Be Some- really am, somebody, far) doesn’t think they are somebody. Clumps – Tell the students to form body’ – a new song by Thousand Foot • What do you think when you hear the What can you do to share this lesson groups or “clumps” based on height, Krutch. This is TFK’s seventh studio phrase, “We all want to be somebody, with them? What do you think would hair color, number of cavities, number album, and after 15 years they still we just need a taste of who we are”? happen if you sent them a quick text of siblings, shirt color, month of birth, know how to RAWK. As I play this What do you think the band is trying message that says, “THINKIN BOUT grade, school you attend, etc. Once song, listen to the words and fill in the to tell us with that statement? (Allow U! U R AWESOME!” If they ask why they are in their groups, read a ques- blanks on your handout.” students to respond and get them to you sent that, are you willing to share tion from the list below (or write your say something like we are somebody, with them some of the things we own) and ask everyone to answer with- but sometimes we don’t realize it.) talked about here tonight? Let’s pray in their group. When the groups have Transition for God to use you to share with your finished, tell the students to mingle Say, “What did you think of the song? The Bible tells us that we are someone. friends that they are SOMEBODY. again. Sample questions: Okay, let’s split up into small groups God is crazy about us. (Read Psalm Then, let’s text our friends! • What is your favorite cartoon (or and talk more about this song and 139:13-17.) Discuss: what it means.” cartoon character)? • What does this passage tell you about • Who do you most admire? how God sees you? • What animal is most like your • Has anyone ever sent you a card, personality? email, or text message that just said • What would you do with $100,000? something like, “Hey just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you; • What do you hope to be doing in have a great day”? If so, how did that ten years? make you feel? • The last line of that passage says, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” How amazing that God thinks about us continually, and that they are good thoughts!

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH THE END IS WHERE WE BEGIN BE SOMEBODY SELF-IDENTITY; IN CHRIST THOUSANDFOOTKRUTCH.COM THE FUEL MUSIC

Fill In The Blanks Psalm 139:13-17

After all the lights go ______,

I’m just the words, you are the ______,

A strange type of ______,

How you’ve become a part of ______

And when I, sit alone at night,

Your thoughts burn through me,

Like a ______, ...you’re the only one,

Who knows, who, ______

______is SOMEBODY, because ______says so! We all want to be ______,

We just need a taste of who we are,

We all want to be somebody, TXT: THINKIN BOUT U! U R AWESOME!

We’re willing to go, but not that ______

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page >>

54 THEMATIC LISTING

These are the themes represented by all the songs in ten for them. The page number for these studies are web browser to the “What The Bible Says About...” this volume of Youth Leaders Only. The songs listed listed after the artist’s name. For a comprehensive (http://wbsa.logos.com) and type in the theme. in red type have complete Bible study sessions writ- list of the Scripture verses for each theme, point your

Acceptance Determination Distractions Faith Brinson Switchfoot Switchfoot Brinson / Page 26 O.M.G Vice Verses Vice Verses O.M.G Last But Not Least Outro Rise Above It Blinding Light He Said He Loved Me (feat. Nitty)

Ambition Devotion Doubt Nine Lashes Dominic Balli Brinson Rush Of Fools World We View ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 O.M.G We Once Were Believe Your Eyes American Dream Going God Help Our Unbelief (feat. Sonny Sandoval) (feat. Aye Day Fothousand) Family; Parents Dreams & Desires Rachel Chan Biblical Manhood Devotion; Seeking Nine Lashes GO 116 FEAT. LECRAE / Page 20 God World We View Prove It Man Up Album Rachel Chan The Intervention ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 GO Forgiven Man Up Anthem Show Me More Emptiness Brinson Nine Lashes O.M.G World We View Brokenness Switchfoot Dirty Laundry (feat. Readywriter) Brinson Vice Verses The Void O.M.G Restless Forgiveness Breaking Down Eternity Close Your Eyes / Page 28 (feat. Jermel Forehand) Difficulties; Hope Owl City Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Valleys Commitment Within Galaxies Brinson Close Your Eyes Thousand Foot Krutch O.M.G Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Evangelism; God’s The End Is Where We Begin Don’t Rap No More Keep The Lights On Representatives The End Is Where We Begin Starfield Complacency Diligence The Kingdom Freedom Nine Lashes Southbound Fearing Light Of The World The Rend Collective The Anthem Of Angels World We View Experience / Page 38 Our Darkest Day How Drums Thousand Foot Krutch Homemade Worship By The End Is Where We Begin Handmade People Thousand Foot Krutch Confidence, In Christ We Are Christ Has Set Me Free they Brinson The End Is Where We Begin are O.M.G This Is A Warning Evangelism; Friendship; Support Beastmode / F.S.A. Nine Lashes listed: (Favor Shield Activated) Discipleship Witnessing World We View Jamie Grace Nine Lashes My Friend Contentment ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 World We View Theme Brinson You Lead Write It Down Frustration Artist O.M.G Southbound Fearing Album Title Green Grass Theory 80/20 Discipleship, Cost Of Thousand Foot Krutch The Anthem Of Angels Song The Rend Collective Experience The End Is Where We Begin 200K Miles Dependence Homemade Worship By Let The Sparks Fly Leeland / Page 32 Handmade People The Great Awakening The Cost I Cry Starfield Rachel Chan The Kingdom GO Innocence And Other Things Resting In You Lost

Glorifying God God’s Love God’s Patience God’s Sufficiency The Rend Collective Experience Elizabeth South Nine Lashes Starfield Homemade Worship By Do It Afraid World We View The Kingdom Handmade People Higher Get Back All I Want Is You You Are My Vision Rachel Chan Rachel Chan God’s Word God’s Eternal Nature GO GO Southbound Fearing Rush Of Fools Even Here Ready And Waiting The Anthem Of Angels We Once Were Never Fails Beginning To End Rachel Chan God’s Plan GO Elizabeth South Grace God’s Faithfulness You And Your Love Do It Afraid Close Your Eyes Arms Of The Savior Grace Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Rachel Chan Brinson Carry You GO God’s Presence O.M.G You Must Love Me Leeland Light Club (feat. Young Chozen Rush Of Fools The Great Awakening & Dre Murray) We Once Were Rush Of Fools I Can See Your Love Inside And Outside We Once Were Rush Of Fools No Other Love Rachel Chan We Once Were How God’s Forgiveness GO Grace Found Me Close Your Eyes Rush Of Fools So Close they Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts We Once Were Heaven; Citizenship are Erie You’re The Medicine Rachel Chan Southbound Fearing GO The Anthem Of Angels listed: Elizabeth South Still Singing This Is Not My Home Do It Afraid Still The Rend Collective Experience Switchfoot Theme Homemade Worship By Vice Verses Artist God’s Intimacy Handmade People Where I Belong Album Title The Rend Collective Experience Keep Me Near Song Homemade Worship By Holy Spirit Handmade People Switchfoot Leeland True Intimacy Vice Verses The Great Awakening Holy Ghost God’s Judgment Souvenirs Leeland Thousand Foot Krutch Hope; In God The Great Awakening The End Is Where We Begin Close Your Eyes Pages All I Need To Know Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Heavy Hearts Humility Newsboys ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 I Am Second

56 THEMATIC LISTING

Inspiration Love For God Perseverance; Salvation, Close Your Eyes The Rend Collective Experience Obedience Redemption Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Homemade Worship By Close Your Eyes The Rend Collective Experience Paper Thin Handmade People Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Homemade Worship By Desert Soul Injustice Handmade People Jesus Incarnation Second Chance The Rend Collective Experience Thousand Foot Krutch Positive Attitude Homemade Worship By The End Is Where We Begin Me In Motion Salvation; Handmade People So Far Gone ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Shining Star Regeneration Money Yes We Can TobyMac Jesus; Lordship Next Chapter / Page 12 Prayer ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Elizabeth South ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Changed Forever Brinson (feat. Nirva Ready) Do It Afraid Stewardship: Finances O.M.G Surrender Obedience Every Knee (feat. Knine) Salvation; Starfield Elizabeth South Priorities Sanctification The Kingdom Do It Afraid Brinson Leeland Speak Now Jesus Do It Afraid O.M.G The Great Awakening Jesus; The Good Peer Pressure Fully Persuaded (feat. Knine) Chains Hit the Ground Shepherd Nine Lashes/ Page 34 Procrastination Self Sacrifice Rush Of Fools / Page 40 World We View Close Your Eyes Rush Of Fools We Once Were Anthem Of The Lonely Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts We Once Were Come Find Me Perseverance Hope Slips Away End Of Me Life; Purpose/Meaning Rush Of Fools Relationships Self-Confidence Thousand Foot Krutch We Once Were College Ready / Page 10 Switchfoot The End Is Where We Begin Won’t Say Goodbye ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Vice Verses Fly On The Wall Empowering Friendships Dark Horses Thousand Foot Krutch How Rachel Chan/ Page 36 The End Is Where We Begin Nine Lashes Self-Identity; In Christ GO Down World We View Brinson they Lame Afterglow O.M.G Perseverance; Over The World are Switchfoot Endurance Restoration (feat. Rossi & Cstraight) Vice Verses Elizabeth South Southbound Fearing listed: Thrive Do It Afraid The Anthem Of Angels Thousand Foot Krutch / Page 52 Desert Rose Bring It Back The End Is Where We Begin Theme Switchfoot Be Somebody Artist Vice Verses Elizabeth South Revival Album Title Vice Verses Do It Afraid Leeland Self-Image/ Song Don’t Give Up On Your Love The Great Awakening Uniqueness The Great Awakening Switchfoot Nine Lashes Vice Verses World We View The Rend Collective Experience The Original Adrenaline Homemade Worship By Handmade People Nine Lashes Build Your Kingdom Here World We View Memo Salvation Brinson Thousand Foot Krutch O.M.G The End Is Where We Begin O.M.G. Cypher (feat. Bless’ed, Courtesy Call Big R, H.E.A.V.Y., Tha Mic, Readywriter, D.King & Oppose)

Servanthood Spiritual Warfare Trust Worship; Praise Skillet Close Your Eyes Elizabeth South / Page 30 Elizabeth South ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts Do It Afraid Do It Afraid Hero Empty Hands I Will Trust You Fall To My Knees

Starfield Leeland Starfield Elizabeth South The Kingdom The Great Awakening The Kingdom Do It Afraid Burn For You Not Afraid Anymore Just Surrender Holy Holy Holy

Starfield Southbound Fearing Victory Southbound Fearing The Kingdom The Anthem Of Angels Leeland The Anthem Of Angels I Have Decided Fighting Words The Great Awakening The Only Word All Over the Earth Sin, Confession Of Southbound Fearing / Page 44 Starfield Starfield The Anthem Of Angels Wisdom; Discernment The Kingdom The Kingdom Unseen Switchfoot Heart And Flesh Natural Disaster Vice Verses Thousand Foot Krutch Selling The News Zeal Close Your Eyes The End Is Where We Begin Southbound Fearing Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts I Get Wicked Worldview The Anthem Of Angels How Wormwood Next Chapter / Page 14 Irresistible Surrender ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 they Sin; Consequences Of Rush Of Fools Worldview Switchfoot Close Your Eyes We Once Were Vice Verses are Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts A Civil War Worship ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 listed: Scars Jeremy Camp Afterlife Testimony ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 Close Your Eyes Starfield / Page 46 Unrestrained Thousand Foot Krutch Theme Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts The Kingdom The End Is Where We Begin Artist Wolves The Kingdom Of Our God Leeland Light Up The Sky Album Title The Great Awakening Song Sin; Repentance The Bible I Wonder Rush Of Fools Brinson We Once Were O.M.G Leeland The Wrong Things The Stereotype (Skit) The Great Awakening Unending Songs Sin; Struggle With Transformation Switchfoot Rush Of Fools The Rend Collective Experience Vice Verses We Once Were Homemade Worship By The War Inside We Once Were Handmade People Alabaster Social Action Leeland The Rend Collective Experience The Great Awakening Homemade Worship By While We Sing Handmade People Praise Like Fireworks

Southbound Fearing The Anthem Of Angels Beautiful

The Creative Journey Alabaster

By Will Herron The Rend Collective Experiment The Rend Collective Experiment

In May 2010, Ali, Pat and I went to see Gareth and The process of creativity must be found within Intro: Chris compete in the Belfast marathon. We found the greater context of our pursuit of God. If we Bm7, A/C# / D (2x) ourselves a good spot by the finish line to see our pursue creativity outside of this context, we open athlete friends complete the marathon hand in ourselves up to self-indulgence and competitive- Verse 1: hand! The finish line, although the most glorified of ness where the end product can impede, rather Bm7 A/C# D all stages of the marathon, is but a fraction of the than aid, the church. As we pursue God, the Spirit I am broken at Your feet journey up to that point. Much blood, sweat, and crafts His heart within us. The desire for self- Bm7 A/C# D tears were shed through previous months of train- recognition and attention dwindle in the light of Like an alabaster jar ing in the build up to that moment. the divine desires for God’s glory and the beauty Bm7 A/C# D of His bride. Every piece of who I am I say all of this because it bears similar resem- Bm7 A/C# D blance to the creative process. The completed Writing within a group brings the added dynamic Laid before Your majesty work, whether a song, sermon, or book, is a finish of our relationships with one another. In the con- line of sorts but it bears only a fraction of the cre- text of a band, this often calls for honesty and ative journey as a whole. compromise in regards to lyrical or musical ideas. (Which, for creative people, can often be a chal- Chorus: Over the past couple of years we have been writ- lenge!) D A/C# Em D Bm7 ing and crafting songs for our second album, I will bow my life at Your feet Homemade by Handmade People. Having had The best environment for this kind of dialogue is G A time to reflect post-writing/recording, I have a few in the midst of relationships founded upon trust At Your feet thoughts of how we should approach the creative and humility. This is why the continual dynamic of D A/C# Em7 D Bm7 process as followers of Jesus. our relationship with God is so important. These My lips, so lost for words, will kiss Your feet characteristics come only through intimacy with G A In no way do I think that we, as a band, have God as the Spirit forms in us the heart of Christ. Kiss Your feet cultivated the optimum environment for pursuing A creative environment of trust and selflessness creativity. However, I do think that we are learning is formed, the product of which lies parallel to the something of where creativity can reach its great- heart of God. Verse 2: est potential. Oh the gravity of You The prospect of the church pursuing creativity and Draws my soul unto its knees Jesus’ teachings carry a heavy emphasis on the originality is an exciting one. However, if we are I will never be the same to echo the heart of God to the world within what quality of our relationships. The most important I am lost and found in You commandments He highlighted relate to our rela- we create, we must first hear the initial sound of tionship with God and those around us. So often His voice. (Repeat Chorus 2x) we can get caught up in the pursuit of creativity while losing sight of these fundamental com- Thanks for reading and journeying with us! mands. However, these were given as principal directives within every area of life including the creative process.

Written by The Rend Collective Experiment. © 2011 Than- kyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at EMICMGPublishing. com excluding Europe which is adm. by Kingswaysongs) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

ALL Over The Earth AS CLOSE Beginning to End

Leeland Rachel Chan Rush Of Fools

Intro: Gm Gm/F Intro: D, Bm, A, G We’re as close as we wanna be D D/F# G/B G C7 EbM Verse: To resting in a perfect peace Verse 1: D Bm Gm Gm/F C7 EbM Bm D/F# Oh, we give you praise We’re as close as we wanna to be to God Nothing was created A G Gm Gm/F G for You alone are holy We’re as far as we wanna be Not a mountain or the ocean, without You there D Bm C7 EbM Bm D/F# Jesus, your name is Greater From living for eternity Before there was a heaven A G Gm Gm/F C7 EbM G for you alone are holy We’re as far as we wanna to be from God You were bound to nothing, but You were there

Chorus: Chorus: Pre Chorus: Bm-A EbM BbM Em D C We wanna see Jesus came to seek and save Now Your glory has opened up the skies Bm-A Cm Gm Your victory To make a friend out of a slave Chorus: Bm-G EbM BbM Cm D D G All over the earth To bring us close though we were far away From beginning to end, God You reign, You reign Bm-G EbM BbM Bm D/F# G All over the earth God is with us every place Over time and space You stand as You remain, Bm-A Cm Gm sovereign over all Your kingdom come His open arms are filled with grace Bm-A EbM BbM Cm D Intro Your will be done He’ll draw us near as we draw near by faith Bm-G Verse 2: All over the earth We’re as lost as we wanna to be No one could have formed You Bm-G G-G D If we were blind but now can see Although many hands have tried to, and mine were there All over the earth We’re as lost as we wanna to be today No one had to save You We’re as down as we wanna to be Cause You alone have stayed true, and I’m aware Break: If the joy of Christ has set us free Bm, G, Bm, D - D, A We’re as down as we wanna to be today Pre Chorus: Em D C Bridge: Chorus 2x That You’re the one who opened up my eyes Bm G Bm D - D A All glory in the highest Gm Gm/F Chorus We’re as close as we wanna be C7 EbM Bridge: To resting in a perfect peace C G/B Em Gm Gm/F C7 All the things I can’t control,and all the dreams I’ve We’re as close as we wanna to be to God tried to hold C G/B Em G All the times I’m losing hope, You’re never letting go D G

Chorus x3

Outro: D D/F# G/B G - Bm D/F# G D

Words & Music by Wes Willis, Kevin Huguley, Jason Ingram Words and Music by Leeland Mooring & Jack Mooring © Written by Rachel Chan and Dave Lubben ©2011 Tent & Matt Bronleewe. © 2011 Meaux Hits / Wes Willis Music / 2011 Meaux Mercy/The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (BMI) Creative Songs/ Rachel Chan publishing designee/ Indel- Songs For Sinners (ASCAP) (Admin. at EMICMGPublishing. (adm. at EMICMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. ible Creative Songs (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by com) / Sony ATV/Timber Publishing / West Main Music / permission. Windsor Hill Music (SESAC) / SonyATV/Cross Keys Pub- lishing / Songs From The Science Lab

Build Your Kingdom Here Dark Horses Grace Found Me

The Rend Collective Experiment Switchfoot Rush Of Fools

Verse 1: Intro: A5 C5 F5 D5 (x4) Verse 1: G D G D Verse 1: D G Bm Come set Your rule and reign in our hearts again A5 F5 D5 I never thought that I would amount to anything G D A I’ve made my mistakes, I’ve seen my heart cave in D Increase in us we pray, Unveil why we’re made A5 F5 D5 at all G D I got my scars, I’ve been to hell and back again G Bm Come set our hearts ablaze with hope I get that things have changed yet I still feel the same Pre-Chorus: G D D/F# G A5 F5 D5 Like wildfire in our very souls but I’m not alone Born for the blue skies, We’ll survive the rain G D A A5 F5 Holy Spirit come invade us now Chorus: Born for the sunrise, We’ll survive the pain G D A Pre-Chorus 1: Chorus: ’Cause your grace found me, I thought I wasn’t breathing G D A G D A D A5 C5 G D A We are Your Church, We need Your power in Us We’re singing hey, you can’t count us out my heart now sings F5 D5 G D A Bm Verse 2: We’ve been running up against the crowd ’Cause you chased for me, I never saw you coming We seek Your kingdom first, We hunger and we thirst A5 C5 F5 D5 G D A Refuse to waste our lives, For You’re our joy and prize Yeah, we are the dark horses My eyes now see your grace found me To see the captive hearts released A5 C5 The hurt; the sick; the poor at peace We’re singing wait, it’s not over now Turn: G D A - G A D We lay down our lives for Heaven’s cause F5 D5 We’ve been down but we’ve never been out Verse 2: Pre-Chorus 2: A5 C5 F5 D5 If you had given me up I would have nothing left, at all WE are Your church, We pray revive this earth Yeah, we are the dark horses Nothing to give of myself and no one to take my place Verse 2: but you came along Chorus: We found a way out, The city takes everything it can A Bm7 G D But outside the crowds, I can feel my lungs again Chorus Build Your kingdom here, Let the darkness fear Pre chorus A Bm7 G A Chorus Bridge: Show Your mighty hand, Heal our streets and land Tag: A5 C5 F5 D5 D/F# G G Bm7 G D We’re singing la, la la, la la la la I’m covered over Set Your church on fire, Win this nation back A5 C5 F5 D5 Bm A Bm7 G A D La, la la, la la la la I’m so wrapped up Change the atmosphere, Build Your kingdom here we pray A Interlude: A5 C5 F5 D5 (x2) It’s all your love Verse 3: Bridge: E G Unleash Your kingdom’s power A5 C5 F5 D5 It’s all your love Reaching the near and far Born for the blue skies (repeat) G D A No force of hell can stop A5 F5 D5 Your grace found me, when I wasn’t breathing Your beauty changing hearts Born for the sunrise, We’ll survive the pain G D A You made us for much more than this Interlude grace found me Awake the kingdom see in us Chorus Fill us with the strenghth and love of Christ Tag (Remove “We’re singing”) Chorus Interlude (x1/2) Pre-Chorus 3: Outro (whispered): We are Your church Keep running with the dark horses We are the hope Hope makes the blood change courses On earth Keep running with the dark horses Stand up for the dark horses

Written by The Rend Collective Experiment © 2011 Than- Written by Jonathan Foreman and Tim Foreman. © 2011 Words & Music by Wes Willis, Kevin Huguley, Jacob Chesnut, kyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at EMICMGPublishing. Publishing Schumblishing/ (ASCAP) Jacob Blount, and Jamie Sharpe. © 2011 Meaux Hits / com excluding Europe which is adm. by Kingswaysongs) Wes Willis Music / Songs For Sinners (ASCAP) / Meaux All rights reserved. Used by permission. Jeaux Music / Rush Of Fools Music (SESAC) (Admin. at EMICMGPublishing.com)

I Have Decided I Will Trust You I Wonder

Starfield Elizabeth South Leeland

Verse 1: [Capo 4] Verse 1: C Am Verse 1: D I have decided to follow Jesus G D At the stars in the night, I wonder F C You are God forever and ever Bm I have decided to follow Jesus Em C At your lightning in the sky, I shudder Am F Evermore my friend A G D I have decided to follow Jesus G D Your glory is a blanket that covers every living thing C/E G C You’re my refuge always in trouble D No turning back, No turning back Em C Verse 2: Guide me to the end I’m in awe at the majesty of who you are Chorus: Bm F G Am Pre-Vhorus: Your love is a seal burnt inside my heart I will follow You, I will follow You, Em D C G C A G D F Dm Am C/B C Am So I will trust you Lord with all my heart All of the day I want to be where you are, Holy Father I will follow You my God Em D C I’ll lean on Your Word for understanding Pre-Chorus: Verse 2: Em D C G D Though none go with me still I will follow And You will guide me home And it feels like there’s not enough praise inside of me Though none go with me still I will follow G D Though none go with me still I will follow Chorus: With all these words, all my heart can sing is “Holy” No turning back, No turning back G D A I will trust You, I will love You You are Holy Chorus (2x) Am C Chorus: I won’t be afraid anymore D Verse 3: G D Em C Jesus Christ, you bled your love, The world behind me, the Cross before me I will trust You, You will always be my strength Bm The world behind me, the Cross before me G D Em C laid down yourself and gave me life The world behind me, the Cross before me I will trust You Em No turning back, No turning back In naked shame you hung and you were lifted high Verse 2: D D7 Chorus (2x) You are love, You died for me You Here I lay in awe and wonder Heal my weary soul D You lift me up and keep me from falling I am afraid, for no one’s ever sacrificed Forgive and make me whole Bm and loved me this way Bridge: Em G D Em C So on my face I fall under your heavy grace You are the Maker of the heavens and the earth D G D Em C Here I lay in awe and wonder You are the only One who knew me before birth G D Ohh, Ohh, and I wonder Chorus Verse 2 Pre-Chorus Chorus Chorus

Written By Tim Neufeld/Jon Neufeld. © Neufeld Music) Written by Elizabeth South & Billy Smiley © 2011 by Eliza- Words and Music: Leeland Mooring. © 2011 Meaux Mercy/ (SESAC) beth South Music / ASCAP and Mission Group Music / The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (BMI) (adm. at EMICMGPub- ASCAP (adm by Alex Morris at musicservices.org) lishing.com) All rights reserved.

Restless Second Chance

Switchfoot The Rend Collective Experiment

Intro: B Bsus4 B Bsus4 (x2) Bridge: Intro: D / A / G / D, A B E Verse 1: Verse 1: I can hear you breathing, I can feel you leading B D B E I am the sea on a moonless night My future hangs on this More than just a feeling, More than just a feeling Bsus4 A B E Calling falling, slipping tides You make preciousness from dust I can feel you reaching, Pushing through the ceiling B G D A B E I am the leaky, dripping pipes Please don’t stop creating me ’Til the final healing, I’m looking for you Bsus2 D The endless, aching drops of light Pre-Chorus 3: Your blood offers the chance B Abm G#m2 A I am the raindrop falling down Until the sea of glass we meet To rewind to innocence Bsus4 E G D, A Always longing for the deeper ground At last completed and complete Reborn, perfect as a child B Abm Chorus: I am the broken, breaking seas Where tide and tear and pain subside Bm7 G D Bsus2 E Oh Your cross it changes everything Even my blood finds ways to bleed And laughter drinks them dry Bm7 G D A Pre-Chorus 1: Refrain: There my world begins again with You Abm B (E) Bm7 G D Even the rivers ways to run I’ll be waiting, Anticipating, Oh Your cross it’s where my hope restarts E/G# B F# Bm7 G D Even the rain to reach the sun All that I aim for, What I was made for A second chance is Heaven’s heart Abm Abm E Verse 2: Even my thirsty streams With every heartbeat, All of my blood bleeds When sin and ugliness E/G# B E B Collide with redemption’s kiss Even in my dreams Running inside me, Looking for you, Looking for you Beauty awakens by romance Chorus: Bsus4 B Bsus2 Always inside this mess B E/B B E Looking for you, Looking for you, Looking for you I have found forgiveness I am restless, I am restless, I am restless, Looking for You Mercy, as infinite as You Chorus+ B E/B Abm Chorus I am restless, I run like the ocean to find your shore B (lead into interlude) E Looking for you Bridge: (2x) Looking for you D A Interlude: B E (x3) B Bsus4 Countless second chances Verse 2: G D I am the thorn stuck in your side, I am the one that Bridge We’ve been given at the cross you left behind, I am the dried-up doubting eyes, Verse 3: Looking for the well that won’t run dry, Running Outro: Fragments of brokenness hard for the other side, The world that I’ve always B E B E Salvaged by the art of grace been denied, Running hard for the infinite, With the I’m looking for you You craft life from our mistakes tears of saints and hypocrites Black skies of my regrets Pre-Chorus 2: Outshone by this kindness Oh, blood of black and white and grey New life dawns over my soul Oh, death in life and night in day Chorus One by one by one, We let our rivers run Bridge Chorus

Written by The Rend Collective Experiment © 2011 Than- Written by Jonathan Foreman. © 2011 Publishing Schum- kyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at EMICMGPublishing. blishing/ (ASCAP) com excluding Europe which is adm. by Kingswaysongs) All rights reserved. Used by permission

YOU AND The Kingdom YOUR LOVE You Are My Vision

Starfield Rachel Chan The Rend Collective Experiment

Intro: Ab Intro: Em D/F# G Em C G What’s the point of chasing after E Fm Bbm Eb Oh, oh, oh (2x) Verse 1: dreams that never satisfy my soul? Em Ab Fm Verse 1: Oh Oh Oh Once I reach the place I’ve longed to be E D/F# G Bbm Eb Bbm Eb You are my vision, O King of my heart We have come to testify I finally see, my deepest need is You and Your love B A B Em C Nothing else satisfies, only You Lord Oh Oh Oh Chorus: A C#m E/G# A B G Ab Eb You are my best thought by day or by night Our God is surely Great You make me happy E C#m A B E Em Fm Bbm Eb Waking or sleeping, Your presence my light Oh Oh Oh You take all my cares away D/F# G Ab Eb Verse 2: His love is like a river wide Your love completes me You are my wisdom, You are my true word Em C Fm Bbm Eb I ever with You, and You with me Lord So let everyone beneath his skies Now I search for what to say You’re my great Father, and I’m Your true son G AbM You dwell inside me, together we’re one Lift their voice and sing Words can be so shallow Fm Bbm Eb Chorus: Verse 3: And it’s easier to borrow what I say Em D/F# G You are my battle-shield, sword for the fight Ab Fm For the Kingdom of our God You are my dignity, You’re my delight So listen to my heart and take me far away Em You’re my soul’s shelter and You’re my high tower Bbm Eb Carries on Come raise me heavenward, O power of my power From what keeps us apart C Db Eb Carries on Verse 4: I need You and Your love G I don’t want riches or man’s empty praise Carries on 2nd Chorus: You’re my inheritance, now and always You make me happy You and You only, the first in my heart Verse 2: You take all my cares away High king of Heaven, my treasure You are Oh Oh Oh Your love completes me His kingdom is inside of you Now I search for how to say, I love You. Verse 5: Oh Oh Oh Db Eb High king of Heaven, when victory’s won It’s everywhere you are Jesus, I love You. May I reach Heaven’s joy, O bright Heaven’s Son Oh Oh Oh Ab Bbm Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Celebrate your life made new Jesus, I love You. Still be my vision, O ruler of all Come on let His freedom bloom Db Bbm (Repeat last 2 lines) Lift your voice and sing I love you Bridge: G You make me happy Everybody sing Hallelujah You take all my cares away G Your love completes me Everybody sing Hallelujah Now I search for how to say that C Everybody sing Hallelujah Repeat 2nd Chorus G Everybody sing Hallelujah What’s the point of chasing after dreams that never satisfy my soul?

Written By Tim Neufeld/Jon Neufeld/Allen Salmon © Written by Rachel Chan and Dave Lubben. ©2011 Tent Written by The Rend Collective Experiment © 2011 Than- Neufeld Music)(SESAC) Creative Songs/ Rachel Chan publishing designee/ Indel- kyou Music (PRS) (adm. worldwide at EMICMGPublishing. ible Creative Songs (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by com excluding Europe which is adm. by Kingswaysongs) permission. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Unavoidable. Pervasive. Inescapable. Secular pop music is everywhere. ideas to take advantage of some of the most popular secular songs. Even if you can get your young Christian friends to switch their listen- Use the opening questions, the thematic concepts and discussion ing habits from secular to sacred, they are still going to hear the top ideas to spice up your Bible study, Sunday School lesson, camp/retreat popular songs everywhere they go. In this section we provide you some meeting or outreach event message.

Artist: Artist: Artist: The Black Keys Breathe Carolina Kelly Clarkson Song: Lonely Boy Song: Blackout Song: Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) Album: El Camino Album: Hell Is What You Make Of It Album: Stronger By: Benjamin Squires By: Jeff Williamson By: Doug Ranck [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Jesus experienced lonely moments in order to Teaching Point: Teaching Point: save us. The best wisdom learned is to seek the wise Perseverance choice. Opening Question: Opening Questions: When have you been most lonely? Discussion: What is the most difficult experience you have Discussion: Breathe Carolina invokes the easiest answer had in life? Though it was hard, what are one or The Black Keys serve up some greasy, blues-infect- given by most teens after a moment of destruc- two things you learned as a result? ed rock on “Lonely Boy.” At first glance, the song tion: “I thought I was in control!” In the song, a seems to be about a man who loves a woman who group of friends are hanging out, the music is Discussion: doesn’t feel the same way about him. He keeps loud, the beat is perfect, and the temptations We will all face challenging situations or even waiting for her to love him, so he’s a “lonely boy.” begin. But the singer is convinced that he is in tragedies. This is the reality in our world of sin • Have you ever been in a situation when you had control; this time he will not blackout. The lyrics and death. Knowing how to respond to each of affection for someone who didn’t feel the same speak the rhetoric well; the music video shows these different circumstances is difficult. way about you? the environment as the perfect “sought after” • What makes that a lonely feeling? party atmosphere. But come on, how “real” is Our culture offers a few options to our pain: 1) this? Are you really in control? The title of the Deny it. Tell everyone you are okay and it’s not Take a second glance at the song. Could it be album is a very appropriate reality based on the that big of a deal; 2) “Milk” it for all it’s worth. Let Jesus singing the blues about you? Jesus left His choices played out in the song. everyone know you are suffering and continue place in the throne room of Heaven to save us. Well, • When was the last time you said, “But, I was in using this as an excuse for every choice you I’m so above you/And it’s plain to see/But I came to control”? Ok, so maybe you have never said it, make; 3) Blame it on God or somebody else. Run love you anyway. His people rejected Him and sent but when was the last time you heard someone with the philosophy that there is always a logical Him to the cross. So you tore my heart out/And I allude to being in control? reason for any pain or tragedy in your life. don’t mind bleeding. When people refuse to believe in Jesus, or when we don’t follow in His way, we’re • If you have ever participated in something that Kelly Clarkson sings about a busted relationship: keeping Him waiting. Jesus is a “lonely boy” who led to a “blackout” or an “I forgot that night” Think you left me broken down/Think that I’d longs to take us to be with Him. (Luke 13:34). moment– was the experience really worth it? come running back? The response she offers is, What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger/Stand The song then gets specific about someone whose So often we ask, “What is the wise decision? father left her. Jesus, though, says that God should a little taller. In fact, she sings, Thanks to you I got Everyone expects so much of me; what should a new thing started. Thanks to you I’m not the have left us; all people should have been judged to I do?” Remember, we can over-indulge, over- death for sin. Yet, God in His mercy put the pun- broken-hearted. Thanks to you I’m finally thinking consume, and over-do it: however we cannot and about me. ishment on Jesus, so that we could be forgiven. will not over-live! (Ephesians 2:1-5) The song asks, Am I born to The songwriter actually took the Biblical bleed? Jesus was born to bleed for us. Psalms 90:12 (HCSB) Teach us to number our • How do you feel about thinking of Jesus as the “lone- approach. The Bible is littered with sad, discour- days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in aging, and tragic stories – but through all and in ly boy” who is waiting for you to return His love? our hearts. • Does it help you to know that Jesus can relate to all the characters were encouraged to endure because their life was in God’s hands. In James your loneliness when people turn away from you Ephesians 5:15-17 (MSG) Watch your step. Use because you are a Christian? 1:2-4 we learn to “consider it pure joy” when your head. Make the most of every chance you hard times come. How does that work? Joy is • When have you wandered and caused Jesus to get. These are desperate times! Don’t live care- keep waiting for you? not a feeling. Joy is the attitude that comes from lessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand knowing that no matter what happens, something • What does knowing that Jesus has “a love that what the Master wants. keeps [Him] waiting” for you, that He will con- good will come either in this life or in our heav- enly reward of eternal life. Our trials will produce tinue to work in your life to forgive you and draw Conclusion: In light of past experiences, current you closer to Him, mean to you? greater perseverance. We will be stronger! We responsibilities, and future dreams, what is the can finish well. Conclusion: wisest way to invest your time? What is the best Jesus overcame the “lonely” place of being choice for you to make that will highlight the non- Conclusion: rejected and killed. He conquered death so that valuable things in your life, but rather focus on the Are you practicing what you learned from your our lives could be transformed and have the hope valuable thing: Christ? painful experiences? How are they helping of life after death. Jesus waits with us for that day you to be stronger? How could you take what when we will love Him with new, pure hearts. you have learned and be an encouragement to somebody else?

Artist: Artist: Artist: Lil Wayne Maroon 5 Taylor Swift Song: How To Love Song: Moves Like Jagger Song: Ours Album: Tha Carter IV Album: Hands All Over Album: Speak Now By: Chris Keating By: Kirk Moore By: Eric Gargus [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Jesus showed us how to love by His words Sometimes nothing feels right. Healthy relationships require maturity, hard work, and actions. and God. Opening Question: Opening Questions: Opening Questions: What makes you feel better? • What is love? • What are the main things you look for in someone • How do you know if you are in love? to date? Discussion: • Whose opinion do you seek about relationship Discussion: “Moves Like Jagger” is about sex. And danc- choices? Lil Wayne’s song is about a girl who has had a ing. And sex. And Mick Jagger. And sex. And • Is it important that the people you love and trust the lot of crooks tryna steal your heart but who never kissing. And sex. Oh, and sex. The video shows most approve of your date? Explain. seemed to find the right guy. Bad relationships scenes from a Mick Jagger impersonation event. in the past led to her current insecurities. Those The video and the song are catchy, sensual, and Discussion: relationships left her lonely, confused, trying to sexy. And in the middle of all the lyrics and visuals Taylor Swift explained, “[‘Ours’] is about being in love find love and acceptance anywhere she can – about sex, a simple question arises. with someone, and people don’t necessarily think it from alcohol to stripping. She felt her self-worth is a good idea. Everybody’s giving you a hard time was tied up in other people’s opinion of her. What makes you feel better? about it, but you don’t really care. It says, ‘the stakes • Do you know someone like that? are high, the water’s rough but this love is ours.’” • Have you ever felt that way? For the song performers, it seems that the In the first verse, Swift declares: Seems like there’s • What would you say to someone like the girl in answer is in relationships and sex. always someone who disapproves, they’ll judge it like the song? they know about me and you. • What do you think Jesus would say to the girl in But what else in life makes you feel better? • Who is most likely to give you the “blunt truth” the song? Luke 14:12-24 describes a banquet where the about your new dating interest? Read John 8:3-11 – the incident of the woman “acceptable” invited guests didn’t show up, • What are some reasons a friend might approve or who was caught in the act of adultery (oh my!) so the host invited the poor, the crippled, the disapprove of your relationship choices? who was brought to Jesus. The woman’s arrest blind, and the lame to the event. When there • What factors determine whether or not you respect had to have been a set up, because they didn’t was still more room, the host called for every- a person’s opinion of you and your date? bring her partner along. one on the roads and country lanes to come Swift cautions: You never know what people have up their • What do you think the phrase had a lot of crooks to the banquet. They arrived just as they were. sleeves. Ghosts from your past are gonna jump out at me. tryna steal your heart means? The scene doesn’t describe any of them “get- • What does a person need to know about the past of • Do you think the crooks were trying to steal her ting better” from the banquet, only that they a new relationship interest? heart or her body? Why? were invited and welcomed. • Is dating a person with a bad reputation wise? Why God has created us with a need to love and to or why not? be loved. In a perfect world we would first give God loves people just as they are. You are • Which is better: trying to change a person or finding our love to God and then to our husband or wife. acceptable to God just as you are. a person more compatible from the start? Explain. However, we often give our love away to others • How does that make you feel about yourself? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 cautions us to be “equally who don’t love us with a nurturing, sacrificial love yoked” in our relationships. This means a guy and girl like God has for us. So we are broken and disil- • How does that make you feel about God? need to be like-minded about matters of faith. Dragging lusioned. What are some ways we try to fill our • What does it make you want to do? a person into the mud is easier than dragging a person hearts other than with a relationship with Jesus? Conclusion: out of the mud. Are you being selective enough with Conclusion: You may have the moves; you may not. What you whom you date? What makes dating someone who The only way we can truly learn “How To Love” is do have – every last thing about you is precious shares your beliefs wiser than dating someone who to first accept Jesus’ love and to live our lives as to God. You are loved. You are accepted. You are does not? Be specific. an expression of God’s love to others. What do God’s child. Conclusion: you think Romans 6:13 means? Relationships are never a good place to be rebel- lious. Consider these three questions before you embark into the minefield of teenage romance: • Can I handle breaking up if things don’t work out? • Will I honor and respect the other person, even on bad days? • Will I keep God both above and in the middle of this relationship?

Artist: Artist: Artist: Toby Keith Van Halen Song: Red Solo Cup Song: Tattoo Album: Clancy’s Tavern Album: Clancy’s Tavern By: Kirk Moore By Paul Turner [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Teaching Point: It’s all fun and games until someone… This song is about tattoos and how some people use them to communicate and identify them- Opening Question: selves to others. God want us to do the same What makes a good party? thing, minus the ink. Opening Questions: Discussion: How many people do you know with tattoos? Toby Keith’s whimsical party song celebrates What is the weirdest tattoo you’ve ever seen? the oft-seen prop at many parties – a Red Solo Did you know someone who got a tattoo and Like interlinc Cup filled with a beverage. The song also cel- it changed him or her? How? Do you think tat- ebrates what the artist sees as a typical week- toos are cool or trashy? What are some reasons end celebration – filled with booze, sex, smoke, people get tattoos? and inflatable swimming pools. onforLike great Facebook FREE interlínc resources, info and fun! • What do you like to put in your Red Solo Cup? Discussion: The earliest culture to use tattoos was in Egypt, • What things are necessary for you to consider a 2,000 years before Christ. The most recent find on facebook party as successful and fun? was on a body that was 5,200 years old! Tattoos • What kinds of things do you think are best to have been around a long time. for great FREE resources, info, and fun! stay away from at parties? Tattoos communicate without saying a word. The Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 talks about living life as a song says tattoos “speak” and “scream.” interlinc-online.com • What is someone “screaming” when they get interlinc-online.com/blog celebration, grabbing all the fun you can before 800-725-3300 facebook.com/interlinc.resources you die. a tattoo? • As Christians, how do our actions and speech Proverbs 23:19-21 cautions the reader to be act as a tattoo? wise and to stay away from eating and drinking Tattoos don’t just share a message; they commu- too much, lest things will go poorly for them. nicate identity such as, “I’m a Marine” or “I used to be in jail” or “I’m in or used to be in a gang, so Romans 13:13 offers encouragement for living you’d better back up.” wisely – staying away from drunkenness and • What do the “outer markings” of your life tell oth- promiscuity. ers about your faith or relationship with Christ? • Can you be a Christian and also have fun? • Read John 13:35. What is the “mark” of a Like interlinc believer and follower of Christ? Christians • What guidelines do you think are best for you to should being showing off their “love tattoo”! follow when it comes to parties? A line in the song says that getting a tattoo can Conclusion: take a mom from mousewife to momshell. Get- onfor great Facebook FREE resources, info and fun! The Bible describes celebrations that may have ting a tattoo is a way of telling others, “I am differ- gone overboard. It encourages folks to celebrate ent now; something has changed in me.” Jesus their lives. It also encourages wisdom and smart wants our lives to be marked by transformation. choices. So have fun. Be smart. And remember Read Matthew 12:33 and Acts 11:23. to write your name on your Red Solo Cup! • How has God transformed your life? • How does that show? Conclusion: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says that when we come to Christ, God “tattoos” us (“sets His seal of ownership”) with His Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with interlinc-online.com whom you were sealed for the day of redemp- interlinc-online.com/blog 800-725-3300 facebook.com/interlinc.resources tion.” A seal is a spiritual tattoo from the king. The question is will we wear it on our hearts and not just our skin?

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YLO SPECIAL EDITIONS Several recent volumes of Youth JOIN YOUTH LEADERS ONLY Leaders Only are available as AND YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE YOU! Special Editions. Topics include building and training your worship YLO ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIP (360+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $279.95 plus $40.00 shipping team (Rock'N U), evangelism Make the style of my membership: ____ Hot ____ Mild ____ Alternating (How To Bring It Up Without DIGITAL $279.95 plus $20 shipping— Throwing Up), middle school Make the style of my membership: ____ Hot ____ Mild ____ Alternating for digital Canadian orders add additional $70 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $120 USD s/h ministry (Making Impressions While The Cement’s Still Wet), the YLO WORKS MEMBERSHIP (560+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $429.95 plus $70.00 shipping new sexuality (The Naked Truth: DIGITAL $429.95 plus $20 shipping— The New Sexuality and Youth Canadian orders add additional $70 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $120 USD s/h for digital Ministry). You can get each DVD, YLO ACCESS MEMBERSHIP (50+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $75.95 plus $24.00 shipping Bible studies and discussion Canadian orders add additional $52 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $88 USD s/h starters, plus 15+ songs and TOTAL ANNUAL YLO MEMBERSHIP: ______corresponding Bible studies for only $29.95 plus $7.00 shipping. Call 1-800-725-3300 to order. Other Great Resources from interlínc

PURCHASE A SINGLE BOX OF YLO (extra shipping outside US) YLO ORIGINAL SINGLE BOX choose: ____ Hot ____ Mild $72.50 plus $10.00 shipping YLO WORKS SINGLE BOX $110.00 plus $17.50 shipping FCA AND INTERLÍNC’S YLO ACCESS SINGLE BOX $29.95 plus $7.00 shipping PUMP’D WORKOUT AND PRE-GAME MUSIC PUMP’D OR PUMP’D 2 WORKOUT CD (circle one) PUMP’d #1 and #2 are Order 1–4 CDs for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL aggressive, powerful collections Order 5–19 CDs for $8.95 each ____ x $8.95 = ____ + $6 s/h = ____ TOTAL of songs that prepare athletes Order 20+ CDs for $7.95 each ____ x $7.95 = ____ + $10 s/h=____ TOTAL and coaches for competition — G O T I N E R L C - . M and fans for the big game. All Transition Tools for Your Students O R songs are original recordings by CONGRADULATIONS! CLASS OF 2012 CD, DVD AND GIFT BOOK the top names in Christian Order 1–9 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL music. Special pricing as low Order 10–19 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 s/h = ____ TOTAL F R A N K L I , T 3 7 0 6 8 - 4 • as $7.95. For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2012.com CONGRADULATIONS! CLASS OF 2012 “ADD A HARDBACK BIBLE” PACK Get the ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 CD, DVD and Gift book PLUS a Hardback The Message Remix: Bible ______or NIV Student Bible ______. Order 1–9 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $23.95 each ____ x $23.95 = ____ + $15 s/h = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $21.95 each ____ x $21.95 = ____ + $30s/h=____ TOTAL C A L 1 - 8 0 7 2 5 3

For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2012.com : . O B X 6 8 0 4 S P N •

INSIDERS GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL CD O I

Order 1-9 CDs for $5.99 each ____ x $5.99 = ____ Order 10-24 for $4.99 each ____ x $4.99 = ____ T P

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+ $0.50 each s/h; max of $20 ____ x $0.50 = ____ s/h TOTAL = ______G N I L L I

SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK AND CD SOUNDTRACK Version 2.0 I N T E R L Í C B Order 1–9 Book and CD sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 Book and CD sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 s/h = ____ TOTAL R INSIDERS GUIDE TO O

For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 S

HIGH SCHOOL R E

The Insiders Guide to High School D

TOTAL ORDER COST: ______R Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Prices subject to change.

Version 2.0 is a great gift for new O

kids coming into your ministry as ABOUT YOU: D R well as for freshmen and Name Church Name Denomination A C

T sophomores! Multi-Media Disc I

Church Mailing Address City State Zip D

features: seven great songs from E R

top Christian bands, video C Church Shipping Address City State Zip , student testimonies, Biblical S N

Church Phone Church FAX Church Website O

answers to questions like, I T

“Where do I fit in?”, clear S Email Give us your email address and we’ll make sure you get additional resources and tools delivered straight to your inbox! E

Gospel presentation, and U Q powerful Columbine High , E C School video clip. How many students are in your group? (circle one) I V

A. 0-25 B. 26-50 C. 51-99 D. 100-199 R E

E. 200-499 F. 500-999 G. 1000+ S

Special pricing as low R as $2.99 E

What is your position or title? (circle one) T Full Time Paid Youth Leader Volunteer Senior Pastor Sunday School Teacher S A F Part Time Paid Youth Leader Parent Para-church Leader Other: ______R O R E T U N H I S F O M ( A C P Y ) L G W K : F D M - Y L B K

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO ONLINE AT INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM •YLO87 SHELF_ORIG AD_Layout 1 2/8/12 1:36 PM Page 84 •YLO87 SHELF_ORIG AD_Layout 1 2/8/12 1:36 PM Page 84 •YLO87 SHELF_ORIG AD_Layout 1 2/8/12 1:36 PM Page 85 •YLO 87_Layout 1 2/8/12 2:05 PM Page 86

Bible Studies Alphabetically Listed By Themes

Biblical Manhood / 20 116 / Man Up Anthem

Dependence / 32 Leeland / I Cry

Faith / 26 Brinson / He Said He Loved Me

Forgiveness / 28 Close Your Eyes / Valleys

Freedom / 38 The Rend Collective Experiment / Christ Has Set Me Free

Jesus; The Good Shepherd / 40 Rush Of Fools / Come Find Me

Life; Purpose/Meaning / 36 Rachel Chan / Lame

Money, Stewardship / 12 conGRADulations! Class Of 2012

Peer Pressure / 34 Nine Lashes / Anthem Of The Lonely

Relationships / 10 conGRADulations! Class Of 2012

Self-Identity; In Christ / 52 Thousand Foot Krutch / Be Somebody

Special Section! Entire Album Discussion Guides / 48 Switchfoot

Spiritual Warfare / 44 Southbound Fearing / Unseen

Testimony / 46 Starfield / The Kingdom Of Our God

Trust / 30 Elizabeth South / I Will Trust You

Worldview / 14 conGRADulations! Class Of 2012

1-800-725-3300 interlinc-online.com