Freedom in Christ For Young People
£35.00 (Approx)
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Overview
What does it say on the tin:
Freedom in Christ For Young People – a 13-session discipleship course for 11-18s
Growing as a Christian starts with knowing the truth about Jesus in our hearts, not just in our heads.
The aim of Freedom in Christ for Young People is to set young people firmly on the way to becoming fruitful disciples who are sold out for God and will make a radical difference.
The course addresses three of the biggest issues facing Christian young people:
- in a generation that is searching for identity, it helps them understand who they are in Christ
- in the face of so much temptation and pressure, it gives them tools that enable them to walk free from the rubbish that holds them back
- it empowers them to take hold of the authority they have in Christ and take responsibility for their relationship with God so that they grow to become fruitful disciples
What do you get?
The leader’s guide is a 320 page book which includes all the teaching material as well as a DVD with several short teaching videos to be used in each session. The guide also provides a web link to download extra resources such as PowerPoint illustrations and updated movie clip suggestions.
The course is presented in two age-bands: 11-14s and 14-18s. There is also a ‘core’ section which gives the key teaching points to youth leaders.
The course has 13 sessions in total (plus one optional launch session) and a ministry component, the Steps to Freedom in Christ, which is recommended to be run on an away day or weekend.
The core material can be run in as little as seven weeks plus a day away.
The leader’s guide and participants’ guides are available from Monarch Books.
Who is it for?
The course is designed for Christian young people aged 11-18 and would suit both the new Christian and those who have been following Jesus for a while.
Cost?
Leader’s Guide £35
Youth Guide available for 11-14s and 15-18s at £2.99 each
Review
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What is the overall quality of material presentation?
The leader's guide is very thorough and clear. Careful thought has gone into making sure that the sessions are interactive and interesting. The youth guides are full colour and age appropriate. This is an excellent resource.
How clear are its aims and outcomes?
There is a very clear explanation on the first page of the leader's guide as to why anyone would choose to run the course. Each session has a ‘core' teaching guide to help the youth leaders prepare themselves for the session and helps to explain clearly what are the expectations of the session.
How accessible are the leader's notes?
The notes are very easy to follow. The guide has helpful instructions on how to run the course, the practicalities, explanation of the session format as well as practical tips on leading discussions and discipline.
Who could lead it?
Anyone who is committed to seeing young people grow in faith. Each session builds on the last session so ideally the leaders should commit to being present at all the sessions.
How helpful are the participants' resources?
These are excellent and age appropriate. They are full colour and so are attractive to use. Each session is clearly laid out in the booklet, following a similar format of summary of teaching points, space to write the participant's own thoughts and some questions and challenges to consider.
How good is any digital material?
The resource comes with a DVD with around 150 minutes of video footage. It is professionally produced and presented by two friendly youth workers. Rather than having one longer video per session, the videos are broken down into several short clips of 2-3 minutes duration, with two or three clips per session. The clips are complemented in the leader's guide with good discussion ideas to use immediately after each clip.
How much prep will I have to do?
You will need to take time to work through the session material ahead of time so you understand what is happening and there are some suggestions of resources and materials needed for some of the games and activities. The course deals with some deep faith issues and so it would be highly recommended that the leaders don't rush through their own preparation time too quickly, as it will help them to lead well if they have allowed God to speak to them through the material first.
Is there website support? Links?
Yes. The resource comes with access to a restricted download site by password entry at www.ficm.org.uk/youth
The website offers PowerPoint presentations and handouts referred to in the leader's guide as well as links other leaders have found useful and recommend. There is also a leader's forum to share ideas, although it doesn't seem to have been used in a while!
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How well does it encourage interaction with the group?
The whole course is designed around a youth group setting with discussions, activities and responses to be led in small groups.
How well does it cater for a variety of both learning and delivery styles?
The sessions are age appropriate and interactive. The pace of the sessions keeps moving quickly so the group's attention can be kept. The material is written well for the target audience.
How adaptable is it to my situation?
Whilst the material is presented to be used ‘as is', if some of the activities wouldn't work in a particular situation, any leader who knows their group well should be able to tweak the material fairly easily.
How well does it encourage people to work together in applying the material?
The course is best run in the community of a youth group and assumes that people will work together throughout.
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How much of the material is Bible-based?
The whole course is based on Bible passages and stories. The material takes time to unpack Bible verses and teaching in a manner that is helpful for young people.
How well is the biblical material presented and used?
It is relevant and easy to connect with.
How well does it apply biblical material to everyday life?
The sessions are designed to help young people live more like Jesus everyday and so the material helps the participants to apply their learning.
Is there a particular theological perspective?
The course is clearly enabling young people to live a life of freedom in Christ, making them aware of temptations and spiritual battles that take place.
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How well does it inspire people towards whole-life discipleship?
The course helps participants to see life from God's perspective and to live lives connected to him.
How well does it encourage and enable people to grow in their faith?
Very much so! It is a great resource which helps young people see how the world around them influences them and to choose to follow God's ways instead of the world's.
How well does it stretch faith and vision of God and his purposes?
It helps the group to see that God has greater things for them and that they can live free from fears or past mistakes.
How well does it connect with real life issues?
The course is rooted in the day to day life of the young disciple.
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How well does it encourage personal evangelism?
This is not a specific element of the course.
How well does it encourage local or network-based community involvement?
N/A
How well does it connect with global issues?
It does not deal directly with this issue.
How well does it encourage global mission?
This is not directly addressed but there is an encouragement to live your life for Jesus and to share his love.