Suggestions on Ways to Use Discovering the New Church

Each lesson provides a wealth of material. It is not expected that you will use of all of the material provided.  For a more in-depth focus on a topic, divide the material in each lesson into two sessions.

• Readings from the Word forms the core of each lesson.
• Focus Points reviews and brings a clear understanding to the readings.
• Three activities follow. Choose one for your group or individual needs.
• Further Reading provides background reading.
• Taking It Home suggests ways to bring concepts into daily living.

The following suggestions are a guide to help you choose materials to meet various needs. 

Groups including younger teens (13 and 14 year olds)

Use the Readings from the Word and select appropriate Focus Points review questions. Choose an interactive group activity. Taking It Home provides a variety of ideas for all age groups. Use Further Reading as background reading/enrichment for the teacher. 

Groups including older teens (up through ages 17 and 18)

Use the Readings from the Word and select appropriate Focus Points review questions. Older teens may prefer a discussion-oriented group activity. Further Reading may be used as lesson material for a follow-up class, distributed and sent home after class, or be used by the teacher as a preparation tool. Taking It Home provides a variety of ideas for all age groups.

Individual study

Use the Readings from the Word and Focus Points review questions. Choose an activity that is designed for individual use. Further Reading and Taking It Home may be used as further enrichment. 

Parents supporting teens using these lessons

Students may use Readings from the Word independently, or with a parent. Discuss together using Focus Points. (Parents may wish to further their own background for discussion with the Further Reading at the end of each lesson.) Students may choose an individual follow-up activity and Taking It Home as desired. 

Making selections for short lesson periods 

Look through the entire lesson. Choose a few activities suitable for your time- frame, or take 2 lesson periods to cover the material and discussion. Some activities are longer than others. Activities may be completed faster if they are prepared ahead of time (e.g. set up a chart before your lesson.)