Middle School Leader Overview – “We Go All In”
Following Jesus isn't about adding Him to our lives — it's about giving Him our lives. Throughout this series, students will wrestle with what's competing with Jesus for first place in their hearts. As they explore themes of comfort, control, and cost, students will discover following Jesus always begins with trusting Him.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus didn’t invite people to simply believe in Him from a distance. He invited them to follow Him. Whether calling fishermen to leave their nets (Matthew 4:18-22), asking Peter to trust Him beyond his own understanding (Luke 5:1-11), or watching many disciples walk away after His difficult teaching (John 6:60-69), Jesus consistently revealed that discipleship requires surrender. However, these stories also remind us that what Jesus asks us to leave behind is always outweighed by what we gain in Him.
Middle schoolers are still forming their identity and looking for where they belong. This series creates space for honest conversations about who — or what — is shaping their decisions and grabbing their attention, and reminds them that Jesus is always worth following.
🔎Leader Lens🔍
Many students won't reject Jesus outright. They'll simply struggle to put Him first as culture, feelings, and fears pull them in different directions.
Resist the urge to solve every problem or rush students toward the "right" answer. Instead, help them recognize what's competing for their attention, and keep pointing them back to who Jesus is. Surrender grows from trust, not guilt!
Weekly Connections
Week One | Calling Over Comfort
Help students identify the familiar habits, routines, or relationships that may be keeping them from stepping out and trusting Jesus more deeply.
Leader Insight: Matthew left his tax booth immediately, while the rich young ruler walked away because he couldn't let go (Luke 5:27-28; Mark 10:21-22). The difference wasn't Jesus' invitation — it was what each person valued most. Help them identify where they’re valuing their comfort more than Jesus.
Week Two | Calling Over Control
Students are learning independence. Emphasize that following Jesus doesn't mean losing control of their lives. It means trusting Him to lead them well!
Leader Insight: Peter had to trust Jesus before he understood what Jesus was doing. Even Jesus modeled complete trust when He prayed, "Your will, not mine," in the garden. Surrender is the best way to obedience, so help students identify where they’re holding on to control.
Week Three | Calling Over Cost
Peer approval matters deeply at this age. Help students recognize that following Jesus sometimes requires courage and sacrifice, even in everyday moments.
Leader Insight: Peter and John refused to stop speaking about Jesus despite opposition (Acts 4:18-20), and the man born blind chose to tell the truth about Jesus even after facing rejection (John 9). Faithfulness often takes courage before it brings reward, so challenge students to take an honest look at where they’re not stepping into their calling because of its cost.
Discussion Tips
Ask follow-up questions more often than giving answers. Be curious about their thoughts.
Celebrate honesty, even when students don't have everything figured out.
Connect biblical truth to everyday middle school experiences. Help them see themselves in the struggles and breakthroughs people in the Bible experienced.
End each conversation by pointing students back to Jesus — not simply “better” behavior.
A Prayer Before You Start
Jesus, help me lead with grace and truth. Give me wisdom to listen well, courage to ask meaningful questions, and a heart that consistently points students toward You. May they discover You're worth more than comfort, control, cost, or anything competing for first place in their lives. In Your name, amen.