Middle School Experience #1
Discussion Goal: To seek an encounter with God.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
Day 1 was a BLAST. What’s been your favorite moment so far?
If you were to create a new YTHX tradition or activity right now, what would it be and how would everyone participate?
Pastor Michael talked about visiting Las Vegas. What’s your favorite city or place you’ve ever visited?
Review
Ask youth to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If youth have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Everybody has a “Las Vegas” in their life where they go to escape. What are some things you see teenagers escaping to? Where do you run to escape? (e.g., social media, friends, anger, etc.)
Pastor Michael said, “Just because I put God’s name on it does not mean God is in it.” What are some examples of things we might put God’s name on even though He’s not in it? (e.g., our spiritual life) What would look different in your life if God was really in it?
Read Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah had an encounter with God. What does it look like to seek God to have an encounter with Him? What can you focus on for the rest of YTHX to seek an encounter with God?
Pray It Out
Dear God, thank You for wanting an encounter with us rather than offering us an escape like the world does. Help us seek to have an encounter with You so You can show us who we are and the good plans You have for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If you have additional time, do a special prayer exercise with your group. Day 1 of YTHX is over, but there’s a lot left to go. What are you believing for God to do over the next few days? How can the group pray for you? Consider splitting into pairs to pray for each other.
Additional Questions
Pastor Michael said we have to get an awareness of who we are without Jesus. Why is that important? Who are we without Jesus, and who are we with Him?
Pastor Michael wants to see this generation going from “woe is me” to “send me.” Where is a place you want to be able to tell God “send me”? Why? (e.g., at school, in my home, around my neighborhood, etc.)
Read Matthew 11:28. We talked about things that we escape to, but what are some things that typically make you want to escape? (e.g. drama with friends, school pressure, family fights, etc.) What does it look like to go to Jesus for rest rather than to try to escape?