THE CONVERSATION

Purpose: Equip students to start a Gospel conversation.

Preparation:

• Give student speaker a Leader Guide for Opportunity Week. (Equip them for success.)
• Be ready to help students fill out their Invite Cards.

Supplies:

• Invite Cards
• Dry erase or poster board for Church Shout—Outs
• Leader Guides for Opportunity Week

LEADER SIGN UP

If there are weeks that you do not have people to lead or serve, this is the time to sign them up.

RANDOM QUESTION

[All Adults] What time do you normally go to bed?

GET CONNECTED

[Mentor] Before we jump in, it’s time for CHURCH SHOUT—OUTS! We love seeing you plugged into a local church, so, here’s your chance to give yours some love. What church do you go to, and when do you meet? (Give students and adult volunteers time to share. If you have a dry erase board or poster board, write down the churches and have students take pictures.) Let’s welcome our student host for today! [insert name]

WELCOME & OPEN PRAYER

[Host] Hey everyone! Welcome to First Priority. We’re so glad you’re here. Today [insert name] is going to talk about how we can reach out, invite, and have real conversations with people who the world pushes aside. It’s about loving the ones others overlook. Let’s start things off by praying.

Sample Prayer: God, thank You for this chance to be together. Open our hearts and minds as we listen to [insert name]. Help us to see those around us who feel forgotten and give us the courage to invite them. Speak through [insert name] today and use their message to encourage us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

THE CONVERSATION

[Speaker] Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe it was because of the way you looked, the things you believed, or even where you lived. Most of us know what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. Many people you see every day feel the same way, like they don’t quite fit or aren’t welcomed. Over the next four weeks, we’re going to talk about how we can reach out and have meaningful conversations about Jesus with people who might feel like outcasts.

When Jesus walked into a room, He wasn’t looking to sit with the most popular or respected group. Instead, He intentionally spent time with people who were overlooked, criticized, or rejected by others. Mark chapter 2 verses 15 through 17 gives us a clear picture of how Jesus saw people:

“And as he reclined at a table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'”

Jesus chose to sit with people who felt lonely, hurt, or rejected — those who realized they needed help. He spent time with people others avoided because they are exactly who He came to help and save. He wasn’t concerned about His reputation or what others might think. He was driven by compassion and love for people who desperately needed acceptance and forgiveness.

If we’re honest, it might feel uncomfortable to spend time with people the world labels as outcasts. Maybe we’re worried about what others will think or just unsure of how to act. But Jesus shows us a different way. He saw each person with compassion, grace, and mercy. He didn’t push people away because of their mistakes or reputation. He invited them closer.

Think about the people at our school who might feel overlooked. Maybe it’s the student who sits alone during lunch, the classmate who struggles socially, or someone who others have labeled as “different.” Every single one of these people matters deeply to God. And because they ma#er to God, they should matter to us.

There are many people around us every day who feel invisible, unwanted, or left out. They are waiting for someone to notice them, include them, and show them love. Why can’t that someone be us? We can make a difference by simply inviting someone who might feel left out.

CONVERSATION STARTER – INVITE CARD

[Speaker] Today we’re using a simple tool to invite someone to First Priority. (Have student leaders pass out the Invite Cards.) Take a moment to write down the day, time, and location of our club meeting. Then intentionally give this card to someone who might feel left out. Go the extra step and save them a seat or even meet them at the door. You never know how much a simple invitation could mean to someone. (Allow students !me to fill them out.)

Remember, every great friendship starts with a simple step. God can use our small act of kindness to make someone feel seen and valued. Now that we have filled out our cards, hold them up so I can pray for those we are going to invite. Let’s pray. “God, right now we pray for the people we are going to invite. You know who they are, and You know exactly how they’re feeling. Please prepare their hearts to be open to our invitation. Help us to be courageous and kind as we reach out to them. We ask You to work through this simple invite and use it to show Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

(Have the student host come back up and give the CHALLENGE and PRAY.)

CHALLENGE & PRAY

[Host] Our challenge this week is to look for someone who might feel unseen or unwelcome. Pray about who you should invite, then take the step of handing them your Invite Card. Be the person who makes someone feel seen and valued this week. Let’s pray!

Sample prayer: God, thank You for loving everyone, especially those who feel left out or rejected. Please open our eyes and hearts this week to see those around us who need an invitation. Give us courage to step out and show them Your love by welcoming them in. Help us to love others like You love us. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

GAME TIME – Optional

[Host & Mentor] (See the Game Time tab for options.)