PREPARE WEEK
MENTOR GUIDE
Purpose: Empower students to share their Faith Story.
Preparation:
- Give the Student Speaker a Leader Guide for Encounter Week. (Equip them for success)
- Be ready to help students with 30-Second Testimonies.
Supplies:
- Leader Guides for Encounter 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] If you were to change your name, what would you change it to and why?
GET CONNECTED
[COACH/MENTOR] Before we get started, let’s use this time to think about who we can invite to First Priority next week. There are people all over our school that need a club like ours, somewhere to feel seen and heard. Who is someone you can bring next week? (Allow students to respond) Let’s welcome our host for today, [insert name]!
WELCOME & OPEN PRAYER
[HOST] Hello everyone! Welcome to First Priority. This week [insert name] is going to talk to us about our Faith Story, what it is, why it matters, and why it is important to share it with others. God will use our story and all of the details to help someone else because each of our stories matters! Before we get started, let’s pray and ask God to speak to us today.
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, thank you for our time together today. Help us to see and understand how our story can make a difference in the life of someone else in our life. Give [insert name] the words to share with us today and allow our hearts to be open to listen. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
THE CONVERSATION
[SPEAKER] Last week, our challenge was to look for a moment each day where we could share the love of Christ with someone around us. Did anyone have an opportunity to do this that they are willing to share? How did it go/feel? (allow students to respond and share your own experience) Each day is an opportunity to share His love, and it is never too late to talk to someone about God. Keep pressing into the boldness He gives you each and every day!
This week, we are talking again about why sharing our Faith Stories matter. Why do you think it matters to share your Faith Story? Because where our friends, family, peers, teachers, coaches – even the people we don’t get along with – spend eternity matters. When we learn how to share what God has done and is doing in our lives, God will use our stories to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
In Acts, chapter 8, verse 35, it says, “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the Good News about Jesus.” In these verses (26-40) it talks all about how Philip was ready to go when God asked and when He asked, Phillip went. He didn’t hesitate; he shared the Good News and told the eunuch about Jesus. So, the question for us, as we head into summer is, are we ready to share our story, to go when God asks us to go?
How many of us in the room are nervous to share our story with others? Who might be unsure? We don’t need to be a pastor or a public speaker, just willing to be honest about who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives. Don’t let fear and uncertainty hold you back from allowing others to see God at work in your life!
As we move into our Faith Story discussions just remember this, our stories matter and we matter to God. He desires our lives to be a testimony to others around us.
FAITH STORY – 30 SECOND TESTIMONY
[SPEAKER] Today, we’re going to practice sharing our faith through a simple “30-second testimony.” Your story is powerful because it is your story!
Here’s how it works:
- First share, what was your life like before Christ
In one sentence, describe what your life was like before you knew Jesus. (Don’t worry about using any specific “bank of words”—just be honest. Be ready to share your one sentence here to help get everyone started) - Next, share what it was like meeting Jesus
In one to three sentences, share when or how you met Jesus. You can also briefly mention who helped you come to know Him or what led you to make the decision to follow Him. - Lastly, share what life is like with Christ
In one sentence, describe how your life has changed since following Jesus. Remember to always strive to make Him the hero of your story.
Now that you’ve put your testimony together, find three different people in the room and share your 30-second story with each of them. Remember: You don’t have to have all the answers—just share what Jesus has done in your life and that is what will make the impact!
CHALLENGE & PRAY
[HOST] Our challenge for the week is to share our 30-second testimony with someone. Let them know not only what Jesus has done in your life, but what He can do in theirs as well. You never know how a life may be changed through your courage and boldness! Let’s pray!
SAMPLE PRAYER: God, thank you for my story and for loving us so well. Give us the courage this week to share our stories with others. Help us to be bold and purposeful to tell the truth of who You are, and we pray that others will come to know you through our courage. In Your Son’s Name, amen.
GAME TIME – OPTIONAL
[HOST & COACH/MENTOR] (see the game time tab for options)
