Download a PDF of the Missions Unpacked: Teen Edition curriculum.
Missions Unpacked: Teen Edition explores our world, God’s work in it, and teens’ calling to be a part of God’s work. Through the stories of missionaries and their work around the world as well as activities, Bible readings, international recipes, prayers, videos and discussion questions, it helps youth explore themes such as vocation, perspective and God’s faithfulness.
About This Study
While the teenage years are full of personal growth and identity formation, technology has made teens more community and globally minded than ever. One way some teens have pursued those interests is through missions. While they learn more about their own identity in Christ and how God works through them, they can help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in their own neighborhoods and across the globe.
Missions Unpacked: Teen Edition will help your teens learn more about international mission work and their own role in it. Through activities and Bible lessons, you will explore missions together over four sessions or during a special event such as a weekend retreat or lock-in.
Topics include: vocation, perspective, faith, God’s faithfulness
This study helps participants explore the following from 40 End Goals of Youth Ministry:
- The church embraces and values the diversity of ethnicity, language and culture God has created in His community. (Galatians 3:28–29)
- God places me in multiple roles (vocations) in life where I share God’s goodness and love (student, child, athlete, friend, employee, part of the body of Christ, etc.).
- I can support the mission of the church (locally and broadly) through the gifts of my time, talents, prayers and financial support. (Philippians 1:4–5; Acts 12:5)
Ways to Use This Study
The intended context for these resources is an informal learning environment, such as a youth group meeting, a lock-in or a retreat, with a mix of hands-on activities, food and devotion or Bible study time. The program is designed to be adaptable and flexible. Feel free to adjust the curriculum so it makes sense in your context, whether that is youth group, home or an intergenerational study.
Program Overview
Session 1 — Africa Region: Vocation
Bible Readings: Ephesians 2:8–10, Romans 12:4–8, 1 Peter 4:10
Points to remember:
- We’re saved by God’s grace through our faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus cannot love us more or less … He simply loves us.
- God has created us to do good works … not to earn more favor with God, but to share the love of Christ with others. No matter our location, we’re called to use our God-given gifts to serve Him by serving other people.
- Each person has a calling, or vocation, to use their God-given gifts to serve God by serving others. The way people use these gifts can look different, but they still glorify God.
Session 2 — Latin America & the Caribbean Region: It’s All About Perspective
Bible Readings: Jonah 1:1–3, 3:7–10, and chapter 4
Points to remember:
- Vocation is something I have no matter where I am.
- Whether I know the future or not, whether life goes “according to plan” or not, God can and does work through me.
Session 3 — Asia Region: Walking in Faith
Bible Reading: Acts 9:1–22
Points to remember:
- I trust the Holy Spirit to give me the ability to share my faith with others when opportunities become available.
- God places me in multiple roles (vocations) in life where I can share the Gospel.
Session 4 — Eurasia Region: God Is Faithful — Past, Present & Future
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19:1–18
Points to remember:
- God has preserved the church throughout its long history in the world.
- When faced with troubles, I boldly trust in God’s mercy and cling to His promises.
- I know that Jesus is always with me. I do not have to face trials or questions alone but ask Christ for humility to ask others for help and prayer.
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