Start Up Youth is a disciple making resource for high school students and leaders. It's a free, fun, two hour, event that trains students to start and facilitate multiplying Bible studies with their peers. Start Up Youth is for teens who attend all types of schools (public, private, Christian, charter, homeschool, continuation, etc.) Start Up Youth consists of the following four Steps: Pray, Share, Ask, and Disciple.
1. PRAY
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Pray to God.
Throughout history, and presently all over the world, great movements of God have been accompanied by extraordinary prayer.
Prayer emboldens the people of God (Acts 4:30-32), fulfills the mission of God (Acts 10:9, 30-33, 44), unveils the plans of God (Acts 13:2-3), unleashes the power of God (Acts 16:25-34).
Extraordinary prayer has been defined as simply more than you currently pray. Increase the time you spend in prayer (and fasting) for the Great Commission. Matthew 28:16-20 Attend (or start) a weekly prayer group whose focus is disciple making. Pray the Scriptures.
Another excellent personal resource for prayer is the Prayer Calendar.
Throughout history, and presently all over the world, great movements of God have been accompanied by extraordinary prayer.
Prayer emboldens the people of God (Acts 4:30-32), fulfills the mission of God (Acts 10:9, 30-33, 44), unveils the plans of God (Acts 13:2-3), unleashes the power of God (Acts 16:25-34).
Extraordinary prayer has been defined as simply more than you currently pray. Increase the time you spend in prayer (and fasting) for the Great Commission. Matthew 28:16-20 Attend (or start) a weekly prayer group whose focus is disciple making. Pray the Scriptures.
Another excellent personal resource for prayer is the Prayer Calendar.
Pray for people.
This is likely new to most but becomes easier the more you do it. Often the results are incredible.
Praying for people consists of asking people if you can pray for them. If they say yes (and many will) ask, "If God could perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask him for?" You'll be amazed what people say. Pray for that miracle. Remember, the supernatural is just a snap of the fingers for God. Jeremiah 32:17 Often people become receptive because of a divine event in their life.
Begin with your friends. Take a moment right now and text three people you know and ask if you can pray for them. Ask them if God could perform a miracle in their life, what would they ask? Then text them a prayer. You can share the results at the end.
The real harvest is among those we don't presently know. There are two ways to engage these people in conversation about prayer: situationally and intentionally. Situational begins with casual, friendly conversation. It occurs as we encounter people in the midst of everyday events. Each day we cross paths with people who might accept our invitation to pray for them. An excellent resource for this is the FARM conversation.
Intentional starts out with a more straightforward appeal to pray for someone. It occurs during times set aside for the specific purpose of finding people who would accept our invitation to pray for them. A great tool for this is Prayer Walk.
Prayer Walk is a planned time (Tuesdays) devoted to discovering another student who welcomes prayer. Prayer Walk can occur alone, in pairs, or groups. It's best done in teams of two; preferably a male and female.
Prayer Walk might use the following opening, "Hi, my name is ____________ and this is __________. We're followers of Jesus Christ and are praying for people. May we pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If you were to ask God to perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask?" Then pray for it.
practice
Practice is for those going through Start Up as a group. Form into groups of 3-4 and rehearse Step 1.
One person in the group asks another person the two prayer questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask him for?" Then pray. The person who was asked the question now asks another the prayer questions and prays. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the questions.
One person in the group asks another person the two prayer questions, "May I pray for you?" and "If God was to perform a miracle in your life, what would you ask him for?" Then pray. The person who was asked the question now asks another the prayer questions and prays. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the questions.
2. SHARE
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Share a Bible story.
Once you pray, ask, "Can I share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, share a story from the DBS Story Set (Starter List) It's helpful to memorize the story beforehand. Share it naturally, in your own words, as if telling it to a friend for the first time. Don't try to be word perfect. Then ask, "What does this say about Jesus?" If time permits, ask a second question, "What does it say about people?" Affirm their answers and move to the next question. This is not a time to teach or lecture.
Once you pray, ask, "Can I share a story from the Bible that might encourage you?" If they say yes, share a story from the DBS Story Set (Starter List) It's helpful to memorize the story beforehand. Share it naturally, in your own words, as if telling it to a friend for the first time. Don't try to be word perfect. Then ask, "What does this say about Jesus?" If time permits, ask a second question, "What does it say about people?" Affirm their answers and move to the next question. This is not a time to teach or lecture.
3. ASK
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Ask, "Do you know others who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" This is called the Golden Question. It determines if you have found a potential storyteller. Someone who is willing to share the story with friends and family. This is the person you are looking for. They are the key to multiplication. If they say yes, move to the final step.
practice
Form into groups of 3-4 and rehearse Step 2 and Step 3.
Share.
One person reads the Bible story (Mark 4:35-41) and then asks one other person the following question, "What does this say about Jesus?" Answer with just one thing it says about Jesus. The person who just answered, then asks another person the same question. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the question. Try to give different answers to the question.
Ask.
One person asks another person the Golden Question, "Do you have friends or family who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, ask if you can text the story to them. The person who answered the question then asks another. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the question.
Next, practice texting the story to yourself or someone in the group. Help one another with this. Here are useful steps. Find the DBS Story Set on the website my going to GreatCommission.com, then clicking Tools, then DBS Story Set. Click the Mark 4:35-41 story link (Jesus Calms a Story) that shows the first two or three verses. Then click "More" to see the full story. Then scroll down to the bottom of the story and click "Copy." You should see the following message flash at the top of your device: "Passage copied to clipboard!" Click "Copy" again if you missed it. Go to your text app and press and hold in the bubble that you use to compose text. Click "Paste" and send. You should receive the text.
If this seems too confusing, you can always copy the url and send that to the story teller.
I text myself the story in two different languages (English and Spanish) before I Prayer Walk. That way I'm just forwarding the text to share it. Practice forwarding the text by holding your finger on the passage text until the copy option pops up. Copy and resend it to yourself to mimic sending it to someone who is willing to share the story.
If you're able to do all this fairly quickly, repeat the process, but this time do it in a different language: Spanish? Follow the steps above until you have the full story on your device. Look for the option to change translations (on an iPhone it's to the right of the text address). Press the drop down and write "Spanish" in the bubble. I chose NIV (Nueva Versión Internacional). Now go to the bottom of the passage, press "Copy" and send it to yourself.
Share.
One person reads the Bible story (Mark 4:35-41) and then asks one other person the following question, "What does this say about Jesus?" Answer with just one thing it says about Jesus. The person who just answered, then asks another person the same question. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the question. Try to give different answers to the question.
Ask.
One person asks another person the Golden Question, "Do you have friends or family who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, ask if you can text the story to them. The person who answered the question then asks another. Repeat this pattern until everyone has asked the question.
Next, practice texting the story to yourself or someone in the group. Help one another with this. Here are useful steps. Find the DBS Story Set on the website my going to GreatCommission.com, then clicking Tools, then DBS Story Set. Click the Mark 4:35-41 story link (Jesus Calms a Story) that shows the first two or three verses. Then click "More" to see the full story. Then scroll down to the bottom of the story and click "Copy." You should see the following message flash at the top of your device: "Passage copied to clipboard!" Click "Copy" again if you missed it. Go to your text app and press and hold in the bubble that you use to compose text. Click "Paste" and send. You should receive the text.
If this seems too confusing, you can always copy the url and send that to the story teller.
I text myself the story in two different languages (English and Spanish) before I Prayer Walk. That way I'm just forwarding the text to share it. Practice forwarding the text by holding your finger on the passage text until the copy option pops up. Copy and resend it to yourself to mimic sending it to someone who is willing to share the story.
If you're able to do all this fairly quickly, repeat the process, but this time do it in a different language: Spanish? Follow the steps above until you have the full story on your device. Look for the option to change translations (on an iPhone it's to the right of the text address). Press the drop down and write "Spanish" in the bubble. I chose NIV (Nueva Versión Internacional). Now go to the bottom of the passage, press "Copy" and send it to yourself.
4. DISCIPLE
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Disciple those who want to share the story. Guide them through the three phases of spiritual development: becoming a storyteller, forming a Discovery Group and multiplying.
Encourage them to share the story. If they are interested in sharing it with others, ask, "May I text you the story you just heard?" If they say yes, send the story. Practice this beforehand so you know how to send the passage, and in a preferable language (English, Spanish, etc.) Consider using the DBS Story Set (Starter Stories) Stay in touch with encouraging words. When they share it, celebrate, and send another. Do this three or four times. Then move to the next phase.
Help them form a Discovery Group (DG). A Discovery Group uses Discovery Bible Study Youth (DBSY). It's likely that up until now they have just shared a mini DBS; a Bible story and one or two questions. Once they have shared stories three or four times, teach the full DBSY with all the questions.
Meet personally to show them how to do a DBSY. First, read about the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Make sure you also read the DBS Facilitator Notes.This is very important. The leader notes contain key elements that cause multiplication. Don't skip it. Then do a DBSY together. Consider finishing the Starter Stories, then moving through the next set of studies.
If a group is not already formed, encourage the person to invite people to a formal launch. Encourage the story teller to get confirmations to the launch so there is a good turn out.
Finally, coach them to multiply. Consider using the DBS Story Set to help the process. Healthy Discovery Groups reproduce. Encourage them to do for others what you did for them.
Encourage them to share the story. If they are interested in sharing it with others, ask, "May I text you the story you just heard?" If they say yes, send the story. Practice this beforehand so you know how to send the passage, and in a preferable language (English, Spanish, etc.) Consider using the DBS Story Set (Starter Stories) Stay in touch with encouraging words. When they share it, celebrate, and send another. Do this three or four times. Then move to the next phase.
Help them form a Discovery Group (DG). A Discovery Group uses Discovery Bible Study Youth (DBSY). It's likely that up until now they have just shared a mini DBS; a Bible story and one or two questions. Once they have shared stories three or four times, teach the full DBSY with all the questions.
Meet personally to show them how to do a DBSY. First, read about the Discovery Bible Study (DBS). Make sure you also read the DBS Facilitator Notes.This is very important. The leader notes contain key elements that cause multiplication. Don't skip it. Then do a DBSY together. Consider finishing the Starter Stories, then moving through the next set of studies.
If a group is not already formed, encourage the person to invite people to a formal launch. Encourage the story teller to get confirmations to the launch so there is a good turn out.
Finally, coach them to multiply. Consider using the DBS Story Set to help the process. Healthy Discovery Groups reproduce. Encourage them to do for others what you did for them.
practice
Form into groups of 3-4 and rehearse Step 4.
If you have not already done so, take turns reading the description of a Discovery Bible Study Youth (DBSY), the DBS Facilitator notes and look over the DBS Story Sets.
Now do a DBSY as a group. Use Luke 17:11-19. As before, one person serves as the facilitator by asking one person the first question. The person who answered, then asks another person the second question, and so on until you have finished the DBSY. Be mindful of time. Keep your answers brief. You won't get through the study if you give lengthly answers.
If you have not already done so, take turns reading the description of a Discovery Bible Study Youth (DBSY), the DBS Facilitator notes and look over the DBS Story Sets.
Now do a DBSY as a group. Use Luke 17:11-19. As before, one person serves as the facilitator by asking one person the first question. The person who answered, then asks another person the second question, and so on until you have finished the DBSY. Be mindful of time. Keep your answers brief. You won't get through the study if you give lengthly answers.
IMPORTANT CLOSING THOUGHTS
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To summarize: Pray (by asking the two prayer questions), Share (by telling a Bible story), Ask (to discover storytellers) and Disciple (using DBSY, to help them tell stories, form a Discovery Group and multiply).
Rehearse and practice. Overwhelmed yet? Don't worry if you did not grasp all of this the first time through. Most don't. Almost everyone needs several exposures to fully understand the concepts. This is because it's a radical shift to go from knowledge based to obedience based disciple making. Practice using these resources on your own. That said, you'll learn best as you actually do them with others.
Attend coaching. Ongoing coaching is critical for long-term application. The encouragement that comes from meeting with others who have the same disciple making passion is essential. The guidance gleaned from those with previous experience is critical. People need multiple exposures to the principles taught in the training before they finally "get it." Ask the person taking you through Start Up about coaching. Coaching consists of the following:
Begin training others. You can now take others through this material to show them how to start and lead a multiplying Bible study. Keep in mind, showing someone how to Prayer Walk and lead a Discovery Group is still the best way to train them. Modeling beats any other method every time.
Store this page as an icon on your device. You'll refer to it often as you Pray, Share, Ask and Disciple.
By the way, any reports on the prayer text?
The Youth 10/10 Vision
I am available afterwards for any questions.
Rehearse and practice. Overwhelmed yet? Don't worry if you did not grasp all of this the first time through. Most don't. Almost everyone needs several exposures to fully understand the concepts. This is because it's a radical shift to go from knowledge based to obedience based disciple making. Practice using these resources on your own. That said, you'll learn best as you actually do them with others.
Attend coaching. Ongoing coaching is critical for long-term application. The encouragement that comes from meeting with others who have the same disciple making passion is essential. The guidance gleaned from those with previous experience is critical. People need multiple exposures to the principles taught in the training before they finally "get it." Ask the person taking you through Start Up about coaching. Coaching consists of the following:
- Past: When did you see God's presence in your disciple making?
- Present: Let's review an element of Start Up Youth.
- Future: What is your next step and how can I help you get there?
Begin training others. You can now take others through this material to show them how to start and lead a multiplying Bible study. Keep in mind, showing someone how to Prayer Walk and lead a Discovery Group is still the best way to train them. Modeling beats any other method every time.
Store this page as an icon on your device. You'll refer to it often as you Pray, Share, Ask and Disciple.
By the way, any reports on the prayer text?
The Youth 10/10 Vision
I am available afterwards for any questions.