Explore the lives of minor characters in the New Testament—figures who may not be center stage in Scripture but who play vital roles in God’s story. This is an invitation for youth to reimagine what it means to lead, serve, and belong within Christ’s body. With characters like Barnabas, Martha, Stephen, and the Ethiopian eunuch teaching encouragement, courageousness, radical inclusion, and witness, this series seeks to encourage youth to see their journey as a Christian in a different light. Students will understand this journey not as a quest for the spotlight, but as a call to be faithful, courageous, and compassionate participants in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Details:
$40.00
Barnabas is a supporting character and disciple in the early church. Using Barnabas’s example, students explore how stepping back from the spotlight and encouraging others can have a powerful impact. The goal of this lesson is to help youth understand that their role isn’t always to lead from the front but often to uplift, empower, and walk alongside others in faith. Through Barnabas’s story, they’ll learn how being a “side-character” doesn’t mean being less important—it means playing a vital role in God’s greater story.
Scripture – Acts 9:19-30
Martha is a powerful voice in the early church. Martha is not just a busy hostess; she is a bold leader who speaks profound faith, challenges Jesus with honesty, and takes an active role in ministry. By exploring her full story, participants will discover a woman who breaks cultural expectations and stands alongside key figures like Peter, showing a richer, more complex picture of discipleship and leadership.
Scripture – Luke 10:38-42
Through the character of the Ethiopian eunuch, we see God’s bent toward radical hospitality and explore what it means for us to practice that as people of God. Your group will reflect on the song Crowded Table by the band The Highwomen and wrap up their time together filling up God’s crowded table. Youth will explore what it means to be radically hospitable, knowing God’s kingdom is a place of acceptance and belonging for all people, both on the margins and in the center of power.
Scripture – Acts 8:26-40
Stephen is often known as the first martyr of our faith. He was a passionate second-generation convert who was bold and lived in that manner. This led to his death by stoning. The challenge your group will take on, with Stephen as their guide, is to see that our faith beckons us to be passionate followers, which means having a faith worth living for. That, in turn, is a faith worth living for, one that has no fear of death and creates disruption in a world in need of grace, hope, peace, and love.
Scripture – Acts 7:54-60
Holy Disruptions series are designed to delve into the unique experiences of today’s youth, spark deep theological reflection, and foster transformative discussions. Our three-part methodology empowers students to align with God’s vision and desires for the world.
Facilitate a disorienting experience – where students are most receptive to growth.
Invite students to investigate their reaction to the disorienting moment.
Ask students to explore what God says about it.
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