Holiest Disruptions: A 4-Week Series

Creation, birth, cross, and resurrection — “tale as old as time” for a lot of us. These stories have become so familiar that we forget how profound and world-changing they are. Engage these familiar stories in a new way that will push your students to think and live differently.

Details:

4 lesson plans and student handouts (PDF format)
Leader’s guide for activities and discussions
Social media and keynote graphics

$30.00

Weekly Summaries

Week 1 – Creation

Starting with a clip from a movie about Noah, your group will experience the story of creation through new lenses, making it come alive in fresh ways. After examining different perspectives, students will focus on their individual creation, being created in the image of God, and will reflect on the fact that their identity is based not on what they do but who they are.

Week 2 – Birth

This lesson begins by sharing the experience of viewing and dissecting a piece of art called Jose y’ Maria, a modern interpretation of Jesus as a baby of immigrants in the United States by artist Everett Patterson. You’ll listen to the birth story from multiple perspectives and work through an exercise to help reorient your thoughts around the nativity story, the context that Jesus was born into, and more importantly who Jesus was.

Week 3 – Cross

Students and leaders will start this lesson by listening to the heart-wrenching story of Emmett Till. This story should be difficult for students (We do not want to shy away from the troubling nature or the feelings of anger that it will cause). You’ll discuss an excerpt from The Cross and the Lynching Tree as you examine injustice both in the world today and in the time of Christ. You’ll be challenged to think beyond the eternal ramifications of the cross and focus on Jesus as a person.

Week 4 – Resurrection

A video from Northern Irish theologian and poet named Peter Rollins challenges students and leaders to think differently about the resurrection and what it means, not just for the afterlife but for this life. Students will reflect on the resurrection being hope that God is always at work, even in situations that appear dead, opening us up to new life.

Testimonials

“Holy Disruptions is everything I've wanted in a youth group curriculum! It engages our teenagers' questions and ideas without offering overly simplified answers.”

- Laurel Capesius, Director and Campus Minister at Winthrop Wesley Foundation

“Holy Disruptions gave our leaders a teaching foundation while also creating and fostering space for our students to do their own theological exploration.”

- Nathan Wheeler, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Coordinator, Cumberland Presbyterian Church

“This material has allowed students to process through what God is teaching and speaking to them.”

- Kelsey Fisher, Program Coordinator, City Service Mission

What makes Holy
Disruptions different?

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.

Interruption

Facilitate a disorienting experience – where students are most receptive to growth.

Reflection

Invite students to investigate their reaction to the disorienting moment.

Holy Disruption

Ask students to explore what God says about it.