What About Forgiveness: A 4-Week Series

Help young people reflect on the tricky, yet transformative nature of forgiveness. This series covers 4 different angles of forgiveness: “What if I don’t forgive?”, how to forgive others, asking for forgiveness, and forgiving oneself.

Details:

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

$40.00

Weekly Summaries

Week 1 – Why Should I Forgive?

Leaders will engage participants in conversation about our understanding of forgiveness, its challenges, and how God might desire us to view it. Students will dive into the importance of forgiveness and leave with a clearer understanding of its importance, gaining the foundational elements for their forgiveness journey along the way.

Scripture – Matthew 18:23-35

Week 2 -What If I Don’t Forgive?

Students will explore the weight that unforgiveness can bring and be exposed to its effects. They will be given a tangible opportunity to explore relationships or situations where they experience resentment so that healing may begin. The hope is that they leave this session with an awareness of the dangers of resentment and the motivation to start their journey towards forgiveness.

Scripture – Genesis 4:1-16

Week 3 – What if I’m Not Ready to Forgive?

Participants reflect deeply on what it means to be prepared to forgive others when it’s difficult. Tension manifests as they navigate other influences that pressure them to feel that forgiveness should be immediate. They will have an opportunity to reflect on instances where they still seek to forgive someone/something and will leave this session understanding that forgiveness does not always happen immediately, ultimately encouraging them to begin the journey toward forgiving others.

Scripture – Matthew 7:7-11

Week 4 – How Do I Ask for Forgiveness?

Participants explore what a genuine apology is and its effects. They will engage with wisdom from Proverbs and others, discovering how to develop a genuine desire to make amends with the people they have wronged. They will take the time to practice crafting a sincere apology and practice the act of confession through prayer. Students should leave this session with the confidence and awareness to ask for forgiveness.

Scripture – Proverbs 28:13-14

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.