Bible Gateway is a free on line Bible search service. Use can use the link provided here.

There are many Bible translations to choose from. Check out the New International Readers Version. This version may be more readable and understandable for kids in our age group.

Buy a Bible  through this link to Christian Book.com. 32 translations are available.

Picking Your Topic:

Many times your kids will suggest topics of interest to them by asking questions. Many of my Bible study lessons began this way. Kids will ask deep theological questions and really want to know the Biblical answer. What Happens When You Die? / A New Heaven and Earth / What's God Up To? were lessons to answer their direct questions.

Topics can also address the particular needs of your group (Families: Getting Along.) or normal teen interests (To Date or Not to Date ). Current events may present opportunities. The disaster in Haiti can pique their in God's Sovereignty.

Don't shy away from the tough questions.

These kids are ready to learn more detailed answers to questions like, "Where do you go when you die?". Plus they want answers to hard questions like, "Can you go to heaven if you commit suicide?". Kids will ask you these loaded questions. If you give them the same old rote answers they will turn you off and mistrust whatever you're teaching. If, on the other hand, you prepare a detailed, Biblically supported answer, whether it's a tough answer or not, they will grow to trust you and appreciate your lessons.The point is to tell the kids the truth.

Bring your teens face-to-face with challenging questions:

They will eventually be confronted by common objections in their lives as Christians. It's good to discuss things like: "Why does God permit evil?" "Why do some prayers go unanswered?"  and "Why does God send good people to hell?" You may have settled some of these though issues for yourself but they haven't. It's far better to discuss the questions in a controlled environment when answers can be presented.

Define the Bible lessons goal:

Write a sentence or two that states the Bible lesson you want the kids to remember. This statement, an expressed belief, will help determine the questions and Bible verses you select to guide the discussion in the direction you want to go. Youth ministry veterans, Doug Fields and Duffy Robbins, teach you how to do this in the book shown on the left.

Selecting your Bible verses:

Many times a word-search can bring up many Bible verses about the topic you've chosen. Sometimes you have a favorite verse you already know. A topic and verse may also have been presented to you by the Holy Spirit during your daily quite time or recent Bible reflection. When using the "word-search" method be sure to read the surrounding verses so you don't pull it out of context.

If, during your study, you find that the Bible is actually showing a different path than what you've always believed, you must be brave and flexible enough to follow what the Bible teaches. Caution:

"Interpretation that aims at, or thrives on, uniqueness can usually be attributed to pride
(an attempt to "outclever" the rest of the world), a false understanding of spirituality
(wherein the Bible is full of deeply buried truths waiting to be mined by the spiritually
sensitive person with special insight), or vested interest (the need to support a
theological bias, especially in dealing with texts that seem to go against that bias)."
-How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth

Adding the Bible verses to your Sunday school lesson worksheet makes sure that each teen has a copy of the passage in front of them to be read. Don't assume they'll always tote their Bible to class. This also alleviates the pressure of looking up the verse while the whole class watches.

When adding Bible verses to your Sunday school lesson worksheet do not use abbreviations for the books of the Bible. Having the Bible verses on the page presents them as a whole.

Do an Internet Topic Search:

Some purists might freak-out at this suggestion but the Internet puts information at your fingertips. Most major ministries have great websites. Of course you do have to use your best discernment and watch who you're listening too but often you'll find a lesson or blog with your verses and subject already laid out. All you need to do is make it kid friendly.

Good Question Sunday School Lessons
by Josh Hunt

"The purpose of Good Question is to create these moments in the classroom each week. My goal is to help you create moments for your students. Moments that come and go but leave footprints. Footprints that forever mark the learner. Moments about which students will later say, "I remember one time we were talking in Sunday School and. . ." The learner is forever touched by that moment. Moments like that last forever--moments where the Spirit of God is forever present. It is in these moments that disciples are made." Read the rest of his article.

Prepare an interesting, application-oriented, discussion oriented lesson in less than an hour using Good Questions. Use this link:

Use this coupon code for a 10% discount: 7748

Avoid Christianese:

A seasoned Christian frequently uses words and terms not commonly found outside of church circles. Those new to church surroundings may not understand terms like "indwelling," "fellowship," "washed in His blood," or "sanctification." Review your lesson plan and weed out or replace terms that would be unfamiliar to your audience. If you must use these terms, or encounter them in verses, explain what they mean.

Forming your Bible lesson discussion questions:

The hardest and most important part of any teen Bible study are coming up with good questions that keep the conversation moving in the direction you want it to go. I will have a teen read a selected Bible passage, then ask a question that is answered by the Bible verse just read. Many times I leave a blank space on the worksheet so the kids can write in the answer.

I allow the kids to offer many answers and comments for several minutes on each question. When it's time to move on the next question must be able to bring everyone back to the original direction of the lesson and move you a little farther towards the conclusion.

You don't always need to provide the answer.
Don't be afraid to let them struggle with an issue and never shot them down if they suggest an improper answer. Trust the Holy Spirit to do His work in their hearts as they read the appropriate Scripture verses.

Your final question or statement should be a summation of the entire Bible lesson, a restating of the goal of your bible lesson. It should be a memorable phrase (could even be like a slogan). It should also challenge the young believer to amend their faith, enlarge their understanding, or firm up a belief they've always been taught but never understood why.

Add a Story, Illustration, or Activity:

Beginning your lesson with a game, activity, movie clip, or story can make your lesson unforgettable.  Coming up with this illustration can cramp your brain. Jim Burns offers some great suggestions in the books shown here.  Jesus often used parables and stories to convey His points when He taught. A good story or object lesson gets kids involved and excited to participate in the discussion. It can make the link between the Bible and an issue relevant to them today.

Leading a lesson using my lesson plans:

If you are downloading my lesson plans click on this link for more tips on leading a Sunday school lesson using these lesson plans.

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