In response to disasters and tragedies, LCMS Youth Ministry has developed this special kit filled with practical tools to assist youth workers in creating conversation, facilitating understanding, and providing comfort as youth experience the devastation of tragic events via television, the Internet, and personal experience.
In the wake of tragedy, youth begin to form real questions about the nature of man, sin, and God in the face of human suffering. It’s time to share some real answers.
The theology surrounding the questions youth may ask is intense. The developmental reality of teens is also complex. Tapping into these heavy topics requires significant effort. This resource kit provides real, practical tools that youth workers can implement in a variety of settings as they chew on these tough topics with the adolescents in their care.
THE RESOURCE KIT INCLUDES:
Articles for Youth Leaders on Approaching Tragedy
Stepping In when Your Community has a Tragedy
Sarah Dibbern shares what she learned when she responded to a tragedy in her community. She highlights how youth leaders can care for young people, and be thinking through how to respond before there is a tragedy that hits your church’s community.
8 Ways to Care for Yourself as You Care For Youth
Blake Brockman talks about how to care for yourself as you care for young people in your congregation and community.
Bible Studies and Conversation Guides
These are practical guides that use creative, focused activity to spark questions and conversation about Biblical and doctrinal truths in an effort to provide answers about deeper theological, social, relational issues confronting and confounding teenagers.
Based on James 4:13-15. In times of great distress we are often tempted to hide in living only for the moment, and neglect the future. By Dr. Russ Moulds, Concordia Nebraska
Based on Isaiah 45:7. God does not ask us to be pleased with what he does or what he may permit, but he does remind us that we do not yet see the whole picture. By Dr. Russ Moulds, Concordia Nebraska
Based on Ephesians 1:3-14. Our salvation and our daily protection then are not mere chance, nor are they a sign that we are better than others. They are the kindnesses of God which are undeserved and yet are a part of God’s intended plan. By Dr. Daniel Paavola, Concordia Wisconsin
Based on Genesis 9:8-17. Water can be used by God for many purposes; when it is churning and washing, and in its beautiful work in Holy Baptism. By Dr. Daniel Paavola, Concordia Wisconsin
Based on 2 Peter 3:9-15. People keep saying it must be the end of the world. Christ is coming back, but you might want to know what He’s waiting for. By Rev. Peter Nafzger
Based on Matt. 11. We LIKE happy, triumphant Bible stories, but God sometimes calls us to tasks that ask us to focus beyond our own well-being. Jesus is in charge of your life; in good and “bad” you count on Him. By. Dr. Bernerd Tonjes, Lutheran High St. Charles
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:5-9. Jesus is the ultimate protector, relief agency, clean-up crew, and source of goodness. By Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, Concordia Seminary St. Louis
Facing the Deep Waters with a Deeper Faith
A one session Bible Study, developed for use in a 60 minute youth Bible class setting. By Leon Jameson, DCE
A Music-Based Devotion, uses a contemporary Christian song together with a traditional Lutheran hymn to encourage discussion and conversation about God’s plan, designed for use in a 30-45 minute youth meeting. By Rev. Micah Gaunt
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