Recently I purchased Steps to Christ in Song by Fountainview’s Strings & Choir. This DVD production brings Ellen White’s simple book Steps to Christ, originally published in 1892, to life through 13 half-hour episodes of powerful music, personal testimony, devotionals, and gorgeous scenery. This musical production features the students of Fountainview Academy (high school) not only in the choir and orchestra, but also as part of the small group discussions sharing their own experiences in developing a deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
In addition to personal use and enjoyment, I believe that Steps to Christ in Song would be a great addition to any youth group curriculum and an excellent way to help the youth at your church connect not only with our Lord but also with His Word and how it applies to our lives today. The following is my recommendation for turning Steps to Christ into a curriculum for a youth group setting.
- For those youth groups that meet weekly, give each student a copy of the written Steps to Christ by E.G. White (only $0.69 each) and assign a chapter for each week. OR, if you want your group to get even more into the Bible, give each student a copy of Steps to Christ Bible Study Guide ($3.99 each from ABC Books) and assign a chapter for each week.
- At your weekly meetings, open with prayer and facilitate a discussion on the topic of that chapter. Be sure to use Scripture to support your own comments, which will in turn encourage the youth to do the same.
Note: As youth leader, always use edifying language and never belittle their comments and ideas. Avoid the all-too-common phrases: “Yes, but…” or “Okay, but…” or “Not exactly what I was looking for…” as these phrases will make the individual less likely to speak up later.
Instead, even if the idea or point is not exactly what you were looking for, respond positively. “That is a really good point, John. I had not thought of that before.”
Most importantly, be honest and genuine. Teenagers are keenly astute and will pick up almost immediately when you are just going through the motions.
- After hosting a discussion on the chapter, then insert the Steps to Christ in Song DVD and watch the corresponding episode.
- Ask your group for feedback on the episode, what they might have thought or felt, mention the songs used and if the DVD gave the song more meaning to them.
- Close the session in group prayer. For closing prayer, try having all of the youth gather in a circle holding hands and then go around the circle so each person shares in giving the prayer. It could be saying one thing they are thankful for or praying for one person or asking forgiveness for a sin they committed or anything that you as the youth leader feels is appropriate for that particular meeting.
If you are interested in learning more about the Fountainview Strings & Choir Steps to Christ in Song, you can purchase a copy of the DVDs at Fountainview Store for $35.00 (excluding tax). The DVD set also includes both the written and audio book Steps to Christ. Here is a promotional video for the DVD.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqjLAHMv-vo[/youtube]
