Introduction to The Art of Connecting Course
Welcome to the Art Of Connecting!
The Art Of Connecting is a seven week course aimed at giving 11-18s key training in personal evangelism. This aims to equip your teenagers to intentionally 'connect' with their friends, share life experiences, and speak of their faith in relevant ways to impact the lives of those around them.
In this frontline resource, endorsed throughout the Youthwork Partnership , your young people will explore the concept of Three Story Living and be challenged as to how their story of faith links in with that of their non-Christian friends? How can they learn to listen to their friends' life stories, and how do they connect both stories to that of God's amazing story in Christ?
The Art Of Connecting has the versatility to be utilised within Church groups, Small Groups, Christian Unions or youth cell groups. Large or small, your group will find this accessible.
The Art Of Connecting is written for use in any one of three key streams:
11-14s, 14-18s and a student peer-to-peer led stream for use within school groups. The Guide also includes two DVDs , one containing thirteen filmed illustrations for the course and a 'Talking Heads' DVD presenting the core teaching components of each session.
By providing each member of your group with a copy of the ' MY STORY' Journal, this will allow your young people to document and personalise their own journey through the course. By means of Bible verses, stories, quotes and quizzes, whilst also leaving space for their own personal notes, prayers and reflections, this aims to encourage them in mission and also help them connect with the lives of those around them.
The Art Of Connecting also sits well alongside all of Youth for Christ's 11-18s discipleship resources: Rock Solid, RS2, Mettle and Youth Alpha .
Not only is the Art Of Connecting a key resource for evangelism training, but it is ideal training for mission, branded alongside Hope 2008 - a nationwide evangelistic initiative taking place throughout the whole of 2008.
Art of Connecting - How to Use
The Art of Connecting helps you develop a place where young people feel secure to express what they are thinking. The resources provide many opportunities to challenge and increase their knowledge and experience. The Art of Connecting is also designed to foster friendship. Experience shows that developing positive friendships can be just as important in building courage, spirit and character as expressing opinions and ideas within the group.
Working With Younger (11-14s) and Older (14-18s) Teens: Some Key Differences
Younger teens (11-14s) are often quite high energy and need lots of activities to keep them entertained and busy. Things may have to be done in a very creative way to hold their attention and make sure they engage with the subject.
Older teens (14-18s) may find it easier to get involved when there is room for discussion. They will want to be engaged and challenged physically and mentally, but they may have their own opinions about things. Some may have already formed quite definite opinions while others may be just working things through, needing space to explore.
Each of the sections is presented in a way that we believe suits the style of the leaders. For example, for 11-14s you need to know that you have filled the time you have with activities, to ensure that the young people are constantly engaged. To this end we have included a list of materials you may need and a suggested running time so you can present the same information in a series of imaginative ways.
Yet with 14-18s you need to allow space, as they sometimes engage and sometimes seem to glaze over and sit there. In this material we have concentrated on the flow of the session, each part building on the next so that you have space to stop when they engage and ability to move on when they choose simply to listen.
The Art of Connecting course has been specifically produced to complement the aims and style of working with the various age group. However, they should not be simply regarded as 'ready to use' meetings. You should:
Most, if not all, groups of 11-18 year olds will benefit from a meeting which includes lively games and interactive activities. Games and activities will help your young people to engage with the subject matter in a practical way, and also to simply have some fun.
11-14s generally enjoy fast-moving and slightly 'off-the-wall' games, which help them to engage with the subject in a tangible way. It is also sometimes appropriate to include high-energy games in a meeting for this age group, merely for fun, and to help the young people burn off excess energy.
14-18s may also appreciate high-energy games, but will also benefit from activities which require more thought and creativity. They will certainly not require as many high-energy games as a younger group.
As with any other element of an Art of Connecting meeting, you should ensure that games and interactive activities are appropriate to your young people. You know your group better than anyone else, so if you feel an activity needs to be altered or replaced to be effective with your group, you should alter it or replace it! Remember, you can add elements of the 11-14s sessions into the parallel 14-18s meetings and vice versa.
Serving refreshments can really enhance an Art of Connecting meeting. Even simple snacks and drinks, such as fizzy pop and crisps, can play a major part in making your young people feel welcome and encouraging them to relax and mingle. If you can link the refreshments in with the theme of the meeting, so much the better. For example, for Session 3, 'Staying Connected', serve bowls of grapes and raisins, to introduce the idea of staying connected to Jesus, the true vine. Why not organise a feast to mark the end of the Art of Connecting course?