Session 6: God Commissions
Suggested Week of Use: January 5, 2020
Core Passage: Numbers 27:12-23
News Story Summary
In November 2019, the University of Phoenix released the findings of a survey on mentors and role models, and among the results, the survey ranked the top 10 categories for role models. Here’s the list beginning with the most common category identified: Dad, Mom, Teacher/professor, Celebrity (actor, athlete, etc.), Coach or other instructor (arts, music, etc.), Historical figure, Manager/boss, Pastor or youth leader. Family friend, Friend. The survey also found that 81 percent believe it’s important for young people to have someone to look up to, and 56 percent of survey participants believe they’re a role model for others.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the term “2019 survey of top role models of Americans)
Focus Attention
To replace the Guide idea under Focus Attention write the following on a large sheet of paper: Who are your role models? As the group arrives, give them markers and direct them to write on the paper their responses. After most have arrived, review their answers. Share a summary of the list from the University of Phoenix survey, comparing it with he responses given by the group.
Say: The survey also found that 81 percent of people think it is important for young people to have a role model. Ask: Why is important for young people in our church to have role models? Complete the step as written beginning with the Summarize idea.
Summarize Challenge
To replace the Summarize and Challenge ideas, remind the group about the role model survey. Point out that 56 percent of survey participants believe they’re a role model for others. Ask: Do you see yourself as a role model to the younger people in our church? Why or why not? Whom do you think you influence or mentor, even casually?
Remind the group of God calling Joshua into leadership. Ask: Who might be some future leaders of our church? What can you do in your area of influence to affirm and call out the next generation of people around you?
Challenge the group to think of their role in calling up the next generation of leaders. Close in prayer, asking God to equip younger people in your church so they can become the leaders of the church in years to come.