Youth Ministry Programming: Just Do It

I Am Getting to Know God

David Nasser

Bluefishtv, DVD, 2007, $67.99, www.bluefishtv.com

Sex. Dating,

Michael & Hayley DiMarco

Bluefishtv, DVD, 2007, $67.99, www.bluefishtv.com

Teens vs. Parents

Mark Matlock

Bluefishtv, DVD, 2007, $67.99, www.bluefishtv.com

These video-driven youth Bible studies feature big-name speakers, teen-appealing clips and overall professionally filmed DVDs. The leaders’ guides are 60 pages in length and all of them follow the same format: Set Up, Kicker, Video, Discuss, Bible, Crunch, and Just Do It. Set-up, Video, Discuss and Bible are self-explanatory. Kicker is an icebreaker/game of sorts. Crunch includes application of the material, and Just Do It is a pep talk to send the kids off with. I’ve never been big on the one-formula-fits-all approach, but it does make transitioning from one Bible study to the next easier.

Containing several interviews and solid biblical teaching featuring David Nasser, I Am Getting to Know God is founded on the four topics of: 1) Looking for God, 2) When Bad things Happen, 3) Identity, and 4) Question of Faith. Intriguing, thoughtful—it doesn’t come across preachy or condescending.

Sex. Dating. is similar to I Am Getting to Know God and features the tandem teaching of Michael and Hayley DiMarco (author of Technical Virgin and Sexy Girls). Great teaching, interviews, and stories addressing: 1) Boundaries, 2) The Role of Dating, 3) Issues for Guys, and 4) Issues for Girls.

In the same vein of the previous two, Teens vs. Parents addresses: 1) The Myth of a Perfect Family, 2) Living up to Expectations, 3) Authority and Rebellion, and 4) Friend or Foe? The sound teaching of Mark Matlock is sandwiched nicely between intriguing teen questions and stories.

Although youth workers may not be pleased about the $67.99 price tag (ouch!!), the ease of use with both small and large groups, as well as with both middle and high school students, is appreciated. Going a little deeper into lives, this curriculum works best when youth workers have been invested in their ministry for a while, not just a few months.