Care Group Ministry

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Branch Sabbath School Plan: Children & Youth

SHARE JESUS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Branch Sabbath School Plan – Children & Youth

Vision: To create a vibrant, engaging Sabbath School that nurtures children and youth in their faith, fostering a love for Bible study, prayer, and community care, leading them to become fruitful disciples of Christ.

I. Preparation & Foundation

  1. Consultation & Support:
    • Meet with church leaders to seek their blessing and guidance.
    • Present the vision and plan for the Branch Sabbath School.
    • Address any concerns and incorporate suggestions.
  2. Core Team Formation:
    • Recruit a team of passionate and dedicated individuals.
    • Assign roles based on skills and interests:
      • Coordinator: Oversees the entire program.
      • Teachers: Lead Bible study sessions.
      • Care Group Leaders: Facilitate small group activities.
      • Prayer Coordinator: Organizes prayer sessions.
      • Outreach Coordinator: Plans community service projects.
  3. Curriculum & Resources:
    • Select age-appropriate Bible study materials.
    • Gather resources like workbooks, craft supplies, and visual aids.
    • Consider using online resources and interactive tools.
  4. Location & Setup:
    • Secure a suitable location (community center, park, or homes).
    • Ensure the space is safe, clean, and conducive to learning.
    • Set up different areas for Bible study, crafts, and care group activities.

II. Sabbath School Structure

  1. Welcome & Opening (15 minutes):
    • Greet children and youth with enthusiasm.
    • Sing uplifting songs and hymns.
    • Share a brief, engaging story or lesson.
  2. Age-Specific Bible Study (45 minutes):
    • Divide participants into age groups (e.g., 5-7, 8-12, 13-18).
    • Teachers lead interactive Bible study sessions:
      • Use stories, games, and activities to make learning fun.
      • Encourage questions and discussions.
      • Relate biblical principles to daily life.
  3. Care Group Activities (30 minutes):
    • Small groups focus on building relationships and providing support.
    • Activities include:
      • Sharing personal experiences and challenges.
      • Praying for one another.
      • Participating in team-building games.
      • Working on small craft projects.
  4. Prayer Session (15 minutes):
    • Gather all participants for a collective prayer session.
    • Share prayer requests and concerns.
    • Pray for the needs of the community and the world.
    • Teach children and youth how to pray effectively.
  5. Closing & Announcements (5 minutes):
    • Review the main points of the lesson.
    • Make announcements about upcoming events.
    • Offer a final blessing and send everyone home with a positive message.

III. Creating Interest & Engagement

  1. Promotion & Outreach:
    • Distribute flyers and posters in the neighborhood.
    • Use social media to spread the word.
    • Partner with local schools and community organizations.
    • Invite friends and neighbors to attend.
  2. Diverse Activities:
    • Plan special events like field trips, movie nights, and talent shows.
    • Organize community service projects (e.g., park cleanup, visiting nursing homes).
    • Celebrate birthdays and holidays with themed activities.
  3. Incentives & Recognition:
    • Offer small rewards for participation and good behavior.
    • Recognize achievements and milestones.
    • Create a “Student of the Month” award.

IV. Growing Fruitful Disciples

  1. Discipleship Program:
    • Implement a structured discipleship program for older youth.
    • Cover topics like:
      • Understanding the Bible.
      • Developing a prayer life.
      • Sharing their faith.
      • Serving others.
  2. Mentorship:
    • Pair youth with adult mentors who can provide guidance and support.
    • Encourage regular meetings and communication.
  3. Accountability:
    • Create a safe space for youth to hold each other accountable.
    • Encourage them to set goals and track their progress.

V. Community Outreach

  1. Needs Assessment:
    • Conduct a survey to identify the needs of the local community.
    • Focus on areas where the Branch Sabbath School can make a difference.
  2. Partnerships:
    • Collaborate with local charities, food banks, and shelters.
    • Work with schools to provide tutoring and mentoring services.
  3. Community Events:
    • Organize events that address community needs:
      • Health fairs with free screenings.
      • Food drives to support local food banks.
      • Clothing swaps to provide affordable clothing.
      • Educational workshops on topics like parenting and financial literacy.

VI. Evaluation & Improvement

  1. Feedback Collection:
    • Regularly solicit feedback from participants, parents, and teachers.
    • Use surveys, interviews, and suggestion boxes.
  2. Program Review:
    • Conduct a quarterly review of the program.
    • Analyze attendance, participation, and feedback.
  3. Continuous Improvement:
    • Make adjustments based on the feedback and review.
    • Experiment with new activities and approaches.
    • Stay updated on best practices in children’s and youth ministry.

By implementing this comprehensive plan, you can create a Branch Sabbath School that not only educates children and youth about the Bible but also nurtures their spiritual growth, fosters a sense of community, and equips them to serve others.

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