DESCRIPTION

     Tests is a 10 week DVD series packed full of content and application for large gatherings and small groups. In this series, Gregg Johnson and Stephen Hibdon walk tweens through the ways in which God tests us. Few people enjoy being tested. However, what we learn is that is that God tests us to help us to see what is really in our hearts. God already knows our heart, but it takes so time and work for us to know our heart. Through testing, we are humbled and choose to trust and obey the Father. We trust and obey because we learn just how good He truly is. Only once we pass the tests will God allow us to enter the blessings of the “promised land”. Each week there is a teaching, review, game, and small group discussion time all hosted by characters on the video curriculum.

     Because the video portion is approx. 20 minutes each week, and the lesson plans provide content for approx. 45 minutes, this series can even be broken into 20 weeks worth of content. The length of time that your class meets will determine how you want to break it down. Every group setting has different needs, so the curriculum is geared towards flexibility.

     It is “plug and play” meaning most of the prep has been done for you. Your prep is simply looking over the lesson plans and videos each week to be ready for the lesson, encouraging the preteens during the sessions, and interacting as a class with the screen as it will give you time to discuss topics they suggest along the way.  Included is a digital leader kit that will fully equip you through video teaching, lesson plans, games, activities, artwork, media files, teacher tips, service orders, and everything you need to make these Bible principles come alive to your preteens.

     The testimony of Jesus at 12 is the template of how to reach a generation before they need to be rescued. Jesus spoke 7 words at the age of twelve and our heart and passion is for tweens to live those same 7 words today. J12 is much more about creating a culture to thrive and much less about providing programming to continue their boredom. If tweens get the 7 words of Jesus in their spirit, they will not need programming to live like Jesus, but will instead live like Jesus because of their love for the Father and His business. The most important job as a J12 teacher is to nurture a culture in which tweens can get lost in love with their Father and His business.

Lesson Overview:

Lesson 1-2: The Test of the Desert

Lesson 3-4: The Test of Prolonged War

Lesson 5-6: The Test of God’s Timing

Lesson 7-8: The Test of God’s Absence

Lesson 9-10: The Test of Worship