Leader Guide

Theme
Evangelism; God’s Representatives

Objective
Students will be encouraged to shine brightly especially in the dark times.

Warm Up
Hand out pens and Student Guides. Direct students to complete the Three Things That Fire Me Up section. Then open up discussion by asking,

“What fires you up?” Before students respond, challenge them to answer in such a way that everyone feels their excitement (scream it out, jump up and down, exhibit the passion for it!) If you start out by sharing one of yours in extremely “pumped up” fashion, the door will be open for lots of laughs and enthusiasm as your group follows suit!

Transition
Say, “Most of the activities you shared have a down side. Sometimes teams lose, bands separate, tryouts don’t go so well, wrong choices are made that lead to sin, and things feel generally dark. What are some things that can tear into your fire and passion?”

The Video
Say, “Owl City’s ‘Shooting Star’ video offers encouragement to all of us to shine bright with the passion of God no matter how dark things get. Let’s watch and then talk about it.” Play the video.

Discussion
• What is this song about?

• What encouragement did you hear in the lyrics?

• Why did the people’s hearts glow?

• What keeps your faith strong even when darkness is all around?

Bible Study
Say, “Let’s explore what the Bible says about how to shine for Christ in a dark world as we complete the You Gotta Shine section together.” Have volunteers read the statement, lyrics, and Scripture, and then discuss the questions.

I can be light to a dark world. When the sun goes down / And the lights burn out / Then it’s time for you to shine 2 Corinthians 4:6

• Share about a time when you were in a dark place and had to search for the light.

• Is searching for Jesus like searching for a light in the dark? Explain.

• What are some ways you see Jesus’ light in others who know Him?

I am fragile so people know the light is not from me. All the pouring rain will try to put it out / But not this time,/i>2 Corinthians 4:7

• Share about a time when you realized your body was fragile.

• What are some situations that make you feel like a candle in a rainstorm?

• How can our weakness actually demonstrate God’s strength?

I will suffer both in and for shining brightly. And illuminate a world that will try to bring you down / But not this time 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

• Share about a time when you had a bad day but still fought hard to shine your light.

<• How can this passage relate to school life?

• What are some big issues that are bringing teens down into darkness?

My actions during suffering determine the brightness of my light. Shine no matter where you are 2 Corinthians 4:10

• Share about a time you were really suffering.

•What is the closest you’ve ever come to the pain Jesus went through between His trial and His crucifixion?

• What can we learn from how Jesus shined even while hanging on the cross?

Wrap Up
Say, “Your light will sometimes dim, and you may want to give up. In those dark times you need to heed the wisdom found in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.” Read the passage, and then ask, “Are you looking at how dark it is in your life or how bright it can be by ‘fixing your eyes on Jesus’?” Let the question sink in. Then play the video again while students use the blank space in the Fix My Gaze section to draw or write images and phrases that will encourage them to keep their lights bright in their daily grind.