The Call - What is a Disciple?

Main Idea:

A disciple is not just a believer, but a follower, a learner, and a doer of Jesus's commands. It's an all-in commitment.

Key Scripture:

Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)

Discussion Points:

What's the difference between being a fan and a follower of Jesus?

What does it mean to "deny yourself and take up your cross daily"?

Break down the Great Commission. What are the key verbs (go, make, baptize, teach)?

Application/Activity:

Have students brainstorm what an "all-in" commitment looks like in their own lives (e.g., in sports, a hobby, a friendship). Then, compare this to the commitment Jesus asks for. (Usually a mentor is a huge part)

Challenge: Discipleship sign-up

Games:

Human Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament

Objective: To be the last person standing in an elimination tournament.

How to Play: Everyone finds a partner and plays one round of Rock, Paper, Scissors (best 2 of 3). The winner advances, and the loser becomes their biggest fan, cheering them on. Winners then find a new opponent and repeat the process until only one champion remains.

You Laugh, You Lose (YLYL)

Objective: To be the first person to get the other person to laugh while mirroring them.

How to Play: Two people face each other. If you laugh, you’re out.

Option A: One person acts as a leader and makes a series of movements. The other person must mirror their movements exactly. The leader can change their pace and movements.

Option B: Hayden calls out prompts to follow (tell a dad joke, pretend you’re doing ______, etc.)

The Human Compass

Objective: The first team to correctly point to a series of directions wins.

How to Play: Divide students into teams. A leader calls out directions ("North," "South," "East," "West") or places ("The church stage," "The front door"). Teams must quickly point in that direction. The first team with all members pointing in the correct direction wins a point.