Skill Challenges

• Description: The student will learn how to present the gospel using the 3 Circles method, a simple tool to explain God’s design, the brokenness of sin, and the hope of the gospel.

• Importance: The 3 Circles is a practical way to share the gospel conversationally, making it accessible for various audiences.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and use the 3 Circles to present the gospel in under five minutes. Be prepared to answer basic questions that may arise during the presentation.

---- Youtube Link ----

• Description: The student will learn to share the gospel using the Bridge Illustration, emphasizing the separation between God and man due to sin and the reconciliation provided through Jesus.

• Importance: The Bridge Illustration is a powerful visual aid for communicating the core truths of the gospel.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor, draw the Bridge Illustration on paper, and explain its components while presenting the gospel.

---- Bridge Illustration PDF DOWNLOAD ----

• Description: The student will memorize the key verses of the Romans Road and practice sharing the gospel using this scripture-based approach.

• Importance: The Romans Road provides a clear, biblical pathway for explaining the gospel.

• Demonstration of Competence: Share the gospel with your mentor using the Romans Road verses. Be prepared to connect the verses to personal application for the listener.

---- Romans Road PDF Download ----

Description: The student will memorize the Hand illustration and practice sharing the gospel using this scripture-based approach.

• Importance: The Hand Illustration provides a clear, simple explanation of the gospel and can be done with just your hand

• Demonstration of Competence: Share the gospel with your mentor using the Hand Illustration. Be prepared to explain what each point Is, and how it describes the Gospel to the listener.

---- Hand Illustration PDF Download ----

• Description: The student will craft and memorize a concise 60-second version of their personal testimony, focusing on who they were before Christ, how they came to know Him, and what He is doing in their life now.

• Importance: A short testimony is a valuable tool for quickly sharing how the gospel has impacted your life in various settings.

• Demonstration of Competence: Sit with your mentor and present your 60-second testimony. Be prepared to adjust the emphasis based on feedback.

• Description: The student will prepare and teach a short Bible lesson (10–20 minutes) on a topic or passage assigned by their youth pastor. This includes studying the passage, creating an outline, and presenting the lesson.

• Importance: Teaching the Bible helps disciples deepen their understanding of scripture and develop skills for sharing it with others.

• Demonstration of Competence: Present your lesson to your youth pastor, and then to the student ministry, children’s ministry, or small group as assigned by the youth pastor, incorporating scripture and practical applications. Be prepared to answer questions about your topic.

• Description: The student will prepare and present their personal testimony to a group, focusing on their journey to faith in Christ and how the gospel has transformed their life.

• Importance: Sharing a public testimony encourages others and provides a bold witness for the gospel.

• Demonstration of Competence: Present your testimony to a small group or youth event, ensuring it is clear, Christ-centered, and encouraging. The testimony will clearly describe how you came to Christ, sharing the gospel in a way that an unbeliever would understand. 

• Description: The student will demonstrate the ability to sing or play an instrument as part of a worship band. This includes preparing their part, practicing with the team, and participating in a live worship service.

• Importance: Contributing musically to a worship band helps lead others into God-centered worship and uses musical talents to glorify Him.

• Demonstration of Competence: Perform with the worship band during rehearsals and at least worship services for at least one semester. Receive feedback from the worship leader on timing, accuracy, and stage presence.

• Description: The student will learn the basics of operating the sound board, including balancing audio levels, adjusting microphones, and troubleshooting common issues during a service. They will understand how each instrument and microphone on stage works with the sound board. Students will also understand the operation of the LED light board and be able to make adjustments to it as needed. 

• Importance: A properly balanced sound enhances the worship experience and minimizes distractions. Lighting can help set the atmosphere for a more engaging time of praise and worship. 

• Demonstration of Competence: Work with the sound technician to set up and adjust sound for a service. Operate the sound and light boards during live worship services under supervision for at least one semester. 

• Description: The student will take on the role of a small group leader or assistant leader, guiding discussions, fostering spiritual growth, and building relationships within their group over the course of one semester. This includes preparing for meetings, engaging group members, and ensuring a welcoming and Christ-centered environment.

• Importance: Leading a small group develops spiritual leadership, teaching skills, and the ability to disciple others, reflecting Jesus’ model of mentorship.

• Demonstration of Competence: Successfully serve as a small group leader for at least one semester. Provide evidence of preparation, contacts with your group outside of services, and receive feedback from the ministry leader or mentor on leadership effectiveness, group engagement, and personal growth.

• Description: The student will develop the habit of encouragement by writing and sending at least 20 personalized encouragement cards to students and leaders in the ministry. Each card should be thoughtful, affirming, and demonstrate care for the recipient.

• Importance: Written encouragement reflects Christ’s love and builds up the body of believers, creating deeper connections within the church community.

• Demonstration of Competence: Submit a list of the recipients and a sample of the cards written to your mentor. Reflect on the impact of this challenge and share any feedback you received from those encouraged.

• Description: The student will plan, film, and edit a short promotional or highlight video for a church event or ministry. The video should include a clear message, engaging visuals, and appropriate music or voiceover.

• Importance: Videos are powerful tools for communication and engagement, helping the church effectively promote events and initiatives.

• Demonstration of Competence: Share the completed video with a mentor or ministry leader for use in promoting an event or ministry. Reflect on the process of creating the video and the message it communicates.

• Description: The student will capture high-quality photos of a ministry event, focusing on moments that reflect the heart of the ministry and engage the congregation. This includes understanding basic photography techniques such as lighting, framing, and storytelling.

• Importance: Photography enhances the church’s ability to communicate its mission visually and inspires others through captured moments of worship, fellowship, and service.

• Demonstration of Competence: Submit a portfolio of 10–15 edited photos from a ministry event to a mentor or ministry leader. Receive feedback on technical quality, storytelling, and alignment with the ministry’s mission.

• Description: The student will serve as part of the hospitality team for at least one semester, welcoming students and visitors, assisting with check-in, and following up with guests via a letter, text, or phone call during the week after their visit.

• Importance: Hospitality fosters a welcoming environment that helps newcomers feel valued and connected to the ministry.

• Demonstration of Competence: Serve faithfully on the hospitality team for one semester. Document the number of visitors welcomed and follow-ups completed. Receive feedback from the team leader or mentor on effectiveness, consistency, and attitude.

• Description: The student will learn how to prepare three different appetizers that are suitable for hosting gatherings or events. This includes selecting recipes, shopping for ingredients, and presenting the appetizers in an appealing way.

• Importance: Hospitality is an act of service that reflects God’s love. Preparing appetizers helps create a welcoming atmosphere for fellowship and ministry.

• Demonstration of Competence: Prepare and present three different appetizers for a small group, family gathering, or church event. Receive feedback on taste, presentation, and preparation.

• Description: The student will prepare three complete meals that are suitable for sharing with others, focusing on balanced dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs. This includes meal planning, cooking, and serving.

• Importance: Sharing a meal is a powerful way to build relationships and show hospitality, reflecting the heart of Christ.

• Demonstration of Competence: Prepare three different meals for family, friends, or a ministry group. Present each meal and receive feedback on flavor, presentation, and thoughtfulness in preparation.

• Description: The student will learn to prepare three different desserts that are suitable for hosting, focusing on a variety of tastes and presentation styles.

• Importance: Desserts often add a special touch to gatherings, showcasing care and creativity in hospitality.

• Demonstration of Competence: Prepare and serve three different desserts for a small group, family, or church event. Receive feedback on taste, creativity, and presentation.

• Description: The student will learn how to safely operate a chainsaw, including basic maintenance and usage for tasks like cutting firewood or clearing brush.

• Importance: Chainsaw operation is a practical skill that equips students for service and stewardship of outdoor spaces.

• Demonstration of Competence: Safely operate a chainsaw under supervision and complete a practical task, such as cutting firewood.

• Description: The student will learn essential car maintenance skills, including checking oil and tire pressure, changing a tire, and jump-starting a car.

• Importance: Understanding basic car maintenance promotes independence and preparedness in emergencies.

• Demonstration of Competence: Perform a tire change, oil check, and battery jump-start under supervision.

• Description: The student will learn basic carpentry skills, such as measuring, cutting, assembling wood, and using hand tools. They will complete a small project, such as building a simple bench or shelf.

• Importance: Carpentry skills are useful for home maintenance, ministry projects, and serving others.

• Demonstration of Competence: Complete a simple carpentry project and demonstrate safe tool usage.

• Description: The student will design and produce a piece of artwork for use in the church. This could include a t-shirt design, a wall painting, or a graphic for a teaching series or display. The project should align with the church’s mission and values, using creativity to inspire or engage others.

• Importance: Artistic expression is a powerful way to glorify God, communicate biblical truths, and enhance the worship environment.

• Demonstration of Competence: Present the completed artwork to a mentor or church leader. Discuss the inspiration and meaning behind the design and how it connects to the church’s mission. Ensure the artwork is suitable for its intended purpose and ready for display or use.

• Description: The student will learn to manage their schedule effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. They will use tools like planners or digital calendars.

• Importance: Time management is essential for productivity and stewardship of responsibilities.

• Demonstration of Competence: Create a weekly schedule that includes all responsibilities, follow it for one month, and reflect on areas of growth with a mentor.

• Description: The student will create and maintain a monthly budget, tracking income and expenses. They will also set savings goals and learn basic financial literacy principles.

• Importance: Financial stewardship is vital for independence and honoring God with resources.

• Demonstration of Competence: Present a working budget to a mentor and discuss lessons learned from managing it over three months.

• Description: The student will demonstrate commitment by working consistently at the same job for 200 hours or more.

• Importance: Perseverance in a job builds character, responsibility, and a strong work ethic.

• Demonstration of Competence: Provide evidence of job completion, such as a pay stub or letter from an employer.

• Description: The student will plan, launch, and operate a small business or service that generates at least $1,000 in revenue.

• Importance: Entrepreneurship teaches creativity, problem-solving, and financial management.

• Demonstration of Competence: Present a report detailing the business plan, revenue, and lessons learned to a mentor.

• Description: The student will complete a first aid and CPR certification course, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies. This includes learning basic first aid techniques, CPR, and the use of an AED.

• Importance: Being prepared to respond in an emergency demonstrates responsibility, care for others, and readiness to serve in critical situations.

• Demonstration of Competence: Successfully complete a recognized first aid and CPR certification course (e.g., Red Cross or American Heart Association). Provide proof of certification and discuss with your mentor how these skills can be applied in ministry and daily life.