ROOTED LEADER RESOURCES
Being a small group leader is such an important role. We know it can be challanging to navigate faith & life with middle school students, so we want to provide you with resources to help.
Weekly Resources
Series Small Group Guides
This weeks Guide: Fake Friends Week 1
Next weeks Guide: Fake Friend Week 2
Current Teaching Series Overview:
We know your students want a great school year, but much of that depends on the people they surround themselves with. Our friendships have the power to shape our choices, character, and even influence who we become. In this series, students will learn that real friends put others before themselves and that the best way to find great friends is to become one.
Priorities:
Take attendance in the Lead App before you leave TRC
Text Parents of Students who were absent this week.
Engage with Students inside and outside of Rooted.
Attend a game or extracurricular activity once a Trimester
What Do I Do If….
A student wants to put their faith in Jesus → Faith in Jesus
A student wants baptized → Baptism
A student wants to Serve Down → Serve Down
A student talks about self-harm → Care Issues
A parent is upset → Contact Devin
I don't know what to do → Call/Text Devin
Resources
Grade-Level Differences
6th Grade
Nervous
Looking for belonging
Need structure
7th Grade
More independence
Social dynamics increase
8th Grade
Strong opinions
Preparing for high school
FAITH IN JESUS
A student puts their faith in Jesus by asking Him to be the Forgiver of their sins and Leader of their life.
CONFESS your need for a savior because of your violation against Holy Creator God.
DECLARE your trust in Jesus alone as the Savior because of His death and resurrection.
ASK Jesus to be the Forgiver of your sins (your savior) and the Leader of your life (your Lord).
Example Prayer
“Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and that I need a savior. I realize that I cannot do this on my own. I believe in you and in your death and resurrection and that you can be that savior. I am sorry for my sin, and I ask for your forgiveness. I want you be the forgiver of my sins, my savior, and the leader of my life, my Lord, from this day forward. Amen.”
Next Steps
If you lead a student to put their faith in Jesus, we’d love to know about it so we can give them resources and help them take next steps in their new relationship with Jesus! Click here to fill out the form and then connect with Devin so your student can receive their New Faith resources.
BAPTISM
If a student has put their faith in Jesus and has expressed intrest in getting baptized, partner with their parents to help them fill out the baptism interest form.
What is baptism all about? Click here to watch a baptism explainer video & find baptism resources.
Middle schoolers can get baptized during a Sunday gathering or during Rooted in March/September.
Serve Down
Middle school students can begin serving in our Sprouts ministry. If a student expresses interest in serving, have them complete the Serving Application.
After the application is submitted, the student will be added to the Sprouts leadership system and the Sprouts team will help them find a serving opportunity.
The process is usually very quick. If a student says they have not heard from the Sprouts team, please reach out to Devin so we can help follow up.
Serving Application → (https://relevantcommunity.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/585/responses/new)
CARE ISSUES
If a student tells you they are being hurt, hurting themselves, or hurting others it is important to do the following:
Remain calm, thank the student for trusting you, assure them they are not alone, and report this information to the ministry leader immediately after the conversation.
To create a safe place for your student, please keep the care issue between you, the student, and the ministry leader.
Even if you are unsure if it is necessary to report, please reach out to the ministry leader.
Contact Devin for many additional resources on tech, parenting, middle school, and mental health.
CONTACT DEVIN
When in doubt, you can always contact the ministry leader.