​The middle school phase is a pretty awesome phase. In this phase of their lives, many students will choose to make their faith their own for the first time! So, today, we’re going to give them the opportunity to do that. As you have this conversation, keep in mind that some students in your group may not have made their minds up about Jesus yet, while others may believe in Jesus but still have plenty of room to grow. Wherever your students are on their journeys with Jesus, here’s your job this week: encourage an honest conversation with your few—one that’s not about right answers, but authentic conversation.

Share a high and a low from the week.
​If you could take a road trip with any celebrity, who would you bring with you?
Have you ever changed your mind about something big—maybe it was about a person, a belief, or a direction you were headed?
Have you ever changed your mind about how you see God?
At this point in your life, what do you think about Jesus?
What’s one way Jesus showed us what God is like?

Acts 9:3-9 (NIV)
3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in youto will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

In a typical week, how often do you think about your faith? (Only when you’re at church? A few times a week? Every day?)
What do you think Paul meant when he said to “work out your salvation” (Philippians 2:12-13)?
This week, when could you set aside a few minutes to think about Jesus and what He wants you to discover about God?

Lord God, your loving kindness always goes before us and follows after us. Summon us into your light, and direct our steps in the ways of goodness that come through the cross of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.