Youth Resources - Teen Dating
 
 

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    One issue every youth ministry must deal with is the whole area related to teen dating.  There are those who prefer for teens not to date, but others believe it is better to equip teens to make wise decisions and to help them understand how healthy dating will better prepare them to know who to marry later in life.  There are many resources available for youth ministries to utilize as they strive to equip their teens - we will look at a few specifically written for ministry to and with girls.
 
 

Guys Girls Authors - Dan Jessup, Helen Musick & Crystal Kirgiss Publishers - Zondervan & Youth Specialties

• 10 lessons for guys/girls only on issues that are the most important to them
• reproducible resources
• web address for Word files of reproducible pages you can customize and print out
• topics include -
• Guys -
• outer self
• inner self
• real self
• girls
• dating & sexuality
• purity
• friendship
• anger
• how to be a hero
• how to be an adult
• Girls -
• outer self
• inner self
• real self
• potential
• guys
• dating & sexuality
• purity
• friends
• emotions
• how to be an adult
• each lesson includes -
• introduction
• quotes
• opening activity
• exploring the topic
• optional activities
• tips
• Bible study
• closing
• reproducible resources

    This tremendously well written curriculum is active, interactive and focused on involving teens so they will experience remember, understand what is being taught so they can live it and have their lives changed.  Extremely well done, Dan, Helen, Crystal and Zondervan/Youth Specilaties!

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Dear Diary - a Girl's book of devotions Author - Susie Shellenberger Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 8 - 12

• Favorite Features:
• 63 devotions
• each devotion includes -
• a diary entry about a situation girls will relate to
• questions to help kids focus on the point and application
• encouragement to know and live what they are learning
• space to write prayers, what verses mean and steps to take to live it
• memory verse

    This book covers topics like, honesty, being real, what is really valuable, idolatry, helping humility and other real life issues and helps girls think them through in light of God's Word and how to live it.  Extremely well done Susie and ZonderKidz!

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and the Bride Wore White Author - Dannah Gresh Publisher - Moody Press

• Favorite Features:
• foreward from Jaci Velasquez
• each chapter ends with "it's your turn" - space to journal your thoughts as you walk through the principles taught
• author shares her own "real story" throughout
• stories from other "real" people throughout to clarify points being taught
• explains seven secrets to sexual purity
• Satan's three sex lies
• how to break off sinful relationships
• explains steps to physical intimacy
• loose lips contract
• emphasizes need and value of parent - especially the dad being involved in kid's dates
• interviews with five Christian celebrities about love, sex and dating
• four letters from women on -
• sexual abuse
• waiting
• being single
• abortion

    This book is an excellent resource for girls to work through as it will give them much to think about as they develop boundaries they will keep while dating.  Extremely well done Dannah and Moody!

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Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity Author - Dannah Gresh Publisher - Moody

• Favorite Features:
• flexible 10 session format for a two-day, one night retreat or 10 week Bible study
• introduction clearly explains the need, objective and methods for the study
• publicity and planning ideas
• reproducible bulletin insert and parents letter
• active/interactive small group activities
• reproducible prayer warriors letter
• each session includes -
• clear objective
• action to be accomplished
• supply list
• preparation activities
• session at a glance
• game time
• large group challenge
• alone time
• small group workshop
• information for how to get most out of session if used as a retreat
• look at the next week's session if used as a 10 session weekly study
• reproducible worksheets
• covers topics like -
• how to live a lifestyle of purity
• truth about sex
• understanding your value in God's eyes
• committments to keep sex for the wedding night
• look at how they dress, act and talk
• worship Jesus
• heal from past mistakes
• what to look for in a husband
• mentoring relationships

    Tremendous opportunity for girls to understand and commit to personal purity.  I would prefer it recommend the book, "Boundaries in Dating" instead of "I Kissed Dating Goodby" as Boundaries has a more balanced, Biblical and real approach to dating, but this study is one every girl would truly benefit from participating in.  Extremely well done Dannah and Moody!

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For Girls Only - Take a look in the Mirror Sex Has a Price Tag Speaker - Pam Stenzel Publisher - Straight Talk/ Core Alliance Group

• Favorite Features:
• Pam talks with girls encouraging them to get in the game and live real lives for God -
• understand where their value comes from
• value of relationships with other girls
• personal purity
• making wise choices
• believing the truth of God's Word

    Pam talks with girls, presenting information they need to hear in a way girls can connect with.  Every girl and boy needs to hear the stright, frank, truthful talk Pam presents on these powerful videos.  Extremely well done Pam, Straight Talk and Core Alliance Group!

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'Round About the Church - Youth Resources

Copyright © Lynda Freeman
Last Updated Aug. 6, 2003
Web Page by Lynda Freeman
Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@roundaboutthechurch.com