How do I ...

- use this manual?
- lead small groups?
- get additional resources?
- use the CD?
- use the reproducible handouts?
- install Adobe Reader?

### User’s Guide For TOTAL REVOLUTION Resource

OVERVIEW

The TOTAL REVOLUTION RESOURCES are divided into six components:

- TOTAL REVOLUTION in ME,
- TOTAL REVOLUTION of IDENTITY,
- TOTAL REVOLUTION of VALUES,
- TOTAL REVOLUTION of PURPOSE,
- TOTAL REVOLUTION in OUR WORLD,
- Characteristics of a Kingdom Revolutionary.

Each of the six series begins with an introduction to help you understand the big picture. Then, each individual session provides session objectives, leader’s notes and small group questions – with ITALICIZED leader prompts or notes throughout.

We have packaged each series in a specific sequence, but you are free to use all or parts of these resources in any order.

AUDIENCE

These resources have been designed for use as a discipleship tool for the high school age group. Although each series may be adaptable to college ages, we do not suggest using this material for outreach programs or junior high age groups.

YOUR CONTEXT

These resources are designed to be a starting point of options for your unique context of ministry. We encourage and expect you to adapt anything and everything to best suit your local context and environment – this includes:

- Setting and Timeframe – These resources may need some adaptation depending on whether you are using with small groups, Sunday School, or a large group. Also,
- Illustrations – The illustrations included may spark ideas for more personal or relevant illustrations – please substitute and share your ideas too!
- Media – Many of these sessions provide ideas and options for using movies or music. You should preview all media and make your own determination for suitability in your group. Also, you should consult with ACF Films to determine whether or not you need to purchase a copyright license.
- Life Events – Events in our rapidly changing world or in your local community may require you to modify your session or to leave out a session – feel free!
- Bible Translation and Theology – Several bible translations are used and the theology represents the author’s views. As with all teaching, we encourage you to do your homework and teach accordingly.
- Preparation – As you go through the sessions you will discover that some require more preparation than others. We have always included a low prep option, but for the greatest impact, some of the extended prep ideas will require more advanced planning and time. Always read the entire series BEFORE beginning!

TOTAL REVOLUTION CD

The TOTAL REVOLUTION CD contains each handout by session and will guide you through how to access the material. You are welcome to alter and reproduce any handout for your use.

FEEDBACK

Each session section concludes with a short feedback/comments section. You can use this section to gather feedback from your small group leaders for follow-up, to keep track of your own reflections or to provide feedback to us. Please feel free to email us. Also, we will be posting ideas and feedback on our website – http://bcoqyouth.baptist.ca

Also, please feel free to email the session author to clarify, brainstorm ideas or provide feedback. Author emails are listed in each session.

TOTAL REVOLUTION in ME | Paul Carter
TOTAL REVOLUTION of IDENTITY | Steve Brown
TOTAL REVOLUTION of VALUES | Steve Brown
TOTAL REVOLUTION of PURPOSE | Darren DeGraaf
TOTAL REVOLUTION in OUR WORLD | Paul Carter
Characteristics of a Kingdom Revolutionary | Darren DeGraaf

ADDITIONAL COPIES

Please feel free to make additional photocopies of this binder for your small group leaders. Additional binder copies and CD’s are also available from BCOQ YOUTH for $10/copy/binder and $5/copy/CD.

### SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION TIPS

Small groups can provide a strategic and safe relational community for interactive learning. Here are some basic tips for developing a small group with impact.

Atmosphere of Safety and Authenticity: Small groups provide unique opportunities for vulnerability, questions, and discussion. However, this type of small group environment needs to be established and maintained by the small group leader. Some long-term groups develop a group ‘covenant’ that outlines agreed upon group values. Regardless, the leader needs to set the tone by reminding the group about basic values: respecting one another by listening, allowing diverse opinions to be shared and discussed in love, etc. Also, small groups can be the key to individual follow-up.

Size and Environment: Small groups need to be small. Ideally, keep groups at a maximum of 6-8. This size allows group members to share, discuss and learn from one another. The physical environment should be comfortable – i.e. temperature, lighting, noise, seating, few distractions, etc. Seating in a circle offers the best discussion opportunities and helps maintain attention (two rows leads to distractions). If you struggle with inconsistent numbers in your youth ministry, making your small groups a little larger (10 students) will help ensure that you always have a “critical mass” in each group.

Silences: Many small group leaders are overwhelmed when a question or discussion hits a silent stage. Believe it or not, silences are OK. They allow people time to think and respond. Try to relax – the silence is shorter than you think. Also, to help people process the question, repeat or rephrase question. Be sure not to just keep talking – a good small group is one where the leader’s voice isn’t always or often dominant.

One practical idea to ‘prime the pump’ is to begin each small group time with a simple question that everyone is asked to answer. This could be a question related to the topic or a simple “What’s been the highlight of your week?” People are more likely to answer more in-depth questions if they’ve already ‘broken the ice’ with an easy non-threatening question.

Tangents: It’s easy for groups to get lost on tangents. These detours are OK provided that they are on another spiritual track and/or are agreed to by the group. As the group leader, it is your role to bring the group back when needed. A simple, “This is a great discussion that we should continue later, but let’s get back to…”

Non-Stop Talker: one person can dominate some groups. The group leader needs to help the group by allowing other voices to be heard. A simple: ‘you’ve had a number of great points tonight ____ - thank you. Now, I think we’d all benefit by hearing from some others too. If this doesn’t work, a private encouragement might be needed after the meeting.

### RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

The following resources have been referred to in these resources and/or would be great additions to a youthworker’s bookshelf. All resources are available through the Read-On Bookstore:

Resources Quoted

Kise, Jane and Kevin Johnson, Find Your Fit, (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1998) ISBN: 0-7642-2147-7

Kise, Jane and Kevin Johnson, Find Your Fit Discovery Workbook, (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999) ISBN: 0-7642-2289-9

McDowell, Josh, Right From Wrong, (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1994) ISBN: 084-9936-047

McManus, Erwin, Seizing Your Divine Moment, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2002) ISBN: 0-785-26316-0

Overholt, Dave, Reasons To Believe

Overholt, Dave, Live What You Believe

Warren Rick, The Purpose Driven Life, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) ISBN: 0-310-21074-7

Illustrations

Videos That Teach, Doug Fields and Eddie James (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999) ISBN: 0-310-23115-9

Videos That Teach 2, Doug Fields and Eddie James (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) ISBN: 0-310-23818-8

Let Me Tell You A Story, Tony Campolo (Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000) ISBN: 0-849-94205-5

General Reference

Bocchino, Peter and Geisler, Norman. Unshakeable Foundations: Contemporary Answers to Crucial Questions about the Christian Faith. 2001. ISBN: 0-764-22408-5

Edwards, Dwight. A Revolution Within: A Fresh Look at Supernatural Living. 2001 ISBN: 1-578-56459-X

Hybels, Bill and Mark Mittleburg. Becoming a Contagious Christian. 1996. ISBN: 0-310-2100-89

Ingram, Chip. Holy Transformation, What it takes for God to Make a Difference In You. 2003. ISBN: 0-802-42979-3

Jenkins, Phillip. The Next Christendom, The Coming of Global Christianity. 2002. ISBN: 0-195-14616-6

Thomas, Gary. Sacred Pathways. 2002. ISBN: 0-310-24284-3

Tirabassi, Becky. Keep The Change: A Radical Approach To Permanent Transformation. 2002. ISBN: 1-591-45051-9

Tye, Karen. Basics of Christian Education. 2000. ISBN: 0-827-20229-6

Willard, Dallas. Revolution of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, ISBN: 1-576-8329-6

See the BCOQ Youth website for more great resources.

The CD is designed for ease of use. On the left side is a frame containing all the topics in the curriculum. Just click on the topic of your choice. Listed below each topic are all the session notes plus their corresponding handouts. When you click on a specific session, the notes will appear in Adobe format (.pdf) on the right frame. Handouts will appear in a separate window.

The handouts are designed for you to adapt as you see fit. They are saved in Rich Text Format (.rtf), which should allow most word processors to edit it.

Adobe Reader is a free program which we have used to format our session notes. If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer, you can install it for free by clicking on your type of computer: PC or Mac. If this version does not install properly, you can download it off Adobe's website.

If you require further assistance, please email Alvin.