There are a lot of great curriculum available online (including the ones developed by CBOQ Youth at cboqyouth.ca/curriculum). However, likely doesn’t always fit your youth ministry the best. Using AI tools (like Microsoft Copilot) can help you customize curriculum to suit their group’s unique needs—whether by age, group size, time frame, or spiritual maturity. In this post, we will use the CBOQ Youth curriculum as the example.

Step 1: Choose Your Curriculum

Select a theme that fits your goals. Use the search tool at cboqyouth.ca or browse the different themes available at cboqyouth.ca/curriculum (see themes from 2003-2017). Download your selected curriculum.

Side Note: Understanding the Lesson Plan Structure

Each CBOQ Youth lesson is designed with a consistent and thoughtful structure to support spiritual formation and active learning. Here’s what to expect:

  • Spiritual Aims: These are the overarching spiritual truths or values the lesson seeks to instill. They reflect the long-term formation goals for students.
  • Lesson Objectives: These are S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that define what students should be able to know, feel, or do by the end of the session.
  • Materials Needed: A detailed list of all resources required to run the session effectively. This includes Bibles, handouts, art supplies, tech equipment, etc.
  • Minds On: A short, engaging activity that helps students transition into the lesson. It’s designed to spark curiosity and prepare them mentally and emotionally for deeper engagement.
  • Action: The core of the lesson. This section uses constructivist methods—encouraging students to explore, question, and build understanding through discussion, scripture, and interactive learning.
  • Debrief/Consolidate: A reflective time where students process what they’ve learned, consider personal application, and internalize the lesson’s message. This may include journaling, prayer, or group sharing.

Step 2: Define Your Ministry Context

Before customizing, clarify the following:

  • Grade Level (e.g., Grades 6–8, Grades 9–12)
  • Group Size (e.g., 5 students, 25 students)
  • Number of Sessions (e.g., 4-week series, 12-week semester)
  • Session Length (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour)
  • Spiritual Maturity (e.g., new believers, spiritually mature teens)
  • Materials Available (e.g., Bibles, projectors, art supplies)
  • Tip: Upload your church’s statement of faith to provide a theological framework (Thanks for John Campbell for that suggestion.)

Step 3: Use AI to Customize the Curriculum

Now that you understand the curriculum structure and your ministry context, you can use AI (if you’re not familiar with AI, review this article at coursera.org/articles/what-is-artificial-intelligence) to adapt each lesson. In your starting prompt, upload the PDF and then define what you need from AI such as:

  • Which lesson are you referring to (i.e. what page numbers do you want in that PDF)
  • It is specified in that curriculum if the lessons are primarily created for jr. high (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12). If your age group is different, ensure you specify which age group it is.
  • What other parameters do you need to include? E.g. materials available? Facilities you’re using?
  • Are there any other considerations that need to be accounted for? E.g. students with disabilities/exceptionalities?

An example of a starting prompt: Using pages 5-8, revise this lesson for a group of 10 students in grades 8-10. We will be using 1 large room that has movable furniture. We can use a TV and a laptop. The lesson needs to be completed in 75 minutes. We have 2 students who have a learning disability.

You can continue to refine your lesson with additional prompts or editing on your own. (In some AI platforms, you can have it create an editable, downloadable file.)

Step 4: Review and Refine

After generating AI-assisted content, take time to:

  • Review for theological accuracy: Ensure the content aligns with your church’s doctrine.
  • Ensure any references used are accurate and cite sources as needed.
  • Check for age-appropriateness: Adjust language and examples to suit your students.
  • Test and gather feedback: Try the lesson with your group and note what works or needs adjusting.
  • Collaborate: Share drafts with fellow leaders or mentors for input.

Ultimately, you should have full understanding of the lesson you are adapting for your ministry’s use.

Step 5: Save and Share

Use AI to help you:

  • Create printable handouts for students
  • Design slide decks for teaching
  • Summarize sessions for parents or volunteers
  • Document your adaptations for future use or to share with your ministry