Parent & Teen

Think of the slang or faddish words your group members use. How many of those words do you know the meaning of? Open the lines of communication by compiling a Youth Dictionary with your group members. Have group members write their slang words. Then form the list to look like a dictionary by putting the words in alphabetical order and showing how to pronounce each one. Tell what part of speech each word is such as a noun, or an adjective, and have young people give their definition. The group will fill several pages in no time. Have volunteers type the Youth Dictionary, photocopy it and arrange it in booklet form. Distribute copies to parents and other church members. Adults may not change their vocabulary, but they’ll understand kids’ language better. Update the dictionary as needed. Use it as a discussion starter on understanding others.

Version: NIV
Publisher: Zondervan

Full of study aids like the following: The Bible Says study guide that addresses controversial issues, scientific facts, and intellectual questions. Direct Line offers application for specific verses. Dear Sam is an advice column that answers questions most often asked by teens. Quizzers ask and answer interesting Bible trivia. Jericho Joe is a cartoon character offering a lighthearted touch in unexpected places. Great for the teen Christian interested in really learning on a deeper level.

In November, invite parents to play flag football against the youth group. After the game is over, parents provide chili, crackers, cheese and drinks for a time to warm up and fellowship. This is a great outreach to invite all your unsaved parents and teens to.

We have done this for the last six years straight and it is always a great time. Dress warm!

Version: NIV
Publisher: Broadman & Holman

Based on the popular sexual abstinence campaign True Love Waits. Includes the Fingertip Counselor — an aphlabetical index of topics, Salt & Pepper Pages — colorful pages offering assistance in relationships, Virtual Reality — unforgettable stories, Straight Talk from Dr. Jay — answers to serious questions, Info Surfer — an icon-based computer-type search index, five simple reading plans, Cloud of Witnesses Page — a page to record the signatures of other Christians that stand with you in your walk with Jesus, and a True Love Waits Commitment Card — allowing the student to record his/her decision to remain sexual pure until a biblical marriage.

Version: New Century Version
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

A Bible that looks like a magazine!

In focus groups, online polling, and one-on-one discussion, Transit has found that the number one reason teens don’t read the Bible is that it is “too big and freaky looking.” This fashion-magazine format for the New Testament is the perfect solution to that problem. Teen girls feel comfortable exploring the Scriptures and over 500 further-study notes because of the relevant format!

Product Features:
* Blabs (Q & A)
* 12 month-long calendars
* Love Notes from God
* Issue articles
* Basics of Christianity Articles
* Quizzes
* Beauty Secrets
* Guys Speak Out!
* Relationship articles
* Truth or Dares
* Devotional Reading Plans
* and more . . .
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/dept.asp?dept_id=17100

Version: NCV
Publisher: Group/Word

Includes a topical devotion guide, book introductions, maps, a plethora of well-written topical devotions from Genesis to Revelation, and a very brief dictionary/concordance. Great for a new Christian or someone looking for lots of application.

Version: The Message (Eugene Peterson)
Publisher: Navpress

God’s Word was meant to be read.

But more than that, it was meant to be understood. It was first written in the language of the people—of fishermen, shopkeepers, and carpenters. The Message gets back to that: You can read it and understand it.

In The Message Remix, there are new verse-numbered paragraphs that will help you study and find favorite passages. Or, you can just read it like a book and let the narrative impact you. After all, it is God’s story, with its heroes and villains, conflicts and resolutions. Either way, it’s God’s Word—the Truth—in a user-friendly form.

Version: NIV
Publisher: Zondervan

Includes a reading plan, subject index, 260 daily devotions, short weekend devotions, book introductions, Hot Topic pages, and Wide World of the Bible, which gives Biblical information in a lighthearted manner. Great for any young Christian.

A translation of the Bible into the language of the city. Rob Lacey reworks the metaphors, situations, and speech patterns of the Bible for the modern, urban reader.

Taking the key texts of the Old and New Testament, Lacey employs the “MTV” dialect of today’s urban city to create a new look at what may be over-familiar stories. Through its modern style, this book acts as an introduction to the Bible for the uninitiated reader while giving a fresh perspective to the church community. A translation that will bring the timeless message of the Bible into the 21st century.

http://zondervan.com/Books/Detail.asp?ISBN=0310922674