What Are You Seeking?

Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in the scripture (for this lesson) is “what is before us; what is the vision toward which we move? The icebreaker—Human Library—invites youth to talk with older adults and to use them like a “human library.” The discussion encourages dialogue to gain a different perspective. This is meant to be an intergenerational activity, and it is a great way to include older adults in activities of the youth ministry. It is worth considering having a pre-meeting with the adults to discuss expectations, time management, and how to engage with the group of students as a whole. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Human Library Icebreaker – Human Library (30 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by getting other members of your church involved. Invite each student to pull up a chair and have a discussion with an older person (the ratio should be one to one if possible; or two to one, at most). This is meant to be a dialogue between a student and an older adult. Not all questions need to be answered. Encourage students to take notes or make sketches about their conversations. Consider inviting members of your church who are not already familiar to the students to the youth meeting space. When you make invitations, communicate why it is important for adults to show up. Prepare them for some of the questions they might get during the interviews. Consider starting this lesson in the Fellowship Hall or a similar gathering space if the youth gathering area will not accommodate these kinds of conversations. Provide coffee and snacks. If possible, share with the leadership of the church.

Questions for dialogue:

1. What is your name?
2. If you could do anything in the world, what would it be and why?
3. What are your biggest dreams?
4. Is there a vision or value that keeps calling you to grow in your faith?
5. How do you recognize God’s presence in the world?
6. Have you ever wrestled with God? What did you wrestle with God about, and how did it change you?
7. What do you think the world would look like if people were fully aware of God’s presence?
8. What kinds of things do you think would change if our church acted out what we say and learn about Jesus, grace, and salvation?
9. What is something you wish the older or younger generation understood about you?

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our scripture readings (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Matthew 14:22-33) today involve the story of Joseph being sold into slavery and Jesus walking on water.

Discussion with Human Library Partner (10 minutes)

Questions for dialogue

1. What did your family look like when you were growing up? Did you get along with your siblings?
2. Where was God in the story of Joseph?
3. When was a time you lacked faith like Peter? What did you learn?

Come Together; Wrap Up (10 minutes)

Now that both adults and students have had a chance to talk, bring everyone together for a short discussion.

Ask: “What have you learned? Where were the places you saw God in your conversation? What did you hear that changed a thought or idea you had before you walked through the door?”

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

• An adult partner for every youth present (Although there can be two youth to one adult, if necessary)
• Note taking or sketching supplies