Episcopal Diocese of Washington

To draw people to Jesus and embody his love
for the world by equipping faith communities,
promoting spiritual growth, and striving for justice

Resources for Ministry with Youth

One of the richest resources for ministry with youth in the Episcopal Church is the Forma Facebook group with over 4,000 members. Post a question and practioners are guaranteed to respond with their experiences and resources.  You can join here. 

The Diocese of Washington is in Province 3. Check out youth ministry initiatives in Province 3, including occasional Youth Ministry Deep Dives. 

YOUTH MINISTRY QUICK LINKS

Ministry with Youth during the Pandemic

The following are resources curated specifically with the pandemic in mind. 

Curriculum Overview

  • This chart provides an overview of the many curricula available for ministry with children (last updated May 2020).
  • The field of available curriculum is wide. This guide provides a four-step process for a congregation to find the curriculum that aligns with its mission and vision.
  • This resource offers tips for evaluating potential curriculum choices. 

Curriculum Options 

Youth Curriculum

The Bible Project at Home offers 36 free lessons delivered to your email. Sessions include video, scripture readings, and discussion questions. 

Collaborate Bible Study  published by Sparkhouse helps youth take an honest look at the holy mystery and the complexity of Scripture to move them onto a path of growth and discovery.

Echo the Story (Ages 12-14) by Sparkhouse explores the biblical narrative through storytelling, creative reflection, and dialogue from creation to the formation of the church. Draws on multiple intelligences.

Faith in an Anxious World,  a 4-week module by Fuller Institute for Youth, empowers leaders with language and tools to respond to young people in their care, making anxiety a part of conversations about discipleship and holistic, faithful living.

Feasting on the Word for Youth presents a 12 month downloadable lectionary curriculum. Resources include downloadable leader guides, biblical background for teachers, reproducible resource sheets, and media connections that tie each week's Scripture with a film, video, or Web site.

Journey to Adulthood (Ages 12-18) offers a six-year formation program (three two-year segments) for youth that helps teens explore self, society, spirituality and spirituality. Based on the belief that womanhood and manhood are a gift from God. Adulthood is earned. (A new edition coming summer 2021.)

Living in Christ (LinC)  is a fresh, timely, and Biblically based resource to help you help your teens examine relevant faith and life issues, using the latest music, movies, news and current events. Issues are available for download weekly or by email subscription.  Talks about current events and offers engaging handouts. Very easy to lead with minimal prep.

Re-Form for middle schoolers by Sparkhouse helps teens explore faith and ask questions about the Bible, the Apostles’ Creed, disciples, Jesus, and hot topics. Strong video component.

Teen Compass help teens learn about what they can do to create more health and wellness in their lives, decide what changes they would like to make, answer reflective questions, and have a place to examine their own choices.  Help your teens find balance in daily life.

Teen Text High Schoolby the Education Centeris lectionary-based and easy for leaders to follow without much prep. Includes pictures and videos. Gives "homework" to connect the classroom work with every day. Doesn't provide crafts. Middle school version can be scaled up to high school. 

Think.believe.do (Grades 9-12) Help students explore what they believe, understand what their beliefs mean, and how to act on them. Downloadable purchases in 4-week modules.

Weaving God's Promises for Youth (Ages 12-14) A three-year curriculum for youth. Year 1 focuses on the story of salvation and God’s love. Year 2 focuses on the saints of the Church. Year 3 focuses on our call to care for others and the gospel values of welcome, inclusion, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, justice, and liberation. Watch this video introduction.  

Yale Youth Ministry Institute offers lesson plans in their Quest for Life Initiative for youth. An excellent resource for people with the time to design their own curriculum or are looking for resources for retreats.

 

The Way of Love

 

Devotions & Faith Sharing

 

Confirmation

 

ANTI-RACISM Resources

 

Resources about Gender and Sexuality

Additional Resources

 

Websites to visit

 

Books For Ministry Leaders

Books for Parents

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