Bible Study America
Engaging America in Bible Study for Life Transformation!
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Generations
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By Richard Ocker
Objective: This lessor unit is designed to develop an understanding relationship between seniors and youth.
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Vocabulary:
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Senior- 65 and above
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Youth- 12-17 years old
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Leader- Middle aged, well read, Christian parent- should encourage perfect attendance and feel free to add comments or personal experience as needed.
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Facilitator: Prepare room and materials.
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Materials: Bible, iPad, and Never Grow Old song sheets.
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Set up: Chairs arranged in a circle or around a table.
Lesson #1: Seniors- Introductions- Include age
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The senior’s age group is the fastest growing group in America. The group makes up about 16% of our population. By the year 2060 this percentage will increase to 27% or approximately 52 million adults.
Seniors are living longer and are developing healthier lifestyles. These facts place a tremendous burden on our health care programs. With the advent of technology the chasm between seniors and youth continues to widen.
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Questions:
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Can you give evidence of this widening chasm?
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List common misconceptions about our seniors.
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What significant changes have become apparent in the last 75 years – make assignments before class. 3-5 minutes on each topic
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World Situation
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Communication
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Family Living
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Sports
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Education
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Dress
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Closure: Individual thoughts
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Song: Never Grow Old
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Prayer
Lesson #2: Seniors
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Opening Statement: In many Asian countries, the elderly are highly respected. In the U.S, retirement too often suggests an attitude of leisure. Retirement often triggers the end of a fruitful life. Many seniors however continue to lead lives of activity and productivity.
Examples:
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Pablo Casals – Musician – conducted orchestra and was a world-renowned cello player until 90 years old.
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Albert Schweitzer – Theologian, writer, and philosopher – was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at age 87.
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Mother Teresa – Missionary and Humanitarian – served poor and destitute until age 85.
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Mahatma Gandhi – Political and spiritual lender in India until 65 years old.
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Strom Thurmond – Senator – chain of committee on the Judiciary until his mid 90’s.
Bible passages:
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What does the Bible say about seniors? Read and discuss:
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Leviticus 19:32 – How should we respect our elders?
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1 Timothy 5:1-2 – Did an elderly friend or relative mentor you?
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Psalms 71:9 – What does this say about retirement homes?
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Luke 2:36-38 – Do you know anyone with that kind of faith?
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Deuteronomy 32:7 – Does this speak about our church heritage?
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Genesis 17: 1-2 and 15-18 – What does this say about our God?
Lesson #3: Youth
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Opening Statement: Today’s youth are saturated with mobile technology and social media. They face more problems than ever before: drug abuse, alcohol, violence, social issues, obesity, body image, bullying and peer pressure. These issues contribute to mental problems, especially anxiety, depression and suicide.
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Questions:
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Have attitudes about present day youth changed?
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Did a senior give you advice that was helpful?
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What is the most significant problem in your school?
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If you could solve any youth problem in the world today – which one would you select?
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Talk about these topics – assignment before class – 3-5 minutes
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World Situation
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Communication
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Family Living
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Sports
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Education
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Dress
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Closure: Individual thoughts
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Song: Never Grow Old
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Prayer
Lesson #4: Youth
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Opening Statement: Age has a very limited impact on greatness. Contributions have been made by all age groups.
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Examples:
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Micala Ulmen – age 12 – developed a save the bees program.
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Hazan Zafari – age 15 – started a street school for poor children in Pakistan.
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Maya Pena – age 16 – established an eco-friendly clothing line.
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Robby Havals – age 12 – has become a famous YouTube personality.
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Bible passages:
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Titus 2:16 – “Just follow your dreams” Is this good advice?
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1 Timothy 4:12 – Should we be ashamed of our faith?
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Ecclesiastes 11:9 – Is it important to be happy? Why?
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Psalms 119:9 – Who should be our guide?
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Proverbs 4:20-22 – Why is it important to memorize scripture?
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1 Peter 5:5-9 – What is humility and how and when should we show it?
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Closure: Individual thoughts
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Song: Never Grow Old
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Prayer
Lesson #5: Combined thoughts
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Ask church historian to speak about Middlesex church heritage. 10 minutes
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Ask pastor to speak about future of the church. 10 minutes
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List church programs and label youth or senior involvement.
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Brainstorm needed programs for youth and seniors.
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Closure: Individual thoughts
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Song: Never Grow Old
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Prayer
