A Guide to Help Teens Learn, Live and Share the Gospel
Have you ever been in a situation where you really wanted to talk to you friends about Jesus, but you were not sure what to say or how to say it? Have you ever felt like you needed to understand the gospel better first? Many adults have felt that way. Now think back to what it would have been like for you as a teen. The thought of having those conversations can be very intimidating.
The gospel is the most powerful message in the world—it’s God’s dynamite to change hearts and lives. In Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel (New Growth Press/August 12, 2024), Jeff Dodge communicates the good news of Jesus in a clear, thoughtful, and compelling way, inviting students to grow in gospel familiarity, community, and action.
“This goal of this book is to present an overview of the gospel message, to invite you to begin to wrestle with some of the questions that arise as you think about and discuss the gospel, and to get you started on finding your own ways to share your faith with others,” Dodge writes.
Based on his popular Gospel 101 Bible study for adult small groups, but revised and adapted for a younger audience, Gospel 101 for Teens serves as an introductory-level course on the “big picture” message of redemption. It equips teens with the language of the gospel to confidently move past the fear of sharing their faith with friends and classmates. By learning to share the gospel in their own words and explain why it matters, teens will be ready to communicate this message in a life-giving, clear, and personal way.
“Christians talk a lot about the ‘gospel.’ What does that mean? The word gospel means ‘good news.’ But knowing that is just the beginning. In its fullest, richest form, the gospel is a story. In fact, it’s the Story—the true story the Bible tells that makes sense of all the other stories we’ve heard. It’s the story that makes sense of life itself,” Dodge explains. “One reason we can talk freely to people about the gospel is that something about it resonates with us as humans. Most people have a nagging feeling that there is something beyond this world. Why? Because deep down, we crave unending, unconditional love and the sure promise of a better tomorrow. These longings show that people are hardwired to seek answers only the gospel provides.”
Gospel 101 for Teens has a practical, easy-to-use, small-group study layout with ten self-contained lessons that help participants experience the transforming power of new life in Jesus. Each session has an introduction to the topic of the week, a Bible reading, an article to read, group discussion questions, and a survey to conduct outside of the group. Designed to be used in Sunday school and small groups, teenagers will grow in putting their faith into action and understanding the Bible as one, gospel story.
Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel
By Jeff Dodge
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-446-5
August 12, 2024 / Retail Price: $16.99
RELIGION / Christian Education / Children & Youth
Jeff Dodge, MDiv, DMin, PhD, is the teaching pastor at Veritas Church in Iowa City near the University of Iowa. Having come to Christ as a university student, Jeff’s passion is to strengthen and plant local churches in university communities. In order to develop future leaders for church-planting in university communities, Dodge designed and directs the Veritas School of Theology (in partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary). Dodge also serves the Hope Center in rural Zambia, teaching rural church-planters and helping care for orphans. He is the author of Gospel 101, Gospel 101 for Teens, and Titus: Life-Changing Truth in a World of Lies. Jeff and his wife, Teresa, have four children and growing number of grandchildren.
