One of my favorite days in youth ministry (besides the times of amazing relational ministry, of course) was the day the delivery truck pulled up to the front door of the office and the newest Edge Support Box arrived. I loved tearing through the box and seeing what kind of cool toy… I mean resources… were included. For me, it was like Christmas morning.

Now, I am excited to be on the side of packing the boxes, praying for those who will receive them, and shipping them out. For each Edge Support Box we send out, there is a lot of prayer and discussion that goes into deciding what kind of resources (and toys) will help your Edge ministry. With the March 2010 Edge Support box, we included a book called Finding Yourself in Scripture. This is the first time we have published a book specifically for middle school youth. The book was written with middle school youth culture and development in mind. It is not simply a discussion of people in the Bible; rather, it is a personal look at who the people in Salvation History are and how youth can relate to each one.

The book arrived in parishes in the middle of March and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Resources like Finding Yourself in Scripture are designed to help you in your ministry to middle school youth. Middle school youth need to be challenged to grow in holiness and understanding when it comes to issues like family, friends, temptation, bullying, self-esteem and obedience to God’s will.

We want you to get the most out of this resource. Here are some ways to incorporate Finding Yourself in Scripture in your ministry:

• Summer Programming – What does your summer ministry schedule look like? The book could work as a great summer Bible Study. There are ten profiles – great for a ten-week study. Either give each youth a book or have them purchase one so they can read, take notes, underline, journal, etc. If you get a sense that the youth will do some work at home, allow them to either read through the chapter of the book or the actual story from the Bible ahead of time to allow for further discussion. If you don’t have ten weeks – double it up and do it in five weeks!
• To the Parents – Finding Yourself in Scripture could also be a great resource for the home during the Scripture Semester. Parents can use the Biblical profiles to approach important moral and personal topics (such as self-esteem, pride, purity, etc.) with their middle school youth. Give the parents an opportunity to order the book and then include instructions and reminders in your “Note to Parents” each week to help and encourage them to use and pray through the lesson at home.
• Core Training – One of the parishes that purchased Finding Yourself in Scripture gave each member of their Core Team a copy to help them prepare for the upcoming semester on Scripture. It is a quick read that gives a foundation for reading Scripture for personal growth.
• Proclaim it – The book can also be a great resource for your Core Team, especially those who present the main talk during an Edge Night. Finding Yourself in Scripture intentionally blends Biblical characters with important teen themes (i.e. gossip, bullying, pornography, etc.). The blend of Scriptural truth, personal witness, modern topics and discussion questions is a great example of how to approach Biblical characters and/or modern topics in an engaging, non-threatening way.
• Summary Challenge – Strengthen your Summary Challenge at the end of an Edge Night. Draw from the profiles in the book to relate the topic of the night to the lives of the middle school youth. Give the youth a specific challenge (to pray, to limit their internet/technology use, to treat others with respect, etc.) that ties the theme of the night, the Biblical character and their personal reflection together.
• Looking for a Gift? – Finding Yourself in Scripture could also serve as a great gift for a retreat, Confirmation (or youth going through RCIA), 8th grade graduation or as a promotional item during an Edge Night or other Edge event. Good news – there is a bulk order discount!

If you have any questions or would like to place an order, call us at 1-800-809-3902. Additionally, feel free to share your experience with the book by adding your comments to this blog.

You can also purchase this book in our online store!