In the last few e-newsletters, we reviewed some of the foundational elements to discipleship in the Teen Challenge ministry, primarily prayer and preaching of the Word of God.

We continue with the components that are specific to the Teen Challenge discipleship model: Group Studies for New Life in Christ (GSNL) and Personal Studies for New Life in Christ (PSNL). These curriculums work in partnership to provide a basic understanding of characteristics that are essential for spiritual growth. Today, we take a quick look at the Group Studies for New Life in Christ (GSNL).

There are 14 GSNL classes. Each of the 14 studies is designed to be completed in one week, except for How Can I Know I’m a Christian, which is a two week class. All 14 studies can be completed in a 4 month induction program.

Ideally, GSNL classes should be conducted one hour per day, five days a week. In addition to the classroom instruction time, students should be provided time to study preferably one hour each day, five days per week. This time allows the student time to read the Student Manual and work on assignments in the corresponding Study Guide. Allowing sufficient time for the class, study hall AND, allowing time between class sessions (as opposed to teaching one entire GSNL class in a few hours or on the same day) provides appropriate time for the students to read and do the homework. An entire week for one GSNL study also provides students the opportunity for personal thought and reflection, discussion of the topic with the other students and implementation of the principles that are being taught.

Why do we have these classes? We believe that the Bible is a workbook for daily living. It is important to know the information (the facts) in scripture. But, it’s just as important for the student to understand how these facts relate to their lives – here, today – and how to implement the truths and principles in the way they think, behave and live.

I have observed and participated in many “discipleship” classes that focused on knowing the facts but failed to make the connection to real life. Forcing a student to memorize hundreds of scripture verses is meaningless unless they understand how these verses apply to their lives and how they should live them out. I would rather a student memorize a few verses and really learn how to apply them. The GSNL strives to make the connection from fact, to relevancy, to daily living.

These courses are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the various topics but rather an introduction by which students begin to develop basic biblical life-skills. These topics can and probably should be addressed more thoroughly in the training phase of the program or topics can also be covered more thoroughly in a PSNL contract designed to meet the specific needs of a particular student.

Think about it –

• Do you allow adequate time for the GSNL class and study hall?
• Do you teach for knowledge or for understanding (understanding how it relates in their lives today) and application?
• What is a small step that can be taken to improve in these areas?