How to Lead Student Missions Discipleship
Do you need some tips and ideas for leading missions discipleship for students? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
The resources, tips, and planning guides on this page will help you start and lead student missions discipleship in your church.
The resource materials are provided as downloadable files (PDF, PowerPoint, etc.) that you can simply view on screen or download to your device to use or print.
Why Missions Discipleship?
WMU’s unwavering focus is making disciples of Jesus who live on mission.
Why? Because we believe that every Christian is to live out the mandate of the Great Commission, to live “on mission,” to share the goods news of Jesus Christ with all people.
WMU’s missions discipleship resources provide your church with biblically-sound learning opportunities and meaningful missions experiences for all age levels.
Unfolding the Bible's Mission Story
God’s heart is for all people to know Him and worship Him. This video explores how the story of missions unfolds throughout the Bible.
Missional Characteristics for Students
Through missions discipleship, students engage in growth experiences that help them develop the four characteristics of a missional disciple:
- Learn about missions
- Pray for missions
- Support missions
- Do missions and tell about Jesus
The following PDF document and PowerPoint (PPT) explain how these missional characteristics apply to students.
Missional Characteristics of Students (PDF)
Missional Characteristics of Students WMU (PPT download)
To learn more about what, why, and how WMU supports churches in making disciples of Jesus who live on mission, visit the About WMU page.
Teaching Students
No longer a child but not yet an adult, teenagers are living through a unique and formative time of life. That’s why it is so important to be sure students in grades 7–12 have a firm foundation before they head off to make their way in the world.
Understanding ways students learn and their learning styles, and knowing how to manage their behavior can help a leader be more intentional about helping students experience every aspect of missions discipleship.
Ways Students Learn (PDF)
The period of adolescence is an exciting and pivotal stage of life! Knowing more about the developmental stage of adolescence will help you harness your students’ potential for learning, maturing, and growing.
Learning Styles of Students (PDF)
Being familiar with and incorporating different learning styles and interests into your activities will enable you to help adolescents become familiar with their natural inclinations while also encouraging their gifts and providing them with opportunities to use them.
Behavior Management (PDF)
It is important to prepare ahead of time how you, as the student leader, will manage behavior and potential conflict within a group of teenagers.
Missions Discipleship for Student Groups
WMU offers two options for student missions discipleship so you can meet the needs of your church:
- Gender-specific groups. Our gender-specific missions groups are Acteens for teen girls and Challengers for teen boys. Gender-specific groups give teen boys and girls godly role models of men and women who are committed to sharing the gospel of Christ. These groups are a safe place for teen boys and girls to share ideas and questions.
- Coed groups. Our coed group is Youth on Mission. Youth on Mission is ideal for small churches without enough students or leaders for gender-specific groups and churches who use a coed educational structure.
Acteens
Getting Started with Acteens
Getting Started with Acteens (PPT download)
Starting Acteens in your church just takes a few simple steps. This PowerPoint presentation will help you get on your way.
Acteens Resources (PDF)
Missions discipleship will help your teenage girls grow to become disciples of Jesus who live on mission. The basic resources for Acteens are described, along with ordering information.
Try a Sample of the Student Curriculum
Get started right now with our free downloadable starter pack. The Acteens starter pack includes general information and sample curriculum materials. Click here to get your Acteens starter pack.
Leading an Acteens Group
How to Set Up Your Acteens Group (PDF)
There are several ways to set up your Acteens group to truly customize your experience for the teen girls in your church.
Acteens Leader Responsibilities (PDF)
What does it mean to be an Acteens leader? Start here to find out what it takes to be successful.
Checklist for Planning an Acteens Meeting (PDF)
Use this checklist as a help in planning your Acteens meetings.
Challengers
Getting Started with Challengers
Getting Started with Challengers (PPT download)
Starting Challengers in your church just takes a few simple steps. This PowerPoint presentation will help you get on your way.
Challengers Resources (PDF)
Missions discipleship will help your teen boys grow to become disciples of Jesus who live on mission. The basic resources for Challengers are described, along with ordering information.
Try a Sample of the Student Curriculum
Get started right now with our free downloadable starter pack. The Challengers starter pack includes general information and sample curriculum materials. Click here to get your Challengers starter pack.
Leading a Challengers Group
How to Set Up Your Challengers Group (PDF)
There are several ways to set up your Challengers group to truly customize your experience for the teen boys in your church.
Challengers Leader Responsibilities (PDF)
What does it mean to be a Challengers leader? Start here to find out what it takes to be successful.
Checklist for Planning a Challengers Meeting (PDF)
Use this checklist as a help in planning your Challengers meetings.
Youth on Mission
Getting Started with Youth on Mission
Getting Started with Youth on Mission (PPT download)
Starting Youth on Mission in your church just takes a few simple steps. This PowerPoint presentation will help you get on your way.
Youth on Mission Resources (PDF)
Missions discipleship will help your teens grow to become disciples of Jesus who live on mission. The basic resources for Youth on Mission are described, along with ordering information.
Try a Sample of the Student Curriculum
Get started right now with our free downloadable starter pack. The Youth on Mission starter pack includes general information and sample curriculum materials. Click here to get your Youth on Mission starter pack.
Leading A Youth on Mission Group
How to Set Up Your Youth on Mission Group (PDF)
There are several ways to set up your Youth on Mission group to truly customize your experience for the teens in your church.
Youth on Mission Leader Responsibilities (PDF)
What does it mean to be a Youth on Mission leader? Start here to find out what it takes to be successful.
Checklist for Planning a Youth on Mission Meeting (PDF)
Use this checklist as a help in planning your Youth on Mission meetings.