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“We Had Every Minute Planned…”
You show up to youth night with a printed schedule, full-page handouts, and three object lessons prepped.
You know exactly what you’re going to say, and how they should respond.
It’s going to be amazing.
Until it… isn’t.
The room goes flat. The youth stare. The Spirit? Nowhere to be felt.
Why? Because we forgot to leave room for the real Teacher.
Over-scripting Is a Control Issue (And a Trust Issue)
There’s a difference between preparation and performance.
When we over-script, we subtly say:
- “I don’t trust the youth to carry the moment.”
- “I don’t trust the Spirit to lead.”
- “I don’t trust myself unless it’s perfect.”
And here’s the dangerous part:
Over-scripting doesn’t just make things boring. It teaches the youth that spiritual things are robotic, inauthentic, and out of reach.
That kills testimony faster than any bad snack or lame game ever could.
Let the Spirit Fill the Space You Don’t
Jesus never used a printed agenda. He asked questions. He paused. He told simple stories and let people wrestle with the meaning.
Try that:
- Replace a 15-minute spiritual thought with a 2-minute story and a 10-minute group discussion.
- Instead of a rehearsed mini-talk, open the floor:
“Who’s felt this lately? Anyone want to share what helped?” - Give them a scripture and five minutes to journal about it in silence before you say a word.
It feels risky. But the rewards? Deep spiritual strength for teens that actually lasts.
Short Add-On: “Take a Verse” Reflection (4–5 min)
Write a few powerful scriptures on index cards (e.g., Mosiah 24:14, Helaman 5:12, 2 Nephi 2:11). Spread them on a table. Let each youth choose one. Give them 2 minutes to read and ponder silently.
Then ask:
“What stood out to you?”
“What do you think this means for you right now?”
No handout. No perfect words.
Just God, the word, and them.
Discipleship Doesn’t Happen in Scripts
It happens in stumbles, silence, and Spirit-led surprise.
Your calling isn’t to perform. It’s to prepare hearts.
Nephi’s Apprentice is built to give you flexible, gospel-centered youth activities with room to adapt, respond, and listen.
Because God is already doing the teaching.
You just need to make space.
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