The Reflection Phase: Turning Activities Into Internal Growth

You just finished a fun, well-planned activity. The youth were engaged. They laughed, worked together, maybe even sweated a little.

Then someone says, “Alright, that’s it for tonight!” and everyone heads for the door.

Opportunity lost.

Why? Because the real growth often happens after the activity—when you pause to ask, “What did that mean?”

That’s the power of the Reflection Phase.

🛑 Why Reflection Matters

Activities alone don’t build faith.

Experiences only become transformation when they’re processed. And teenagers, even though they may not always show it, are capable of deep thought. But we have to invite it.

Without reflection, the night becomes:

Just another event
Forgotten in 24 hours
A missed chance to internalize truth

With reflection, even a silly game can teach courage, empathy, obedience, or spiritual insight.

🔄 How to Run a Powerful Reflection Phase

This doesn’t have to be long or heavy. Here’s a simple flow:

1. Ask the Right Questions

Keep it open-ended, not yes/no:

“What did you notice about yourself tonight?”
“When did you feel most included or left out?”
“What was hard, and how did you respond?”
“What does this activity remind you of in the gospel?”

Let the youth talk. You’ll be surprised what they say if you’re quiet long enough.

2. Connect It to a Principle or Scripture

A well-placed verse can anchor the activity in the gospel:

“As we worked together tonight, I thought of Mosiah 18:21—’one in love, one in faith.’”
“When you kept going even though it was tough, it reminded me of Nephi saying, ‘I will go and do.’”

Don’t over-preach. Just link the experience to truth.

3. Invite a Personal Challenge

End with something simple but meaningful:

“This week, try to include someone like we practiced tonight.”
“Notice when you feel the Spirit helping you in hard things.”
“Take what we learned and use it in your family or school.”

🧠 Remember This:

Without reflection, youth may enjoy the activity.

With reflection, they remember the lesson.

Don’t let the most important part of the night get skipped.

Slow down. Create space. Let the Spirit speak.

Because in that quiet moment—that’s when change takes root.

Forged In Faith