Middle School Week 4 (June 10): Deborah – I don’t follow the crowd.
Discussion Goal:
I can follow God, even if I stand out.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
What’s something other people seem to like, and you just don’t get it? (e.g., liking a certain music artist, dressing a certain way, eating foods you don’t like, etc.)
Optional activity: Most Likely To…
Say, “We’re talking about Deborah this week. Deborah didn’t follow the crowd, but right now, the crowd gets to decide who the most likely person in our group is to fit these descriptions.”
Tell youth you will read a prompt, and they will point at the person in the group who’s most likely to be described by that prompt.
- Most likely to adopt a guinea pig on the side of the road
- Most likely to eat something weird on a dare
- Most likely to accidentally become famous
- Most likely to start laughing at the worst possible moment
- Most likely to try a trend and instantly regret it
- Most likely to forget what they were saying mid-sentence
- Most likely to spend all their money the same day they get it
- Most likely to stand up for someone getting picked on
- Most likely to get everyone else in trouble without meaning to
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Why do you think people care so much about what others think? Where do you see that happening around you?
Read Judges 4:4-9. It was very different for a woman to be a leader during this time, like Deborah was. But she didn’t follow what the crowd thought. Why is it so hard to go against a crowd or a group, even when we know it’s not right? What do you think gave Deborah the courage to do this?
Following God will sometimes make you stand out and set you apart. Where is it hardest to follow God instead of going along with others? How could Deborah’s example help you in that situation?
How does Deborah’s story encourage or challenge you? Where do you need to stand out like Deborah?
👀🔎 Eye Check: Deborah followed God even though what she was doing was very different from what the crowd expected. What’s something “the crowd” wants that doesn’t line up with what God wants for you? Talk about it as a group, and encourage each other: Don’t follow the crowd.
Pray: God, thank You for giving us the confidence to step out boldly. Help us recognize Your voice and trust it, believing that You will give us the courage to follow what You want for us. Thank You for calling us and setting us apart. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions
Courage comes from trusting God’s voice. What does it look like to trust God even when you feel nervous?
What’s one way you can trust God this week?
What’s something that can be hard to do because you’re worried about what others might think? How can you choose to follow God instead of just going along with others (the crowd)?