Here’s our collection of FREE youth group lessons.
We save you time & money by creating youth ministry curriculum and resources to help you point students to Jesus.
Your role as a youth ministry leader is vitally important because you have the privilege of pointing students to Jesus. You get to join in on God’s activity in their lives. That’s so cool!
Keep up the great work you’re doing!
– Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth
FREE YOUTH GROUP LESSONS
New Lessons:
Cliques – Bottom Line: Who is outside that you need to invite in? Bible: Matthew 9:10-13
Chasing After God – Big Idea: God wants us to chase after him and be the consuming pursuit of our lives. Bible: John 6:60-61, 66-69.
Power of Words – Big idea: Your words hold the power of life or death. Bible: Proverbs 18:21; James 1:19; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:24
Peter Walking on Water – Bottom Line: No matter the storm around—don’t take your eyes off Jesus! Bible: Matthew 14:22-33; Isaiah 43:1-2
Peer Pressure – Big idea: Following the crowd may be easy, but it’s not always the best way to go. Bible: Matthew 26:69-75; Galatians 1:10 and Daniel 3.
1 Timothy 4:12 – Big idea: Help students to not let anyone look down on them for being young and to be an example to others.
Psalm 23 (The Lord is our Shepherd) – A free youth group lesson on Psalm 23 helping students understand that the Lord is our shepherd who leads and guides us through life.
Worship – The big idea: Worship is our response to God’s awesomeness. Bible: Genesis 1:1,Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:20, Romans 5:8
God is our Refuge – Here is a free youth group lesson on how God is our refuge and strength, based on Psalm 46:1 and Psalm 18:1-2.
Lost & Found – Bible: Luke 15 (parable of the lost sheep, coin and son). The big idea: We are all lost before surrendering our lives to Jesus. But once we make the decision to follow Him, we are found.
Joseph – A youth group lesson on Joseph. Big Idea: God doesn’t always work the way we expect, but He can be trusted. Bible: Genesis 37:1-36; 39:1-6
Living Sacrifice – Here’s a free youth group lesson on being a living sacrifice based on Romans 12:1-5. Bottom Line: Following Jesus involves making a daily choice to be changed by God in the midst of the Christian family.
Holy Spirit – Here’s a free youth group Bible lesson on the Holy Spirit. Bible: Acts 2, John 14 & more. Bottom Line: The Holy Spirit lives inside us and is our helper.
God’s Will – Here’s a messy summer game with a quick Biblical lesson on God’s will, based on Hebrews 10:36.
Anxiety – Use this free lesson, based on Philippians 4:6-7, to help students gain a new perspective on anxiety and equip them to deal with it.
Baptism – The big idea: Baptism is an outward declaration of an inward reality. Bible: Matthew 3:13-17, Acts 9:1-8; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:8; Romans 6:2-4; Matthew 28:19-20
God’s Love – The Big Idea: God’s love for us is unending, ongoing, and everlasting. Bible: Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:38-39, and Romans 2:4.
Joy – Bible study lesson on Philippians 1. The Big Idea: Because of Jesus, we can experience joy in every circumstance – in good times and in difficult situations.
Bible Study on Identity, Faith & Obedience – Bible study lesson on 1 Samuel. Topics include: Identity, Faith, Obedience and Perseverance Bible: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 3:1-21, 8:1-22; Ephesians 2:10
Humility – Bible: 26:36-39 and Philippians 2:5-8. The big idea: Humility means trusting God more than you trust yourself.
Identity – A lesson based the story of Gideon in Judges 6:12-16 helping students understand who God says they are.
Sermon on the Mount Bible Study – A small group Bible study lesson on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about living in God’s Kingdom.
Jesus Parable – Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14:16-24. The big idea is: Jesus invites us to be a part of his coming kingdom.
Freedom from Sin – The lesson’s big idea: Jesus’ work on the cross breaks the power of sin in our lives… so we can choose to obey God and live by the Spirit. Bible: Romans 6:14-18.
Jesus – A small group Bible study lesson on the book of Mark helping students understand who Jesus really is. Bible: Mark 1:1, Mark 21-22, Mark 2:13-17, Mark 3:13-19 and John 1:9-15.
Social Media – The big idea of the lesson, based on Galatians 5:22-23 and Galatians 5:19-21, is that our social media posts should be consistent with the values of the Kingdom of God.
Truth – The main idea of the lesson, based on John 18:28-38, is: When we seek truth, we’re seeking God.
Clean Slate – Bible: Psalm 51:7; Genesis 6:5-22; Genesis 7:2-24; Genesis 8:1-22. Bottom Line: We do not have to carry the burdens of our past failings, sins, and grief throughout our entire lives because God offers us a clean slate.
Junior High Lesson on Identity – Bible: Ephesians 2:8-10 and Genesis 1:26-27. The main idea: Instead of asking, “Who am I?” I should be asking, “Whose am I?”
Junior High Lesson on God’s Word – Bible: 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16 and Philippians 4:8. Main idea: God uses His Word to speak to you and work in your hearts and lives.
Purpose – Bible: 1 Samuel 16-20; Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6. Main idea: When you let go of what you think your life should be, then you can discover God’s plans for you.
Small Group Lesson on 2 Corinthians – Bible: 2 Corinthians 1-3. Themes: Grace & peace; God’s comfort in times of trouble; Being strong in Christ; Forgiveness; and the New Covenant.
Friendships – Bible: Proverbs 17:17. Main idea: You have to be willing to take a risk to really love and serve your friends.
Rooted in God’s Word – Psalm 1:1-3; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 1:19-20; 2 Peter 1:3; Romans 10:9-10. Main idea: When you are planted in God’s Word, He will produce growth in your life.
Summer Survival Guide – Bible: John 10:10. Main idea: Decisions you make today shape who you will become tomorrow.
Independence Day (Fourth of July) – Bible: Galatians 5:1 and various other passages. Main idea: Because of Jesus, we are free from the penalty and power of sin in our lives.
St. Patrick’s Day – 1 Peter 1:18-19
Lent:
Lent – Big Idea: Draw close to God and resist the temptation to sin. Bible: Matthew 4:1-11
Easter Lessons & Games:
- Easter – Big Idea: Empty is good thing! Bible: Luke 24: 1-8; Mark 8: 31 and Romans 6: 6-11.
- Easter Game – Here’s a fun Easter youth group game involving Skittles. Includes a lesson on Jesus’ resurrection, based on Mark 16:5-6.
- Easter Illustration: Jelly Beans – Add this Jelly Bean illustration to an upcoming Easter lesson. The big idea: They’ll know us by our flavor (Matthew 7:16)
- Easter Lesson – An Easter youth group lesson on celebrating the new covenant brought by Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
- Easter Lesson – Main point: Why “empty” is a good thing. Bible: Luke 24: 1-8; Mark 8: 31; Romans 6: 6-1
- Youth Group Game on Easter. It also includes a short Easter bible lesson.
- If you’re creating your own Easter message, you’ll want to read this blog post: How to Make Your Easter Message Stick.
- Easter Youth Group Lesson – Main point: With God’s help, the power of sin in your life can be broken! Bible: Matthew 28: 1–10
Summer Lessons & Games:
Frozen Legos – Bible: 2 Peter 3:9; Topic: Patience
The Ultimate Race – Bible: Hebrews 12:1-3. Topic: With God’s help, you can “run the race” and come out victorious no matter what trials and temptations you face.
The Bigness of God – Bible: Psalm 19:1-2. Topic: In every moment, God’s existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
Summer Slam – Topic: How to Treat Others. Bible: Philippians 2:1-4
Condiment Creations – Topic: You’re Fearfully and Wonderfully Made; Bible: Psalms 139:14
Youth Group Lessons on Racism:
- Lesson 1: What is Racism? (Luke 10:25-37; Ephesian 2:10; James 2:1-9; Jeremiah 17:9-10)
- Lesson 2: Racial Bias (Matthew 7:1-5; Galatians 3:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20)
- Lesson 3: Overcoming Hatred (1 John 2: 9-11; 3:13 -15; 4:16-21)
- Lesson 4: Discrimination (Proverbs 6:16-19; James 2:23-24; Galatians 3:27-29)
Topical Lessons:
Fear – Isaiah 41:9-10
Salvation – John 14:6
Prayer – James 5:16
Disappointment – Matthew 11:1-6
God’s Power – Isaiah 40:29 (NLT); Romans 7:24-25 (MSG)
Authenticity – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; James 5:16; Philippians 2:5-11
Sharing Your Faith – Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16
Friendships – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 27:17
Back to School – Exodus 1:22-2:10, 5:1-9, 5:19-21
Restoration – Galatians 6:1
Holiness – 1 Peter 1:14-16; Colossians 3:12-17
Father’s Day – Isaiah 64:8; Romans 8:15; John 14:9-11
Compassion – Hebrews 4:15-16; John 11:28-36
Making an Impact – John 13:34-35; Acts 8:26-40
Strength – 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Corinthians 1:27
Influence – Matthew 5:13
Palm Sunday – Luke 19:36-37
Addictive Habits – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Spiritual Growth – Matthew 13:1-9
Instafame – Matthew 5:14-16
1 Corinthians 13 (Selfless love) – 1 Corinthians 13
Valentine’s Day – Revelation 2:1-7; 2 Corinthians 5:14
Comparison – Philippians 4:10-13
Parables – Matthew 13:31-32; 2 Corinthians 4:7-8
Perspective – Colossians 3:1-4; Revelation 21:3-4
New Year’s Lesson – Ephesians 4:17-24
Mary and Joseph – Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25
Accountability – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Tough Times – 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Going Deeper – John 7:37-39; Isaiah 55:1; John 4:14; Ezekiel 47:1-7; Ezekiel 47:8-12
Disappointment – John 16:33
Graduation – Proverbs 16:9
Mother’s Day – Isaiah 66:13; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Earth Day – Genesis 1
Easter – John 20:11-18
Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32
True Love – Revelation 2:4-5
Popularity – Galatians 1:10
Mercy – Micah 6:8
The Christmas Story – Luke 2:1-20
Betrayal – Luke 22:47-63
Creation – Romans 1:20
Compromise – Philippians 1:27
Lust – 1 John 2:15-17
Letting Go – Isaiah 43:18-20
The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13
Loyalty – Proverbs 3: 3-6
Following Jesus – Luke 9:23-27
Materialism – Matthew 6:19-34
Obedience – 2 John 1:6
Boldness – Acts 4:1-15
Outreach – Romans 10:12-15
Money – Matthew 6:19-21, 24
Father’s Day – 1 John 3:1-3
Esther – Esther 4:12-13
Salt and Light – Matthew 5:13; Matthew 5:14-16
Decisions – Proverbs 3:5-6
Joshua – Joshua 1:9
Nehemiah – Nehemiah 1:1-4
Peace – Matthew 5:9
Moses – Exodus 14: 21-31
Jesus – Mark 1:35-39
Self-Image – Psalm 139:13-15
Trust – Proverbs 3:5-6
Distractions – Hebrews 12:1-2; Genesis 37-50
Depression – Psalm 40
Christmas – Matthew 23:27
Thanksgiving – Luke 17:11-19
Unity – Galatians 3:26-28
Happiness – Matthew 5:1-12
God’s Love – Romans 8:38-39
Lent – Luke 4: 1-13; Philippians 2
Easter – Matthew 28: 1–10
Who God Says You Are – Exodus 14:14; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:37
Doubt – Psalm 10
Family – Joshua 24: 15
Honesty – Luke 16:1-15
Labels – 1 Samuel 16:7
Confidence – Jeremiah 17:5-8
Job – Job 38-39
Pride – Luke 18:9-14
Temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Freedom (Memorial Day) – Luke 4:14-21
Encouragement – 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Philippians 1:3-11
Pentecost – Acts 2:1-13
Missions – Acts 1:1-11
Mother’s Day – Proverbs 31
Leadership – Daniel 1
Integrity – Psalm 139:23-24
Quiet Time – James 4:8-10
Social Media – Colossians 3: 16-17
Hope – Psalm 25:5, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 62:5
New Year’s Lesson – Deuteronomy 6:1–12; 8:11; Gen. 12:7–8; 13:3–4; Psalm 105:1–5
Fruits of the Spirit – John 15:5, Galatians 5:20:22–23, Proverbs 16:32, Matthew 5:43–48
Grace – Romans 6:23
Change – Matthew 6:31-33
Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21–35; Colossians 3:13
Humility – Matthew 20:25
Wisdom – Proverbs 1:7
Acceptance – Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)
Giving – Luke 6:38
Attitude – Ephesians 4:31-32
Character – Romans 5:3-5
Joy – Romans 15:13
Community – Acts 2:42-43
Stress – Matthew 6:31-34
Kindness – Colossians 3:12; Job 6:14
Perseverance – Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:7; Romans 5:3-5
Thankfulness – Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Chronicles 16:34
Appearance – 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:25-26
Worry – Matthew 6:25-27
God’s Blessings – Psalm 1:1-3
Evangelism – Matthew 13:44
Priorities – Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 4:14
Discipleship – Matthew 8: 18-22 & Matthew 5:3-10 (MSG)
Choices – Romans 12:1-2
Judging Others – John 8: 3-11; Ephesians 2: 8-9; Mark 2: 15-17; Matthew 7: 1-5 (NLT)
Relationship with God – Luke 10:38-42
Respect – 1 Samuel 24:8-10
Friendship – Proverbs 17:9; Colossians 3:13
Bullying – Matthew 5: 43-44
St. Patrick’s Day – Romans 10: 13-15; Romans 12:6-8; Matthew 5:13-16
Faith – Psalm 119:105 & Hebrews 11:1
Identity – 1 Peter 2:9-10
Valentine’s Day (Love) – John 3:16
Easter – Luke 24: 1-8; Mark 8: 31; Romans 6: 6-11
Prayer – 1 Peter 2:9-10
Christmas Lessons:
- The Christmas Story – Luke 2:1-20
- Peace – Ephesians 2:14
- Immanuel (God is with Us) – Isaiah 7:14
New Year’s Lessons:
- Clean Slate – Bible: Psalm 51:7; Genesis 6:5-22; Genesis 7:2-24; Genesis 8:1-22. Bottom Line: We do not have to carry the burdens of our past failings, sins, and grief throughout our entire lives because God offers us a clean slate.
- Making a Difference – Bible: Ephesians 4:17-24. Bottom line: Your life can make a difference in the new year.
- Reflecting on God’s Work – Bible: Deuteronomy 6:1–12; 8:11; Gen. 12:7–8; 13:3–4; Psalm 105:1–5. Bottom Line: Reflect on what God has done last year in your life.
- Make a Difference – (Ephesians 4:17-24): Your life can make a difference in the new year.
- Reflect – (Deuteronomy 6:1–12; 8:11; Gen. 12:7–8; 13:3–4; Psalm 105:1–5): Reflect on what God has done last year in your life.
Thanksgiving Lessons & Games:
Gratitude – Bible Passage: Luke 17:11-19. Bottom Line: Because of all that God has done for us, we should respond with an attitude of gratitude.
Being Thankful – Bible: Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Chronicles 16:34. Bottom Line: God has blessed us with so much, but sometimes, we take that for granted and forget to be thankful. We should take the time to be thankful for all the things in our life, so that we can live our lives in Him, overflowing with thankfulness.
Gratitude – Includes a fun game with a quick lesson based on Philippians 1:4-5.
Mother’s Day Lessons:
- Lesson 1 – Bible: Isaiah 66:13; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Bottom Line: A mom’s love is a gift from God.
- Lesson 2 – Bible: Proverbs 31. Bottom Line: Mother’s day is an opportunity to thank God for our moms and women in our lives who have helped to shape our faith.
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Photo by Nicolas Lobos on Unsplash
