“Women in the New Testament” a 4-Week Holy Disruptions Youth Ministry Curriculum

Description

This 4-week series explores the (often countercultural) roles that women are called to fulfill in the story of Jesus and the beginning of the church – as prophet, proclaimer, pastor, and recipient of grace. Throughout, students are encouraged to place themselves in these women’s shoes and step more fully into the roles they are being called to.

 

Week 1- Women as Prophets

This lesson digs deeper into the life of Mary, unveiling the ways we (mis)understand her and how that influences the way we understand the roles of all women. Students will engage in a fun activity where they recreate classic Madonna iconography and read the Magnificat through a variety of lenses. They will also unpack some of the cultural, political, and historical forces that operate behind the text. By the end, they’ll be able to see Mary as the remarkable, very human woman that she was and begin to locate themselves in her story. 

Scripture- Luke 1:46-55

 

 

Week 2- Women as Proclaimers

This session reflects on the story of the women who first witnessed Jesus’ resurrection. Students are asked to think critically about the challenges these women faced in being believed by even their closest male confidants, the disciples. To begin their reflection, students will experience the challenges of telling a story of something that seems unbelievable. They will then be invited to share the good news themselves, drawing inspiration from the women’s courageousness.

Scripture- Luke 24:1-12

 

 

Week 3- Women as Pastors

This lesson dives into the largely untold stories of the early church leaders who were women. It uses playful imagination and preschool worksheets (themed after an ancient Jewish tradition) to help students of all genders see themselves in these characters. In addition, this lesson will engage with the pieces of the New Testament that have historically been used to oppress women and will help students better understand that history.  Students will come away from this lesson embracing the gifts and talents of all whom God calls to lead.

Scripture- Galatians 5:23-29

 

 

Week 4- Women as Recipients of Grace

This lesson explores the stories of five women in the New Testament who had encounters with Jesus and his disciples. It will also explore the nuances of being a woman during that time. The group will start with an activity that uses a symbolic lifeboat to actively engage them to think about who should be “saved.” They will also reflect on how they have been categorized in their own lives, both by themselves and others, and how that impacts their eligibility to receive grace. A lesson from theologian, Lynn Japinga, will help them reflect on how salvation is freely given and can show up in several different ways in the lives of women.

Scripture-

John 8:1-11 (Woman caught in adultery)

Acts 9:36-42 (Tabitha/Dorcas)

Matthew 15:21-28 (The Canaanite woman)

Mark 12:41-44 (The woman who gave two mites)

Mark 5:25-34 (The bleeding woman)