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The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens: Study Guide with Leader's Notes
The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens
by bestselling authors Robert H. Thune and Will Walker gives teenagers biblical and practical guidance for building deep friendships and being part of a community where they can grow and flourish.
Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to live with people and it’s hard to live without them? Real relationships are hard to come by—it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even when surrounded by people at school and home. But deep friendships and being a part of a caring community make our lives more meaningful. In this small group study, teenagers will learn with others about God’s good plan for us to connect and grow together and how following Christ makes that possible.
The Spirit takes people from all different backgrounds and shapes them into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus. Teenagers will find a place to belong where people love, care for, enjoy, serve, and even challenge one another in good ways.
Eight-lesson small group study with leader’s notes.Each self-contained lesson includes a Bible passage, discussion questions, a short article and an application exercise.An easy-to-follow road map for building a beautiful community based on love for God and others.
Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to live with people and it’s hard to live without them? Real relationships are hard to come by—it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even when surrounded by people at school and home. But deep friendships and being a part of a caring community make our lives more meaningful. In this small group study, teenagers will learn with others about God’s good plan for us to connect and grow together and how following Christ makes that possible.
The Spirit takes people from all different backgrounds and shapes them into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus. Teenagers will find a place to belong where people love, care for, enjoy, serve, and even challenge one another in good ways.
Eight-lesson small group study with leader’s notes.Each self-contained lesson includes a Bible passage, discussion questions, a short article and an application exercise.An easy-to-follow road map for building a beautiful community based on love for God and others.
128 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 26, 2025
The teen years are often defined by social anxieties, cliques, loneliness and even bullying. In “Gospel-Centered Community for Teens” we are led to ask: Does a community of Christian teens that is characterized by these issues truly "get" the gospel? This 8-week study guide sets a wonderfully high bar, challenging teens to build a community far beyond begrudging civility, rooted deeply in gospel application.
Designed for believing teens, serious about growing in their faith, this resource delves into how the gospel shapes not only individual faith but also peer relationships. It’s an "Honors" or "AP" level study for youth groups, not in an exclusive sense, but for those genuinely eager to grow. Imagine offering it as an advanced option: "If you're ready to explore how the gospel can transform our community, join this 8-week study."
What makes this book exceptional is its comprehensive, standalone nature. Despite being called a "Study Guide,” there’s no other companion book you need to read in advance. It contains everything: Bible passages, a 10-minute article to read together, discussion questions, and reflective activities. Youth leaders will appreciate its flexibility—whether you prefer a script or just an outline (more my style!), the material is easily adaptable, making it a powerful tool for fostering genuine, gospel-driven community among teen believers.
It wasn’t until I personally worked through a similar gospel-centered study as a young adult that I came to understand the material laid out in “Gospel-Centered Community for Teens.” I wish a resource like this had been available in my own youth group, and I'm genuinely excited for how today's teens can benefit from it!
Thanks to New Growth Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~Jen
Designed for believing teens, serious about growing in their faith, this resource delves into how the gospel shapes not only individual faith but also peer relationships. It’s an "Honors" or "AP" level study for youth groups, not in an exclusive sense, but for those genuinely eager to grow. Imagine offering it as an advanced option: "If you're ready to explore how the gospel can transform our community, join this 8-week study."
What makes this book exceptional is its comprehensive, standalone nature. Despite being called a "Study Guide,” there’s no other companion book you need to read in advance. It contains everything: Bible passages, a 10-minute article to read together, discussion questions, and reflective activities. Youth leaders will appreciate its flexibility—whether you prefer a script or just an outline (more my style!), the material is easily adaptable, making it a powerful tool for fostering genuine, gospel-driven community among teen believers.
It wasn’t until I personally worked through a similar gospel-centered study as a young adult that I came to understand the material laid out in “Gospel-Centered Community for Teens.” I wish a resource like this had been available in my own youth group, and I'm genuinely excited for how today's teens can benefit from it!
Thanks to New Growth Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
~Jen
August 27, 2025
The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens: Study Guide with Leader's Notes by Robert H. Thune and Will Walker will help you and your small group get on the same page when it comes to living in Christian community. It champions faith and fellowship, emphasizing that the essential quality of Christian community is faith expressing itself through love.
I found it especially insightful to read about six specific ways our pride and fear can hinder community. These include favoritism, control, avoidance, peacekeeping, a party spirit or cliquishness, and an unforgiving spirit.
Walking in Light and Love
While I’m far from being a teen, the issues are still relatable. Personally, I struggle with avoidance, as I sometimes withdraw from people when relationships become difficult. I learned that the Spirit gives me patience, love, faithfulness, and strength to move toward others—just as God moved toward me.
What challenged me most was the call to be honest with both myself and others. This, I discovered, is a way to walk in the light and to love. Although this book is intended for small groups, pastors, parents, and peer leaders alike would benefit from learning what it truly means to live with the gospel at the center of our small groups.
I received a media copy of The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens: Study Guide with Leader's Notes and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
I found it especially insightful to read about six specific ways our pride and fear can hinder community. These include favoritism, control, avoidance, peacekeeping, a party spirit or cliquishness, and an unforgiving spirit.
Walking in Light and Love
While I’m far from being a teen, the issues are still relatable. Personally, I struggle with avoidance, as I sometimes withdraw from people when relationships become difficult. I learned that the Spirit gives me patience, love, faithfulness, and strength to move toward others—just as God moved toward me.
What challenged me most was the call to be honest with both myself and others. This, I discovered, is a way to walk in the light and to love. Although this book is intended for small groups, pastors, parents, and peer leaders alike would benefit from learning what it truly means to live with the gospel at the center of our small groups.
I received a media copy of The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens: Study Guide with Leader's Notes and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
October 25, 2025
Simple, clear, and SUPER USEFUL for breaking down gospel-centered community. Wow. What a great resource.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews