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Today’s student really struggles with evil and suffering. With the advent of the internet, we are able to see our world in a whole new light. The problems that we used to be aware of in our neighborhoods, communities, states, or nation have now paled in comparison to the evil and suffering found in the world that we are now able to access. This poses a specific set of questions for young people about God’s role in the world and in their own life. These questions, if not expressed in a loving and faith filled community can become stumbling blocks in the growth of a teen’s faith.

Some of the most pertinent questions are:

• Why would a loving God allow people to suffer?

• Why doesn’t God make evil people stop what they are doing?

• There are so many terrible things going on in the world, how can I make a difference?

• If God allows evil to exist in the world, does that make him evil too?

We strongly recommend that you create a box where students can write down and submit questions as you go along. It’s very likely they will be addressed at some point in the series, but this way you will know where your students are at in the process and you can tailor the lessons to them.

We are sure you can add to this list. We also know that there are not pat answers to any of these questions that will satisfy students long term. The most effective way to answer them is to allow students to experience the truth for themselves through a number of means. We strongly recommend that the curriculum prompts that include scripture, prayer, and discussion be utilized, but all that is up to you.

One of our foundational beliefs is that the Holy Spirit does the work of convincing. We encourage you and your team to lean into that belief as well. Our job is not to argue anyone into the Kingdom or to berate another’s beliefs, but to present better questions, the testimony of people, and the scriptures.

This curriculum includes: Student Leadership Meeting Four Topical Lessons with Small Group Questions Slide templates for PowerPoint, Keynote, ProPresenter, MediaShout, etc