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GroundedFOR LIFE

A COMPREHENSIVE SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN FOR STUDENTS

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

- Jeremiah 17:8 NLT

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GroundedFOR LIFE

All loving parents desire that their children grow up to be responsible, mature adults with a solid foundation to live life well. Not only do we want our children to have “deep roots”, we desire for them to be grounded for life… that is, grounded for the duration of their life, but also grounded to experience the abundant life that is offered through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But how do we help children establish such a solid foundation in such a turbulent world?

We have a plan. Grounded for Life is Sugar Hill Church’s comprehensive plan for developing graduates who are followers of Christ into college and beyond. The plan is centered on nine Biblical principles that we feel are essential for children to learn and for graduates to have ingrained in their lives. These principles speak truth in three key areas:

IDENTITY | MATURITY | RESPONSIBILITY

This comprehensive discipleship plan really begins in preschool, and continues into college and beyond. It is based on the premise that the home and the Church are the foundational units ordained by God to make disciples. It also serves as a guide for our programs and for the wise use of our resources. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to partner with you as we develop students who are Grounded for Life!

Know that we are here for you, and please don’t ever hesistate to contact us!

Chuck Allen (770) 945-5092 [email protected]

@achuckallen

Tripp Atkinson (404) 989-8749 [email protected]

@trippatkinson

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IdentityOur identity not only affects how we see ourselves, but also our entire worldview. An identity grounded in Jesus Christ is necessary to experience abundant life. One’s identity is formed in Christ through salvation, authentic worship, and active obedience.

// HEART CHANGE

Responsibility // WORLD CHANGE

As a responsible follower of Jesus Christ, we must demonstrate faithful obedience to His commands. We are called to sincere stewardship, selfless service, and missional living.

Growth is obviously essential to life. We are called to continual growth in Christ, which produces “spiritual fruit.” Marks of maturity include consistent growth, wise choices, and Godly relationships.

Maturity // MIND CHANGE

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The 9 Principles

IDENTITY

God loves you and wants a PERSONAL relationship with you.

God calls you to a life of authentic worship.

Salvation

Authentic Worship

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. - John 5:24

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. - Romans 13:1-2

Active ObedienceGod created you to live under authority.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. - Romans 12:1

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MATURITY

RESPONSIBILITY

To spiritually grow, you must be spiritually fed.

Everything you have is from the Lord; manage His resources accordingly.

Today’s choices determine your future... CHOOSE WISELY!

God has uniquely gifted you to serve others.

Consistent Growth

Sincere Stewardship

Wise Choices

Selfless Service

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation... - 1 Peter 2:2

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. - 1 Peter 4:10

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. - Ephesians 5:15-17

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. - Proverbs 27:17

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:19-20

Your life will be significantly shaped by your relationships.

True purpose is found in making disciples.

Godly Relationship

Missional Living

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Small Groups are vitally important to our vision for students to be “Grounded for Life.” Designed to implement the targeted teaching of our GFL Spiritual Growth Plan, Small Groups provide a safe environment for students to connect with others, talk about God’s Word, have fun, and learn truth to be well equipped for living life well. Small Groups are divided by grade and gender (Senior Small Group has co-ed teaching time) and meet Sunday mornings from 11:00am to 12:05pm.

On the following pages you will see our entire Grounded for Life curriculum plan for 6th - 12th graders.

Small Groups

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FOUNDATIONS

6th Grade

Week #1Week #2Week #3Week #4Week #5



Week #1Week #2Week #3Week #4Week #5Week #6Week #7Week #8Week #9Week #10


In the BeginningSinRedemptionNew LifeTelling the Story

First Things FirstKnowing GodWhat It Means To FollowLiving The New LifeWhat Now? / Next Steps.

The Church / Welcome HomeThe Big DealsWhy is Baptism so Special?The Lord’s Supper: More than a Snack in Church“Behind the Scenes” of SHC

Knowing Jesus / Building Wise HabitsThe BiblePrayerWorshipGivingFellowshipScripture MemoryEvangelismExamples of HABITS: Daniel, Esther, PeterJust Like Jesus: Representing Jesus Every Day

What is a Testimony?Writing Your StoryI am SecondMy HopeSharing Your Story

The Basics of the Faith(5 Weeks)

NEW. 30 Day Devotionals(5 Weeks)

The Church(5 Weeks)

Building Habits(10 Weeks)

The 2nd Greatest Story(5 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

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IDENTITY

7th Grade


Week #6

Week #7Week #8Week #9

Week #10

Week #11

Week #12



Week #4Week #5

Week #6Week #7Week #8Week #9Week #10Week #11Week #12Week #13

Week #14Week #15

CreationThe FallThe RescueThe RestorationThe Story We Live / The Story We Share

Guys: What Does It Take To Be A Man?

Guys: Walking With ConfidenceGuys: Hanging With God At The MallGuys: What Would “God’s Strongest Man Contest” Look Like?Guys: How To Keep The Girl And Not Lose God (When Time)Guys: Start Winning The Battle Against LustGuys: Learning To Walk The Path Of A ManGuys: Don’t Pass The Buck, Step Up!Guys: Take The LeadGuys: Final Word, Get The Right Tools

Who I Am (Colossians 3:17; Romans 12:1-2)Who I Am Not (Galatians 1:10)What I Am Created To Do (1 Corinthians 12:12-21)

Learning To Love GodLearning To Love Others

What The Bible Says About MinistryDiscovering How God Has SHAPED You For MinistryGifts TestSpiritual GiftsHeartAbilitiesPersonalityExperiences

Why We PrayHow to Pray

Girls: Beware! Are You Sending The Right Message?Girls: Do You Need A Friend?Girls: Who’s Running For President?Girls: Can You Keep A Secret?

Girls: Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Girls: Kindness, It Can Make All The DifferenceGirls: Is Pure Better?

Girls: The Big Deal About SexGirls: Finding Your WorthGirls: He’ll Take You... Where?

The Story(5 Weeks)

Guy Talk / Girl Talk(10 Weeks)

I.D.entity: Discovering WhoGod Created Me To Be

(3 Weeks)

The Purpose of Ministry(2 Weeks)

Discovering Your Ministry(8 Weeks)

Secrets to Praying Well(2 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

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8th Grade


Week #4Week #5Week #6Week #7Week #8Week #9Week #10Week #11Week #12Week #13

Week #14Week #15

Week #1Week #2Week #3Week #4


Week #9Week #10Week #11Week #12Week #13Week #14Week #15

What on Earth Is God Doing?How to Get in on What God Is DoingWhat it Takes to Be on Mission for God

Acts: A Changed Life (Acts 9:1-22)The Gospel in Action: Relationships (Romans 1:8-17)The Gospel in Action: Righteousness (Romans 3:21-28)The Gospel in Action: Unfailing Love (Romans 8:31-39)The Gospel in Action: Missions (Romans 10:8-15)The Gospel in Action: Sacrifical Living (Romans 12:1-13)An Inward Look: Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)An Inward Look: Rising Above (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)Growing Up in the Faith: Never Too Young (1 Timoth 4:11-16)Growing Up in the Faith: God’s Word in Our Lives (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Running from GodA Compassionate God

Worship is What We DoWorship - Why It Matters, Parts 1 & 2The Big Picture, Parts 1 & 2Raise Your Hand if You’re Sure

Discovering My Life MissionGod’s Purpose for My LifeJesus’ Mission on EarthLiving a Life Outside Myself

Fear GodFollow JesusHoly SpiritFellowshipTeachingPrayerCommunion

Becoming a World Class Christian(3 Weeks)

The Life of Paul: A Look at Someone on Mission

(10 Weeks)

Jonah(2 Weeks)

Worship: That Thing We Do(4 Weeks)

Discovering My Life Mission

(4 Weeks)

BASIC(7 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

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MATURITY

9th Grade

Week #1Week #2

Week #3Week #4


Week #10Week #11Week #12Week #13Week #14Week #15


Week #6Week #7Week #8Week #9Week #10Week #11Week #12

Week #13Week #14

Week #15

Who Defines You? (1 Samuel 16:7)Protect Your Identity (1 Samuel 17:12-51)

How to Read the Bible: What is the Bible & The Story of the BibleHow to Read the Bible: Literary Styles in the Bible & The Bible as Jewish Meditation LiteratureHow to Read the Bible: Plot & Character in Biblical NarrativeBook Study: How to Read JudeBible Study - Other MethodsMy “Adult Christianity” (J. Budzizewski)Big Boy / Big Girl Conversations and Q&A

Turning to God (Psalm 3)When God Lifts You Up (Psalm 30)Dealing with Sin (Psalm 51)When God Seems DistantWalking the Right Way (Psalm 101A God Who Watches Over Us (Psalm 138)

Developing a Heart to Share JesusLearning a Way to Share JesusResponding to the Challenge to Share JesusBeing Obedient to Share JesusLet’s Do This!

Girls: Understanding Our BattleGirls: Avoiding Self-DestructionGirls: Avoiding the Destruction of OthersGirls: Guarding Your MindGirls: Guarding Your HeartGirls: Guarding Your BodyGirls: Looking for Love in the Right PlacesGirls: If You Desire Other WomenGirls: Look Out! (Internet, Selfies, and Sexting)Girls: Getting Your Questions Answered

Know Who You Really Are(2 Weeks)

Why I Believe What I Do(7 Weeks)

Psalms: Interacting with an Awesome God

(6 Weeks)

Share Jesus Without Fear(5 Weeks)

Every Young Man/Woman’s Battle

(10 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Guys: Where Are We?Guys: How We Got HereGuys: Choosing Authentic ManhoodGuys: The “M” WordGuys: Setting Your DefensesGuys: Sexual HonorGuys: Look Out! (Internet, Selfies, and Sexting)Guys: Ready for the ChallengeGuys: Don’t Keep it to Yourself

Guys: Getting Your Questions Answered

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10th Grade







The Path PrincipleLooking AheadLean NotAttention Deficit Disorder

Persevere in Your Faith (James 1:1-18)Display Your Faith (James 2:14-26)Watch Your Words (James 3:1-12)Control Your Selfishness (James 4:1-17)Stay on Track (James 5:1-20)

Atheism (Romans 1:19-20)Judaism (Acts 2:36-39)Islam (Mark 8:27-29)Eastern Religions (John 14:6)Mormonism (John 1:1-18)Jehovah’s Witness, Christian Science, Unification Church, Scientology, Wicca, New Age, Transcendental Meditation, Baha’i

Introduction: The CenterpiecePart 1: The Person of the CrossPart 2: The Purpose of the CrossPart 3: The Power of the CrossThe Final VictoryUnity at the Foot of the Cross

Develop Discipline and Work Ethic (Daniel 6:1-5)Integrity Under Fire (Daniel 6:6-17)Integrity Can Lead to Blessing (Daniel 6:18-28)

The QuestionThe AlternativesA Question of TimeA Question of MoralityWisdom for the AskingThe Best Decision Ever

Destinations: The Path Principle

(4 Weeks)

The Book of James(4 Weeks)

Understanding World Religions(6 Weeks)

The Power of the Cross (6 Weeks)

Integrity: Standing Firm in Tough Times

(3 Weeks)

ASK IT: The Question That Will Revolutionize How You

Make Decisions(6 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

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RESPONSIBILITY

11th Grade







Most People Don’t / The Birth of a Big IdeaThe Myth of Adolescence / A Better WayThe First Scary Step / Raising the BarThe Power of Collaboration / Small Hard ThingsTaking a Stand / Generation RisingA Thousand Young Heroes / Word... Rebelutionaries

A Life Interrupted (Nehemiah 1)Responding with Action (Nehemiah 2)Leading the Way (Nehemiah 3 & 4)

Radical AbandonmentRadical GraceRadical FocusRadical StrategyRadical VisionRadical God

OppressionWhat God HatesJoining the Fight Against InjusticeGod’s Vision Brings God’s ProvisionDo It Now

The Power of Illustrations (Intro, Ch 1)Can God Be Good If Terrorists Exist? (Ch. 2-3)Jesus, Buddha, or Muhammah? (Ch. 4-5)The Resurrection (Ch. 6-7)What Would Machiavelli Do? (Ch. 8-9)Are We an Accident? (Ch. 10-11, Final Thoughts)

1 Timothy, Part 11 Timothy, Part 22 Timothy, Part 12 Timothy, Part 2

Do Hard Tings: Rebelling Against Low Expectations

(6 Weeks)

The Book of Nehemiah(3 Weeks)

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American

Dream(6 Weeks)

The Justice Mission(5 Weeks)

The God Conversation: Using Stories and

Illustrations to Share Your Faith

(6 Weeks)

1 & 2 Timothy Study(4 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

13

12th Grade

Week #1Week #2





Week #1Week #2

Week #3Week #4Week #5Week #6Week #7Week #8Week #9Week #10Week #11Week #12Week #13Week #14Week #15

180Dream Session

Revelation Part 1Revelation Part 2Revelation Part 3Revelation Part 4

BE Who God CreatedLesson 1: Be YourselfLesson 2: Be RealisticLesson 3: Be AwareDO More With Your MoneyLesson 1: Do the DetailsLesson 2: Do the MathLesson 3: Do Your PartGO Write Your StoryLesson 1: Go Debt FreeLesson 2: Go to WorkLesson 3: Go the Distance

God vs. EvolutionCollege Intro

Principle #1: Relationship with GodPrinciple #2: Spiritual GrowthPrinciple #3: Missional LivingPrinciple #4: Wise ChoicesPrinciple #5: FriendshipsPrinciple #6: EducationPrinciple #7: StewardshipPrinciple #8: DatingPrinciple #9: FuturePrinciple #10: AccountabilityWriting the PlanThe PanelTransitions

Intro(2 Weeks)

Revelation(4 Weeks)

Generation Change(Financial Peace Univeristy

for Students)(9 Weeks)

Knowing “Why?”(2 Weeks)

The Plan(13 Weeks)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

At the conclusion of The Plan study during a student’s Senior year, they will have had the opportunity to leave Student Ministries with a personalized and specific plan for spiritual growth beyond High School. Before graduation, students compare personal action steps for each principle in The Plan, and together as a group the students decide on the most practical and helpful action steps for each principle. We provide each Senior student with a bundle of nice booklets that contain their group’s copy of The Plan.

Before students graduate, we also encourage them to identify a circle of five people that can hold them accountable to their plan their first year of college. (A number of studies have shown that students who have accountable relationships with 3-5 adults while in college are significantly more successful thriving spiritually than those who do not.) We suggest their “5” include a parent

(or two), a senior adult, past/current mentors (small group leaders), as well as a peer that they admire spiritually.

Realizing the significance of such an important milestone, we make a big deal of High School graduation at Sugar Hill Church. We have a special Graduate Recognition day where students are celebrated and encouraged by their church family. As a part of this special day, graduates invite their families, close friends, and their “5” to a banquet where they are further celebrated by our whole Sugar Hill Students team and the rising Senior class. At this banquet, graduates share The Plan booklets with their “5” and begin receiving encouragement to thrive as they enter the post-high-school world.

This event puts the exclamation point on our preparation of students to be Grounded for Life!

Finishing Strong:

The Senior Experience & The Plan

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Partnering With YOU“Parents have the awesome responsibility of spiritually

training and making disciples of their children.”

There is a jar that sits in my office that is filled with ping-pong balls, 168 to be exact. That is the number of hours in a week. 165 of the balls are white and 3 are orange. The white balls represent the average number of hours our students spend away from church. These are the hours spent doing the things students do. The three orange balls represent the average number of hours our students spend a week in our Student Ministries programs. (Sure we offer more, but most students don’t take advantage of everything offered.)

This jar sits in my office to remind me of two important realities. The first reminder is of just how little time we will spend with most students each week. This reminds me that our programming must be excellent. Every minute we have with students must count. We cannot afford to do anything halfway. Every time students are with us, they must be encouraged, loved, and challenged.

This also reminds me of the fact that I am not the primary spiritual influence in a student’s life. That role still belongs to parents. Like it or not, parents have the awesome re-sponsibility of spiritually training and making disciples of their children. My most important role, then, is to partner with parents and support them in this process. I can offer parents relevant biblical teaching for their students each week. I can offer small group settings for their teenager

to build authentic relation-ships with their peers under the mentorship of loving adults. I can offer numerous experiences monthly for their student to learn about and engage in worship, serving, and leadership.

Although our staff works tirelessly to ensure these things are offered with excellence, the impact of such opportunities falls short if the experiences and lessons learned are not directly tied back to the home. In order for these lessons to really “take root,” they must be reinforced and practiced at home.

For this to happen effectively, we (Student Ministries staff) must continue working in-tentionally to know families and be aware of their needs.

Parents must work on continu-ously being aware of opportuni-

ties we offer students, as well as what happens at our programs and

events (what is being taught, how students are being challenged, what commitment their students are making, etc.). As we partner and encourage one another, we can truly be teammates in fulfilling the most important responsibility we will ever have.

Such a partnership between a Student Ministry and families can be so effective in offering the best possible opportuni-ties for students to grow in Christ and make a difference for Him. Please know that we are here for you and your family and want to be the best support we can be!

5091 Nelson Brogdon Boulevard, Sugar Hill, Georgia 30518 | (770) 945-5092

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