Fearless Sunday School Discussion Topics
Fearless conversation happens when adults are willing to sit down with preteens and honestly grapple with tough, uncomfortable, or even unanswerable topics. We may not know the answers to all their questions. We may not be able to give a rational reason for why bad things happen. But with Sunday school discussion topics, we can talk through issues together and guide kids to Jesus for help in all situations.
Fearless conversation shows kids you’re truly interested in what they have to say. It tells them you’re willing to talk—and listen—about hard things. Preteens learn most when they interact verbally and are part of a conversation rather than listening to a lecture. This doesn’t mean preteens merely answer an adult’s fact-based questions.
“Fearless” means we aren’t afraid to use Sunday school discussion topics that kids wonder about and will benefit from discussing. Don’t be afraid to talk about difficult things. Your preteens are already wondering about the tough stuff and need to know that God is with them throughout it. Fearless conversation is being real and authentic. It’s letting God’s Holy Spirit guide you.
“There’s nothing more powerful than authentic sharing of everyday stories of how faith and questions intersect our own lives as adults,” says Joani Schultz, co-author of Why Nobody Wants to Be Around Christians Anymore. “Kids need that. They need to hear our real-life struggles too. They need to hear how Jesus matters to us. And giving them a respected voice—in no matter what they wonder—is, well, priceless.”
These tips will help you walk through some tough things preteens need to talk about. Discover how Sunday school discussion topics can help.
Why Kids Need Insightful Sunday School Discussion Topics
Preteens live in a digital world where the 24/7 online news cycle is crammed with terrifying headlines. They’ve grown up practicing active-shooter drills and hearing threats of nuclear war and coverage of natural disasters. They also have a front-row seat to the breakups of families, maybe their own.
It’s no wonder today’s kids are the most stressed ever. They have no way out when it comes to exposure to very adult topics. When preteens wonder where God is in a world so filled with heartbreak, how will you answer?
Fearless Conversation is inviting preteens to express their fears and worries in a safe environment.
You may discover that kids have overblown or unrealistic fears that you can allay. Don’t diminish a preteen’s worry, but do help him or her reason through the likelihood of such an event. For instance, “I’m worried there’ll be a tornado that destroys my house.” You might respond with, “Tornadoes are frightening. But we live in the mountains and don’t have tornadoes in this region. So we can be grateful we don’t have to worry about tornadoes.”
Whenever a preteen’s worry is founded, take it seriously: “I’m sorry you have to worry about your school going into lockdown. Even when it’s just a drill, it can be scary. Let’s talk through ways you can remember to stay calm in case a lockdown happens. That will help you feel more in control.”
Take these opportunities to remind kids that in every situation, even scary or confusing ones, talking to God helps.
