The purpose of this session is to discuss why youth rebel.

OVERVIEW

LEADER PREPARATION

• Survey several young people about their respect of and obedience to authorities at school, at home, and in society.
• Gather current statistics on crime, drug abuse, and sexual promiscuity.
• Study some history on youth rebellion.

GROUP BUILDING

Show an excerpt from "Rebel without a Cause." Discuss with the group what makes rebellion appealing and glamorous. Ask the group to think of a personal recent expression of rebellion. Ask for volunteers to share their experiences. How did they feel afterwards? What were the results?

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Play video clips of teenage rebellion. (For instance, use "Beavis and Butthead.")
• Play music and highlight lyrics that encourage rebellion.
• Share a personal experience of your own rebellion; show how it led to further complications.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Discuss any of the following questions:

• Why do young people rebel?
• Can you control your rebellious habits? How?
• Is rebellion only a phase that one passes through during adolescence? When does the desire to rebel go away?
• How do you overcome rebellious impulses and actions?

WRAP-UP

• Encourage them to ask forgiveness for their rebellion. Explain that a part of genuine repentance is to seek reconciliation with those we have offended. Make sincere apologies, ask for forgiveness, and make reparations if necessary.
• Remind them that life is about progress—not immediate perfection.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

• A few weeks after the program, discuss their progress.
• Designate partners to keep one another accountable throughout the week.
• Encourage the group to exercise biblical discipline with wisdom and gentleness.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Youth leaders should provide a loving, attentive, disciplined environment.
2. This discussion will reorient students to view rebellion as abnormal and wrong behavior.

Harold Kim cCYS

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