- For
- Students 12-18
- Goal
- Create conversations
- Timeframe
- 6 weeks
- Season
- Fall
- Prep time
- 4 hours
- Cost
- $
The ministry challenge
Students sit through talks but rarely get space to say what they really think.
The idea
Six weeks of discussion cards and a pocket journal on anxiety, identity, friendship, and faith.
Why it creates connection: Puts students in circles, face to face, with leaders who listen more than they speak.
Who it's for
Students 12-18 — a good fit for youth ministry teams who want to create conversations, build relationships, develop leaders.
How it works
- 01
Each week opens with a five-minute talk, then small circles.
- 02
Leaders draw a card and let students steer the conversation.
- 03
Students write one line in their journal before leaving.
- 04
Parents get a weekly text with a question to ask at home.
What materials are needed
This idea uses print, digital pieces in these formats: Discussion card, Journal, Event, Email. Prep takes about 4 hours; cost is $.
Communication plan and suggested timeline
A simple rhythm for promoting it well. Put the dates on your church communications calendar so nothing becomes urgent.
4–6 weeks before
Brief your team and ministry leaders on Real Conversations. Lock the dates, the one-sentence invitation, and who owns each piece.
3 weeks before
Announce it from the stage and in your email. Start social posts and a website feature.
2 weeks before
Put printed pieces in people's hands — bulletin insert, cards, or posters. Share the sign-up or next step clearly.
Week of
Final reminder across slides, email, and social. Personally invite people who are on the edge.
During (6 weeks)
Share progress and stories as it happens.
After
Say thank you, share one story of what happened, and point people to the next step.
Related creative assets
Remove anything you don't need before adding it to your workspace.
Print
Small-group discussion cards
36 cards, six topics
Print
Student journal
Pocket journal, 48 pages
Print
Leader guide
How to lead listening circles
Print
Event invitation
Bring-a-friend card
Digital
Parent communication kit
Emails and weekly texts
Digital
Social assets
Stories and posts
Digital
Follow-up text templates
For guests and absent students
Make it with your church's brand
Set up your church brand kit in the Studio once, and every piece of Real Conversations comes out in your logo, colors, and fonts. You change the words and dates — ChurchMade keeps the design consistent.
Notify Me