Keys to Leadership Instructions

Materials Needed

Directions

Begin by reading Matthew 16:13-20 aloud.
Divide participants into small groups. Try to mix different ages and personalities.

Give each group a scenario about a leadership challenge. You may choose from the list provided or create your own.
Provide paper or a whiteboard for each group to take notes and brainstorm ideas.
Ask groups to discuss their scenario. Encourage them to listen carefully, share ideas, and work toward a decision together.

After group time, gather everyone back together.
Have each group share the main points of their discussion and their final decision.
As a large group, talk about what was learned. Connect the discussion back to Peter’s role as a leader in the scripture passage.

Additional Notes

If the group is small, do the activity together instead of dividing into groups.

Keep the scenarios age-appropriate and relevant to the youth’s own experiences.
Encourage respect for all voices in the group. Remind participants to take turns and avoid talking over others.
For safety, be mindful of physical activities if included in a scenario. Make sure the setting is safe and supervised.

To add variety, you can let groups act out their solutions as a short skit instead of just reporting back.

Scenario Examples

These are just examples. Feel free to use relevant examples related to what is happening in your community.

Team Building Dilemma: The youth group is planning a team-building event. Some members want a physical challenge, while others prefer a creative workshop. The decision could affect team cohesion and engagement.
Social Justice Initiative: The group is passionate about addressing a social issue. They must decide between organizing a peaceful protest or a community awareness campaign. This scenario delves into ethical decision-making and community impact.
Music Selection: The youth group is responsible for selecting the music for Mass. They must choose between a traditional format and a contemporary approach. This scenario explores the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation.

Charity Allocation Challenge: The group has raised funds for charity and must decide which organization to support. Each charity serves a different cause, prompting participants to weigh the impact of their choice on different communities.
Youth Leadership Retreat: The group is tasked with planning a leadership retreat for their peers. They must decide between a local retreat focusing on skill-building and a larger regional retreat centered on networking and inspiration.
Virtual Event Innovation: The group wants to organize a virtual event. They need to choose between a traditional webinar-style event and an interactive virtual game night. This scenario navigates the challenges of engaging an online audience.

Eco-Friendly Initiative: The group is enthusiastic about launching an eco-friendly initiative. They need to choose between implementing recycling programs or promoting sustainable practices. This scenario touches on responsible decision-making for the environment.
Community Service Focus: The group aims to engage in community service. They must decide whether to focus on local needs, such as food drives, or broader issues, like international disaster relief. This scenario explores balancing local impact with global concerns.
Youth Group Leadership Structure: The youth group is restructuring its leadership roles. They need to decide between a hierarchical structure and a more collaborative approach. This scenario delves into leadership styles and group dynamics.

Spiritual Retreat Theme: The group is planning a spiritual retreat. They must choose between a theme of self-discovery and reflection or a theme of community and togetherness. This scenario delves into the deeper purpose of spiritual gatherings.