CLUB ORGANIZATION

 

If your Bible club is in a government run, public school, the club must be student-initiated and student run in order to be guaranteed the equal access given other student clubs and organizations.   ​​The club I advise uses 19 student leaders; the students who attend the weekly meetings are members of the club, but the organization and operation of the club belongs to the leaders.  Officers are chosen amongst the leadership team; leaders meet every seven to eight weeks to discuss club matters and plan lessons. 

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Inevitably, student leaders graduate, or drop from their positions, leaving a gap in leadership.  It is the responsibility of the student leaders to ensure the continuance of the club.  It is vital to choose students who will remain committed to the club's purpose and who are positive Christian examples.  It is not a popularity contest; the leaders of our club do not solicit a vote for new leaders as in typical election.  Prospective leaders are discussed and voted upon by the current leaders; those selected are approached and asked if they would like to serve. 

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Think of recruiting new leaders as one would recruit in sports; choose from the "minor leagues" (lower grades) to provide time for them  to be discipled and trained to someday take a strong leadership role in the club.  Remember, you want leaders ready to lead and not just like the "idea" of being leaders.  It takes time and effort to sustain a successful club; the organization of your club is only as good as the student leaders in charge of it.  

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“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27, NLT). We are all provided gifts of the Spirit to benefit the Kingdom. Not everyone can lead discussion, craft a creative lesson, or speak well in front of others. Within our club leadership team, we have students whose primary job is to look up a “verse of the week” and read it at club meetings. Another club member has the sole responsibility of running lights and sound, while others are tasked with praying, leading discussion, and games or activities. The leadership team requires different personalities and different skills and abilities, but with one shared vision: spiritual growth and reaching others for Christ. Each leader contributes, doing their “part” for the body of Christ.

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Example yearly missions done by clubs:​​

 

• ​Free study Bibles for teens - The leaders of one club wanted every student who wanted a Bible to have one.  They were able to secure enough money to purchase a Life Application teen study Bible for every student in the junior/senior high school who attends Bible Club and wanted a Bible.

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• Youth group outreach - Redbank Valley Bible Club hosts an annual Open House that have featured the Skit Guys and Steve Fitzhugh.  They invited youth groups from all over the area.  The leaders of the club also showcased some of their most popular lessons.

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• Teen Devotionals - One club decided to purchase 100 quality teen devotionals to provide for students that wanted to learn how to devote time to God.

 

To download a sample "Leadership Commitment Form" in .doc format, click here.

 

 

 

CLUB IDENTITY

 

Naming Your Club

​Do not fall into the trap of using a club name that is  misleading; names such as "The Way Club" or the "Fish Club" are good, but potentially hide what the club truly is.  Additionally, a non-Christian may not be able to link the name to the cause.  Even a name like "Christian Club" can make students believe it is an exclusive group open only to Christians.  The goal of your club should be to draw seekers curious about God, the Bible, and Jesus.

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The generic name "Bible Club" is chosen because it leaves nothing to guess.  Everyone has a concept of the Bible; when students come to club meetings, they are not surprised that the focus is the Bible.  In addition, by boldly proclaiming the title Bible Club, there is no perception of hiding behind a "cutesy" name as if you are ashamed.  Acknowledge what the club is: you are organizing a club about the Word of God.

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​Club Logo and Verse

​There is a reason why teams use mascots and colors.  Creating a club logo and using a specific verse to identify your club creates awareness and a sense of ownership by all involved. 

 

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.  – 1 Timothy 4:12

 

The above verse is a common youth centered scripture.  It is a good example of a  club’s identifying verse; it can be used on the logo for the club’s t-shirts.  Choose a verse or a series of verses that you want to use for your club to define you.

 

Another way to create a club identity is through the use of social media.  Create a Facebook fan page and/or a Twitter account for your club; invite your friends and relatives to join.  Allow students to post pictures, comments, and keep up to date with club activities through the use of your social media sites.

 

Below is the logo currently being used by Redbank Valley Bible Club; you will notice the verse and the logo are one in the same.  The verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, is spelled out in the shape of a "Jesus fish."  This logo is used on all club clothing.  Feel free to use this logo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To visit the next section, "Club sample Docs", click here.