• Involve teens in the topics by giving a list to choose from. Give a topic from the United Church of God Fundamental Beliefs booklet a week ahead and see if everyone can come prepared to be able to defend what they believe. This would be a way to do some role playing.

• Discussion questions given beforehand allow teens the chance to find their own examples and insights, either from personal experience or the Bible. Studies can take the form of: "Well, let's go look this up together."

• Choose topics that relate to the teens (asking them ahead of time about what's on their minds lately), but topics shouldn't be lacking in substance and depth. Or make a list of topics for them to choose from as they may not come up with ideas of their own. 

• In order to generate interest it's important to consider the topic. What are their questions? Ask them. Have the teens select their subjects from time to time. What things are they struggling with right now? What questions do you have? Be able to make the topic relate to them.

• When using a question and answer format let teens know the topic ahead of time.

• Hands-on type of study. This can involve playing games: Bible Apples to Apples, Bible Trivia games, etc.

• Use visuals: PowerPoints on the creation of God, etc., handouts with pictures, key scriptures and meanings, etc.

• Topical studies are fine but they should not be given in a sermon style.

• Take turns reading Bible passages out loud and asking for comments.

• Don't cover a huge amount of topic in one study.

• Vary the format depending upon the topic being covered.

• The deeper we get into scriptures the better the discussion. 

• Use role-playing exercises to teach valuable lessons. One example: have someone imagine themselves in the position of a Bible character in a parable and then describe the thoughts and feelings they had as that character, sharing lessons from that passage.

• Vary the structure of the study. Take a topic from the news and tie it in to what is right or wrong with what has happened.

• Give basic Biblical stories and then apply to life. They are numerous and extremely valuable.

• Talk about scriptures in context.

• Give a short lesson, and then get teens talking. Most of it should be interactive and the parents can lead the discussion in the direction desired.

• Use life or object lessons and personal stories to teach Bible application.

• Draw points from the studies about how the scripture applies to our everyday life.

• Use reference books, maps or online resources to illustrate.

• Focus on basic Bible knowledge: Bible stories, the Laws of God, Proverbs, the life of Jesus Christ, the weekly Sabbath, the annual Holy Days, the law of tithing, etc. and how these relate to their lives and decision making.

• Most questions should not be yes or no. Some questions should be open ended.

• Vary between important questions they need to answer, such as, "Why were you born?" or "What is God's plan for you?" with topics which address the problems teens come up against. 

• If there are younger children have your teens prepare a study for them. Let them choose a topic or scripture. Even without younger children offer your teen the opportunity to present a study.

• Have a question and answer discussion. 

• Cover part of a United Church of God Bible study aid booklet together.

• Topic: develop a Bible marking system to mark key Bible scriptures.