Yale University

Youth Ministry Institute

Genesis Bible Study for Youth – Lesson 1: Genesis 1-2

A Bible study on the Book of Genesis for youth based on the Yale Bible Study series.

Lesson developed byJill Olds, Victoria Crook and Zachary Ludwig
Materials Checklist
  • Bibles or copies of Genesis 1:1-5, 26-31; Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24
  • 2 Larger pieces of paper
  • Several small pieces of paper with the following topics: Creation of Humans, Creation of Animals, Creation of Plants, God Calls Humans to be Stewards, Creation of the Oceans and Land
  • Load the video “The Game of Telephone” on a device to show to the group

Introduction for Leaders

Gather

  • Begin with a check in with members
  • Read the focal scriptures with each person reading a few verses
  • Open with prayer

Engage

Exercise 1: 

  • Have two larger pieces of paper with a timeline on it.
  • On separate, smaller cuts of paper, write out the following events: Creation of Humans, Creation of Animals, Creation of Plants, God Calls Humans to be Stewards, Creation of the Oceans and Land.
  • Have the students rearrange these events on a timeline, once for the first story, and again for the second story.
  • Ask them to compare the sequence of events and discuss how they are different.

Exercise 2:

Reflect

Reflect Together on the Following Questions:

  • What are some basic differences in this retelling? Is the order of events different?
  • Why are there two ways of telling this story? What does that tell us about the people who wrote these stories?
  • Have you ever retold a story and changed it in some way? Why did you change the story? Was it to be clearer or more interesting? Did you simply forget some parts and fill in the gaps?

Send Forth

Close the lesson in prayer (either the leader or a group member)

Download PDF