10 Takeaways from 10th Grade
reflections
A Year in 10th Grade Girls' Bible Study:
This year, I had the joy and honor of walking with a group of 10th-grade girls through Scripture, questions, laughter, hard moments, and holy ones. If you’re leading young women- or thinking about it- here are some reflections, tips, and truths I’ve gathered from the journey.
1. Show up every week like it matters-because it does.
God does deep work through consistency. Teen girls notice when you care enough to keep showing up ready for them.
2. Be a safe place for hard questions.
Faith isn’t fragile, but sometimes their hearts are. We made space for doubt, wrestled with real issues, and let truth hold the tension. You don’t have to have every answer—just point to the One who does.
3. Teach the Word, not just good advice.
These girls are starving for truth in a world of noise. We went deep into Scripture, not watering it down, but lifting it up. The Bible is relevant, alive, and beautiful. So, give it to them whole.
4. Don’t underestimate their hunger for holiness.
They want more than shallow inspiration. They want to live lives that matter. We talked about identity, purity, friendship, mission, courage, and what it means to be the Church in a culture that wants them silent.
5. Lead with joy. Love them fiercely. Laugh often.
Discipleship isn’t dry. We celebrated birthdays, prayed over each other, ate snacks, and told stories. Holiness and humor are not enemies.
6. Always be learning and growing personally.
You cannot give what you don’t have. Spend your week saturated in God’s presence and Word so that your Sunday lessons become an overflow of what you already possess and walk in your own life. Teenagers can spot a fake a mile away, and you can only fake it for so long. Let your life be a model for loving God and others well.
7. Pray for them more than you post about them.
Behind every lesson was a whispered prayer. For their families. For their futures. For their faith to flourish long after our year together ends.
8. Hold them accountable in love.
Loving them well sometimes means hard conversations. It would be more unloving to allow them to live destructive lives towards their friend, the church, and themselves.
9. Partner with their families.
We are not their primary influence or authority. As much as you can, become a team with their families in discipleship. Open and regular communication with parents and guardians is crucial for impact, both in the girls’ lives and in the church community.
10. Relationship extends beyond the classroom.
We cannot just show up on Sunday mornings and expect that to be enough. Young people need consistent touchpoints throughout the week and year to connect. Even if it’s just seeking them out for a hug and sending a text asking how their week has gone.
I’m deeply grateful for the gift of this group and the seeds planted. We are eternal family in Christ. And I’m more convinced than ever: investing in the next generation is not optional-it’s essential.
To those leading girls: Keep going. It matters. They matter.