A Film and Faith Leader's Guide: Theme 1 Practicing Friendship

A Film and Faith Leader's Guide: Theme 1 Practicing Friendship equips youth pastors and small group leaders to explore the key theme of Practicing Friendship as presented in the award-winning film Because of Grácia. This three-session study will inspire students to think about teen dating, relationships, and sexuality in new ways, encouraging them to first form friendships based on mutual respect. As Grace shows Chase in the film, these conversations explore how Jesus maintained an ideal balance between personal holiness and relationships with others.

This leader's guide is designed for use with Theme I: Practicing Friendship of the related Because of Grácia Film and Faith Conversation Guide for students, a unique hybrid experience that offers complementary material for small group sessions, as well as daily reflections for students to use throughout the week in "conversation partner" pairs.

The Because of Grácia curriculum affirms that with God's amazing and empowering grace, young people CAN live in a new way. Take your students on a spiritual journey alongside Grácia, Chase, and the rest of Eastglenn High as they face life-altering decisions, learning that grace is both the gift of mercy when we fail and our empowerment to live in truth and light.

A teacher and pastor by profession and a songwriter and storyteller on the side, Chris Friesen holds a master's degree in theology from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary at Fresno Pacific University and has worked for years in youth, young adult, and children's ministry, from the Canadian boreal forest to the inner city. He resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the Canadian prairies, where he makes music with his wife and six children in the Friesen Family Band.

Michelle Simes is a Special Education teacher and homeschool mom who is married to Tom, the writer and director of the award-winning film Because Of Grácia. Michelle has written pro-life and youth curriculum material for schools and churches, and she has worked in ministry to teens and young adults around the areas of chastity and sanctity of life issues. She currently resides in the heartland of Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Michelle and Tom have been blessed with thirty three years of marriage and four beautiful children ages 16-26.