7 Checkpoints

You’ll hear the term ’7 Checkpoints’ used alot around the SHBC student ministry.

What are the 7 Checkpoints?

7 Checkpoints Strategy for Students is an intentional, systematic approach to discipleship focused on the content of discipleship. These seven student-specific principles are the irreducible minimum. We are convinced that these seven basic principles every student should understand, commit to memory and embrace before they leave the safety of their homes and youth ministries. These are the must know, can’t be without principles. They are not all that is important. But they are what are most important for students.

Checkpoint #1: Authentic Faith

This checkpoint focuses on a correct understanding of faith. True faith is confidence that God is who He says He is-and confidence that He will do everything He has promised to do.

Principle: God can be trusted; He will do all He has promised to do.

Critical Question: Do you trust God with the critical areas of their lives?

Key Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Checkpoint #2: Spiritual Disciplines

The apostle Paul says that true spiritual transformation begins with a renewed mind. Only as teenagers begin to renew their minds according to the truths of Scripture will their attitudes and behavior begin to change.

Principle: When you see as God sees, you will do as God says.

Critical Question: Are you developing a consistent devotional and prayer life?

Key Passage: Romans 12:2

 

Checkpoint #3: Moral Boundaries

Protecting you body and emotions by honoring God’s plan for sex and morality. That’s the focus of this checkpoint. The depth of their intimacy with God and others is dependent upon it.

Principle: Purity paves the way to intimacy,

Critical Question: Are you establishing and maintaining godly moral boundaries?

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-8

 

Checkpoint #4: Healthy Friendships

Healthy friendships build them up and draw them closer to God; unhealthy friendships bring you down and cause you to compromise what you know is right.

Principle: Your friends will determine the direction and quality of your life.

Critical Question: Are your students establishing healthy friendships and avoiding unhealthy ones?

Key Passage: Proverbs 13:20

Checkpoint #5: Wise Choices

This principle focuses on the necessity of applying godly wisdom to the choices you make. Good decision making is more than simply choosing between right and wrong. Teenagers need to learn to ask, “In light of my past experience and my future dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do in this situation?”

Principle: Walk wisely.

Critical Question: Are you making wise choices in every area of your life?

Key Passage: Ephesians 5: 15-17

 

Checkpoint #6: Ultimate Authority

Teenagers often view freedom and authority as opposing concepts. But the Bible teaches that true freedom is found under authority. This principle focuses on your need to recognize God’s ultimate authority and respect the earthly authorities He has placed over them.

Principle: Maximum freedom is found under God’s authority.

Critical Question: Are you submitting to the authorities God has placed overyou?

Key Passage: Romans 13: 1-2

 

Checkpoint #7: Others First

Selfishness comes naturally to teenagers (not to mention the rest of us!) Selflessness, however, must be learned. The Bible says that Jesus “made himself nothing” in order to serve the people He loved. He put the needs of others ahead of His own. This checkpoint focuses on the true nature of humility and service.

Principle: Consider others before yourself.

Critical Question: Are you putting the needs of others ahead of your own?

Key Passage: Philippians 2:3-11