THE FINAL LAP
Preached to: Middle & High School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
As we celebrate the grand finale of our summer contest, "Driven," here are three key takeaways to carry into the new season:
Faith is a Race of Endurance – Life isn’t a sprint; it’s about pacing yourself and staying committed through challenges. The real test is how we finish and keep going after the race ends.
Leave a Legacy of Faith – Our faith journey is about more than just personal victory; it’s about leaving a legacy that others can follow. What kind of example are you setting for those around you?
Keep Moving Forward – The race doesn’t stop with the finish line. As we enter a new season with the SHIFT to Wednesday nights, continue running, growing, and inviting others to join the race of faith.
Big Idea: Faith isn’t a sprint—it’s a race of endurance. As we finish strong in this season, we must continue running the race, leaving a legacy of faith, and inviting others to join us as we SHIFT into the next season
Keep up with all that’s going on at Amplify Youth, including dates, times, sign-ups, and forms, on our main page.
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Night 1: "The Race of Endurance"
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean that our faith journey is like a marathon and not a sprint?
How can we pace ourselves spiritually when life gets busy or challenging?
Can you think of a time when you had to endure something difficult? How did it strengthen your faith?
Action Step: This week, identify one area of your life where you need to practice endurance in your faith and commit to taking one step forward.
Night 2: "Leaving a Legacy of Faith"
Discussion Questions:
What do you want people to remember about you when you finish your race of faith?
How can you actively live out your faith in a way that others can follow?
Who in your life has been an example of a legacy of faith, and what did you learn from them?
Action Step: This week, choose one way to leave a lasting impact on someone else by sharing your faith or setting a positive example.
Night 3: "Keeping the Pace After the Summer Ends"
Discussion Questions:
As the new school year begins, how can we continue running the race of faith even when life gets busy?
How can you stay spiritually strong and committed to God during the school year?
What role does community (like Amplify Youth) play in helping you keep going in your faith?
Action Step: Plan one specific way to stay connected to God and your community as the new season begins (i.e., attending church, daily devotionals, etc.).
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ntro:
Welcome and set the tone for the night, celebrating the grand finale of the summer contest "Driven."
Emphasize that tonight’s finish line isn’t the end, but rather the beginning of the next phase in our faith journey.
Introduce the SHIFT to Wednesday nights starting August 20th, highlighting the opportunity to continue growing in faith as a community.
Point 1: Faith Isn’t a Sprint – It’s a Race of Endurance
Life is a marathon, not a quick dash. It’s easy to start strong, but the true test is how we finish.
Illustration: The Checkered Flag Moment – it’s not just about winning, it’s about the journey, effort, and faithfulness.
Challenge: Reflect on your spiritual pace as we enter the school year—are you ready to keep running with God?
Point 2: What Kind of Legacy Are You Leaving?
Faith is about more than finishing the race—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy of faith.
Illustration: Testimonies from Youth Camp and Miami Missions – examples of perseverance, growth, and faith in action.
Challenge: Consider the legacy you’re building. What will others take away from your faith journey?
Point 3: Keep "Driving" After the Summer Ends
The race may have a finish line, but the journey continues. God has more for us beyond this summer.
Illustration: The SHIFT – a new season where we continue running the race, growing, and inviting others along the way.
Challenge: As life gets busier with school, how will you stay focused on your faith and keep moving forward?
Closing Challenge:
Remind students that finishing strong is about more than just reaching the finish line—it’s about remaining faithful and persevering.
Ask: What’s next for you? How will you continue running, serving, and building a legacy of faith that lasts beyond this season?
Invite them to reflect on the SHIFT and what it means for their faith journey. Encourage them to bring others along as they continue running the race together.
Closing Prayer:
Ask for God’s strength to endure, the wisdom to leave a lasting legacy, and the passion to keep running the race of faith as they enter this new season.
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2 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
