By Brent Lacy

The MinistryPlace Small Group Bible Study Series is available in three age group editions for each book: Junior High, High School, and Adult. The editions cover the same passage and the same big idea. But they are genuinely different studies, not just the same content with a different label on the cover.

Here is how to choose the right edition for your group.

Junior High Edition (Ages 12-15)

The Junior High edition is built for the way junior high students actually think. They are more concrete than abstract. They respond to specific examples from their world: school, social media, friend groups, sports. They are highly attuned to authenticity. If the leader is performing, they will know.

What is different in the Junior High edition:

• Discussion questions use specific junior high contexts (school hallways, group chats, friend drama)
• Leader background is shorter (2 paragraphs) and avoids abstract theological language
• The big idea is reworded for concrete thinking
• The appendix includes a gospel presentation adapted for ages 12-15
• The leader tip addresses the specific dynamics of junior high groups

Best for: Youth group small groups, Sunday school classes for middle schoolers, confirmation classes, and any group where the majority of participants are ages 12-15.

Not ideal for: Mixed groups that include adults, or groups where the youngest participants are under 12.

High School Edition (Ages 15-18)

The High School edition assumes students who are capable of engaging harder theological questions and who are beginning to think about the cost of following Jesus, not just the benefits. It includes apologetics angles, harder discussion questions, and a reflection journal page instead of a coloring page.

What is different in the High School edition:

• 3 leader background paragraphs, including theological depth and apologetics context
• 5 discussion questions, including at least one harder theological question
• Reflection journal page (4 prompts with writing space) instead of a coloring page
• Application challenges include cost-of-discipleship framing
• Gospel presentation adapted for ages 15-18, including honest engagement with doubt

Best for: High school youth groups, senior high Sunday school, and young adult groups (18-25) that prefer a direct, less formal format.

Not ideal for: Groups that include junior high students, or groups where participants need more concrete illustrations.

Adult Edition (Ages 18+)

The Adult edition goes deepest into the text and connects the passage to the full range of adult life: marriage, work, family, long-term faith, and the specific challenges of following Jesus over decades rather than years. It includes 4 leader background paragraphs, 6 discussion questions, and a take-home page instead of a student handout.

What is different in the Adult edition:

• 4 leader background paragraphs, including the most searching question the passage raises for adults
• 6 discussion questions, including at least one about marriage, work, or family
• Take-home page with key points, a reflection question, and space for personal application
• Session time is 60-75 minutes (vs. 45-60 for JH/HS)
• Gospel presentation framed for adult conversations, including the cost of discipleship
• Deeper theological note on James and salvation in the appendix

Best for: Adult small groups, couples groups, mixed-age groups, and any group where participants are navigating the specific challenges of adult life.

Not ideal for: Groups that include teenagers, or groups that prefer a shorter, more informal format.

A Note on Mixed-Age Groups

If your group includes both teenagers and adults, the Adult edition is the better choice. The discussion questions are broad enough to connect with a wide range of life experiences, and the take-home page works for any age. The Junior High and High School editions are written specifically for those age ranges and may feel too narrow for a mixed group.

If your group is primarily high schoolers but includes a few adults (parents, youth leaders), the High School edition works well. The adults will engage the harder theological questions, and the high schoolers will not feel like they are in an adult study.

The Studies Available Now

Each of these books is currently available in all three age group editions:

• James: Real Faith , A 4-week study through the book of James. Faith, trials, words, and wisdom. Browse editions
• Esther: For Such a Time as This , A 4-week study through the book of Esther. Courage, identity, and God’s hidden providence. Browse editions
• Amos: Speak Up for Justice , A 4-week study through the book of Amos. Justice, the poor, and what God requires. Browse editions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Junior High and High School editions?

The Junior High edition uses concrete illustrations from school, social media, and friend groups. Discussion questions are specific and avoid abstract theology. The High School edition includes harder theological questions, apologetics angles, and a reflection journal page instead of a coloring page. Both cover the same passage and big idea, but the depth and application are genuinely different.

Can adults use the High School edition?

The High School edition works for young adults (18-25) who prefer a more direct, less formal study format. The Adult edition is better for mixed-age groups, married couples, and groups that want to connect the passage to marriage, work, and family. If your adult group skews younger and more informal, the High School edition may actually fit better.

Can I use one edition for a mixed-age group?

The Adult edition works best for mixed-age groups because it connects the passage to a wide range of life experiences. If your group includes both high schoolers and adults, the Adult edition is the better choice. The Junior High and High School editions are written specifically for those age ranges and may feel too narrow for a mixed group.

How long does each session take?

Junior High and High School sessions are designed for 45-60 minutes. Adult sessions are designed for 60-75 minutes. The discussion questions are the most flexible part: you can cover all of them in a longer session or select 3-4 for a shorter one.