‘Stardew Valley’ Youth Ministry Lesson (11-18s)

The ‘Stardew Valley’ Youth Ministry Lesson (11-18s) uses the video game Stardew Valley to help teach your young people the value of Christian community. It is worth playing the game together with your group before you begin the lesson, in case there are young people that have never played the game before.

Lesson Introduction:

Stardew Valley is a video game with a great storyline. “You’ve inherited your grandfathers old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life!” You’re fed up with your job and find no happiness or satisfaction in it.

The intro of the game shows people depressed and sad when all they have in life is their work. You find out that you’ve inherited some farm land from your grandfather and you go to Stardew Valley. When you get there you have to tend the land, meet the people in the community, make friends and start a new life. 

As you progress in the game, you obtain material possessions, you grow in your relationships, you grow in your work and this helps you understand yourself in the game, but also in real life.

This game lets you roam free and autonomous which relates to our real life needs to venture out into the world and experience it for ourselves. 

This is a game that isn’t a thriller, this isn’t very challenging, this is a calm and restful game that allows you to relax and chill out. This game rates high in absorption potential, it can take you out of your real life situation and circumstance and get really stuck into the actives it has to offer.

Stardew valley presents several themes including; self discovery, community & farming. These themes are present in the bible and christian community. It is a positive, joyful game that encourages a positive mood.

Learning Outcomes:

The learning outcomes for the ‘Stardew Valley’ Youth Ministry Lesson (11-18s) are:

1. Understand what the bible says about community & work. 
2. These scriptures are designed to link the elements in the game to scripture. Open up the Bible and find out how these elements reveal the nature and character of God. 
3. Community is a foundational element of the Christian faith, through our communities (church) we worship, praise, share scripture and serve God. It is also through these communities that we exercise the character of God through forgiveness, patience and encouragement.

Scripture to Explore:

Community:

1 Corinthians 1:10 – I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Work is often spoken of in the Bible, as Christians we are encouraged to do our best at our jobs, wherever that may be. However ultimately we find our purposes in God. We are encouraged to work to provide for ourselves and our families as well as those in need. Rest is equally important. Work is a deterrent to crime and prevents us from stealing and helps us to help those in need. The bible also speaks about resting from work and this is important for a healthy balance, however we must understand that our rest ultimately lies with the Lord. 

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Genesis 2:3 – Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Ephesians 4:28 – Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Discussion Questions:

These questions are designed to be conversation starters, and link to the elements presented in the game. 

1. What do you think about only focusing on work?
2. Does this alone bring you fulfillness or wholeness, what about happiness?
3. What is community?
4. Where have you experienced community?
5. How do we experience community at church?

Activity:

#1 Think of someone in your community, church, family, or school that you have not connected with. Go with a parent or adult and build a relationship with this person. Be a friend.

#2Find some type of fruit or vegetable you like and plant it, water it, tend it and watch it grow!

This lesson was written by George Herrera, the Founder and Director of Victory Gaming. George grew up playing video games as a teenager and has a vision to use video games to reach the world for Christ. He now runs video game tournaments with a gospel message at churches, camps and festivals. He often uses video game illustrations when preaching to The Message Community Church each month.