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Theme: „Fear“

The subject fear is surely (not just) a theme amongst the youths. However within a group, no-one wants to stand there as the scared cat. Despite this, it does help to speak openly about this subject. To be able to deal with fear, to be allowed to have fears and to get rid of them; that would be a nice aim for the evening (length approx. 45 minutes)
This theme concept was supplied to youthwork-practice by Friedbert Reinert of CVJM Thüringen.

Introduction:

Song: „Nothing to fear“ (4 Min.)

The song „Nothing to fear“ by Chris Rea (shown with pictures) can be used as an introduction

Kick off: (1 Min.)

The subject “fear” is a subject which is always there, it sometimes plays a large role and sometimes a lesser role in our lives. Fear is one of the primary feelings of a human being.

Conversation: (5 Min.)

What spontaneously occurs to you when you think about fear?
(Fear of the future, dentist, examination fears, death, separation, fear of loneliness, computer break down or fear of the dark….)
What are you scared of? (You might want to delve into one or two ideas…)

Film scenes: (5-10 Min. incl. discussion)

Finding Nemo (Scene: Nemo faces the open sea, his father is scared for his son, at the abyss) ca. 3-5 min
Alternative: Jesus film – Garden of Gethsemane, or disciples in the storm
Discussion:

Which section deals with the subject “fear”? (The father is scared for his son and does not want to lose him, the ocean is full of dangers, fear that he might not be adult enough, fear of the abyss)

How is the subject dealt with in this section of the film? (The father accompanies him, warns him. The child tries it out and overacts his fear)

Continuations of the theme: (8 min)

What is fear? How does appear? How can we deal with it?

Fear is one of our feelings, feelings are conditions of the soul and affect our behaviour. They are the processes of experiences and events in our environment.
These feelings usually run sub-consciously and they change constantly. They are unstable and often result in the opposite effect e.g. want in disinclination, love in hate etc. They can also appear in pairs e.g. joy-grief or affection-dislike.
In relation to this theory, “fear” is something special because it is always there alone. We are either scared or not, there is no direct opposite pole.
In relation to body and soul, feelings result in bodily changes. E.g. anger – stomach cramps, upset – headaches and pleasure – lively gestures, becoming flushed, good circulation and a higher pulse rate.
What does fear result in? paleness, cold shakes, hence the saying: „I am shaking like a leaf“
In addition, we might experience cardiovascular and digestive problems or problems with breathing.
Fear is therefore a feeling under many, which nevertheless takes a privileged position. It can appear consciously or sub-consciously and can even lead to psychological ruin.

Discussion: (8 Min.)

Where does fear come from; what do you think? (negative experiences, bad experiences, shock, television, causing fear)
Can we talk about justified and unjustified fear? (Child’s fear of the dark, cellar, woods….)
Are there fears which can be seen as positive? (World peace, deterrence, protection against acts which have not been thought through)

Conclusion: (10 Min.)

How can we deal with fear? (Children and fears, youths and adults, different fears…)
What is the wrong reaction to fear? (cover up the fear, go into yourself and seal off, not to speak with anyone, …)
How did Jesus deal with fear (Matth.26, 37 – 46) (He brings the fear to God, receives power and can carry on in peace)