FAQs

Why choose GEMS International?

• Made for girls
  GEMS International is focused on discipling girls from childhood into womanhood. Small groups led by committed Christian women foster an environment for learning and growing. Girls gain knowledge and values as they form close relationships with women they respect and admire. At GEMS International, girls have a place to share life challenges, learn from Christian role models, and receive wise instruction from God’s Word.
  
  
• Rooted in Scripture
  All our material and lessons are based on Scripture and its application. Our ministry is non-denominational and is centred on bringing girls into the knowledge and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
  
  
• Contemporary relevance
  At GEMS International, girls engage in activities that are relevant to their interests and needs. They discuss contemporary issues, and girls learn how to adapt and deal with everyday situations in a way that honours God. Girls today face a lot of pressure and GEMS prepares them to handle many of life’s challenges.
  
  
• Relationship-focused
  First and foremost, GEMS International seeks to bring girls into a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. As they grow in this spiritual relationship, girls have the privilege of forming friendships with other girls and with dedicated women who care for, teach, and counsel them. These bonds go beyond club and can extend into lifelong friendships.
  
  
• Multi-dimensional approach
  In addition to regular Bible lessons, girls in club learn to apply Scripture to their daily lives, discuss important issues, take part in interactive games, learn important life skills, form meaningful relationships, and enjoy themselves in club. At GEMS International, we believe all these factors are important in bringing out the greatest potential in every girl, to allow her to give her best to God and to the world around her.
  
  
• Empowers girls
  When girls are given the love, instruction and opportunities they have through GEMS International, it helps them know they are precious to God. GEMS girls realize that their lives matter and that each of them can make an impact in other’s lives and in their communities. This understanding helps them act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
  
  
• Shared identity
  GEMS girls have a sense of belonging and become part of a global identity when they join a club. Each girl is a GEM—a treasured daughter of God, like her sisters in club and those in GEMS around the world.
  
  
• Adaptable programme
  Our flexible format makes GEMS adaptable to a wide range of church settings and allows it to be easily added into existing ministry programmes. Club leaders decide when and how often to meet, set the rules for their club, and have the freedom to choose how best to structure lessons through the varied options our curriculum offers.
  
  
• Affordable
  We offer the most basic resources necessary for club meetings and small group sessions. To save time and money, our entire curriculum is downloadable for a minimal fee at our online store.
  
  
• Fun!
  GEMS girls know what it means to have a good time. With songs, games, activities, craft projects, outings, and meaningful interactions with peers and mentors, girls love coming to club.
  
  

How is GEMS International different from Sunday School or Youth Ministry?

Visit GEMS International and Children’s Ministry for more information.

How does GEMS International educate girls?

GEMS International nurtures girls in both spiritual and practical ways. At club, girls take part in important development activities and learn basic life skills. Our programme equips girls to examine choices, make tough decisions, and grow into skilled and purposeful women of faith. Through GEMS International, a girl is strengthened to become an essential part of her community in a way that might not be otherwise available to her.

Who are the leaders in club?

A club requires the leadership of a Club Coordinator and counsellors. The Club Coordinator is in-charge of the overall club organization, while counsellors lead girls in meetings and in small group session.

Club leadership may also include an Assistant Club Coordinator and CITs or Counsellors-in-Training.

What is the role of the sponsoring church or Christian organization?

The basic role of a sponsoring church or Christian organization is to provide oversight to its GEMS International club and ensure the prayerful selection of women counsellors (mentors).

This role is described in the Partnership Agreement form, in which the applying church or Christian organization agrees to:

• Uphold and seek to accomplish the mission of this ministry – to help bring girls into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ
• Embrace and hold as truth our Statement of Faith
• Provide for regular and consistent Bible study in club by utilizing the materials produced by GEMS Girls’ Clubs International
• Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to the girls in club through the prayerful selection, supervision, and support of counsellors – mentors of girls
• Ensure that the club meets regularly throughout a designated season
• Ensure that the club participates fully in being responsible to sister clubs around the world. Each club does this by completing and submitting the necessary questionnaire regarding club activities three times a year.
• Ensure that a special Sunday is set aside annually to highlight the work of God in the lives of girls through the GEMS ministry. This Sunday, often called GEMS Sunday, provides girls with opportunities for leadership through singing, creative movement, Scripture reading, personal sharing, skits, etc.
• Support the international ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs through regular and consistent prayer
• When possible, support the work of the international ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs through offerings and/or individual gifts

Visit the Ministry Partners page for a listing of all churches and Christian organizations that have GEMS Clubs.

What does a typical meeting look like?

A typical club meeting includes the following components:

• Opening (Large Group)
• Welcome and recite GEMS Aim
• Praise and worship
• Prayer
• Announcements
  
  
• Small Group Sessions (divided by programme levels)
• Bible studies
• Activity time: games, service projects, or practical skill-based activities.
• Prayer
  
  
• Closing (Large Group)
• Scripture memory review
• Prayer
• Snack
• Clean-up and dismissal
  

What does the worldwide ministry of GEMS Girls’ Clubs International provide member churches/Christian organizations and clubs?

As per the Partnership Agreement, GEMS Girls’ Clubs agrees to:

• Provide Christ-inspired and Christ-directed leadership to the overall worldwide ministry.
• Develop effective, inspiring programme materials for girls and their mentors (counsellors) which are biblically-based and culturally-relevant
• Organize, plan, and provide training opportunities for mentors (counsellors) so they can be prepared and equipped to lead
• Regularly pray for the girls and counsellors in GEMS Clubs everywhere
  
  

What Christian denominations have GEMS Clubs?

GEMS Clubs are established in a variety of church and denominational settings, including Reformed, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Baptist, and so on. Our curriculum is rooted in Scripture and incorporates a flexible format that works well for multiple denominations and non-denominational churches and Christian organizations.

Visit the Ministry Partners page for a listing of all churches and Christian organizations that have GEMS Clubs.

How much does it cost to run a club?

GEMS International aims to reach girls all over the world—to those living in many different regions and circumstances.

For this reason, our international programme is as affordable and flexible as possible.

Please visit our online store for a listing of curriculum options and prices. A registered user can also download lessons from either or both programme levels for a minimal fee.

Go to Starting a Club for more information on all materials needed to begin a club and read our fundraising tips for ways to support your club financially.

How do parents feel about GEMS?

Over and over again, parents express sincere appreciation for the caring, encouraging, and faith-centred environment their daughters experience at GEMS International. Parents recognize that their girls are learning to make good decisions and form lasting friendships at club.

Is there a boy’s club?

Yes, Cadets is the name of a club programme for boys that help them grow spiritually in all areas of life.

The Christian Service Brigade is another ministry that seeks to build young men to love and serve Christ.
Both ministries utilize men to reach and disciple boys for Christ.

How can I start a GEMS Club?

We are thrilled about your interest in starting a GEMS Club! The first step is to read through all the sections under Starting a Club. Next, the Partnership Agreement form should be signed by your church or organization and sent in to the GEMS International Service Centre. This form needs to be received and approved by GEMS Girls’ Clubs International before your club can officially begin.

Get the GEMS International Review Packetfor a better understanding of our programme, lesson plans and other curriculum resources. If you are thinking of ways to fund your club, check out our fundraising tips.

Please contact us for any more questions you may have in regard to starting a club. We will get back to you with the required information as soon as possible.

How can I join a club?

Contact the GEMS International Service Centre for more details about clubs in your area. We will respond as soon as possible with the required information. You can then contact the church or Christian organization to find out when and where the club meets as well as the name of the Club Coordinator, who can provide you with more information.

Is training required to start or get involved with a club?

Yes, we require club leaders to view our training videos before they formally start teaching at club. We believe it is important to approach a leadership and mentoring role with a prepared heart and with the right mindset in order to use our materials in the best possible way. Our Training and Resources section is created specifically for this purpose and provides the necessary tools to prepare those interested in club leadership.

We also encourage all leaders within a club to meet as a group regularly to share concerns, pray, discuss individual club needs, and review training methods together. Be sure to keep checking our website for the latest training resources and tips.