Orientation Session
ORIENTATION SESSION
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Schedule a one-hour orientation session about a week before beginning the Bible study. The purpose of this session is to bring participants together for four important tasks:
To help you with this session, you can see an opening worship suggestion, a general outline of Sessions 1-17 of FaithQuest, and a planning template of life-long learning.
The FaithQuest process in brief
- It is essential to help the group understand that FaithQuest is a journey. The Bible study is just the beginning. During the 17-week study and after the Bible study is completed, the FaithQuest participants will apply new ways of thinking to the congregation and will implement new insights.
- The Bible study is multipurpose. It explores the Scriptures and the teachings of John Wesley in a deep and meaningful way. Participants in this study will gain a better understanding of the Word of God. A number of new concepts for viewing Scripture will act as lenses to provide new perspectives on the Bible. In addition to exploring Scripture, the FaithQuest study introduces concepts for new ways of thinking about the church as an organization. Participants are challenged to envision a new kind of church that is centered in Christ and informed by the Bible.
- Designed for local church leaders, FaithQuest is led by a team of local laity and clergy. It is designed to be user-friendly, taking into account the time demands most people face each day. The study requires 15-30 minutes a day for prayer, Scripture reading, reflection, and note taking. The study will meet weekly. While the benefits to individuals are many, the greatest benefit is to the FaithQuest group as a whole. A new vision for leading the congregation emerges, and it works to build team identity.
- Click here to see a general session outline. If it is a benefit for participants, you may copy and distribute the outline.
Develop a group agreement
Adequate preparation is just one of the ground rules for the FaithQuest Bible study. Each group needs to set its own ground rules, but some suggested rules follow:
- Participants will commit to attend all sessions of the study.
- Participants will read and prepare before the weekly meeting.
- Participants will hold one another accountable to begin and end on time.
- Participants will respect the opinions and ideas of others in the group.
- Participants will pay attention and actively listen to others in the group.
- Participants will strive to find concrete applications for the Bible study concepts within their congregation.
- Participants will pray for one another throughout the weeks of the study.
Establish a climate of worshipful attentiveness to God's leading while learning.
- Open the orientation session by lighting a candle and welcome the presence of God. Pray for God's leading during the preparation and group sessions.
- The opening worship of FaithQuest leader training events has been used by some orientation leaders. They feel it sets a worshipful climate and introduces the FaithQuest process. For your planning, this worship lasts about 20 minutes.
Receive study materials
Each participant will need a copy of the FaithQuest Bible Study. Assign Session 1 on pages 9-18.
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