Session 1: A New Paradigm
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PREPARATION
Read Scripture and background information. Reflect on the questions in the participant book. Review links suggested in the lesson outline below.
Train of Thought
The FaithQuest journey begins with an examination of the first nine chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Jesus brought a new paradigm to the people of his day, and the gospel account tells of the massive resistance this paradigm shift sparked.
Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:
- Identify the current reality in which we exist as a church.
- Understand that change is a process that can be understood and managed.
- Realize that new information is a tool that has great potential for improving our lives.
Lesson Supplies
EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes
Open by praying together the prayer printed on page 9 in the participant's book. Light the candle to remind all of God's presence during the group meeting. Ask if anyone would like to share insights and surprises that arose from individual preparation of daily reading and background information about Jesus. Learn more about Jesus' world.
Bible Study Focus Verses: Luke 6:20-26
Direct the group to the focus verses. Review the scene described in verses 17-20. Ask them to imagine being an individual in the midst of this noisy crowd. Make suggestions of the roles individuals might take on: curious; in need of healing; supportive; suspicious; and so on. Pause while each one settles into a role, and then read Luke 6:20-26. Ask participants to respond to questions about reaction to the message from the point of view of their first-century character. "How did you feel when you heard Jesus' words?" List the feelings on newsprint as people name them. Save the list as you continue the lesson.
Transition to Our Time
Direct attention to "A Reflective Moment Along the Way" on page 12. Pause for individual responses and reflections. Distribute the handout "Discoveries and Inventions of the Past 50 Years." Ask participants to recall their reactions to things introduced in their own lifetime. At the end of the discussion of contemporary paradigm shifts, return to the list of reactions to Jesus' words. Ask participants for their observations about the way people react to change. Our first reaction to change is usually on an emotional level. Click here for more information and examples of change.
DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes
Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
The questions on page 15 of the Bible study are important to help the group fully grasp the concepts of paradigm shifts and dealing with change. During "A Reflective Moment Along the Way," members talked about their personal experiences with paradigm shifts.
These questions move the discussion to the congregational sphere. Remember that the paradigm shifts named in this study stress the emerging realities of mainline Protestant denominations across North America. The discussion is not centered on whether or not we want to change, but on how we might respond to the changing paradigms in our church, society, and world.
Feedback & Evaluation (5 minutes)
As the session time concludes, ask participants, "What have we learned from Session One and from our time together?"
Sending Forth (10 minutes)
In closing, ask participants to name one thing others in the group can pray for for them. As leader, note these requests so you can follow up appropriately. Send people forth with the following Scripture reading. Remind participants that Moses led the people of God at a time when they were on the move and the future seemed uncertain. Numbers 9:21-23 tells us how they moved into the future. "Sometimes the cloud would remain from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they would set out. Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, resting upon it, the Israelites would remain in camp and would not set out; but when it lifted they would set out. At the command of the Lord they would camp, and at the command of the Lord they would set out. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by Moses." (New Revised Standard Version)
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