Download this page in pdf format

PREPARATION

Read Scripture and background information. Reflect on the questions in the participant's study book. Review links suggested in the lesson outline below.

Train of Thought
The mission of the church has been defined, and the primary task has been spelled out. Leaders work to help the congregation discover its vision for effective ministry in the current cultural paradigm. The key to improving our work together is continuous learning. As we create climates for learning in the church, we are better equipped to serve God.

Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:

• Understand the role of a continuous learning organization in faithfully following God.
• Recognize the power of mental maps.
• See continuous improvements as fundamental to the identity of the Christian church.

Lesson Supplies

• Posters
• Candle. matches, Bibles
• Copies of hymn text "Filled With the Spirit's Power" (The United Methodist Hymnal, 537)
  See note below about copyright permission.
• List of Bible study questions on newsprint
• The Book of Acts in Its First Century Setting is a project at the University of Wales, Swansea. This link takes you to material on Palestine and first-century church development. The links are interesting, but biased toward the individual author's opinions.

EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes

Light the worship candle with these words, "We came to this study as individuals and, in the light of God's presence, we become a community." Pray together the prayer on page 51 of the study book. Ask participants about insights or surprises that came from their Bible reading as they prepared.

Bible Study Focus Verses: Acts 2:37-47
Read Acts 2:37-47 together. This Bible study encourages reflection on both the differences and the similarities between what is described in Scripture and what we experience as church today.

Hymns can be a valuable way of looking at Scripture. In a sense, people sing Scripture when they sing hymns. At the same time, it is important to remember that hymns are more of a mosaic of Scripture, built up of fragments from all parts of the Bible and Christian thinking, overlaid with personal and distinctive expressions.

Here is a procedure for studying Acts 2:37-47 using the words of "Filled with the Spirit's Power." The United Methodist Hymnal grants permission to reproduce single items for one-time use in educational or worship settings (see details of this permission in the Hymnal, page 906), so you may want to copy the music and text to use as a worksheet for this lesson.

Distribute copies of the hymn text and open a Bible to Acts 2:37-47. Read both texts (Scripture and hymn) aloud.

Try to trace the hymn language and thought back to the Bible. This means looking for clear, unambiguous quotations from Scripture. Also consider the variety of texts reflected in this song. Ask participants to work in groups of three to consider these questions:

• Is the scriptural sense changed in any way by the use of it in the hymn?
• In this hymn, is the use of or meaning of Scripture forced? natural? valid? effective? helpful? enlightening? confusing?
• How are the power and excitement of the original event in Acts 2:37–7 captured in the hymn?
• Are there scriptural allusions in the hymn that cannot be traced to a single text?
• Does the hymn add to the original meaning of the Bible text in any way?
• Is the Scripture weakened in any way?

Transition to Our Time
Consider the questions in "A Reflective Moment Along the Way" on page 53 of the study book. What are similarities and differences between the early Christian community and the FaithQuest group?

Here's a list of how 18-year-olds view the world differently than we might realize!

DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes

Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
The questions on page 56 of the Bible study address ways to create a learning community where mental maps and visions are shared. Effective learning organizations depend on everyone's involvement. Encourage people to think in specific terms about how they can work to build a learning organization that is truly a faith-forming community.

The discovery exercise moves the group from personal reflection to practical application within the congregation. If your group is large enough, you may want to divide into smaller groups to work on different ideas for welcoming visitors at worship. The purpose is to help participants think in concrete terms about what needs to happen to transform the church into a learning organization.

The FaithQuest group needs to build intentional plans for sharing new learning with the congregation. How many ways can you report to the congregation? How is the congregation spiritually supporting the team that is studying FaithQuest?

Feedback & Evaluation (5 minutes)
Conclude Session 6 by asking, "What have learned from this session?"

Sending Forth (10 minutes)
Ask each participant to name a personal growth challenge they feel would make them a more effective leader. Remind participants to pray for the congregation. Encourage participants to pray for each other by selecting new prayer partners.

Alternate Closing Meditation
Conclude this group session with a ten-minute meditation exercise. Read Acts 2:12 aloud. Ask the group to reflect on the discussion your group is completing. Remind the group that the FaithQuest video segment was a simulation of the bewilderment caused by the individuals who experienced the Holy Spirit in the first century. Ask the group to listen to the words in Acts 2:12 one more time. Then have them think silently about how your congregation has created "bewilderment" among members or in the culture of your community. Tell them that after three minutes of silent reflection, they may talk together in groups of two or three. Allow the group four to five minutes for discussion; then ask each group for a sentence or summary thought. Conclude by reading Acts 2:12 a final time. Offer a benediction: "Go forth this week to watch for the amazing signs of the Spirit among us!"

    Text Only Version