Session 7: The People We Serve
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PREPARATION
Read Scripture and background information. Reflect on the questions in the participant's book. Review links suggested in the lesson outline below.
Train of Thought
Leaders create an environment for learning that empowers the church to meet the challenges of changing paradigms while holding firmly to the mission and vision of the church.
Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:
- Understand that we serve people, both within the institutional church and out in the community and world.
- Recognize that listening is basic to serving the needs of others.
- Commit to a standard of quality that signifies to the world that Christian discipleship makes a difference.
Lesson Supplies
EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes
Light the worship candle with these words: "This session reminds us of the importance of listening for God's directions. Let's sit quietly to open ourselves to God's Presence. Focusing attention on your breathing helps keep away distracting thoughts." After 2 minutes of silence (time it!), say, "Amen." Ask participants to share insights or questions from their preparation.
Bible Study Focus Verses: Acts 5:17-42
Divide the group into thirds and ask each group to work on one of the following questions for five minutes.
- What does this passage tell us about God?
- What does this passage tell us about men and women?
- What does this passage tell us about the relationship between God and human beings?
Have each small group share its findings with the total group.
Transition to Our Time
In verse 29, Peter and the disciples say, "We must obey God rather than any human authority." How does this verse shape the way we listen today? Follow the directions in "A Reflective Moment Along the Way" on page 61 to work in small groups and discuss how groups in your congregation operate.
Click here for suggestions for leading congregational committee meetings.
Lead participants in reflecting on the "Five Levels of Listening" chart on page 62 of the FaithQuest Bible Study. Begin by asking the group where each listening level occurs in the congregation. Work on each level, listing the responses on a dry-erase board or newsprint.
Your FaithQuest team may decide to seek additional training in order to listen better to the people both inside and outside the congregation. The FaithQuest team may want to sponsor an event with a communications specialist for the congregation.
Communication Links:
DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes
Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
Distribute copies of the "Levels of Quality" handout. Talk about questions for discussion on page 65 in the participant's book.
The Discovery Exercise on page 65 pushes the group to think about all the people the congregation serves. During this group session, focus on questions in the last 2 paragraphs of the exercise.
A scriptural example of listening to the people:
Acts 6:1-7 illustrates the concept of listening to the people we serve.
A conflict between two groups was brewing in the new Christian community. The twelve disciples (the leadership team at the time) called together the whole community. The leaders listened to the people, and they also brought the people together so they could listen to one another. The leaders realized the new movement called for specialized and focused leadership. The ministry of the deacon was established to oversee distribution of food and other service connecting Christian love to the needs of the world.
Feedback & Evaluation (5 minutes)
Ask what we learned during the session. How have we experienced God's Presence?
Sending Forth (10 minutes)
Share prayer concerns. Pray aloud together the prayer on page 59 of the participant's book.
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