Session 17: The World Is Our Parish
Download this page in pdf format
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 church is greater than the sum of its parts. The scope of the work is limited only by the imagination of the faith community. Leaders empower people for continuous growth in faith and service.
Desired Outcomes
As a result of this session, participants should be able to:
- Expand their vision of the church from the congregation to the world.
- See our church as a complex and dynamic system toward transformation.
- Understand the need for a new kind of planning to support a new kind of church.
Lesson Supplies
Notice the adjustment of time segments in this session.
EXPLORATION AT GROUP SESSION
Total time: 50 minutes
Light the candle and read the devotional, "A Beginning IS Change." Pray together the prayer on page 147. Ask participants about their response to the daily readings. Show The Book of Discipline and point out the readings for days 4, 5, and 6 are in this contemporary resource. Adapt our comments to your own denomination as necessary.
Focus Study: Day 6
This session focuses participants on the transition from study to living toward new visions for your unique congregation.
DISCOVERY — APPLYING IDEAS TO THE CONGREGATION
Total time: 45 minutes
Discussion Questions (30 minutes)
Distribute the "Models for Ministry" handout, which tells how congregations today are creating new models. This connects with concepts on page 153. Ask the discussion questions on page 154.
Follow-up question: What can we do as leaders within the congregation to build awareness of the need for change and to create understanding about the best ways to change?
Review of FaithQuest study, future plans, and worship (60 minutes)
Follow directions on page 155 and 156 for concluding the FaithQuest study and continuing the journey of transformation. Call attention to the candle which has glowed each time you have met as a reminder of the steady presence of God.
Text Only Version
|
