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Discipleship Series

2011

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The Story Behind this Discipleship Series

In the fall of 2008, Rev. Doug Portz was the Acting Head of Staff of Pittsburgh Presbytery and I was working on staff as the Associate Pastor with Smaller Congregations. Doug asked me what I thought the “bottom line” issue was for the small churches. I thought this was a great question. I knew what the churches were saying; “We need more members and more money!” But it seemed to me that the issue went deeper than that so I decided to pray about it and talk with some small church pastors and leaders.

About a month later I reported back to Doug and the rest of the leadership staff that I thought the

“bottom line” issue for smaller churches was helping congregations more fully live out their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. I could imagine what it would be like if a congregation, even a small one of 20-25 members, decided to passionately live out their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. Worship would be vibrant and meaningful. People would be excited to meet and study God’s word. People would be sharing their faith with others and looking for meaningful ways to minister to others. The church finances would increase as people practiced the discipline of tithing. As this scenario grew of a congregation, actively, passionately living out their discipleship, I thought, “I want to be a part of this kind of church!” The rest of the Pittsburgh Presbytery leadership staff expanded this “bottom line” issue to include all sized congregations. This was not just an issue for small churches but an issue for our church today.

The presbytery staff put together a Discipleship Series that gives an overview of what it means to be a

disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is a life-long journey. Living out discipleship will look different in each person’s life but the fundamental aspects are the same. When I showed the outline for this series to a friend who had been ordained as an elder with me 25 years ago, she said; “Why didn’t someone share this information with us 25 years ago? I feel like I have spent years trying to figure it out. This series is a great idea!”

There is no miraculous element contained herein. There is much material available on Discipleship

that covers these same aspects in some format or other. What we wanted to do, however, was provide an overview of discipleship that would be; Biblically grounded, incorporate personal testimonies and opportunities for personal reflection, and have an action step to help people deepen their walk. The most important aspect of this Discipleship Series is that it be presented as a joyful invitation to walk with Jesus. It is not meant to heap guilt unto people in order to get them to do the right things, but as an exciting invitation to truly be the people of God. For people who have been making the journey, this series is a great opportunity to reflect upon how they are doing. It can be a great help for beginners, as well. Discipleship must start with the pastor and other church leaders. When the leaders are excited about their discipleship and passionately striving to live out their faith, the rest of the congregation will have a chance to see by example and may be inspired to join in. If we, as churches, are making disciples, we are fulfilling the Great Commission and living out Christ’s mission in the world.

I hope that in some way you are inspired by this Discipleship Series to deepen your walk with Jesus

and invite others to do the same, for it is the most exciting journey you can take!

Blessings, Rev. Judi Slater, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Duquesne, Pa.

Pittsburgh Presbytery staff who contributed to this Discipleship Series in 2008: Sharon Stewart, Vera White, Karen Battle, Betty Angelini, Judi Slater; layout & design by Sydney Winter This Discipleship Series can be found on the Pittsburgh Presbytery website.

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DISCIPLESHIP – Jesus said, “Follow me.”

1. It’s A Matter of the Heart – At the heart of discipleship is a loving, committed relationship with God in Jesus Christ.

Jesus says the greatest commandment: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.”(Matthew 22:37)

(ACTION) Say each day, “I love you, God, thank you for loving me.” 2. Worship & Participation in the Body of Christ

“All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” (1Corinthians 12:27) (ACTION) Attend worship weekly and participate in the ministry of the church.

3. Devotional Life – A Conversation with God in Prayer & Scripture “Be still and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10) (ACTION) Spend time each day (a suggestion is at least 5 minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening) praying and reading a devotion. Plan for 2 minutes of that time to be silent before God reflecting on what God might be saying in the devotion for your life.

4. Stewardship – Tithing Time, Talents, Money “Bring all the tithes . . . if you do,” says the Lord, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” Malachi 3:10 (ACTION) Ask God to help you reduce your debt and adjust your lifestyle so you can tithe – or move toward tithing - (giving 10% of your income back to God) as an act of faith and trust that everything we have comes from God.

5. Participation in the Mission of Christ in the World – Evangelism Jesus came and told his disciples . . . “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations . . .” (Matthew 28:19) (ACTION) Let people on your prayer list know that you are praying for them – share why and what you pray – by a note, email, phone call, etc. as a way of sharing your faith in God’s power and presence in our lives. Pray that God will show you additional opportunities to share your faith with others – especially with your family and friends.

6. Participation in the Mission of Christ in the world - Social Justice Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:37-40) (ACTION) Participate in the missions of the church throughout the year. (Toy drive, Turkeys for Food Pantry, Sycamore Personal Care Visitation, Hoagie sale for Youth Retreats – are current missions) Help someone when the opportunity comes your way.

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Discipleship Series Pittsburgh Presbytery – Overview

Session Theme Scripture Gathering Activities

Hearing God’s Word Sending Action

Steps

#1 A Matter of the Heart

The foundation of discipleship is a relationship with God in Jesus Christ

Ps. 139:1-16

Prayer Name Activity Introduction to Discipleship Series

Bible Study on Ps. 139:1-16 Clay Pot Exercise Family Origen Activity

Challenge to share faith Prayer and Reflection

Share faith with a friend or neighbor

#2 Worship/ Body of Christ

Discipleship involves participating in the body of Christ. Worship is the most important way Christians do this.

1 Cor. 12 Acts 2:42-47 Luke 24: 13-35

Good Ship Lollipop Activity Reflections on Community

Bible Study Presentation on Worship

Respond to God’s Word Confession of Faith and Lord’s Prayer

Covenant to participate in worship

#3 Prayer & Scripture

Prayer is an essential action of discipleship. It is the way disciples listen to God and communicate with God about all aspects of life. The relationship with God through prayer guides our actions as individuals and as a community of believers.

Ps. 46:10a Ps. 37:7a 1 Thes. 5:17 Phil. 4:6-7

Prayer Small group conversation about prayer

Introduction Study Response

Prayer activity Commitment to Personal Prayer

#4 Stewardship

A key disciple-making issue of our particular culture involves our relationship with money. True freedom and contentment are possible only through putting God first in our lives.

Malachi 3:8-12

Word/Share/Prayer on Malachi 3:8-12

Presentation on Biblical principles of stewardship by leader Small group conversations Challenge to Commitment

Prayer and Blessing

Make the Challenge to Commitment

#5 Participation in the mission of Christ in the world: Evangelism – Sharing the Good News

People who are “in love with God,” and excited about their church’s participation in Christ’s mission in the world, naturally do evangelism because they want others to join them.

John 20:10-18 Matthew 28:16-20 “

Pitcher Demonstration Prayer

Testimony Response Faith Sharing

Challenge to share faith with a friend Prayer

Share faith with a friend

#6 Participation in the mission of Christ in the world: Doing Justice God’s Way

This session will help participants understand how and why Christians work for a just society. Participants will be asked to engage in activities of social justice.

Prov. 31:8-9 Micah 6:8 Matthew 25:31-46

Prayer

Word/Share/Prayer Reading from Washington Office Reflection Case Study

Prayer

Select one or more justice activities to participate in.

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Discipleship Framework Series

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

What is it that congregations need the most? What is at the heart of the pressing issues they are facing? Many churches would answer; more members, more money. The core of the problem facing congregations today is a spiritual issue, and at the heart of the matter is the issue of discipleship. If people were truly living out their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ, the ministry of churches would be vibrant, abundant, and financially viable.

Many of us were raised in the church and know how to “do church” yet we do not have a clear, concise understanding of what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Others, who have recently come into the church with little background on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, are also trying to figure this out.

In order to provide a clear, concise understanding of discipleship, we have put together a team of people who can provide churches with a six- session series on discipleship that will help people grasp the overall concept of discipleship. Like an architect might provide a model of the building to be built so people can visually see it, the idea is to provide a framework of understanding discipleship for people to be able to live out their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. While the six sessions will provide a clear understanding of the aspects of discipleship, living them out is a lifetime endeavor.

When this Discipleship Framework Series was shared with an elder, who had been ordained 25 years ago, her response was, “Why didn’t someone share this information with me 25 years ago? I feel like I have spent years trying to figure it out. This series is a great idea!”

Session 1: Introduction: A matter of the Heart Session 2: Worship and Participation in the Body of Christ Session 3: Prayer and Scripture: A Two-Way Conversation with God Session 4: Stewardship Session 5: Evangelism: Sharing the Good News Session 6: Doing Justice God’s Way

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Session #1 A Matter of the Heart

Theme: The foundation of discipleship is a relationship with God in Jesus Christ

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-16

Background for Leader: Read over the session plan. Prepare opening and closing prayers or ask a member of the group to lead these prayers. Gather necessary materials. Review the whole Discipleship Series by looking at the overview.

Materials needed: An old cracked clay flower pot, a variety of decorative flower pots, a plant or flower, enough small stones for each person in the group to have one, a cross

Gathering Activities: (27 minutes)

1. Prayer. Leader opens with prayer. (2 min.)

2. Name Activity: Ask everyone in the group to tell their names and how they got their names. If the group is larger than twelve, you may choose to work in groups of 4. (15 min.)

3. Introduction to the Discipleship Series: Explain that the task of the church is to help people live out their discipleship. Many congregations are more comfortable “doing church” than making disciples for Christ. Compare the Discipleship Series to an architectural model created to provide a vision of a finished building. The Discipleship Series is meant to provide an overview of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ so that people can have a vision and understanding of the overall picture of discipleship. Summarize the six aspects of discipleship that will be explored in the six sessions: Write the titles of the 6 sessions on newsprint and give a brief summary of the focus of each. (10 min.)

Session 1: Introduction: A matter of the Heart Session 2: Worship and Participation in the Body of Christ Session 3: Prayer and Scripture: A Two-Way Conversation with God Session 4: Stewardship Session 5: Evangelism: Sharing the Good News Session 6: Doing Justice God’s Way

Hearing God’s Word: (50 min.)

1. Bible Study: Read aloud Psalm 139:1-16. Reflect on the passage by saying, “All are created by God. God not only created us, but knows every day of our lives.” (5 min.)

2. Clay Pot Exercise: Show the plain clay pot and comment: “For a long time I felt like this plain, imperfect clay pot and believed that God could make a beautiful arrangement out of my life in spite of my brokenness. But I have come to understand that God does not see me as a plain, imperfect vessel. As God’s creations, we are not plain vessels.” Show the decorative flower pots and point out the variety of sizes, shapes, patterns. None of them are perfect but all are unique and beautiful in their own ways. Say: “I have come to understand that this is how God sees us – not perfect but unique and beautiful. Like these pots, God has created every person uniquely beautiful, but God did not create us and leave it at that. God wants to create a beautiful, ongoing, dynamic arrangement out of our

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lives.” Put a plant or flower in one of the pots to illustrate this. “In Jesus Christ, God redeems our brokenness and wants to be in relationship with us.” Pastor Peter Scazzero says that because of our human condition, all families have brokenness and are dysfunctional to some degree or another. Remind the participants of some biblical families that experienced brokenness: Cain/Abel, Jacob/Esau, Joseph and his brothers. Then point out that in God’s love, we are part of a larger family and that our family of origin does not have to determine who we are today. God is our creator and our redeemer. (15 min.)

3. Family of Origin Activity: Ask participants to work with a partner that is not a family member or close friend. Each partner shares a description of his/her family of origin and what role he/she played in that family. After 20 minutes of sharing in dyads, gather the group together and ask if anyone is willing to share a story about his/her family of origin. Allow time for 3 or 4 people to share (this could go on longer if time permits.) (30 min.)

Sending: (15 min.)

1. Challenge to Share Faith. Challenge each participant to find someone with whom to share the story of how God has used personal brokenness to help the person grow in faith. (5 min.)

2. Prayer and Reflection. Pass out the stones. During a time of silent prayer and reflection, ask each person (as ready) to come forward and lay his/her stone at the foot of the cross to show his/her willingness to accept God’s redemption and relationship. Close with a prayer. (10 min.)

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Session #2 Worship & Participation in the Body of Christ

Theme: Discipleship involves participating in the body of Christ. Worship is the most important way Christians do this.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12 Acts 2: 42-47 Luke 24:13-35 Background for Leader: Today’s culture emphasizes “me”. We live in a world that is oriented toward the individual. Television and computers occupy much of our time. They can be turned off and on when we like; we can interact with others when and how we choose. We think that we can fulfill our need for worship by developing our own spirituality on our own time. Is this the type of worship that God has in mind? Is this God’s vision for community as the body of Christ? Acts 2: 42-47 describes a community that is connected by worshipping God together. This unit’s objectives include:

1. Participating in activities that will help solidify the meaning of community 2. Exploring the discipline/practice of worship 3. Developing an understanding of the two Sacraments in the Presbyterian faith 4. Spending time together dwelling in the Word 5. Having some fun

Materials Needed: One or two platforms from the presbytery resource center, copies of pages 12, 15 and 16 for each participant

Gathering Activities: (20 minutes) 1. Good Ship Lollipop Activity: Tell the group a story: You have all been sailing on the good ship

lollipop through the deep seas of maple syrup. All of a sudden the ship hits a huge Jolly Rancher that tears a hole in the ship. The ship is sinking quickly and the only way to save yourselves is to get on the front of the ship and sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as LOUD as you possibly can 3 times. (At this point explain that everybody is to get on the platform and no body part can touch the ground. If one body part touches the ground or the facilitator feels that the group is not loud enough the group has to start over.) When the group successfully completes the task the hole repairs itself and the group is saved. (See Facilitation Guidelines on page 10.)

Have group work on this activity for 5-7 minutes.

Debrief the activity using the following questions:

• How did the group work together to complete the task? • What different gifts were used to help the group accomplish its task?

• How did you feel as you tried to do the task?

2. Reflections on community: Leader will make a presentation on some of the biblical and theological principles of community using Reflections on Community, page 11.)

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Hearing God’s Word: (30 minutes)

1. Bible Study: Provide each participant with a copy of p. 12, Luke 24: 13-35 The Road to Emmaus. After reading out loud (method at instructors discretion), instruct the participants to spend time reflecting on the passage. Participants are to utilize the passage to identity important components of worship. Below are some of the reflections that could be gleaned from the passage:

§ Worship occurs on Sunday, not last day of the week as in the OT, but on the first day of the week in remembrance of Easter resurrection.

§ Worship involves hearing Scripture § We tell the story of salvation § Worship involves community § Worshipers may not recognize that Christ is present at first, even though he really

is there all along § Worship is an opportunity to be fed spiritually § Worship may include breaking of the bread § Worship is a time for public confession § The teacher provides exegesis of the Scripture § Christ’s message has the power to transform § Worshippers are sent out and called to evangelism (20 min.)

2. Presentation on Worship: Leader should prepare some remarks on Worship based on the Talking Points about Worship, page 13. (10 min.)

Sending (10 minutes)

1. Respond to God’s Word: Covenant to participate actively in worship the next 3 of 4 weeks, coming to praise God and give this time wholeheartedly and enthusiastically to worshipping God. Use Covenant form on page 15.

2. Depart: God Sends Us into the World. In unison close with words from the Brief Statement of Faith (page 16) and then pray the Lord’s Prayer.

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Bibliography

a. Book of Order, Part II 2007-2009

b. Byars, Ronald P., Christian Worship: Glorifying and Enjoying God. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press, 2000.

c. McKim, Donald K., Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press, 2003.

d. Rice and Huffstutler, Reformed Worship. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press, 2001.

e. White, Susan J., Foundations of Christian Worship. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.

f. Willimon, William, With Glad and Generous Hearts. Nashville, TN: The Upper Room, 1986

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Facilitation Guidelines for Good Ship Lollipop Activity: • Ten people are about the maximum to get on the platform. You could use more than one

platform at a time. Another option is for a few participants to act as spotters and cheerleaders. Two platforms are available at the Resource Center of the Presbytery office.

• Facilitators must always spot the group. Make sure you are always paying attention. • Watch for people falling off and spraining an ankle or falling on one another. • Tell the group that if they are about to fall off then go ahead and let go and step off. Do not

hang on to the group and pull them off with you. This could cause the group to fall on top of you and cause injury.

• Do not grab a person so tightly that he/she could not step off. • Do not grab the person around the neck. • Do not build towers of people.

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Reflections on Community

• God and God’s creation exist in community, not isolation

• Our triune God is the premier example of community because Father, Son, Holy Spirit are in relationship since before time, although three distinct essences yet also abiding in unity

• With the Trinity as our example, we as disciples are called to live in community. The Scripture is full of examples of this community.

o Exodus 36:8-9 Effort of community to build tabernacle

o Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 Community needed for defense, warmth, relationship and existence. For me the third strand in verse 12 refers to Jesus Christ

o Acts 2:42-47 A model of community

o 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31 One body, many parts

• In his classic writing, Life Together, Bonhoeffer describes the “incomparable joy and strength” that comes to the believer when “in the physical presence of other Christians”.1

• The most important action that a Christian community can take is to worship together. o Note: Worship can be personal and takes form of prayer, dwelling in the Word and

mediation, but discussion of this practice will be deferred to Unit #3. The main understanding to be stressed in this unit is that as Christ’s disciples it is essential to participate in worship corporately, as the Body of Christ

o From the Book of Confessions: Both the Shorter and Larger Catechism of the Westminster Confession, the very first question is “What is the chief and highest end of man?” Answer- Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever.” Glorifying and enjoying God is accomplished through worship!

• From the Book of Order: The Directory for Worship: God created female and male for community and called a people into covenant. Jesus called, commissioned and pormised to be present to a people gathered in his name. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, orders and empowere the new community of the covenant. A Christian’s personal response to God is in community. W-1.1005

1 Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, Life Together. San Francisco, CA: Harper Row Publishing, 1954, p.19.

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On the Road to Emmaus, Luke 24: 13-35

13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?”

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”

19 “What things?” Jesus asked.

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.”

25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

Reflect: Read this passage again silently. On the back of this page jot down notes about anything you can learn about worship from this passage.

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Talking Points about Worship

1. Worship is not a passive experience • Reformers objected to passivity of congregation • Worship is not entertainment or a spectator event • Worshipers do not just come to be filled • Worshipers praise and give thanks • Worshipers listen actively when the Word is preached

2. Worship is rooted in scripture: Word preached and heard • “How are they to believe in one whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear

without someone to proclaim him?” Romans 10:14 • Hearing the Word preached is essential to reformed worship

3. Worship is sacramental

• Sacraments are response to Word • Sacraments point to God • Martin Luther says we were given 5 senses and all should be utilized in worship, not just

hearing the Word, but tasting, smelling, seeing, feeling the enacted Word of the sacraments brings balance to worship

• Baptism Ø Initiation into Christian Life Ø Sign and seal of incorporation into Jesus Christ Ø Sign of death to sin and rebirth in Christ Ø Gift of God’s grace Ø Call to a life of discipleship

• Communion Ø Sign of community and acceptance Ø Seal of the new covenant Ø Sign of God’s grace Ø Time for remembering Christ’s atoning death and resurrection Ø Time for giving thanks Ø Anticipation of the Messianic banquet Ø Symbols of Christ’s body and blood

4. Worship is communal

• Trinitarian God is relational in nature • Apostles’ Creed declares a community of saints before us and after • The church is a community of believers

5. Worship is about God • Way we worship is way we believe • Human response to divine • Most important thing we do • Praising God for what God has done in Israel’s history and our salvation history

6. Worship sustains and nourishes Christian life

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• The nurture of our relationship with the triune God in worship equips us to carry out our personal ministries of social justice, evangelism, mission

• The life of a Christian flows from worship, Christian identity confirmed in worship • Worship results in transformation: Worship leads to service and service leads to worship

7. Structure of Worship

• Gathering: Community of faith assembles • Abiding: Community is fed by Word and Sacrament • Proclamation: God’s Word is proclaimed • Thanksgiving: People give thanks to God • Sending: People go out in the world in God’s name

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Worship Covenant This is a covenant to participate actively in worship, coming to praise God and give this time wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm to worshipping God.

Please cut on line and return bottom portion to ___________________

Covenant to Attend Corporate Worship

I , vow to attend corporate worship the next out of weeks.

Signature Date

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Words from the Brief Statement of Faith:

In life and death we belong to God Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, The love of God And the communion of the Holy Spirit We trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, Whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in God, Whom Jesus called Abba, Father In sovereign love, God created the world good And makes everyone equally in God’s image, Male and female of every race and people, To live as one community.

Pray the Lord’s Prayer as a community.

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Session #3 Prayer and Scripture- A two way conversation with God

Theme: Prayer is an essential action of discipleship. It is the way disciples listen to God, have fellowship with God and communicate with God about all aspects of life. Our relationship with God through prayer and scripture guides our actions as individuals and as a community of believers.

Scripture: Psalm 46:10a: “Be still and know that I am God.” Jeremiah 29:13: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” I John 5:14-15 “…We know that God hears us in whatever we ask…” Background for Leader: Read over the lesson plan including the notes for the Leader about prayer. Review the prayers in the Old and New Testaments. Prepare the prayers and questions by placing them on index cards so you can give them to groups of 3. Also, look at the 5 choices for practicing prayer in the class. Choose one or two of the options. Prepare by gathering materials needed and practice the way you will lead the group during the prayer time. Make copies of pages 24-26 as handouts for the participants to take home for personal prayer time during the week. Pray for the participants in the class. This unit’s objectives include:

1- Participating in a group activity to talk about prayer 2- Reading and discussing prayers from the Old and New Testament 3- Taking time to pray 4- Choosing prayer activities to do at home

Materials Needed: Index cards with prayers and questions from p. 20-21, copies of Take Home Prayer Activities (pages 24-26), a cell phone, newspapers, letter, road map, and a Bible.

Gathering Activities: (20 minutes) 1. The leader opens with prayer. The leader can introduce the theme by reading the following

quotes and scripture verses listed above. (5 min.)

“In prayer, through the Holy Spirit, people seek after and are found by the one true God who has been revealed in Jesus Christ. They listen and wait upon God, call God by name, remember God’s gracious acts, and offer themselves to God…Prayer grows out of the center of a person’s life in response to the spirit. Prayer is shaped by the Word of God in scriptures and by the life of the community of faith. Prayer is a commitment to join God’s work in the world.” (The Book of Order W-2.1001)

“Prayer is none other than an expanding of our hearts in the presence of God.” (Calvin’s Institutes III.20.29).

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2. Small Group Conversation about Prayer: (15 min.) Ask the class: “what are ways we communicate with one another?” Point to the following items on a table: cell phone, newspaper, letters & envelopes, road map, computer, radio and Bible. Say: All the things displayed on the table are used to communicate news or information with each other. We are not always sure that the news we hear is accurate; sometimes it leads us down the wrong road or into a place that will distract us. Open the Bible that is on the display table and read the following passage: “When we call upon God, we know that we are receiving the truth with love and grace.” Hebrews 4:16 states: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive the mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Small Group conversation about prayer: Invite participants to turn to one person beside them and discuss the following questions: • Who was the first person that taught you about prayer or prayed with you? • Does prayer make a difference in your life/the church/community and world? • Is there a reason to pray if God is in control of everything?

Hearing God’s Word: (30 min.)

1. Introduction: Leader introduces this section by saying, “Prayer may be spoken, sung, enacted, and offered in silence. Daily prayer affords a unique opportunity for silence and meditation in community.” Book of Order W-3.4003. The leader makes a brief presentation on prayer based on Talking Points about Prayer and the Prayer Life of Jesus (pages 22-23).

2. Study: Divide the class in groups of 3 or 4. Provide one prayer from the Old or New Testament written on an index card for each group (pages 20-21). Allow 15 minutes for small group discussion on the accompanying questions.

3. Response: Ask each group to share their responses to the questions about the prayers in the Bible.

Responding to God’s Word: (10 min.) Prayer Activity: The leader will introduce one of the prayer activities from page 24-26 and invite the class to participate.

Sending: (10 min.) Commitment to Personal Prayer: The leader will invite the participants to participate in a personal prayer time by saying, “If you want a life of prayer, the way to get it is by praying…You start where you are and you deepen what you already have.” (Thomas Merton) Then the leader will ask the participants to make a commitment to spend time in quiet prayer for 5-10 minutes each day for the next week.

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Resources

• Barth, Karl. Prayer. KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

• Barton, Ruth H. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

• Blythe, Teresa, A. 50 Ways to Pray: Practices from Many Traditions and Times. NY: Abingdon Press, 2006.

• Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion, editor John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles. PA: Westminster Press, 1960.

• Rice, Howard. Reformed Spirituality. KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1991.

• Roberts, Mark D. No Holds Barred: Wrestling with God in Prayer. CO: WaterBrook Press, 2005.

• The Book of Order 2007-2009 – Elements of Christian Worship

• Thompson, Marjorie. Soul Feast. KY: Westminster John Know Press, 1995.

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Prayers of the Old and New Testament Divide the class into groups of 3 or 4. Have index cards with each of the following prayers and questions. Give one card to each group to discuss.

Exodus 5:22-6:1

Setting: Moses was called to lead the people out of Egypt. As soon as Moses asked Pharaoh to let the people go from slavery in Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the people to gather their own straw to make bricks. The people had to make as many bricks as before. The people cried to Moses.

Read the complaint of Moses’ people in Exodus 5:20-21. Now read Moses’ prayer in Exodus 5:22- 6:1. Ask the group the following questions:

How do you think Moses felt? What does he specifically say to God? What assurance did he receive from God? What do you learn about God from this encounter? To what extend can you identify with Moses in this situation?

Psalm 13:1- 6

Setting: The Psalm is a deep expression of grief by an individual. The situation causing despair is not clearly defined. Look closely at this prayer.

Questions: What problems was the Psalmist having? What is the mood of the Psalm? How does the mood of the Psalm change from beginning to the end of the Psalm? How you ever felt like this psalmist? How did you or are you moving beyond the sense of despair?

Psalm 51:1-12

Setting: The Psalm is traditionally associated with David’s repentance after he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Questions What requests does the psalmist make of God? What is the Psalmist’s impression of God? What does the Psalmist promise to do as a result of the answer he expects from God? With which of the psalmist’s requests can you identify?

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Luke 10:1-10: The Lord’s Prayer Setting: the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus said, Pray to the Father… Questions:

Why was this prayer so important to Jesus? To whom do we pray? Why did Jesus teach people to pray this prayer? What are the important things that Jesus wants us to pray?

Philippians 1:2-5, 9-11 Setting: Philippi is a town in what is modern day Greece. Paul and his friends began the church in Philippi. Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians when he was in prison in Rome. Questions:

For what things does Paul give thanks in these prayers? What does he pray would be given to other Christians? Are these things you have asked for yourself or for others?

Colossians 1:9-14

Setting: The church at Colosse, a city n Asia Minor which is now modern day Turkey and about 100 miles from the Mediterranean coast. Paul is aware of false teaching going on in the church.

Questions:

What did Paul ask God to give to the people? How is Paul encouraging the people of Colosse? Can you identify with the needs expressed in this prayer? Are there similar needs in our churches and our life today? Take some time to pray this prayer for yourself, your family and church.

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Notes for Leader

Taking Points about Prayer

Prayer is the chief exercise of faith by which we daily receive God’s benefits. Prayer includes but is not limited to the following:

1- The necessity of prayer: “Words fail to explain how necessary prayer is, and in how many ways the exercise of prayer is profitable. Surely with good reason the Heavenly Father affirms that the only stronghold of safety is in calling upon his name.” (Joel 2:32 and Calvin’s Institutes III.20.1-3)

2- When we pray, we pray in Jesus’ name. As Karl Barth states, “Jesus Christ invites, permits, and commands us to join him, especially in his intercession with God his Father. Jesus Christ invites us…and allows us to speak with him to God…to be united with him in the Lord’s Prayer.”2

3- Integrity and honesty about our actions and thoughts helps us forgive ourselves and others. We tend to avoid evil thoughts or negative feelings but part of the healing process involves exposing our dark thoughts and desires. When we tell Jesus about our hurts, we begin the healing process. When we confess and seek forgiveness, we receive Jesus’ mercy.

4- Prayer is about listening to and recognizing the inner voice of God which needs to be nurtured. Follow Jesus’ example by going to a quiet place to pray, read God’s Word and listen. (Mark 6:46)

5- When we pray, we are not alone. Our brothers and sisters in Christ pray with us and for us. Prayer unites us with other people because it involves matters that concern us all.

6- God answers our prayers in a variety of forms. Our task is to keep our eyes and ears open so that we can recognize God’s voice. God’s answer may take a form that is different from what we expect. “No” or “wait” are answers to prayer.

7- In order to minister to our weaknesses, God gives us the Holy Spirit as our teacher in prayer, to tell us what is right, and to temper our emotions. For, “because we do not pray as we ought, the Spirit comes to our help,” and “intercedes for us with unspeakable groans.” (Romans 8:26 and Institutes III.20.5)

8- By recognizing that God is the source of all that we are and have, we become thankful in all situations. In Reformed Theology, Rice states that those who regularly pray with thanksgiving do not take life for granted and are given the blessing of being able to see the gift in each day.3

9- Prayer is an ongoing conversation with God and an act of letting go. As Marjorie Thompson states in Soul Feast, “we give our will to the will of Christ and leave the results to him.”4 (Heb 4:14-16) By engaging in prayer we find ourselves changed and renewed as we encounter the Holy One.

10- Developing a relationship with God is not about how long we spend in prayer. It is about keeping the relationship open all day long; pausing to be with God – 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes... It is about participating in the mission of Jesus Christ all day long.

2 Karl Barth, Prayer ( KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 22-23. 3 Howard Rice, Reformed Theology (KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1991), 78. 4 Marjorie Thompson, Soul Feast (KY: Westminster John Know Press, 1995), 38.

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The Prayer Life of Jesus

Prayer was central to the life of Jesus. He communicated with the Father. They were in communion with each other on a daily basis.

• Jesus’ total being required a relationship of complete communion with His Father in Heaven. He said, “I and the Father are one.”

• When Jesus prayed, he showed us how to communicate with God.

• Jesus prayed because he was fully human and fully God. He expressed his full heart and emotion to God in prayer.

• Jesus prayed when it was dark and in a solitary place (Mark 1:35)

• He prayed alone in the evening (Mark 14:22-23) and he went to the mountainside to pray (Mark 6:46)

• Jesus prayed when he broke bread with His disciples (Luke 22:19)

• Jesus prayed that the Father would be glorified through the works done in the Son’s name and that he would be protected from the evil one (John 17).

• He prayed that those who were crucifying him would be forgiven (Luke 23:34) and that God would receive his spirit (Luke 23: 46).

• Jesus prayed raising his hands and/or placing his hands over children and adults. He touched them when they were being healed (Mark 1:41, 3:5).

• He submitted to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42) and prayed with thanksgiving (John 11:41).

• Jesus interceded for others (John 17:1-26)

• Jesus said, “This, then is how we should pray: Our Father in Heaven…” Prayer helps to nurture our relationship with God.

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Group or Individual Prayer Exercises:

Choose one or two of the following options to do in class, as a small group, with your family or individually.

Remember that “Prayer may be spoken, sung, enacted, and offered in silence. Daily prayer affords a unique opportunity for silence and meditation in community.” Book of Order W-3.4003.

I. Pray the newspaper

Karl Barth said, “Christians should carry the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other.” • Begin with a centering prayer such as “Come Lord Jesus.” Spend two minutes gently breathing

in and out. Ask Jesus to make you aware of things you should pray for as you read the paper. Your prayer can be a simple sentence of praise of petition.

• As you read a couple of articles, enter into the story or event. What would it be like to be one of the people involved in the story? Are you feeling thankful, sad, injustice, or anger? Offer a prayer for the people involved. Offer a prayer expressing your feelings and ask God to help/bless all who are involved.

• As you read the paper, be open to what God would have you do in response.

II. The Traditional Ignatian Examen5: The motto in Ignatian Spirituality is to “find God in all things.” The purpose of the examen is to reflect quietly about experiencing God’s presence or absence in daily life. The group will sit quietly as the leader leads/coaching them through the following exercise:

• Begin by asking each participant to sit quietly with both feet flat on ground and hands open and relaxed.

• Say: “Give thanks to God for all the gifts you have received in life.” • Ask for God’s guidance to see yourself as the light of Christ who dwells in you. Ask that

whatever is in you that is not in line with God’s purposes be released. • Ask God to show you where God has been active in your life today. Review your day in the

light of Jesus’ love for you. Where did you feel closest to the Lord? Express your gratitude for those moments.

• Ask for Jesus to forgive you for those times you may have failed to reflect God’s love and mercy today. Express your desire to turn back to God.

• Resolve, by God’s grace, to commit to living out God’s purpose in your life. If you need to make amends for something you have done, for example if there is someone you need to seek forgiveness from, resolve to do it now.

• Close by saying the Lord’s Prayer as a group.

5 Blythe, Teresa, A. 50 Ways to Pray: Practices from Many Traditions and Times. (NY: Abingdon Press, 2006), 58-59.

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III. The ACTS Prayer

You can guide your prayers by using the ACTS acrostic. By incorporating all the elements of ACTS, one part at a time, we broaden our conversations with God. If you are doing this as a group prayer, say that you will introduce each element by saying, “Now, we are going to express our adoration for God” and then allow people to say word or simple sentences. Then move on to confession, then thanksgiving and supplication.

Before you begin praying one word or simple sentences review what each element means. • Adoration is expressing our love for Jesus. • Confession • Thanksgiving • Supplication

End with a song or the Lord’s Prayer.

IV. Prayers of Intercession:

As the people of God respond to God’s word, prayers of intercession are offered for others, the church, community and the nations. The leader can coach the group using the following outline.

Ask people to say sentence prayers about each subject after you mention it in prayer. After a few people respond move on the next topic for prayer.

• The church throughout the world and those who do ministry that the world might believe; • The world, those in distress or who are hungry and all in authority, that peace and justice

might prevail; • The nation, the state, local communities, and those who govern in them, that they may

know and have the strength to do what is right; • The local church, that it might have the mind of Christ in facing special issues and needs; • Those who struggle with their faith, that they may be given assurance; • Those who are in the midst of transition in life, that they may be guided and supported; • Those that face critical decisions in life, that they may have wisdom; • Those who are sick, grieving, lonely and anxious, that they may be comforted and healed; • Members of our family and our church, that they experience God’s grace, forgiveness and

love. (from Book of Order W-3.3506)

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V. Prayer Partnering6

Prayer partnering is for face to face prayers. This can be done by meeting face to face or on the telephone. It embodies and confirms what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 “When two or three of you are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

• Set a time in a private quiet place with your prayer partner where you will not be distracted

or disturbed. Set the amount of time you will pray together. • Perhaps you want to light a candle to remind of Jesus’ promise to be with you. • Open with a few moments of silence. • Take a few minutes to check in with each other and ask each other, “How is it with your

soul today?” • The first person shares his/her requests for prayer. The listener just listens and does not

interrupt, comment, give advice, try to fix, save, or ask for clarification. The listener only listens. Allow a few minutes of silence after the sharing.

• The listener now begins to pray for the one who just shared. The one praying can pray silently or a spoken prayer. After the prayer wait for a few moments before moving on.

• Now the second person shares their prayer requests. The listener only listens without giving advice or interrupting. Allow a few moments of silence after sharing.

• The listener now begins to pray for the one who just shared. Allow for some silence at the end of the prayer.

After praying for one another spend some time in reflection about the prayer time.

• Where did you feel God’s presence most actively? • What insights, if any, did you receive during the prayer? • How did it feel to pray this way with a friend?

Close with a prayer of thanksgiving.

VI. An On-line Devotional Series

• Link onto www.d365.org. It is a daily online devotional series. It was created and is produced by Passport, Inc. It is tool for youth, young adults, or any interested age group. It provides a daily devotion that you can do on your computer before or after school or on your lunch break at work. The online devotion provides meaningful experiences and resources for everyone.

• Daily spend a few minutes recording your thoughts and prayers in a notebook or a journal.

6 Blythe, Teresa, A. 50 Ways to Pray: Practices from Many Traditions and Times. (NY: Abingdon Press, 2006), 58-59.

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Session #4 Stewardship

Theme: A key disciple-making issue of our particular culture involves our relationship with money. Our money and possessions often get in the way of our relationship with God. True freedom and contentment are possible only through putting God first in our lives. Stewardship involves an acknowledgement that all resources ultimately belong to the Creator God. As disciples, we have responsibility for using God’s resources wisely.

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-12

Background for Leader: Read over the session plan. Make copies of pages 29-30 for all participants. Read over p. 31, Notes to Leaders, to prepare a brief presentation on some Biblical principles of stewardship.

Materials Needed: Copies of WORD/SHARE/PRAYER--Malachi 3 (page 29) and A Challenge to Commitment (page 30) for each participant.

Gathering Activities: (15 min.) Word/Share/Prayer on Malachi 3:8-12. Pass out copies of page 29. Ask someone to read the passage aloud. Give 5 minutes of silence for participants to respond to the questions on the page. Then divide the participants into groups of 3-4 and ask them to share some of their reflections for another 5 minutes. Finally, ask that they share one prayer request with each other and then close the small group time in prayer. (15 min.)

Hearing God’s Word: (40 min.) 1. Presentation: The leader provides a background presentation on some key Biblical principles of

stewardship using the Notes to Leader on p. 31. (10 min.)

2. Small Group Conversations: (20 min.) Choose one or more of the following questions for participants to discuss in groups of 2-4.

• Tell about a money lesson you learned from one of your parents when you were very young.

• What important financial decisions have shaped your life? What feelings do you have about those decisions?

• Our culture has taught different roles and behaviors toward money for men and women. How has your approach to money and its use been shaped by being a woman or a man?

• How have your thoughts and behavior around money been shaped by your faith? • How do you feel about asking others for money…for yourself? For a worthy cause? For

the church? • How does money affect your self-esteem? • What is your first childhood money memory?

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After allowing 15 minutes for small group conversations, gather the whole group together and ask: • Are there any stories from your small group you would like to share? • What common threads did you find in your small group conversation? • What surprising differences did you find in your experiences?

3. Challenge to Commitment (10 min.) Pass out the Challenge to Commitment (page 30). Discuss what the different aspects of the

commitment mean and what it would take to make the commitment. Pray with a partner about making the Challenge to Commitment. Take the Challenge to Commitment home and discuss it with family and return.

Sending (5 min.) Prayer and Blessing: The leader will pray and end with the following blessing for the group: Jesus said, ‘Where your money is, there your heart will be also.’ The Creator of the entire universe does not need your money, but God longs for your heart.

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WORD/SHARE/PRAYER

Malachi 3

Robbing God

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.

Reflect: Underline any words or phrases that emerge for you? Reflect on why these particular words speak to you today.

Apply: How will you apply this passage to your ministry?

Pray: What prayer concerns do you have for yourself, your church, or your community?

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A Challenge to Commitment

We are asking you as faithful followers of Jesus Christ at __________________ Church to join many of the church’s leaders in making four commitments to yourselves and each other. We believe that these commitments are critical to your own spiritual life and to the spiritual health and vitality of our congregation. • We commit to prioritize our giving by giving to God’s work from the first part of

our income, not the leftovers. “Honor the Lord with … the first fruits….” Proverbs 3:9

• We commit to giving a percentage of our income. “Each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income….” I Corinthians 16:2

• We commit to increasing our freedom to give by reducing our debts and controlling our lifestyle. “Put your hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment…be generous and willing to share.” I Timothy 6:17

• We commit to grow in giving by adding an additional 1% of our annual income to our giving each year until we reach our prayerfully-determined target percentage. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have….” II Corinthians 8:12

Please cut on line and return bottom portion to ___________________ In prayerful dependence on God to help us grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in financial stewardship: ____We commit to prioritize our giving ____We commit to giving a percentage of our income ____We commit to reducing our debts and controlling our lifestyle ____We commit to grow in giving Signature Date Signature Date

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Notes to Leaders

Principles of Stewardship

• The only road to freedom, security, and meaning is putting God first in your life (Ex. 20:3, Mt. 10:37-39). We worship a God of freedom who promises freedom to God’s children. The good gifts of God are ours only when we put God first in our lives.

• Money and possessions are most likely to get in the way of our putting God first (Mt. 6:24, Mark 10:17-27). We live in a society that tells us all the time that we can find freedom, security and meaning through the accumulation of money and stuff. Jesus recognized millennia ago that this was a temptation that would lead people away from God.

• Money is a spiritual issue – Jesus has a lot to say about it (1 Tim. 6:17-19). Jesus had more to say about money and possessions than about virtually any other subject. This is because he knew that the temptation to follow the worldly path toward riches was likely to damage our relationship with the Creator God.

• Tithing is a clear, tangible way of putting God first in our lives (Malachi 3:10). Giving ten percent of one’s income to God’s work through the church is a discipline that reminds us daily of our commitment to put God first. Tithing makes a difference in our life styles and makes a statement about what comes first.

• Giving generously to God’s ministry is a source of joy and meaning (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). Giving generously is not a burden but a privilege. We are most like God when we give generously and joyfully as God gives.

• Churches that put God first experience overflowing blessings (Malachi 3:10). What would your church look like if it experienced “overflowing blessings?”

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Session #5 Evangelism – Sharing the Good News

Theme: Martha Grace Reese, in her research into effective evangelism in mainline denominations (Unbinding the Gospel, Chalice Press, 2007), found that churches where people were “in love with God,” and enthusiastic about the way their church was participating in the mission of Christ in the world, naturally did evangelism because they were excited about their faith and their church and wanted others to join them.

Scripture: John 20:10-18 Matthew 28:16-20 Background for Leader: Invite someone to come to the group meeting prepared to tell his/her own experience in sharing faith or an experience of growing in faith through someone else’s faith sharing. Alternatively, the leader could prepare to share his/he personal testimony.

Materials needed: Pitcher, bowl, and water

Gathering Activities: (7 min.)

1. Pitcher demonstration: A pitcher of water 1/3 full takes a lot of tilting to pour. When the pitcher of water is filled to its fullness and to overflowing, the water pours out over the top. (When we are not spiritually full, it can take a lot of effort to share our faith. When we are spiritually full to overflowing, our excitement about our faith will naturally spill out in what we say and do.) Leader demonstrates these principles with the pitcher, water, and bowl while speaking. (5 min.)

2. Prayer (2 min.) Leader opens with prayer.

Hearing God’s Word: (50 min.)

1. Testimony: Have someone give a testimony about his/her experience in sharing faith and/or coming to faith because someone shared with them. Examples of experiences of faith sharing can be found on page 34. (10 min.)

2. Response: Ask participants, “Who shared faith with you in a way that opened your eyes in faith?” (parent, grandparent, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, camp counselor, minister, friend, etc) Conclude that we are here because someone shared faith with us, we can be that person to someone else? (10 min.)

3. Faith Sharing: Ask the following questions aloud. Provide a few moments of silence after each question for participants to write down some notes in response.

• When was a time you felt close to God? Where were you, what was happening, who was there?

• What do you like best about your relationship with God right now? • What do you like most about your church?

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After participants have a chance to think about the questions and write down some thoughts, ask them to turn to their neighbor and share what they wrote. Once they have had a chance to share, inform them that they have just shared some of their faith and their church ministry. Remind them that a loving relationship with God is the most important thing that anyone could have or share. We do not need to have all of the answers to questions about faith and belief, we only need to share the joy of our relationship with God. (30 min.)

Sending: (8 min.) 1. Challenge: Ask participants to share with one other person this week. It could be a family member,

friend, neighbor, or co-worker. They can even use the discipleship group as an excuse to open the conversation up with others. (5 min.)

2. Prayer: Leader prays for the group that they would find meaningful opportunities to share their faith this week. (3 min.)

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Faith Stories

Example of evangelism in the work place: Rev. Jim Glatz worked at a Giant Eagle while he was in school. When people shared their problems and concerns, he would ask them if they wanted him to put them on his prayer list. People then started to come to him with their prayer concerns to be put on his prayer list. When they came to him, he would ask them if they wanted him to pray with them right then. If they said yes, he would ask them if they believed God had the power to answer their prayer and if they were willing to receive the answer in the way God chose to give it. Then he would pray for their prayer concern and their faith.

Examples of people waiting to be invited to church:

1. There was a woman who, when joining my church after her former church closed, told me that it took her six weeks to get up the courage to come to our church because she did not know if she would know what to do. If it takes a churched person six weeks to get up the courage to visit a new church, what does it take for an unchurched person to walk through the doors of a church? People need to be invited so that they will know they are welcome and will feel more comfortable walking in the door!

2. College campus Christian group: When I was in college my friend participated in the Christian campus group. They held bible studies in the various dorms. One day I asked her about the group. She told me all about what they did and this lead to a rather lengthy discussion sharing with each other what we believed. I wanted and waited for her to invite me to attend. I do not know why she did not invite me, nor do I know why I never asked to go. But I do know that if she had asked me to go to the bible study with her, I would have gone. We cannot assume people know they are invited to attend church. We cannot assume people do not want to be asked.

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Session #6 Doing Justice God’s Way

Theme: This session will help participants understand the various ways Christians work for a just society and the scriptural basis for doing so. Participants will be asked to engage in activities to learn more about the various ways in which social justice is done.

Scripture: Proverbs 31:8-9 Micah 6:8 Matthew 25:31-46 Background for Leader: As people of faith, God calls us to respond in love and compassion to those in need and to work for a just society for all. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by the variety of needs and be unsure of how to make a difference. When this happens, the important thing to remember is that a wide range of responses is appropriate and needed.

A reading from the Washington Office and two scripture passages will be reviewed and discussed to understand the biblical foundation for advocacy. A case study will help participants see three ways of responding to those in need: through direct services, advocacy, and congregation-based community organizing. Participants will hear a presentation about the ways congregation-based community organizing helps congregations to empower the disadvantaged to speak for themselves and work for social change. Participants will receive a handout on direct service volunteer opportunities, why and how they can become advocates, and information about congregation-based community organizing. A presentation on congregation-based community organizing can be arranged with congregations in Pittsburgh Presbytery.

Gathering Activities: (2 min.) Opening Prayer: God of grace and glory, help us to be fully present to each other as you are fully present to us all in your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us the compassion of our Savior to love and serve the least of your children. Give us the courage to speak out boldly against the wrongs that exist in our world. Help us to show as much love for our neighbors as we do for ourselves. Help us, O God, never to become tired and weary of doing justice, of loving kindness and walking humbly with our God. Amen (2 min.)

Hearing God’s Word: (90 min.) Reading: Read the statement from the Washington Office webpage (What Does Scripture Say About Justice? page 37). Pass out copies of page 43 (Reasons Why Advocacy is Necessary and Ways to Become an Advocate). Discuss the various reasons for advocacy and the means a person might use to engage in advocacy. (5 minutes) Reflection: Leader provides a brief reflection on Matthew 25:31-46 and the roles of direct service, advocacy, and community organizing based on the Notes for Leaders on page 38. (10 minutes) Word/Share/Prayer: Pass out copies of page 39. Ask someone to read the passage aloud. Give 5 minutes of silence for participants to respond to the questions on the page. Then divide the participants into groups of 3-4 and ask them to share some of their reflections for another 5 minutes. Finally, ask that they share one prayer request with each other and then close the small group time in prayer. (15 minutes)

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Case Study: Pass out copies of page 40, Bob Lewis Story: A Case Study. Ask participants to read the story silently and answer the questions at the end. Invite participants to share their reflections and responses to the story. After everyone has had an opportunity to share, remind participants that there are three ways of doing ministry with the disadvantaged. Ministry can be done to them, for them, or with them. Another way of saying this is that we can provide direct services to the disadvantaged, act as advocates for them, or organize with them to bring about social change. This story illustrates all three options. Ask participants if they can identify how ministry is done to, for and with the migrant workers. (30 minutes) Presentation: Please contact the Rev. John Welch, president of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (412) 576-7279) or the pastors of Bidwell (412) 231-4663) and Grace Memorial (412) 681-0229) Presbyterian Churches so they can share how their congregation has used congregation-based community organizing to empower their members and advocate for community residents. (30 minutes)

Sending: (2 min.) Leader closes in prayer

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What Does Scripture Say About Justice?

Throughout the Bible, scripture reveals God's will to do justice. The Hebrew prophets continually remind God's people "...What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). The prophets give specific warning to those who seek only their own well-being and ignore the well-being of the marginalized and oppressed. Israel's failure to be just and righteous is clearly seen as disobedient to God and the reason for national decay and destruction.

Jesus frequently witnessed to the priority of the poor in the reign of God. He challenged the rich young ruler, he sharply criticized the hard-heartedness of religious leaders, and he taught that those who reached out to marginalized persons were serving him (Luke 18:18-25, Matthew 19:16-24 and Luke 10:25-37). In addition, Christ speaks of the accountability of nations to do justice in Matthew 25 and states, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (“What is the Washington Office?” at www/pcusa.org/Washington/whatis/htm)

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Notes for Leader

Read the Matthew 25:31-46 passage out loud and ask participants what specific things this passage is calling Christians to do. Ideas could be things, such as feeding and clothing the disadvantaged. Ask participants whether providing direct services reduces the number of people needing help. Ask participants what they would do to reduce the number of disadvantaged persons in their community. Help participants understand the role of advocacy in social justice. A distinction should be made between advocacy and congregation-based community organizing. Advocacy is when an individual or small group speaks for a marginalized or disadvantaged individual or group. Advocacy efforts usually focus on a single issue and often result in direct services being provided to the disadvantaged. Organizing with the disadvantaged allows them to speak for themselves and empowers them to work to resolve problems that affect them. That is what congregation-based community organizing does. Congregation-based community organizing works to mobilize a broad base of people to build a powerful organization to address multiple issues for the collective good. Advocacy and congregation-based community organizing both work to shape and change public policy.

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WORD/SHARE/ PRAYER

Proverbs 31:8-9 (New Living Translation)

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. 9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Reflect: Underline any words or phrases that emerge for you. Reflect on why these particular words speak to you today. Have you ever spoken up for someone or spoken out about a social justice issue? What was the issue or who was the individual or group?

Apply: How will you apply this passage to your ministry? What kind of social justice issues need to be spoken about in your community?

Pray: What prayer concerns do you have for yourself, your church, or your community?

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Bob Lewis Story: A Case Study

Bob Lewis is a devoted Christian who belongs to Smithfield United Presbyterian Church. He is a social worker who loves the outdoors and tries to go hiking as much as possible. One day Bob and a group from his church went hiking near a river when Bob noticed a very large object floating towards him. Bob stopped his hiking to take a closer look. Much to his horror Bob saw a human body floating down the river. He immediately dropped his knapsack, disrobed and jumped in the water to save the person. Upon reaching the man Bob dragged him back to shore and began checking for injuries. He noticed that the man was bleeding profusely from his head and was unconscious. Bob used his first-aid kit to tend to the stranger’s needs. Eventually, the man regained consciousness and began to tell the story of what happened.

After listening to the injured man’s story, Bob noticed other bodies flowing in the river. By now a crowd of people have gathered and they joined in helping Bob as he tried desperately to retrieve as many bodies from the river as possible. After all the bodies are pulled ashore by Bob and the group, they decide to journey up stream to discover why this was happening. They determined that a local logging company did not follow industry safety standards so their employees ended up injured and floating down the river. Bob and the group of people who helped him pull bodies out of the river make it a point to march up to the company office to speak with the owner. The owner tells his secretary to say that he’s not available hoping that the group will go away. Unable to see the owner of the company, Bob and the group decide to write letters and make phone calls to the company owner. Their efforts are not met with a great deal of success so they begin to write letters to the editor of the local newspaper and their legislative representative about the company’s safety violations.

Many people from Smithfield hear about the incident and decide to donate food and clothing. Another member of the congregation who is a nurse practitioner agrees to provide free health care for the injured workers. After several months of treatment the nurse notices an increase in medical conditions directly related to health and safety violations at the logging company,. She also learns that many workers have to supplement their low wages with help from the area food bank.

While food, clothing and medical care is provided for the injured workers, Bob discovers that life isn’t really changing for them. So he decides to get to know the people who are being neglected by the logging company. He learns that they are legal migrant workers who are fully documented but afraid to go to the authorities about their working conditions for fear of being deported. After many meetings Bob talks with his pastor about the situation and the pastor responses with a sermon series on social justice. People in the congregation realize that providing food, clothing and medical care is not a long term solution to the legal migrant workers problems.

Bob comes up with a strategy to talk with other congregations in the area about what he’s learned from the legal migrant workers. He convinces some of the legal migrant workers to come along to these meetings and tell their stories. Each congregation is deeply moved by the stories they hear and want to know how they can make a difference. After some research the congregations collectively decide to become a part of a larger organization named CALL (Congregations Acting Lifting and Leading). The mission of CALL is to address issues of justice and fairness in the public arena. Bob and others go to weeklong training and discover he can do more to help the legal migrant workers.

Bob knows that a member of his church is an area legislative representative. So he sets up a meeting with the legislative representative and gets a small group of members from each congregation to join him. Along with the legal migrant workers approximately 20 people show up at the legislative representative’s office. The legislative representative promises to look into the matter. Bob’s friend who knows about health and

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safety regulations notifies the state regulatory agency about the logging company abuses. After discussions with the health and safety regulatory agency CALL decides to hold a public meeting that will focus on the health and safety violations of the logging company.

The owner of the logging company, the legislative representative and the head of the health and safety regulatory agency are invited to the meeting. CALL works to turn out 500 people from their respective congregations to hold these officials accountable for the health and safety of the legal migrant workers. With input from the health and safety regulatory agency they develop a list of demands they want implemented by the logging company. The media is notified and is present for the meeting. Because of the number of people who turned out for the meeting and the media pressure the logging company owner and the legislative representative reach an agreement to implement new safety and health standards for the legal migrant workers.

Questions for the case study:

• How did this story make you feel?

• Were there times when you felt uncomfortable with Bob’s actions? Name them and tell why.

• Identify the various ways Bob and the others helped the legal migrant workers. Give examples of ways they practiced each of the following: o Direct Service o Advocacy o Congregation-based Community Organizing

• Could you or your congregation engage in congregation-based community organizing? Why or why not?

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Direct Service Volunteer Opportunities:

East End Cooperative Ministry 250 North Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-361-5549

South Hill Interfaith Ministries 1900 Sleepy Hollow Road South Park, PA 15129 412-854-9120

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank 1 North Linden Street Duquesne, PA 15110 412-460-3663 ext. 301 North Hills Community Outreach 1975 Ferguson Road Allison Park, PA 15101 412-487-6316

Wilkinsburg Community Ministry 702 & 708 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15221 412-241-8072

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches 1913 Freeport Road Natrona Heights, PA 15065 724-226-0606

Northside Common Ministries P.O. Box 99861 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-323-1163

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Reasons Why Advocacy is Necessary and Ways to Become an Advocate

Advocacy is speaking out. Advocacy is using our collective voice as citizens to shape public policy. People of faith have a special concern for speaking with and on behalf of those who are disadvantaged in our society.

1) Our faith calls us to advocacy. Scripture describes God’s special concern for those who are in need, discriminated against, and unsupported in our society. Scripture also describes how God speaks through people to hold public officials accountable when they abuse power and wealth. Advocacy is a continuation of a long faith tradition of speaking up to see that our faith values are reflected in public policies.

2) Advocacy is a part of our democracy. A democracy is only as effective as the involvement of its citizens, who choose representatives and hold them accountable. Democracy gives each of us the power to shape government policy.

3) Legislators need our help. We cannot assume that legislators know what we value unless we tell them. Furthermore, legislators are not likely to take a strong stand on an issue without public support. Our support and pressure enable legislators to do what is right.

4) Advocacy provides an important balance to lobbying. Wealthy and powerful people spend a great deal of time and money to lobby aggressively for their own interests. Legislators tend to vote for things that achieve a quick payback which may result in successful re-election. Advocacy that values the voiceless and our collective future provides an important balance to this concern with self-interest and the short term. By advocating for the common good expressed in our faith values, we are providing a voice for those who are all too often locked out of the corridors of power.

5) Advocacy makes a real difference and empowers. Advocacy improves the lives of the disadvantaged by addressing the root causes of societal problems.. Advocacy with the disadvantaged looks at the public policy decisions that are hurting the most vulnerable and works for change. Aside from the benefit to the disadvantaged, advocacy empower your congregation. Working together with the disadvantage on advocacy activities helps everyone realize the power they have when their hearts, minds and talents are joined in a united cause. The disadvantaged and congregation members recognize their potential as leaders, and the congregation recognizes its ability to make a real difference. This can have a positive impact on all aspects of congregational life.

The following are the ways people can engage in advocacy: phone calls and visits to local, state or federal legislative representatives, using the media to call attention to social problems, letters to the editor, editorial or op-ed opinion pieces, and public action events

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From: “Fighting Poverty – One Community at a Time” Presbyterians Today, Nov. 11, 2007