Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6
Wow! It’s the start of a new school year which always just makes me wonder where my summer went?!
As this is the busiest time of the school year for staff and student leaders, I won’t keep you for long!
Two things I think are worthy of thought and discussion at the start of a new year:
1. The passage quoted above. Why? Well, read it. It’s basically an outline for how to go about evangelism!
2. This article by Tim Henderson.
http://www.centerfieldproductions.com/downloads/shame.pdf
Oh my gosh - one of the best I’ve read in a while to motivate us as learners of our culture. I’m including discussion or reflection questions…Hope this is helpful and motivating!
1) When you think of why you became a Christ-follower, was it more as a result of guilt (what you DID) or shame (WHO you were)?
2) The article said, “The solution to shame is relationships.” Why do you think this crucial for us to think about and understand?
3) When we share the gospel with someone, we offer:
a. the sweetness of Christ and
b. His ability to meet their need
** What’s your experience of the sweetness of Christ?
(You need to be able to share your own experience of this)
** To help them see Christ’s ability to meet their need(s), you have to ask good questions and LISTEN for what their need(s) is/are; how can you grow in these skills?
4) Tim mentioned community being an antidote for shame (I Thessalonians 2:8). Brainstorm some ways you can be intentional with this in your own situation…
5) Discuss what tools we presently have in our “evangelism toolbox” and whether they are guilt-based and/or shame-based (KGP booklet; Soularium; Perspective; Backstory; etc.) and how each can be used while keeping all of this in mind…
My hope is to motivate you and encourage you! Post stories of how you see God work in the next few weeks!!
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