Participant Guide Session 1

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Session One

The Mission of God

Gather ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Purpose of this gathering

Take an in-depth look at our congregation Underscore our commitment to God’s mission in the world Introduce our denominational family Build and deepen friendships Explore what it means to be a member Outline the process for joining our church Format for this gathering

Four topics: the Mission of God; the Mission of the Covenant; the Mission of our church; the Mission of a member ■■ Four one-hour sessions ■■

Objectives for this Session ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Provide an overview of the work of God in the world Allow for personal expressions of worship to God Introduce, build, and deepen relationships Acquaint people with the mission of God for each person and for the church Begin the process of discovering membership at our church

Why “Mission Friends?”

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One-on-one Introductions 1) How did you start attending our church?

2) What is one question you would like to see answered during our time together?

Interact The Mission of God: God’s Mission to You What do these letters spell? Godisnowhere The ways God is with us

• God as...Creator: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”—Psalm 139:13,14 • God as...Redeemer: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”—2 Corinthians 5:17 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”—Ephesians 1:7

“Jesus whom I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God.” St. Athanasius

• God as...Sustainer: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 1:6 Reflection

1) Consider the three ways that Biblical scholars describe God (Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer) and the corresponding Scripture. To which of the three dimensions do you most relate?

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2) How have you experienced God as Creator?

3) Is there someone you can think of who has made God’s redeeming love especially real for you?

4) How do you experience God’s sustaining presence in your life today?

The Mission of God: God’s Mission through You God is a…

• Seeking God: God desires to bring close those who are far away from him. This means that God continually desires to meet people where they are and draw them into his loving embrace and care, helping them to accept him and trust in him. • Reconciling God: God desires to bring close those who are far away from each other. This means that God constantly desires to create communities where people can express the love they experience from God to others. • Healing God: God desires to bring close the values of the Kingdom of God. This means God continually desires to address and change the hurts in the world and the causes of those hurts. Reflection

1) What do I see as my role in working out God’s mission in the world?

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Integrate The X-Factor

Timeline Use the following timeline to reflect on the significant points on your spiritual journey. Note the following on your timeline:

BIRTH

PRESENT

• Significant events that have shaped your view of God (good or bad). • God’s mission to you: Time when you first remember being aware of God. Times when you have been keenly aware of God’s presence. • God’s mission through you: Times when you have cared for others, reached out to the hurting, acted on injustice, shared the good news of Jesus with others.

Going Deeper Life’s Big Questions God has a mission in this world, and that mission includes you. So how do we discern our part in God’s big mission? To begin with, God’s desire is to give you a part that fits who you are and what you desire. So try answering these five questions. They may help you discern God’s leading in your life right now.

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1) What do you enjoy doing?

2) Where do you see God most at work in your life?

3) What do you want God to do in your life in the next 6-12 months?

4) If you could do anything for God or others what would you like to do?

5) How might the church help you pursue these things for God?

Additional Resources Additional resources can be found in the appendix for the participant’s guide.

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