Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Encourage your group to listen to the Faithelement podcast ahead of the next session (Share the link via email or social media).
Context (From the Media Session Page)
Share this scene from “New Girl” and ask:
- How would you describe Prince’s tone in this scene?
- Why do you think Jess listens to Prince, even though they just met?
- In what ways might someone’s “outsider” status provide credibility to their advice?
- How can nudging someone to do the right thing more powerful than giving instructions?
- Who tends to “nudge” you, and how does it help?
- In what ways does your faith nudge you to do the right things?
Content (From the Conversations Session Page)
Acts 16:9-15, then watch the Bible Background Video and ask:
- How did Paul end up among the Philippians, according to the scripture?
- Why might someone see God as “tricking” Paul into going to where he would meet Lydia?
- What is significant about being the first convert in Philippi?
- While this is alluded to in the podcast, how does Lydia contribute to Paul’s ministry and the formation of the church?
- Given that many scholars believe that the last authentic letter written by Paul was to the Philippian church, what does this say about the impression that this event had on Paul and his work?
Closure (from the Current Session page)
Share “We Didn’t Start the Fire”
and ask:
- Which parts of this song most get your attention and why?
- What unfortunate parts of history could be different if people worked together?
- At what points do you discern the Spirit calling you into partnership?
- What role, if any, is there for deception or failing to tell the whole truth in our relationships?
- To what degree is it essential for a partner in ministry to share all the same beliefs and commitments?
- What are the benefits and disadvantages of partnering with people who are very dissimilar to you?
- With whom does your congregation need to consider partnering, and how might that be brought about?
Close with a prayer like this: O God, we thank you that you have created us to be in relationship with one another and with you, and we pray that you, through the Spirit will, give us wisdom for the ways that we can partner with you and others to participate in the work of bringing forth your new day here and now. Amen.