Before the Session
Facilitator: In advance of the session
- Have the Bible Background Video ready to view.
- Review today’s scripture text and the session activities to help better facilitate the discussion.
- 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 Current Session Page)
Share this introduction about how StoryCorps began and ask:
- The founder of StoryCorps says, “Ask people about their lives and listen.” What can happen when we listen to people’s stories?
- What stories do you most remember from your own childhood and why?
- What kinds of contemporary stories most drive the way you think and act today and why?
- What is the best story you tell about yourself and why?
Content (From the Mind Session Page)
Read Galatians 1:11-24, then watch the Bible Background Video and ask
- In a time of no recordings or printed books, why might other Christians be suspicious of Paul’s Gospel?
- Recall last week’s lesson – Paul faced criticism from some who claimed he had changed the Gospel to make it more appealing to non-Jews. From his defense, what claim do you think they might have been making about his message?
- Paul does not say God revealed Jesus to him, but rather in him. Why do you think Paul would use this word instead?
- Paul carefully points out that he went away for three years after his conversion. What point do you think he’s making here about his message of the Gospel?
- In a time when news traveled very slowly, or not at all, Paul could have made up almost any story about his calling and origins. Why do you think he chose to tell the truth?
- What does he gain by being honest about his previous life and is motivations?
- Why was his conversion such a powerful story for others to hear?
Closure (from the Media Session page)
Listen together to a story about growing up with Harper Lee and ask questions like:
- What most stood out to you in this story and why?
- Who did you know while growing up whose influence on your life affected the way you might tell your life’s story and in what ways did they affect you?
- Who do you think might tell such a story about you and why?
- In what ways do you think the stories that are told about you reflect your faith?
- In what ways can your testimony, good and bad, help others become better citizens in the Kingdom of God?
- How might we better hear or share transformative stories with people who need to hear or tell them??
Close in prayer