Something to Talk About A course in five sessions to help people talk about their faith

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Course Information:

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Background to the course

The Sessions

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Background

The main aim of ‘Something to Talk About’ is to encourage people to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of their personal Christian journey, to appreciate the journeys of other Christians and to gain confidence in talking to others about what they believe. The course is in ‘five sessions with an optional session, thus it is suitable for use during Lent. However, it must be stressed that it can be used at any time in the church’s calendar.

The material for 'Something to Talk About' has been tested in the Bosbury Group of parishes and the Weobley Group of Parishes. It consists of: a Group Leaders' Guide, group members' notes and activities, meditations and is accompanied by a dedicated multi-media DVD with role plays, interviews and specially composed music. The cost of the package to groups associated with the Diocese is £5.00.

The Sessions:

Session 1: Something to Share

1. Where do I stand - a reflection in pairs for people to consider how they feel about talking about being a Christian.
2. How not to Listen - an example on the DVD. The group to list the mistakes the interviewer made.
3. Basic active listening skills + rules of confidentiality among the group.
4. Listening practice: Telling another (in pairs) about a memorable event in their life + feedback on what it was like to be listened to.
5. Closing meditation: We are Listening When?

Session 2: My Story Matters

1. Prepare a lifeline showing memorable events (example on DVD)
2. More listening practise: Explain their lifeline to others
3. People look at their lifelines and reflect on where God might have been involved - share their thoughts in pairs
4. Closing Meditation reflecting on the lifeline

Session 3: The Jesus Story

1. Individuals/groups prepare a lifeline of Jesus, again highlighting key events. Share the results and discuss in pairs.
2. Group discussion: Should we be sharing the Jesus story with others? How and is it relevant to their lives and to ours?
3. God at work today. Showing how being a Christian has had an impact on someone's life today (examples on the DVD)
4. More listening practice: in pairs, describing what impact being a Christian has had on their lives?
5. Closing Meditation: Images of Jesus

Session 4: But I Don't Know the Answer

1. Guidance on how to answer questions of faith.
2. Looking at some of the questions people may ask. Answering some of the 'hard' questions.
3. How to respond if we are not sure of an answer?
4. Closing meditation: My Difficult Questions

Session 5: What Next

1. Relate in pairs what you have learnt about:
   • Yourself
   • Jesus
   • Telling others
2. The how, what and when we could be telling others about being a Christian? Discuss possible openings, etc.
3. Discuss some practical next steps for: individuals, the group, the church.
4. Closing worship

Session 6: Follow up and Celebrate

The planning team suggest that a few months after the last session the group(s) meet together to exchange and celebrate the good news stories that have resulted from the opportunities identified in the final session of 'Something to Talk About'. This event could take the form of a party/celebration/worship to be planned by the groups concerned. This will not only encourage others but will give God the glory.

Please note: Continuity is the key to this course which progresses session by session. It is important for course members to know, wherever possible, that they should attend every session to gain full benefit from the material.

Contact the Ministry Development & Training Department for more information or to purchase a course DVD and the latest Group Leaders' Guide.

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19 December, 2007