The Orientation Session

a. Introduce yourself and explain that you will be the group leader for this adventure known as "Witness: Exploring and Sharing Your Christian Faith."

b. Tell about one person in your life who has been an important Christian witness in your life. Be sure to tell what it was about that person that made a lasting impact on you.

c. Ask each of the group members to introduce themselves and to

(1) Name an important Christian in their life.

(2) Explain why this person’s witness was important.

(go around the circle or recognize people as they are ready to speak)

d. Explain that the goal of Witness is:

a. Tell the group to sit back and watch a video that will tell them more about what they will be doing during the course of the study.

b. Then show the portion of the video for the Orientation, "Accepting the Challenge."

3. The Workbook

a. Give each person a copy of the Witness workbook and a My Witness Journal (if they do not already have these items). Give them a moment to leaf through the books.

b. Ask if there are any hikers in the group who would like to tell about the lessons learned and inspirations gained along the trail. Maybe someone knows a hiker who has told of their experience. End this discussion by telling the difference in a "thru-hiker" and a "day-hiker". Explain how Witness uses the "thru-hiker" theme.

c. Read the Acts 4:13 passage from the side column on page 6 and Luke 24:13-35 from a Bible. Comment on the Walk to Emmaus story and explain that this is the excitement you want the group to experience along the trail with Jesus.

d. Point out that the lines and space in the Camp Notes column provide a place for them to jot down their own or other’s thoughts and answers. Also say that journelying is not required - - they may want to keep their thoughts in their heads.

e. Move ahead to "Preparing for the Journey" (page 7). Explain the idea of the five trails, each involving six weeks of hiking.

f. Ask the hikers to look at Question 2 in the margin of page 7 (What are your expectations, hopes and fears as you begin this journey?). Spend a few minutes in jotting down or thinking of a response to the question. Begin by telling about your own expectations and your motivation for leading the team. Remind others that you are a "thru-hiker" with them. Then ask the hikers to share their responses.

g. Equipment needed for the journey:

(1) Bible

(2) Study Book

(3) Journal

(4) Writing Instrument

(4) "stick-with-it-ness"

h. Explain the "Disciplines of the Journey"

(1) Attending weekly team meetings (1 - 1 ½ hours)

(2) Completing weekly assignments

(3) Sharing openly

(4) Praying daily.

a. Reading Assignment:

(1) As you read the chapter for next week (pages 10-14), underline or highlight special thoughts and answer the questions in the Q boxes.

(2) Complete the daily Bible readings and place your reflections, questions and insights in your "My Witness Journal"

b. Action Assignment:

(1) Complete the Action Assignment on page 8