Witness: Exploring and Sharing Your Christian Faith
Lesson Plan
Trail Four, Session 18 = Our Witness in Our Community
(plan for a short refreshment break at some point)
References:
Trail Guide for Leaders Page 165
Trail Guide for Hikers Page 105
1. Prayer:
a. Talk about your witnessing experiences during the week.
b. Reading the prayer on page 105
2. Trail Talk:
a. The going is getting tough now. Sometimes we are faint of heart and want to just step aside and let others pass us on the trail. We feel sick, our feet hurt and we want our "mommy". How many times have we just wanted someone to stop and sympathize with us and maybe "just help us cry"
b. How can the church help?
3. Jerusalem and Judea:
a. Where should your own ministry begin?
b. Once you have completed basic training for the witnessing trail and "tried your wings" what should you do next?
c. Where are the Jerusalem’s and Judea’s of today?
d. What are the needs of our own back yard (Jerusalem)?
4. Seeing the People:
a. Children were very special to Jesus. He made time for them, even in his busy schedule. He called them from among the crowd to come forward.
b. Jesus taught us that it is the very least and the lost that is our ministry.
c. What are the ministries that this church is or should be engaged in to assure that those whom Jesus loved most are surrounded by loving arms of care?
d. Seeking the Seekers:
(1) "Jesus, what must I do to be saved? You must be born again". A new phenominum is sweeping our land. Seekers are again seeking us out. These new seekers are not loyal to any denomination or program - - they are looking to be spiritually fed. How can we best relate them to God and Jesus Christ?
(2) Is "church" like we typically do it on Sunday morning going to meet the spiritual needs of this new generation of seekers.
(3) Read and discuss the check list on page 109. What would you add to the check list?
5. Moving On:
a. Review what we have covered this week. Read the Great Commission aloud (page 95)
b. Assignments for Next Week
(1). Reading Assignment:
(a) As you read the chapter for next week (pages 111-116 underline or highlight special thoughts and answer the questions in the Q boxes.
(b) Complete the daily Bible readings and place your reflections, questions and insights in your "My Witness Journal"
c. Action Assignment:
(1) Complete the Action Assignment on page 110.
7. Closing Prayer:
8. Closing Word: "See you on the path!"