Discipleship

More on discipleship, suggested for further study and/or second year students:

Reading: Luke 7:36-50 (This could be read, acted out, or you could also show that segment from Jesus of Nazareth.)

What points was Jesus making?

What did we learn about Jesus from this view of Him? His actions? What did we learn about being a disciple?

How did the woman feel before, during and after this encounter with Jesus?

How did His disciples feel after this encounter?

What lessons did Jesus teach them?

Small groups:

Review discipleship readings, Beatitudes and write down the main points.

Read Perfect Joy. What was St. Francis' view of Jesus and discipleship? What other saints do you know who could give us clues about discipleship?

What is the easiest part of being a disciple? The hardest?

What are the "fringe benefits," the "long range goals," the "retirement plan"? (add to disciple ads)*

In what areas of the community is the message of Jesus most needed? How does that challenge you in disipleship?

*Discipleship want ads: Break into small groups and write an ad for discipleship for the newspaper (this is a great exercise to post in the church bulletin). Use points from the conditions for discipleship, Beatitudes, scriptures studied earlier, and other points you have gathered from the preceeding sessions. (Review here is a good idea to get them started.)

Option 2: Prayer and discipleship:

[point: How important is your spiritual growth in your life? How committed are you? How much time do you put into it?]

Individual activity: make a chart of your week. Put in time you spend on various activities--school, exercise, eating, preparing and cleaning up after meals, homework, grooming, listening to music, watching tv, video games, hanging with friends, on the phone, facebook, sleeping and so on.

After they have spent a sufficient time on preparing their schedules, as them: "How much time in your week is devoted to prayer? To church activities? To service?"

Large group question: what characteristics make for a good friendship, a best friend? (Have them list on board or newsprint.) Is making time to be with or talk to your friend an important part of this? Can you be a best friend if you don't make time for that person? What specific decisions in your life have you consulted God about? Looking back at your earlier schedule, how much time do you spend talking to God? Do you think being a Christian disciple should involve taking time our from our regular routines to read Scripture, pray, and other activities getting to know Jesus? How can you adjust your schedules to make room for God?

Discipleship want ads: Break into small groups and write an ad for discipleship for the newspaper (this is a great exercise to post in the church bulletin). Use points from the conditions for discipleship, Beatitudes, scriptures studied earlier, and other points you have gathered from the preceeding sessions. (Review here is a good idea to get them started.)*

+Closing prayer (Suggestion: Prayer of St. Francis )