The Wesley Challenge Leader Guide: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. The Wesley Challenge Leader Guide21 Days to a More Authentic FaithBy Chris FolmsbeeAbingdon PressCopyright © 2017 Abingdon PressAll rights reserved.ISBN: 978-1-5018-3292-5ContentsTo the Leader, Session 1. Relationship with God: an Upward Focus, Session 2. Relationship with Self: an Inward Focus, Session 3. Relationship with Others: an Outward, Focus, How to Start an Accountability Group, Notes, CHAPTER 1Session 1RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD: AN UPWARD FOCUSPLANNING THE SESSIONSession GoalsAs a result of conversations and activities connected with this session, group members should begin to:• Consider the first seven questions about the relationship with God.• Understand through an exploration of these questions how they can enrich and enliven their relationship with God.• Examine the relationship between prayer and daily life.Section SummarySection 1 explores the first seven of John Wesley's twenty-one questions. These questions address the theme of "Relationship with God: an Upward Focus." In these questions, Wesley sets forth a challenge to become who God intended us to be. Through this material, we reflect on prayer, Scripture, and our relationship with Jesus. The person and work of Jesus provide the model for the life God meant for us to live.Biblical Foundation"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper. He removes any of my branches that don't produce fruit, and he trims any branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already trimmed because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch can't produce fruit by itself, but must remain in the vine. Likewise, you can't produce fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can't do anything. If you don't remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples."John 15:1-8Jesus told them, "When you pray, say:'Father, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who has wronged us. And don't lead us into temptation.'"Luke 11:2-4From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.Philippians 4:8Special Preparation• Provide writing paper and pens for those who may need them. Also have Bibles available for those who do not bring one.• Make sure all participants have a copy of the book The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith. Invite them to read the introduction and Section 1 in advance of the first session.• Have available large sheets of blank paper to attach to the wall or a large whiteboard and markers for group activity.• Bring index cards to distribute for group activity.• As the leader, go over the session in advance and select or adapt the activities you think will work best for your group in the time allotted. Consider your own responses to questions you will pose to the group.• Make nametags available if desired.FACILITATING THE SESSIONWelcome and Opening Prayer (3 minutes)As participants arrive, welcome them to the study and invite them to make use of one of the available Bibles if they did not bring one. Introduce yourself. You may want to share why you are excited about facilitating this study of The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith. If you sense that the participants in your group do not know each other well, allow time dur