Going Backstage: What Makes Us Methodist
Week 2 | Group Discussion Guide Connect (5 to 10 minutes) Get to know each other by sharing about yourselves. • •
Say the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer together. Go around the group and ask those who are comfortable to share if and why they believe history (family, church, etc.) is important.
Context (40 minutes) Discuss what you learned in the class, in the podcast, and the weekly scripture passage. Class Session • What stories from our Methodist history struck you? – Why did these catch your attention? What did you learn from them? •
Share about a specific person that you learned about in class – How do you see their legacy continuing to live on in the United Methodist Church today?
•
Discuss the four lasting characteristics of the Methodist movement that were described in class. – How do you respond to these ideas? – How do you see them continuing to influence the UMC today? – Which of these characteristics do you hope to become more faithful in?
Podcast • Scott uses the phrase “change agents” in reference to all Christians being called into some form of ministry. How do you respond to this idea? – Where do you see this idea within the history of the United Methodist Church?
•
Scott discusses the “methodical” element of Methodist history. How do you feel about describing your faith as “methodical”? – What parts of your faith should be more methodical than it currently is?
•
Allison and Scott discuss the tension between tradition and innovation in the church and how both are essential for the life of the Body of Christ. – How do you see tension between these two in your own life? – Do you typically favor tradition or innovation in your own faith, and why?
Scripture • Read the following scripture together and consider what it teaches us about the value of tradition and history: Exodus 12:17-18, 24-27 •
How does this scripture relate to our United Methodist tradition and history?
•
Where else in our faith do you see the importance of storytelling?
•
How can you begin to practice storytelling in your own faith?
Passover is arguably the most vital story of faith within the Jewish faith. Every year, this story is told to new generations of Jewish boys and girls as they practice the traditions of their faith through the Passover meal. This is a celebration and a time of remembrance for the suffering of those who came before.
Closing Finish your time together by sharing joys and concerns and praying with each other.