APPENDIX B

REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE AND DAILY LIFE

Group biblical reflection that always ends with "What do I hear God asking me to do, be, or change through this passage?" has proved to be one of the ways that the baptized can begin to grasp their role in daily life as missionaries of Jesus Christ.

An Oral Tradition Approach

This method and variations on it have been used in many parts of the world. It is a variation on the methods of the base Christian communities of South America.

1. Each person shares his or her experience in the area of prayer from the session before. (If this is a first session, begin with Step 2).
2. Read the passage slowly (one person reads out loud).
3. Recall the word or phrase that catches your attention (one minute).
4. Each person shares the word or phrase with the group.
5. Read the passage again (opposite sex of first reader).
6. Think out/write: "Where does this passage touch my life, my community, our nation, our world today?" Think about all the people you encounter, not just those in your own "circle of friends." (3-5 minutes).
7. Each person shares the above: "I..."
8. Read the passage out loud again.
9. Think out/write: "From what I have heard and shared, what does God want me to do or be this week? How does God invite me to change?" (3-5 minutes).
10. Each person shares the above: "I ..."
11. Each person prays for the person on their right naming what was shared in #10 and prays that prayer daily until the group meets again.

Note: In 3, 7, and 10, be brief. Do not elaborate, explain, or teach. That which is said is offered to the center of the group. Others do not respond to or build on what is said as if they were in a discussion group.

Skeptics Bible Study

The oral method above calls for more formed faith than many connecting with the church for the first time bring with them. The following method has been devised for such people.

• (1) Leader assures folks that skeptical questions are not only welcomed but encouraged; that no one needs to answer any question, and can refrain simply by saying "pass.
• (2) Read selection (participants may go in rotation, having each participant read 2-4 verses of the reading)
• (3) Go around circle answering the following question: "What do I like about the reading?"
• (4) Go around circle answering the following question: "What do I dislike about the reading?"
• (5) Go around circle answering the following question: "Anything I don't understand or would like more information on?"
• (6) Either before or after step 5, read the reading again, in the same manner as in step 2.
• (7) Go around circle answering the following question: "What is this passage trying to tell us about what God is like?"
• (8) Time permitting, if the passage has been read before step 5, then read the passage again as in step 2.
• (9) Go around circle answering the following question: "What is the passage calling us to do?"
• (10) Go around circle answering the following question: "Is there a word, phrase, or image from the passage that you would like to stay with you throughout the next week?"
• (11) Concluding ritual: Thank everyone for their participation; offer a next meeting date; if participants seem ready for it, ask if there are needs that can be prayed for and pray for these.

Notes:

--The central questions of the study are in steps (7), (9) & (10) but the prior questions are necessary icebreakers. --The leader needs to resist the temptation to answer questions, especially those in response to step (5). At most provide a tidbit of historical/literary context that will help us understand what the passage is saying. Do NOT as leader provide theological interpretation. The goal is for the participants to provide this for themselves -- guided by Scripture and Spirit. --The format can be shortened, if need be, by omitting one of the three readings of the Scripture passage and/or question from step (l0). --Scripture passages can be selected in any manner: the upcoming Sunday lection; one of a group of 4-6 relating to Jesus and his ministry; or one of 4-6 exploring a topic of interest to the participants. --This type of Bible Study can work best in private homes rather than in church. --Praying for one another at the end of the session is a very appropriate way to end but ONLY if the participants seem ready and comfortable with this.

Return to Guidelines.