Joining God’s movement of authentic faith is not done alone. We need to talk it out with other people who are struggling with the same questions. We also need to have conversations with people who have walked a similar path and have some insight into this thing called authentic life. Join us as we talk about how to be authentic when hanging out with friends, talking with strangers, resting, leading others, allowing others to lead and taking risks.

Small Group Encounters I

Environment: casual, informal, exploratory and conversational

Purpose: Discussions center on some slightly more specific ways to join God’s movement of authentic faith. Possible choices are:

          … by going somewhere?             (missions/service)            

          … by resting?                             (Sabbath/personal time)    

          … by going to class?                             (day in, day out)

          … by talking to strangers?            (evangelism, engaging the world)

          … by talking to my friends?         (mentoring, discipleship, relationships)

Conversation leaders people who can provide some insight, wisdom, and experience.

Small Group Encounters II

Environment: slightly informative and directional, external, more outward focused

Purpose: Take the previous discussions one step further and talk more specific about encountering God. Choices:

          Leading Encounters  (leading others, stepping out with boldness)

          Creating Encounters (developing atmospheres that proclaim God)

          Taking Encounters   (taking chances, risking all, following others) 

Conversation leaders are more high profile people who can present their ideas clearly but also allow for student input and discussion. This isn’t a speaker-only hour, but does have potential for more direct words from the leader.

After Lunch/Encounter III

Environment: honest, real, authentic, comfortable

Purpose: Deal with reality of following God’s movement of faith. What happens when encountering God is not smooth, not easy, but painful and heartbreaking.

This is more of a storytelling option, where the leader would honestly tell his/her story of interacting with God when things didn’t go as planned.