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Diocese of Alaska
Episcopal Evangelistic
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Alaska
Wilderness & Mission Camps
Dancing with the Spirit
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Gospel Based Discipleship
Some Suggestions for Presenting
Background
- Gospel Based Discipleship is
not a program. It is not Bible Study. It is an encounter with the
Gospel, designed to engage people with the Gospel appointed for the
day, or the Sunday proper. It depends on participants being willing to
share responses to the three questions: What words or ideas did you
hear? What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you? What is Jesus (the
Gospel) calling you to do?
Format
- Gospel Based Discipleship may
be used by any group. An experienced leader is not required.
Normally the group gathers by using the gathering prayer at the top of
the card or the beginning of one of the selections from A
Disciple's Prayer Book. Someone volunteers to lead the group.
It's good to rotate the leadership.
GBD may be used by a regular study group, to begin a meeting of a
vestry or other group, as a form for worship, or as a personal
devotion. Normally the appointed Gospel for the day is used.
Method
- The questions: What words or
phrases did you hear? What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do? are designed to elicit
personal reflection, sharing and discussion. It is important for
people to know there are no right or wrong answers. The group is
seeking the truth by hearing what the Gospel says to them individually
and corporately. Statements like :that's not what we believe; or
you're wrong about that are not helpful. Statements that
elicit response such as Could you say more about that; or
I've never thought of that before keep the discussion going.
Persons who do GBD regularly find new insight and revelation are the
rewards.
- At least two or three translations of
the Gospel should be available. Many groups have had a positive
experience using The Message (NAV Press), a contemporary
translation by Eugene Petersen, for one of the readings. Normally the
passage is read three times, each time from a different translation.
People may choose not to have a printed version unless they are
reading aloud. This encourages "listening".
GBD in a
Meeting
- Starting a meeting with GBD grounds
participants in the Scripture and focuses the energy of the group. It
also is a good way to get people sharing with one another at a
spiritual level. Normally a copy of the Scriptures remains on the
table, or in the room, with the understanding that at any time during
the meeting anyone may call for the reading of the Gospel again. This
often helps refocus the group when it's been distracted or conflicted.
Expectations and Outcomes from GBD
- Groups that use GBD regularly should
expect to begin to see their call to mission differently. Some
congregations use GBD as a way to focus on what God is calling them to
do in their community.
- Spiritual friendship is another
outcome of GBD. As people become familiar with the process and each
other, spiritual journeys are shared and people know one another in a
new way, not based merely on similar likes or dislikes, but as
disciples on a journey together.
- The entire faith community encounters
the Gospel as peers, whether ordained or non-ordained. This leads to a
vision of the community gathered around the Scripture. The Sunday
sermon is the place where critical commentary and teaching can be
applied to the Gospel.
Materials
- The "card" or bookmark is
designed for easy use for small groups and individuals. It contains a
statement of Guiding Principles that may be read in unison or
individually in turn. It also contains the Apostle's Creed, a
provision for prayers, and a Rule of Life statement to be read by all.
- A Disciple's Prayer Book is
designed for liturgical use, patterned after the Daily Office. It
contains formats for various times of day, and psalms appropriate for
the liturgical season. Colored tabs also indicate the seasons. The
booklet contains a blessing service, one for a vigil at time of death
and one for a gathering.
- Copies of these materials can be
obtained for a nominal charge from Native Ministries Office,
Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017,
800-334-7626.
RESPONSE and COMMENT:
In your
use and experience of GBD and the materials, please reflect and comment
on this outline that we intend to distribute to assist people in GBD and
their journey to Discipleship. As with all things in GBD this is a work
in progress and transformation. Thank you for your support and comments.
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