A11 Preparing for Discovery
List of the Online Lessons: A B C D E F G H
A11 Preparing for Discovery
I would like to make clear that the primary goal of Discovery is not to immediately „convert“ our unbelieving friends. The challenge to receive Jesus is very important at the right time! However, Czechs, who came to their first Discovery, usually have no idea what „accepting Jesus“ would mean. They know nothing about Jesus, yet. This does not exclude happy stories when at the third meeting someone in front others beautifully invited Jesus into their lives! Such situations have happened, praise the Lord! We are ready for them, and we pray they would soon be much more frequent…
I have some recommendations or rules for you, which we have collected by guiding many different groups. Remember that our goals in Discovery are:
a) to get to know living Jesus
b) get to know the Bible and
c) to create a community that will reproduce.
1. Participation of believers
If a believer wants to participate in your Discovery with unbelievers, it can be great. They may be decent prayer support and a sensitive partner for you. Ask him/her in advance to look at selected lessons at this web. Before the meeting, remind them especially that in Discovery with unbelievers, there is no room for Christianeese, nor for teaching, interpretation, or references to sermons. Discovery is discovery. The magic of Discovery is that each participant — including our unbelievers — leaves today’s Bible passage with their own discoveries.
The painful experience of unfortunate influence of Christians has taught us in this area. Therefore, we try to completely minimize their number at Discovery with non-believers. It is best to take only one (or at two at the most) and prepare them well.
2. The guide
The one who is in charge of the meeting we call a „guide“. Not a „leader.“ I enter the meeting with inner setting that I accompany the participants through our thinking together. I am not a smart leader or a teacher who teaches uneducated students. I ask questions as a partner who really researches the passage himself, and is interested in the discoveries and views of others. Sometimes, even about my own discovery I say, „I have to write this down!“ Living Jesus addresses each one directly through the Word of God! Me also!
3. Three thirds
The recommended structure of the meeting we call „three thirds“. Print a small cheat-sheet in advance to guide the Discovery. It will strengthen your confidence. Through long-term use of Discovery, we found out that a small card with basic questions is not a problem for our unbelieving friends. You don’t have to keep it a secret at all. I simply say, „Here are a few questions that work for us well in such creative reading.“ When we soon ask someone of our new friends to guide our meeting, we give him/her our „cheat-sheet“. They look into it, read the items and guide the meeting even as nonbelievers!
4. Set yourself cool in advance
Before the meeting, pray, look in the mirror to see if you are smiling enough, and count on Jesus being there with you all, the whole time!
5. Safe atmosphere
Think what it takes for the participants to be gladly and actively involved in discovering God’s word? We strive for a safe atmosphere of freedom, sincerity and friendship. So that no one is afraid to say something wrong or express a different opinion than the majority.
6. Respond positively
I respond positively to the participants‘ answers. By my look, „um,“ „thank you,“ nodding, „fine“… When I don’t like the answer, I can say, „Thanks for your opinion.“ If possible I continue to work with the answers that fit – I quote them. For those who have said them, it is confirmation that we listen and their observations are worthwhile.
I remind you that while each meeting is very important and interesting, our goal in Discovery is the communities around God’s Word and around living Jesus. Not just casual Bible meetings.
I beg you, Jesus, for all the friends who decide to begin Discovery with their unbelieving friends. For everyone, I ask Your special reinforcement, peace and a clear awareness of Your closeness.