To print, download this activity as a Word document.
You'll need:
- Bibles for all
- A large sheet of newsprint with each of the following written across the top, but saving room underneath for more writing:
- God is Calling: Adam, Eve and Everybody (Genesis 1:27-31)
- God is Calling: Abram and Sarai (Genesis 12: 1-9)
- God is Calling: Moses (Exodus 3: 1-12)
- God is Calling: Samuel (1 Samuel 3: 1 - 4:1)
- God is Calling: Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4: 18-22)
- Markers to go along with each of the sheets above
- A boom box or other CD or tape player and a recording of instrumental music that allows for people to reflect
- Copies of the handout "It's Your Call" for all
- Explain that we are going to look at some instances in the scriptures where God calls people to do specific things on God's behalf for the common good.
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Write these three questions on a large sheet of paper, or on the chalk/white board:
What is the call?
How did God make the call?
How did the person receiving the call respond? - Break down into 5 pairs or small groups of no more than 5. If your group is large, you can repeat the 5 scripture passages until each group has one.
- Send each group somewhere apart to work.
- In each group, all participants look up the scripture passage. One person reads it aloud.
- All work together to answer the three questions, recording the answers on the large sheet.
- When each group is finished, reconvene as a large group.
- Have each small group present their findings from their large sheet.
- Discuss: What patterns do we see in all five of these instances where God calls people to do something for the common good?
- Point out that God continues to call people today to do things--often very difficult things--for the common good.
- Brainstorm: What individuals alive today can the large group think of whom God might have called to do what they do for the common good?
- Reflection: While playing some instrumental music, have each person reflect--in writing if that helps--on the same three questions above, but this time, as they pertain to each one's own life.
- Share your responses.
- Pass out the handout "It's Your Call."
- If there's time, go over it together. Otherwise, encourage all to take it home and carefully consider it.
