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DiscoveringChristTeamTrainingGuide
ChristLifeCatholicMinistryforEvangelization
600CooksLane,Baltimore,MD21229888-498-8474or443-388-8910
DiscoveringChristTeamTrainingGuide
IfyouhavepurchasedtheDiscoveringChristTeamTrainingDVDs,youhavepermissiontoreproduce,copy,andprintthisguidefortheexpressuseoftrainingyourteamtorunDiscoveringChristfortheparish,smallfaithcommunity,orministryyoupurchasedthismanualfor.Pleasedonotsharethepasswordtothisguidewithpeopleoutsideoftheparishorministryfororbywhichitwaspurchased.
Beyondthisusage,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopy,recording,oranyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,withoutpermissioninwritingfromChristLife.©2014ChristLife,Inc.,600CooksLaneBaltimore,MD212291.888.498.8474·[email protected]·www.christlife.org
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TableofContents
Page
ArchbishopLoriLetter 4
SpeakerBiographies 5
Talk1:WhatisDiscoveringChristandWhyDoesitWork? 6
Talk2:FacilitatinganEvangelizingSmallGroup 9
Talk3:PreparingtoRunaFruitfulCourse 13
SampleSession:DiscoveringChristTalk1OutlineandDiscussionQuestions 16
Talk4:ANewPentecostforaNewEvangelization 18
Talk5:WheretheRubberMeetstheRoad:MakingtheInvite 23
AboutChristLife 27
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ArchbishopLoriLetter
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SpeakerBiographies
Rev.ErikArnoldwasordainedapriestfortheArchdioceseofBaltimorein1999andservesaspastoratOurLadyofPerpetualHelpinEllicottCity,MD.HeearnedaLicentiateinSacredTheologyfromthePontificalGregorianUniversityandisChristLife’sliaisontoArchbishopWilliamLoriofBaltimore.HeisaspeakerfortheDiscoveringChrist,FollowingChrist,andSharingChristseries.AsapastorhehasruntheChristLifeseriesinhisparishmultipletimeswithgreatfruitfulness.
PeteAscosiisAssistantDirectoratChristLife.Heexperiencedalife-changingconversionthatbeganduringhissenioryearatMt.St.Mary’sUniversityin2003.AfterworkingfortwoyearsinpublicpolicyresearchinWashingtonDC,hefeltthecalltofull-timeministryandjoinedChristLifein2005.HerecentlycompletedhisMaster’sDegreefromNotreDameUniversityofMaryland.HiswifeAllyisaspeakerintheFollowingChristcourse.Togethertheyhavebeenmarriedforalmosteightyearsandhavefouryoungchildren.
DianneDavisservesasChristLife’sNYRegionalDirector.FlowingfromherdeeploveforourLord,DiannehasembracedalifeofevangelizationandbringingotherstoapersonalrelationshipwithJesus.ShehassupportedChristLifeinthecoordinationofDiscoveringChristatherparish,St.MartindePorresinPoughkeepsie,NY;andhasfacilitatedtheexpansionofChristLifeprogramsinover25parishesregion-wide,servingover2,600participantssinceJanuary2010.AsatrainerandpresenterforChristLife,sheisoneofthefeaturedspeakersontheSharingChristDVDseries.
DaveNodaristhefounderandDirectorofChristLife.Heoverseesallprogramactivitiesandisaspeakeratconferencesindioceses,parishesandotherCatholicorganizationsintheUSA,andinternationally.HeisaspeakerfortheDiscoveringChrist,FollowingChrist,andSharingChristseries.Heistheco-authorofDiscoverChristpublishedbyOurSundayVisitorin2011.HispassionistohelpotherstoknowtheloveofGodtheFatherinJesusChristthroughthetransformingpoweroftheHolySpirit.
LisaTimmistheDirectorofFaithFormationatHolyTrinityparishinPoughkeepsie,NYandaChristLifeBoardmember.In2010,sheranthefirstDiscoveringChristcourseintheArchdioceseofNYatherparish.HerparishhostedtheArchdioceseofNYDiscoveringChristConferenceinJuly2011whereshewaspartoftheconferenceteamasbothacoordinatorandspeaker.HergreatestpassionistobringpeopleintoapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChristandtoassistinthepromotionoftheNewEvangelization.
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Talk1:WhatisDiscoveringChristandWhyDoesitWork?
DaveNodar
1. ChristLife:AnEvangelizationProcess
a. DiscoveringChristb. FollowingChristc. SharingChrist
2. TheGoalofDiscoveringChrist
“TransmittingthefaithmeanstocreateineveryplaceandtimetheconditionsforapersonalencounterofindividualswithJesusChrist.Thefaith-encounterwiththepersonofJesusChristisarelationshipwithhim...”-SynodontheNewEvangelization,Lineamenta,11
3. PersonalEncounterwithJesus
“Faithisaboveallapersonal,intimateencounterwithJesus,andtoexperiencehiscloseness,hisfriendship,hislove;onlyinthiswaydoesonelearntoknowhimevermore,andtoloveandfollowhimevermore.Maythishappentoeachoneofus.”-PopeBenedict,October21,2009
4. KeyElements
a. Community/Fellowshipb. Prayerc. Teachingd. PersonalSharing
5. Growing,notmanufacturing…
a. Takestimetosee:Graceb. Takestimetogrowintrust:Relationshipsc. Takestimetoreachadecision:Personalresponse
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6. Involvesthewholeperson
a. Appealtothemindb. Appealtotheheart
“Evangelizationmusttouchpeople’smindsandhearts,stirtheirconsciencesandengagetheirenergies.”-PopeJohnPaulII,1990
7. TheStructure
a. Onesessioneachweekforsevenweeksb. One-dayretreataftersession5
8. Fourpartstoeachsession:
c. Dinnerd. Announcements,prayer&songe. DVDTeachingf. Smallgroupdiscussion
9. Dinner
10. Song&Prayer
11. DVDTeaching
1)WhatIstheMeaningofLife?2)WhyDoesJesusMatter?3)WhatDoesJesusWantUstoKnow?4)WhyDoINeedaSavior?5)WhyIstheResurrectionImportant?6)WhoIstheHolySpirit?(retreat)7)TheHolySpiritandYou!(retreat)8)NewLifeintheSpirit9)OurNeedfortheChurch
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12. KeepItSimple
“Withinthewholeprocessofevangelization,theaimofcatechesisistobetheteachingandmaturationstage,thatistosay,theperiodinwhichtheChristian,havingacceptedbyfaiththepersonofJesusChristastheoneLordandhavinggivenHimcompleteadherencebysincereconversionofheart,endeavorstoknowbetterthisJesustowhomhehasentrustedhimself.”-PopeJohnPaulII,CatechesiTradendae,20
13. Focusonthekerygma:
“Oftenthosewhoareadmittedtocatechesisneed,infact,atrueconversion.ThustheChurchdesiresthatordinarilyaninitialstageinthecatecheticalprocessbedevotedtoensuringconversion”
- PopeJohnPaulII,CatechesiTradendae,19.
14. SmallGroupDiscussion
15. HolySpiritRetreatDay
16. “MakingtheAsk”
a. It’snotenoughtopresentinformationaboutChrist–weneedtocreateanenvironmentwheretheydesiretogivetheirlifecompletelytotheLordJesus.
“ConversionmeansacceptingbypersonaldecisionthesavingsovereigntyofChristandbecominghisdisciple.”-PopeJohnPaulII,MissionoftheRedeemer,46
17. ThePrimacyofGrace
“Ineveryactivityofevangelization,theprimacyalwaysbelongstoGod….Godhastakenthefirststepandthereforewecanboldlytaketheinitiativetomoveforward,toseekthefallenaway,towelcometheoutcast,tosharetheFather’smercy.”-PopeFrancis,TheJoyoftheGospel,12,24
18. Afterwards?
a. FollowingChristb. SharingChrist
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Talk2:FacilitatinganEvangelizingSmallGroup
LisaTimm
1. AUniqueSmallGroupExperience
a. TypesofPeopleAttending:
i. FaithfulChristiansii. Nominal/inactiveChristiansiii. Non-religiousiv. Otherreligions
2. PurposeofaDCSmallGroup
a. ApersonalencounterwithGod’slove
b. TocometoknowJesusinthecontextofcommunity
c. Primarilyaboutrelationship
3. SmallGroups
a. Consistof8-10people(includingafacilitatorandhelper)
4. Roles:TheFacilitator
a. FacilitatethediscussionandcreateawelcomingatmospherewhereguestsfeelcomfortableexploringapersonalrelationshipwithJesus.
b. PrimaryResponsibilities:
i. Initiatethebeginningandendofthesession
ii. Stimulatediscussionabouttheteaching
iii. Leadprayer
5. Roles:TheHelper
a. Assistthefacilitatorthroughbeinganactiveandsupportiveparticipantwhile
helpingtocreateawelcomingatmosphere.
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b. PrimaryResponsibilities:
i. Personalattentiontoindividuals
ii. Helpdrawquietpeopletospeak
iii. Helpthediscussionstayoncourse
6. Roles:TheSmallGroupCoordinator
a. Torecruit,train,oversee,andencouragethesmallgroupfacilitatorsandhelpers.
b. PrimaryResponsibilities:
i. WiththeOverallAdministratorselectfacilitatorsandhelpers
ii. Conductweeklymeetingpriortothebeginningofeacheveningsession
iii. Beingapointofcontact,encourager,andintercessorforthefacilitatorsandhelpers
iv. Assignregistrantsintosmallgroups
7. SmallGroupDynamics
a. Dinner
b. Worship
c. Teaching
d. Discussion
8. Dinner:ACriticalelement
a. Beawareofothers
b. Showgenuineinterest
c. Noreligioustalk
d. Families,work,hobbies
e. Takeinitiativeincaringforthem
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9. Worship
a. Modelthistypeofprayerforothers
b. Worshipprogressesoverthecourseoftime
10. SmallGroupDiscussion
a. Openwithanicebreaker
b. Aninterestingplaceyou’vetraveled
c. Auniquefactaboutyourself
d. GroundRules
11. Discussionshouldbefocusedontheteaching
a. Basicquestions:
i. “Whatdoyouthinkabout…?”ii. “Howdoyoufeelabout…?”
b. Questionsthatshiftthefocustopersonalsharing
c. Listen:peopleneedtobeheard
i. Confidentialityii. Heartheirproblemsandconcernsiii. Understandtheirpointofview
d. Nofixing,counseling,preaching,orteaching
e. Endwithaprayer
f. Endontime
12. SmallGroupSituations
a. Tostartthegroup
b. Ifsomeonedominates
c. Ifgroupstraysfromthetopic
d. Todrawoutquietmembers
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e. Ifsharingistooimpersonalortoopersonal
f. Ifyoudon’tknowhowtorespond
g. Tobringclosure
h. Learnmorebyreadingthe“SmallGroupSituations”documentatwww.christlife.org/discoverunder“FreeResources”
13. Preparation
a. AttendallWeeklyPrayer/Planningmeetings
b. Timeofsharingandencouragingoneanother
c. On-goingFormation
d. CommunalPrayer
e. ReadOutlineandQuestions
f. Intercession!
14. TheFruitofYourService
a. ChangedLives
b. LastingFriendships
c. DeepeningofyourrelationshipwithGod
d. New-foundcouragetosharetheGoodNews
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Talk3:PreparingtoRunaFruitfulCourse
DianneDavis
1. BeginwithPrayer
“Prayerdoesnotprepareusfortheimportantwork;prayeristheimportantwork.”-OswaldChambers
2. Majorfirststeps
a. Thepastor’ssupport
b. Gatheracoreteam,pray
c. Setthedatesforthecourse
d. Reservethefacilities
e. Informationnight
f. Assembleateam
g. Trainingday
3. Setcoursedates&location
a. 7consecutiveweeklysessions
b. Saturdayretreataftersession5
c. Infonight&Trainingday
d. Choosingavenue.Keepinmind:
i. Theneedforakitchenii. Aestheticappealiii. Dinnersandroomsforsmallgroupdiscussions
4. TheHowtoRuntheCourseManual
a. Courseoverviewb. Theologicalfoundationc. SessionWalkthroughd. Practicalitiese. Assemblingtheteamf. Jobdescriptionsg. Resources
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h. Timelines,schedulesi. Linkstoonlinesupplementalresourcesandhandouts
5. DevelopingaBudget
a. Training
i. ¨LeadershipConferencesii. ¨TrainingDay
b. ¨Resources
i. ¨DVDsii. ¨Manualsiii. ¨Digitallicense
c. ¨Promotion
i. ¨Signsii. ¨Invitecardsandflyers
d. ¨Hospitality
i. ¨Signsii. ¨Nametagsiii. ¨Food&drinkiv. ¨Dinnerware,tablecloths,napkins,etc.v. ¨Decorations
6. Assembletheteam:keypositions
a. Mainleader
b. Overalladministrator
c. Evangelizationcoordinator
d. Smallgroupcoordinator
e. Hospitalitycoordinator
f. Dinnercoordinator
7. Examplejobdescription:Overalladministrator
a. Responsibleforallaspectsofsettingupandrunningthecourse…
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b. Qualifications:
i. AspiritualmatureChristian…possessesgiftsofleadership…excellentii. interpersonalskillsiii. Specificresponsibilitiesiv. Overseetheplanningandrunningofthecoursev. Developtimelines
8. Exampleeveningschedule
5:00Teamarrives
6:15SGLmeeting
6:45Dinner
7:30Welcome/Prayer
7:45DVDTeaching
8:20Dessertbreak
8:30Smallgroupdiscussion
9:15End
9. CreateaWelcomingAtmosphere
10. Itemstoorder:
a. ForSession6:TheWordAmongUs
i. Orderforfree!Assoonasyouhavetheapproximatenumberofguests,placeyourrequest.
ii. Email:[email protected]
b. FortheRetreat,andSessions6and7,purchaseDiscoverChristbooki. Guestscanpurchasetheseduringtheretreatandfinalsessions.
11. Howtorunthecoursemanual
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SampleSession:DiscoveringChristTalk1
WhatIstheMeaningofLife?
A. Considering the meaning of life
1. Have you taken time to reflect on the meaning of your life? 2. Life circumstances or world events can awaken us to the meaning of our existence.
i. Subjective Warning Signs ii. Inevitability of Death
“I get confused when I look around at the world and see everybody running around… Yet no one is trying to figure out what is the cause of death and what
happens when you die? That to me is the only thing really of importance and the rest is all secondary.”
GEORGE HARRISON, THE BEATLES
B. Understanding the purpose of life
1. We can’t fully understand what something is until we figure out why it exists. “There are only two ways “in which anything can come to be. Either it’s
intentional or accidental: that is, either someone intended it or it merely chanced. The thing that is intentional has a purpose; accidents have no purpose.
Humanity, like other things, must either be an accident and so purposeless, or else have been made with intent.”
FRANK SHEED, A MAP OF LIFE
2. We need a change in our worldview to understand the purpose of life.
C. God’s Purpose for You
1. God created us for relationship with himself. “I am the way, the truth and the life.”
JOHN 14:6
2. We find our purpose in Jesus Christ. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.” MATTHEW 7:7-8
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SampleSession:DiscoveringChristTalk1
DiscussionQuestions
Getting to know one another: Introduce one another.
Example icebreaker: Introduce one another, share where each person is from, maybe their occupation, and an interesting/fun fact (e.g., travels, hobbies, talents, etc.).
The purpose of discussion & ground rules Explain in your own words how we going to talk about the message we just heard. No pressure. Explain ground rules in your own words here. • Show respect for one another (no negative humor, criticism or judgment) • Be courteous - only one person talking at a time • No one is required to talk, but we would love to hear from everyone • Be brief in your responses and allow time for everyone to share • What is shared in the group, stays in the group! • AND - There is no such thing as a dumb question!
Discussion Questions
1. What was a significant point from Dave’s talk for you? 2. Imagine someone approached you on the street and asked, “What is the meaning of
life?” How would you answer? 3. Why do you think people don’t consider the purpose of their life? 4. Are there events in your life or in the world that have made you stop and consider the
meaning of life? Do you know anyone who has made you think about the meaning of life?
5. What might make you change your answer to “What is the meaning of life?” How open are you to a renewed vision of the meaning of life?
6. Frank Sheed proposed there are only two ways in which anything can come to be: either it is intentional or accidental. Do you believe your life is accidental or an intentional creation? How does this impact your attitude towards life?
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Talk4:ANewPentecostforANewEvangelization
Fr.ErikArnold
1. TheEssentialRoleoftheHolySpirit
“HowIlongtofindtherightwordstostirupenthusiasmforanewchapterofevangelizationfulloffervor,joy,generosity,courage,boundlessloveandattraction!YetIrealizethatnowordsofencouragementwillbeenoughunlessthefireoftheHolySpiritburnsinourhearts.”-PopeFrancis,TheJoyoftheGospel,261
2. Pentecost
a. WespeakofPentecostasthe“BirthdayoftheChurch”
i. Weneedtotakethisexpressionseriously.
3. TheHolySpiritwasessentialinthelifeandministryofJesus
“WhenJesuswasbaptized,hewentupimmediatelyfromthewater,andbehold,theheavenswereopenedandhesawtheSpiritofGoddescendinglikeadove,andalightingonhim;andbehold,avoicefromheavensaying,‘ThisismybelovedSon,withwhomIamwellpleased.’”-Matthew3:16
“TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetopreachgoodnewstothepoor.Hehassentmetoproclaimreleasetothecaptivesandrecoveryofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythosewhowereoppressed.”-Luke4:18
a. Hisidentityisaffirmed:“ThisismybelovedSon”
b. HeislovedbytheFather(wordandpresence).
c. HeisanointedformissionbytheHolySpirit.“Hehasanointedmetopreach…”-Luke4:18
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4. WhyWouldItBeAnyDifferentfortheApostles?
a. EvenafterthreeyearslivingdayinanddayoutwithJesus,hiscommandis:Stayandwaitfor“thepromiseoftheFatheraboutwhichyouhaveheardmespeak;forJohnbaptizedwithwater,butinafewdaysyouwillbebaptizedwiththeholySpirit.”(Acts1)
5. WhyWouldItBeAnyDifferentforUs?
“TherecanbenorenewalintheChurchwithouttheHolySpirit.ThereisnorealdeeprenewalinourlivesunlessweopenourselvesandlettheHolySpiritcomeintoourlives.Hewantsto.Hewaitsforustoopenthedoor.IhopethisdaymanyofyouwillopenthedoortotheHolySpirit.”-Fr.RanieroCantalamesa,OFM,PreachertothePapalHousehold
6. WemustberenewedinthepoweroftheHolySpirit
“EvangelizationwillneverbepossiblewithouttheactionoftheHolySpirit.”-PopePaulVI
7. WeneedtheanointingoftheHolySpirit
a. ThepreparationfortheChristianMission:
“WhilemeetingwiththeapostlesheenjoinedthemnottodepartfromJerusalem,buttowaitforthepromiseoftheFatheraboutwhichyouheardmespeak;forJohnBaptizedwithwater,butinafewdaysyouwillbebaptizedwiththeHolySpirit.”-Acts1:4-8
8. Jesus'baptismhelpsusunderstandourownbaptism
“EverythingthathappenedtoChristletsusknowthat,afterthebathofwater,theHolySpiritswoopsdownuponusfromhighheavenandthat,adoptedbytheFather'svoice,webecomesonsofGod.”-St.HilaryofPoitiers(CCC,537)
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9. IdentityandMission
a. WeexperiencetheloveofGod
“AndhopedoesnotdisappointbecausetheloveofGodhasbeenpouredoutintoourheartsthroughtheHolySpiritthathasbeengiventous.”-Romans5:5
b. MademembersofHisfamily
“ButtothosewhodidaccepthimhegavepowertobecomechildrenofGod.”-John1:12
c. SharersintheMission“Toeachindividualthemanifestationofthespiritisgivenforsomebenefit.”-1Corinthians12:7
10. HolySpiritmakesJesusrealforus
"TheworldiscallingforevangelizerstospeaktoitofaGodwhomtheevangeliststhemselvesshouldknowandbefamiliarwithasiftheycouldseetheinvisible."-PopePaulVI
11. TheimportanceoftheHolySpiritinthelifeandmissionofaChristian
a. ManybaptizedChristiansdonotknowthetransformingpoweroftheHolySpirit.
b. Manylackasenseofidentityandpersonalmission.
c. Howcanthatbe?
d. Eachsacramenthasanobjectiveandasubjectiveparttoit.
i. Objective:WhatGodisdoing…ii. Subjective:Whatwearedoing…iii. ThismeansthatitisnotenoughforGodalonetobeatwork–ourownhearts
mustbedisposedtowhatHeisdoing!
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12. TheChurchknowsweneedmomentsto“chooseagain”thegraceofthesacraments
“IsitnottruethatnearlyallChristiansproveunfaithfultothepromisesmadetoJesusinbaptism?Wheredoesthisuniversalfailurecomefrom,ifnotfromman'shabitualforgetfulnessofthepromisesandresponsibilitiesofbaptismandfromthefactthatscarcelyanyonemakesapersonalratificationofthecontractmadewithGodthroughhissponsors?”-St.LouisdeMontfort,TrueDevotiontotheBlessedVirginMary,127
"TodayIwouldliketoextendthisinvitationtoeveryone:Letusrediscover,dearbrothersandsisters,thebeautyofbeingbaptizedintheHolySpirit;letusbeawareagainofourbaptismandofourconfirmation,sourcesofgracethatarealwayspresent.-PopeBenedict,WorldYouthDay,2008
13. WouldyouliketorediscoverthebeautyofbeingbaptizedintheHolySpirit?
“Ask,SeekandKnockand…howmuchmorewilltheheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothosewhoaskhim!”-Luke11:5-13
a. Obstacleswemayexperience:
i. Doubt-itwon’thappenforme…ii. Fear-whatwillGoddowithme?I’lllosecontrol!iii. Unworthiness-Idon’tdeservetoreceive…
14. Whatweareprayingfor:
a. CommitmenttoJesusChristasLord
b. RenewalintheHolySpirit
c. Theremovalofanyobstacletoourbeingreadytomakesuchacommitment.
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15. Howwewillpray:
a. Teamsoftwoaroundthechurchorvenue;
b. Preferablymenpraywithmen,womenpraywithwomen,marriedcoupleswitheither
c. WeprayaswitnessesoftheircommitmentandasbrothersandsisterswhohaveencounteredtheLordandcansupporttheminfaithandlove.
d. Weaskifwecanplaceourhandsontheirshouldersorarm
16. Prayer
LordGod,PleaseforgivemeforallthethingsIhavedonewrong.IturntoYouandturnawayfromsin.Jesus,pleasebethecenterofmylife.IwelcomeYoupersonallyastheLordandSaviorofmylife.Isurrendereverythingtoyou.IaskyoutofillmewiththeHolySpirit,andempowermetotrulyliveanewlife.PraiseandthankYou,Lord.Amen!
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Talk5:WheretheRubberMeetstheRoad:MakingtheInvite
PeteAscosi
1. ThePersonalandParishInvitation
2. WhereDoesJesusSendUs?
“Therearenoborders,nolimits:hesendsustoeveryone.TheGospelisforeveryone,notjustforsome.Itisnotonlyforthosewhoseemclosertous,morereceptive,morewelcoming.Itisforeveryone.DonotbeafraidtogoandtobringChristintoeveryareaoflife,tothefringesofsociety,eventothosewhoseemfarthestaway,mostindifferent.TheLordseeksall,hewantseveryonetofeelthewarmthofhismercyandhislove.”-PopeFrancis,WorldYouthDay,2013
3. InvitebyTheSoundTank
4. Principles
a. DiscoveringChrist…
i. Isforeveryone
ii. Takesusoutofourcomfortzone
iii. Isevangelicalbydesign
iv. Providesaframeworktoshiftfrommaintenancetomission
v. Makespossibleaparadigmshift
5. AParadigmShiftisNeeded
a. Forwhatpercentofparishesisspreadingthefaithahighpriority?
i. Protestantcongregationsii. AfricanAmericancongregationsiii. Catholiccongregations
6. ThePersonalInvitation
a. Themosteffectivemethodforevangelization
b. SpringsfromthejoyofalivingrelationshipwithJesusChrist
c. Intercessoryprayerisessential
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d. Godasksforourcooperation
e. DidImentionittakesusoutofourcomfortzone?
f. Failureandfaithfulness
g. Sustainedbyacommunityofevangelizers
7. TheParishInvitation
a. Assignsomeonetobetheevangelizationcoordinatoronyourteam
i. Provideresourcesandremindersfortheteamtoengageinpersonalinvitations
ii. Coordinateexecutionofparishinvitationprocess
iii. Developanactionplantailoredtoyourparishsizeanddemographicsthatincludescommunicationsto:
- Entireparishcommunity- Ministryleaders- Staff
8. SpreadingtheWordthroughtheParish
a. Homilies
b. Testimoniesfocusedonlifechangenotjustpromotingaprogram
c. DiscoveringChristInvitationVideo
d. Registrationtable
e. Flyersorpostcards
f. Mailerstoregisteredparishioners
g. and/orneighborhood
h. Websiteandsocialmedia
9. PromotionalResourcesthatarefree
a. “Freeresources”atchristlife.org/discover
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b. Logos,prayercards,invitecards,flyers
c. ContactPeteforadditionalhelp:[email protected]
10. PromotionalResourcesthathaveacost
a. Outreach.com
b. Postcards,mailers
11. Websites
a. Basicdescriptionofprogram
b. Video
c. WeeklySchedule
d. Registrationform
e. Examples
i. stlouisparish.org/discoverii. olphparish.org/dciii. Google“DiscoveringChrist”and“Catholic”
12. SocialMedia
a. Focusonusingthesocialnetwork(s)whereyourparishhasanactivepresence
b. Generateinterestthroughperiodicpostings(text,images,videos)aboutthe
upcomingcourse
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13. ThePoweroftheInvitation
a. Changinglives"Thepastsevenweekshavebeenamazing.IfeelsomuchclosertoGod,myprayerlifehasgrowndramatically.”“ThiscoursehelpedmetoopenmyhearttoJesusandaskhimforforgiveness,strengthandcourage.”
b. Transformingparishes“OurCatholicfaithismoreexciting,morevibrant,andmoreeffectiveininspiringandattractingotherstoencounter…Christ.”
14. Invite4videobyTheSoundTank
15. AttractingPeopletoChrist
“ChristianshavethedutytoproclaimtheGospelwithoutexcludinganyone.Insteadofseemingtoimposenewobligations,theyshouldappearaspeoplewhowishtosharetheirjoy,whopointtoahorizonofbeautyandwhoinviteotherstoadeliciousbanquet.ItisnotbyproselytizingthattheChurchgrows,but‘byattraction’.”-PopeFrancis,TheJoyoftheGospel,15
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About ChristLife
ChristLife equips Catholics for the essential work of evangelization so others might personally encounter Jesus Christ and be transformed into His missionary disciples. Our ministry partners with parishes, priests, religious and lay leaders who are seeking to answer the Church’s call for the New Evangelization through a proven method of parish evangelization and outreach.
ChristLife Series
The ChristLife series is a 3-step evangelization process that is changing lives and transforming parishes. The series consists of three essential elements: discover, follow, and share.
Discovering Christ
Discovering Christ is a seven-week experience that invites guests to hear the Good News and personally encounter Jesus Christ. A typical session includes a meal, video teaching, and small group discussion. A day retreat follows the fifth session. Learn more at http://christlife.org/discover
Following Christ
Following Christ is a seven-week journey that builds upon Discovering Christ and invites those who have encountered Jesus Christ to follow him as Catholic disciples. A typical session includes prayer and worship, video teaching, and small group discussion. A day retreat follows the fifth session. Learn more at http://christlife.org/follow
Sharing Christ
Sharing Christ is a seven-week mission that trains Catholics to share Jesus Christ with others and invite them to be part of the Church. A typical session includes prayer and worship, video teaching, and small group discussion. A day retreat ends the course as the seventh session. Learn more at http://christlife.org/share
Connect With Us
To learn more, visit us online at http://christlife.org
Connect with us on social media at: