Starting new relationships can be challenging, but it can also be fun! Learning about someone new by learning about where they are from, their culture, what they like, don’t like, their beliefs, etc. can all be an adventure. The best way to start a relationship is to listen, so we must learn to meet someone and develop a natural curiosity for who they are and where they are from.
Of course we don’t want to leave it there. Just like any relationship that we might have with people of our own culture, we look for commonality. We look for ways to relate to our new friends and share with them about the things that are most important to us. And that is where we begin to share about our story of faith.
The video lesson below of the Three Stories, but ultimately only covers the first two. You will go on to learn how to share God’s Story in the next lesson.
Discussion questions for your team meeting
What are you thankful for since the last lesson? What has been difficult or frustrating? Were you able to finish your assignments from the last lesson?
How do you feel about meeting someone from a different culture for the first time?
How do you feel about the idea of sharing your faith with them?
If you aren’t sure that you will like doing it (you’re not alone!), why is that?
How can you overcome any reservations or fears that you may have?
Group Practice
Watch the video below to learn more about how to hear the other person’s story and to share your story.
As instructed in the video, write your story down on a piece of paper. Make sure and include all three parts discussed in the video. Consider writing only 1 or 2 points for each part so that you can tell your story in 1-2 minutes.
Your life before Jesus
How did you encounter Jesus?
Your life since encountering Jesus
Read your story out loud 2-3 times to yourself. You want to both see and hear the words that you are using. Make any changes along the way that you think are appropriate.
Now try telling the story to yourself 2-3 times without reading the story.
In your group, practice with a partner. Tell each other your stories.
Finally, with your partner, ask them about their stories and practice bridging it to your story. You may not get it right at first. That’s OK…just keep trying and you will! Give each other feedback along the way.
Lesson Homework
Connect with a Muslim person within your city and learn about them. If they are an immigrant, learn where they are from and their background.
Find a way to connect their story to your story and practice sharing your story of faith with them.