Being With Leaders' Guide

A Course Exploring Christian Faith and Life

Samuel Wells,Sally Hitchiner

• Publisher: Canterbury Press
• Year: 2022
• ISBN:
  9781786224415
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Ministry

The Being With course is an introduction to Christianity with a difference. At its heart is the idea that God's greatest desire is to be with us in Jesus. Grounded in the conviction that we already have a wealth of understanding of truth, beauty and goodness that signify God's presence in our lives and everyday experiences, it aims to enable participants to discover dimensions of this presence and to live abundantly with God, with one another and with creation. This Leaders' Guide provides: • an introduction to the theological perspective underpinning the course; • an explanation of its structure and an overview of each session; • practical guidelines for leading a group; • complete materials for hosting its ten 90-minute sessions in person or online. The sessions focus on the themes of Meaning; Essence; Jesus; Church; Bible; Mission; Cross; Prayer; Suffering and Resurrection. Drawing on the practices of Godly Play, the course uses storytelling, wondering and reflection to encourage and welcome the insights that each person brings. The Being With course was devised and created by Samuel Wells and Sally Hitchiner. It is one of many initiatives of St Martin-in-the-Fields, alongside HeartEdge, the Nazareth Community, the classical music and arts programmes and work with those experiencing homelessness. Located in London's Trafalgar Square, St Martin's is a community of hope, transforming church and society through commerce, culture, compassion and congregational life.

Table of contents

• Copyright information
• Contents
• Preface
• Prologue: Two Stories
• 1. Structure
• The Course at a Glance
• 2. Wonderings with Commentaries
• Wonderings Week One: Meaning
• Wonderings Week Two: Essence
• Wonderings Week Three: Jesus
• Wonderings Week Four: Church
• Wonderings Week Five: Bible
• Wonderings Week Six: Mission
• Wonderings Week Seven: Cross
• Wonderings Week Eight: Prayer
• Wonderings Week Nine: Suffering
• Wonderings Week Ten: Resurrection
• 3. Talks
• Talk Week One: Meaning
• Talk Week Two: Essence
• Talk Week Three: Jesus
• Talk Week Four: Church
• Talk Week Five: Bible
• Talk Week Six: Mission
• Talk Week Seven: Cross
• Talk Week Eight: Prayer
• Talk Week Nine: Suffering
• Talk Week Ten: Resurrection
• 4. Commentary on Talks
• Talk Week One: Meaning
• Talk Week Two: Essence
• Talk Week Three: Jesus
• Talk Week Four: Church
• Talk Week Five: Bible
• Talk Week Six: Mission
• Talk Week Seven: Cross
• Talk Week Eight: Prayer
• Talk Week Nine: Suffering
• Talk Week Ten: Resurrection
• 5. Method
• 6. Formation
• References and Further Reading