Leader s Guide for My Life, His Mission Kim P. Davis To the Group Leader The weekly group meeting for My Life, His Mission enables students to review the main points in each chapter, to discuss their viewpoints, and to make personal applications. Each week s lesson includes prayer, DVD stories, and group discussion, with suggested times for both 45- and 60-minute teaching sessions. Additional resources and optional activities are included for students who wish to explore these concepts in more depth. The material in this leader s guide may be reproduced without charge. However, please note that the book My Life, His Mission is not reproducible. Each student will need a copy of My Life, His Mission for use in the teaching sessions. Bulk discounts of the book are available at thetask.org/hismission. As the group leader, reading My Life, His Mission and answering the book s application questions in your personal study will help you anticipate student answers to the group discussion questions. A free DVD of student stories to show in the teaching sessions is available by contacting the International Mission Board at thetask.org/hismission. You can order this DVD at least four weeks before you lead the group, or you can download a digital format of the stories on the same Web site. To be prepared in a timely manner, please examine each week s lesson prior to the group meeting to determine if you need to place an order or plan ahead. 1
Week One Impact the World on Your Knees Lesson Goal To find effective ways to pray for the lost Lesson Notes Praying for the lost people groups of the world is not something most students do. As the leader, your goal is to encourage students to impact the world on their knees. Prayer is the first step to world evangelism. Jesus told His disciples to ask the Father to send out workers. As you go through these discussion questions, encourage students to consider what it means to walk with God as they get serious about having an attitude of prayer for the lost. Primary Scriptures Matthew 6:9 13; Esther 2 8; Ephesians 6:10 18; John 17:11 26 Suggested Discussion Outline (45 or 60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 5 minutes Show A Heart for Muslims from the DVD or Web site 20 or 35 minutes Group discussion (questions 1 11) 5 minutes Show A Portrait of Answered Prayer from the DVD or Web site 10 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. Read Matthew 6:9 13. Discuss what Jesus told His disciples to do. Why is prayer the first step to mission involvement? (Day 1, For Further Study) 2. Ask group members to share the personal prayer they wrote that is patterned after the Lord s Prayer. (Day 2, Apply It) 3. What did you learn about prayerwalking from the student stories and the lesson? (Day 3) 4. How important is it to be walking with God at some level in a spiritual sense before we ever attempt a prayerwalk? (Day 3) 5. What role did prayer have in Esther s life when she faced a difficult situation? Discuss how she depended on the prayers and fasting of others. (Day 4) 6. When facing spiritual warfare, what are we to do according to Ephesians 6:10 18? (Day 4, Apply It) 7. What insights did you gain from the lists of prayer requests for a people group (introduction to Week 1) and prayer requests for you (Day 4)? 2
8. Which answer to prayer that a student witnessed particularly spoke to you and why? Have you experienced an amazing answer to prayer? (Day 5) 9. Could you adopt a specific people group to pray for on a regular basis? Discuss the possibilities. (Thetask.org has regional links that connect you to specific prayer requests for people groups in every part of the world.) 10. How does going on a mission trip play an important part in increasing your prayer support for world missions? 11. Read John 17:11 26. Discuss specific ways that Jesus prayed for His disciples and for future believers. Discuss how Jesus prayer requests can be prayed for today s missionaries and future converts. 12. Take time to pray for each group member. Pray that the students walk with the Lord will be strengthened. Pray for other issues related to missions. Additional Resources Deuwel, Wesley. Touch the World through Prayer. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1986. Sprinkle, Randy. Follow Me: Lessons for Becoming a Prayerwalker. Birmingham, AL: New Hope, 2001. Lear, Nick. Thirty-One Day Prayer Guide. http://thetask.org/students/pdfs/thirty_onedays.pdf. http://thetask.org/students/g_passion/prayer.htm (This Web site recommends books on global prayer and gives information on adopting and praying for a people group.) Optional Activity Arrange a prayerwalk in your community or on your campus, perhaps near an international cultural center or ethnic neighborhood. (To help you lead a prayerwalk, call 1-800-999-3113 or write imb@imb.org to request a prayerwalking kit and a brochure called Prayerwalking: Interceding for the World One Step at a Time.) 3
Week Two God s Call: Random or Real? Lesson Goal To consider how God is calling students to participate in missions through praying, giving, or going. Lesson Notes Although not every believer is called to go overseas, this week s lessons challenge students to consider whether or not God is calling them to participate in an overseas mission experience. Day 3 of this lesson will help students confirm what God might be calling them to do. Primary Scriptures Hebrews 11:8; Matthew 28:19 20; Jonah 1; 2:10; 3:1 5; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Jeremiah 1:4 7 Suggested Discussion Outline (45 or 60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 15 or 30 minutes Group discussion (questions 1 10) 5 minutes Show Taryn s Story from DVD or Web site 5 minutes Group discussion (question 11) 5 minutes Show Darla s Call from DVD or Web site 5 minutes Group discussion (question 11 repeated) 5 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. Have you ever felt that God might be calling you to be involved in international missions? Explain. (Day 1) 2. Read Hebrews 11:8. How does obedience factor in to being called by God to do something? (Day 1) 3. Why aren t people responding to the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19 20? Name five reasons found in Day 2 and explain. 4. Read Jonah 1; 2:10; and 3:1 5. How did Jonah s initial disobedience get him into trouble? What happened when he finally obeyed? (Day 2) 5. What is the difference between willing to go, but planning to stay and planning to go, but willing to stay? (Day 2, Apply It) 6. What are four ways God confirms His call to missions? Has one or more of these confirmed God s call in your life concerning missions? (Day 3) 7. Read aloud 2 Corinthians 10:5. (Day 4, Apply It) 4
8. When Satan causes us to doubt God s calling on our lives, what should we do? (Day 4) 9. Read Jeremiah 1:4 7. What was God s message to Jeremiah about his youthful age? (Day 5) 10. In this lesson, which story from student missionaries really stood out to you? How has this story impacted your outlook on missions? 11. What message do you get from the DVD story? Discuss. 12. Spend time praying that God will reveal His will to each group member concerning future mission involvement. Additional Resources McQuilkin, Robertson. The Great Omission, rev. ed. Portland, OR: Gabriel, 2002. Piper, John. Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions, 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003. Optional Activity In a meeting other than your group discussion time, arrange for a missionary or someone who has gone on a mission trip to speak to your group about God s call to missions. 5
Week Three The Trust Factor Lesson Goal To confront the group members level of trust in God. Lesson Notes Doubting God happens, even to Christians. Jesus wants us to trust Him without seeing the big picture, and that includes our involvement in missions. Encourage students to commit to trust in the Lord with all their hearts instead of their own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Guide your students to take the focus off themselves and see God as the ultimate in trustworthiness. The biblical examples and student stories in this lesson will reinforce the freedom Christians have to trust God in all circumstances. Primary Scriptures John 20:24 29; Revelation 4:11; Mark 9:35; Philippians 4:13 Suggested Discussion Outline (45 or 60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 5 minutes Show Surmountable Fear from the DVD or Web site 20 or 30 minutes Group discussion (questions 1 11) 5 minutes Show Faith to Follow 5 minutes Group discussion (question 11 repeated) 5 or 10 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. Why is it hard for many students to trust God? (Introduction to Week 3) 2. Who in the Bible had a hard time trusting others or had the right circumstances to doubt others and why? (Examples of people who made a choice to trust God include Thomas, who had a hard time trusting Christ s resurrection, and others such as Daniel, Joseph, Hosea, Job, Abraham, Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego, who experienced difficult circumstances that could have caused them to doubt.) 3. Mention Scripture verses from the lesson that tell the benefits of trusting in God. (John 20:29; Proverbs 3:6; Psalm 125:1; Matthew 28:20b; Lamentations 3:22 23; and 2 Corinthians 12:9 10 are verses that students may mention.) 4. What does it mean to turn your focus away from yourself and to focus instead on Christ? (Day 1) 5. What did you learn about Abraham s trust in God? (Day 2, Apply It) 6
6. How can the attitude It s up to me to save the world be detrimental to a mission project experience? (Day 3) 7. What are the three categories of students who usually participate in mission projects? (Day 4) How can categories one and two be a problem in an international setting, for the participant and for the team? Why is category three best, and how can you be a category three student? (Read Revelation 4:11 and Mark 9:35.) 8. Ask for a volunteer to recite Philippians 4:13. 9. Discuss student stories in the lesson that were particularly meaningful and why. 10. How has God spoken to you this week concerning a possible mission project opportunity or a planned one in the near future? 11. What message did you get from the DVD story? Discuss. 12. Spend time praying for each group member concerning the application of what God is teaching them about trusting Him. Additional Resource Moore, Beth. Voices of the Faithful. Franklin, TN: Integrity, 2005. (This devotional book, written by Beth Moore and nearly 300 missionaries, explores the issue of putting God before self. The introduction to and devotions for September reinforce the theme of trusting God in everything. To find out more about this book, go to www.voicesofthefaithful.com.) Optional Activity Ask students to make a list this week of specific ways they will choose to trust God in their circumstances. Have each student share the list with a partner in the group before the next group meeting. 7
Week Four Flex or Freak Out? Lesson Goal To discover that God doesn t always work on our timetable Lesson Notes Being flexible is a choice. Participating in a cross-cultural mission trip brings many opportunities to have a good attitude no matter the circumstances. Students should expect difficulties when they leave their comfort zones. This lesson gives valuable insight from the Word and from student stories about being content to serve others by living in the Spirit, despite possible challenges. If you have been on a mission trip, it might be helpful to share one of your personal challenges while ministering in another culture. Primary Scriptures Philippians 4:11 13; Galatians 5:22 23; 1 Corinthians 9:19; Philippians 2:5 8 Suggested Discussion Outline (45 or 60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 10 or 15 minutes Group discussion (questions 1 4) 5 minutes Show Street Kids in Kenya from the DVD or Web site 10 or 15 minutes Group discussion (questions 5 10) 5 minutes Show Living for Jesus from DVD or Web site 5 minutes Group discussion (question 11) 5 or 10 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. Discuss several examples from the Bible of situations in which the apostle Paul s plans changed. What did you learn about Paul in these situations? (Day 1) 2. Read Philippians 4:11 13. How should Christians respond to unexpected circumstances? Can you think of a personal example in which contentment in a difficult situation helped you experience joy? (Day 1) 3. How do you think being flexible helps on a mission experience? What did you learn about flexibility from the student stories? 4. Read Galatians 5:22 23. Which fruit of the Spirit help us to be more flexible and why? (Day 1, Apply It) 5. What do you think would be the hardest cultural differences to face when in another country? What was difficult for the student in the DVD story Street Kids in Kenya? 8
6. What were Paul s techniques for cross-cultural experiences? Give examples from Scripture. (Day 2) 7. Discuss 1 Corinthians 9:19. How does this verse apply to an international missions setting? (Day 2) 8. Read Philippians 2:5 8. What does it mean to have the same attitude as Christ? 9. Allow group members to share ways that they can be better servants this week. 10. Which student story in the book made the biggest impact on you about being flexible? Why? 11. How did flexibility play a role in the DVD story Living for Jesus? 12. Pray for one another to be content in all circumstances and to exemplify the fruit of the Spirit. Additional Resources Crossman, Eileen Fraser. Mountain Rain. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2002. (This book details Fraser s adventurous, pioneer mission to China. Although the story occurs a hundred years ago, it is a timeless lesson in faith, courage, and prayer.) Optional Activity Challenge students to read a missionary biography of their choice. 9
Week Five Tell the Story Lesson Goal To learn to share the gospel and personal salvation story Lesson Notes With your guidance and through this week s lesson, students should develop a strategy for sharing the gospel while facing any inhibitions to witnessing. Cross-cultural witnessing will be discussed. Each student will write a succinct personal salvation account, and this week s discussion will give students an opportunity to practice telling their story. An important topic will be lifestyle evangelism and how people watch us. This lesson highlights Scripture memorization, but your personal encouragement will also help students. The student stories about sharing the gospel on the mission field will be extremely helpful for your group as they read accounts from people who share the same fears. Note: It will be difficult to stay within your allotted time for group discussion unless you keep to the time limit on the salvation story sharing. You might show only one of the DVD stories if you can only meet for 45 minutes. Primary Scriptures John 4:7 39; Acts 26:1 29; Luke 8:4 15; Acts 5:17 42 Suggested Discussion Outline (60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 5 minutes Show Cassie s Story on the DVD or Web site 5 minutes Group discussion (question 1) 5 minutes Show Someone Is Watching on the DVD or Web site 15 minutes Group discussion (questions 2 5) 10 minutes Partners practice their personal testimony (question 6) 10 minutes Group discussion (questions 7 11) 5 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. Is sharing the gospel and your own personal Christian story scary? Why or why not? Discuss. 2. Give some examples of people you know who exemplify Jesus through their lifestyles. How has this impacted you and others? 3. Discuss the response of the woman at the well after hearing the words of Jesus. (John 4:28 29) What was the response of the people she told? (John 4:39) 10
4. Do you think you really grasp that most of the world is lost without Jesus? Does it matter? What do you want to do about it? 5. Briefly discuss the main points of Paul s testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26. What was King Agrippa s response? (Day 1, Apply It) 6. Ask the group to break up into partners and have each student share his or her salvation story with the partner. Limit the students to three minutes each to share. The partners should time each other. 7. Discuss specific student stories in the lesson that encouraged you to share your faith. 8. Why do students need to be sensitive to the culture and the work the missionary or national has already started when serving overseas? Why is dialogue with the field contact important before you begin your service? (Days 3, 5) 9. Read Luke 8:4 15. Describe the three soils and discuss why a discerning spirit is needed on the mission field. 10. Ask if group members made Scripture memory note cards so that they can memorize the scriptures suggested. (Day 3, Apply It) Commit as a group to memorize these verses. 11. Read Acts 5:17 42. Why did the apostles not stop talking? (Day 1, For Further Study) How do you feel about suffering for the sake of the gospel? 12. Spend time praying as a group about being a godly witness in lifestyle to others, making the most of opportunities given to share Christ, and memorizing the scriptures assigned in this week s lesson. Additional Resource Moore, Beth. Voices of the Faithful. Franklin, TN: Integrity, 2005. (The devotions in May are about witnessing experiences throughout the world.) http://www.studentz.com/site/c.ijjyjdmpiqe/b.743261/k.327a/splash _Page/apps/s/inline.asp (This Web site provides practical evangelism information for high school and college students.) Optional Activity Arrange a time this week for your group to do door-to-door witnessing in your community. Meet together first for a time of prayer. Assign teams of 2 to 3 students. Meet together afterward for debriefing. 11
Week Six Risky Faith Lesson Goal To decide if group members are willing to risk everything for Jesus Lesson Notes Every Christian must ask, Am I willing to risk everything for Jesus Christ? Answering Jesus command to Follow Me involves risk. Students will realize that if they are going to be involved in the Great Commission, even if it takes them overseas, they will be forever changed. Fascinating personal experiences of students serving overseas will bring home the theme of following Christ to the ends of the earth. This lesson gives practical helps as well as examples from Scripture of people with risky faith. Students will find out the answer to the question, Is God s will the safest place? This lesson is the final reality check of just how far students will go to follow Jesus. As you wrap up the sessions, encourage students to apply what they have learned in this study and then follow up with mission trip opportunities. Primary Scriptures Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:8 10 Suggested Discussion Outline (45 or 60 minutes) 5 minutes Open in prayer 10 or 15 minutes Group discussion (questions 1 5) 5 minutes Show Serving with Fear in Holiness on DVD or Web site 10 or 15 minutes Group discussion (questions 6 10) 5 minutes Show Road to Rio Bamba on DVD or Web site 5 minutes Group discussion (question 11) 5 or 10 minutes Group prayer (question 12) Group Discussion Questions 1. What do you think is the biggest risk you might have to take to be a student missionary? 2. After completing this week s lessons, what do you think about the statement The safest place to be is in the center of God s will? Use examples from Scripture or from the student stories to support your thoughts. (Day 2) 3. Are you willing to be persecuted or even to die for the sake of the gospel? What do you fear the most about persecution? 12
4. What encouragement did you receive from Scripture and the student stories concerning persecution? (Day 4; scriptures mentioned include 1 Peter 4:13; Matthew 5:10 12; John 15:20; Hebrews 13:6; 2 Timothy 2:20; 3:12.) 5. Name some people in the Bible who risked everything for God. What specifically did they risk? (Days 2, 3, 5) 6. Read Joshua 1:9. How do you think this verse will help you as a student missionary? (Day 2) 7. Think about the last time you took a risk for God. How did that experience change you as a person? 8. Discuss the statement made by the Chinese pastor: Persecution is good. Why do you think he would say that? (Day 5) 9. Why is it important to follow the advice of the field missionary concerning security matters when you are in a hostile environment as a student missionary? (Day 2) 10. Read 2 Timothy 2:8 10. What should be the cause of persecution for Christians? (Day 4, Apply It) 11. What is the most significant truth that you learned in this sixweek study, and how has this truth affected your life? 12. Spend time praying for God to send out workers to the mission field and to pray that all people groups will have a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Additional Resources Moore, Beth. Voices of the Faithful. Franklin, TN: Integrity, 2005. (The devotions in June are about persecution of believers around the world) Bridges, Erich and Rankin, Jerry. Lives Given, Not Taken: 21 st Century Southern Baptist Martyrs. Richmond, VA: International Mission Board, 2005. (This book is an intimate portrayal of ordinary people who followed God s call. It can be ordered at resources.imb.org. Click on books and more and IMB bestsellers. ) www.answerthecall.net; www.stemintl.org; www.shorttermmissions.com (These Web sites provide information about specific student mission projects.) Optional Activity Schedule a meeting with interested group members to pursue mission trip possibilities. 13