We are primarily created and called, not for ourselves, not for the good of our neighbors or the needs of society, but solely “with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven, to laud and magnify His Holy name.” We are called to increase that clear, delightful knowing of His being, of that splendor of holiness, that mysterious beauty and wonder which fills the temple of life. That is what we are for.
Underhill: The Ways of the Spirit, p. 202-203
Preperation For Context Session I
To explore the commitments and callings in each Seeker’s life now; asking how they support or conflict with doing something new. To ask what exhausts and what renews each Seeker, including the implications for future ministry.
Readings
- “Listening Hearts” chapter 4
- Mark 6:30-46
- Luke 10:38-42
- Psalm 84
Questions for Reading and Discussion
1. What are your present commitments and responsibilities? How do they support or conflict with doing something new? What freedoms and limitations do you experience at this time in your life?
2. Brainstorm a list of places mentioned in the Bible (for example: Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Egypt, Garden of Eden, Jordan River, etc.) Choose a place that resembles your life now and describe why. Choose a place you would like your life to go. Describe why.
3. What exhausts, and what refreshes you, about your place of work? What do you value about your current work?
4. What makes home home? What makes a space sacred? Where, when, how, and with whom do you play? Where do you vacation (recreate)?
5. What do you want to accomplish before you die? What legacy do you want to leave? You might write a portion of your obituary as one way of approaching these questions.
Following Context Session: Individual Reflections
You will use these notes in writing the final Discernment Reflection
1. What new learnings about yourself have surfaced in this session?
2. What new learnings about each other have surfaced in this session?
Preperation For Context Session II
To ask with whom (age, condition, special needs, culture or nationality) each Seeker envisions and resists ministering, and why.
Readings
- “Listening Hearts” chapter 5
- Galatians 3:28
- Matthew 25:31-46
- Isaiah 61:1-3
Lesser Feasts and Fasts: The biographies of Jonathan Daniels and David Oakerhater
… in Christ, God makes Godself vulnerable; in Christ, God defines God as nonviolent. …And if we really understand the parable of the last judgment, in which every hungry child is Christ, we can say: Christ is God’s wound in the world. Therefore we need a window of vulnerability if we want to live in inward relationship with Christ.
Soelle: The Window of Vulnerability, p.xi
Questions for Reading and Discussion
1. Who are you drawn to in ministry? In whom do you take delight? For whom do you feel great compassion and affection?
2. Who do you resist being with in ministry? Who do you find offensive, overwhelming, or “difficult?” Who do you fear? What human conditions or character traits offend or disgust you?
3. Luther said that we are to be Christ to each other. When and how have you experienced Christ in and through another person?
4. After reading the biographies of Jonathan Daniels and David Oakerhater, found in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, reflect on your responses and observations about their lives and ministries. Do you find yourself drawn to ministry with people who are different or similar to yourself?
5. The Solemn Collects for Good Friday, found on pages 277-280 in The Book of Common Prayer, speak about Christ’s love for the Church, all the nations and peoples of the earth, and those who have authority over them, all who suffer and are afflicted, and all who have not received the Gospel of Christ. How do you participate in this love?
Following Context Session: Individual Reflections
You will use these notes in writing the final Discernment Reflection
1. What new learnings about yourself have surfaced in this session?
2. What new learnings about each other have surfaced in this session?
Preperation For Context Session III
To ask where each Seeker envisions and resists ministering including restrictions created by family commitments.
Readings
- “Listening Hearts” chapter 6
- Exodus 3:1-4:13
- Jonah 1:1-3a
Questions for Reading and Discussion
1. Where have you always dreamed about going? Why? What draws your heart there?
2. Where do you envision yourself ministering? Why? What draws your heart there?
3. What commitments (family, financial, denominational, educational, etc.) influence your place of ministry?
4. Try to visit one of the following:
- Another Episcopal Church (different in size, liturgy, etc. from your own)
- A place where you feel drawn to ministry
- A place where you resist ministering
then record through writing or art your response to the experience.
Following Context Session: Individual Reflections
You will use these notes in writing the final Discernment Reflection
1. What new learnings about yourself have surfaced in this session?
2. What new learnings about each other have surfaced in this session?