St. Andrew's, Albany
Gospel Based Discipleship
Blessed LORD, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Would you like to experience the Gospel in a relaxed, informal way? Gospel Based Discipleship at St. Andrew’s may be what you’re looking for.
It is not a “program.” It is not “traditional” Bible Study. It is an experience of the Gospel, designed to engage people with the Gospel appointed for each Sunday. It depends on participants being willing to share responses to the three questions:
• What words or ideas did you hear?
• What is the Gospel saying to you?
• What is the Gospel calling you to do?
Gospel Based Discipleship (GBD) doesn’t require an experienced leader. Whoever arrives first just arranges the chairs, takes out the Bibles and makes sure this brochure is available. The group gathers by using a gathering prayer and someone volunteers to lead the group. It’s good to rotate the leadership. The appointed Gospel for the day is used. It’s read by three different people from three different versions. People may choose not to have a printed version unless they are reading aloud. This encourages “listening.” The leader poses each of the questions to the group, in turn, and keeps the conversation moving.
The questions are designed to elicit personal reflection, sharing and discussion. It is important for people to know that there are no right or wrong answers. The group is seeking the truth by hearing what the Gospel says to them individually and corporately. Statements like, “That’s not what we believe,” or, “You’re wrong about that,” are not helpful.
Statements that elicit response, such as, “Could you say more about that?” or, “I’ve never thought of that before,” keep the discussion going. Persons who do GBD regularly find new insight and revelation are the rewards.
You do not have to read the appointed Gospel in advance to participate. But if you want to, go to: www.io.com/~kellywp/lectionary.html. St. Andrew’s uses the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), so be sure to click on that version. The appointed Gospel for each Sunday is also listed in the previous Sunday’s worship bulletin so you can read it in your Bible.
Come as you are – come when
you like! Join us Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel to experience the
Gospel together. All are welcome!
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all of creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen.
Join
us upstairs
each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
to experience the Gospel together.
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