Key Bible Passage(s):

I Thess.3:2-4; Heb.10:32-34

This session has a different format than most others on DTP. Likely over half the time will be spent on the initial Group work. Given the nature of the material there is not the usual opportunity to offer three tiers.

In the session we explore how we need to be a Church that:

…knows and accepts the Bible’s teaching

…understands the spiritual dynamics of persecution

…supports each other

…is politically & culturally involved

…is legally engaged (looking ahead to next session)

You may feel, depending on those you are taking through DTP that not all of this would be appropriate or necessary, so if you need to slim down the content, that would be the way to do it.

How did Jesus expect His disciples to react under persecution? (In Matthew 5:12 He said), "Rejoice and be glad!" We are not to retaliate like an unbeliever, nor sulk like a child, nor lick our wound in self-pity like a dog, nor just grin a bear it like a Stoic, still less pretend we enjoy it like a masochist. What then? We are to rejoice as a Christian should and even "leap for joy" (Lk. 6:23).

John Stott

Group Discussion:

If your pastor was arrested,

part (i):

[slide 1] What does [our Church] do next?

[slide 2] How do you think you would respond personally to a situation like this developing at [our Church]?

Part (ii):

The Police visit your home address because they know you were present in the congregation that morning.

[slide 3]

How do you respond?

Do you know your rights?

What would you do after the visit is over?

Feedback

[Slide 4] How has your response to this scenario been shaped by what we were considering before half-term?

And later in the session:

If [our Church] were to put together a Rapid Response Unit to support those caught in persecution, what would it consist of? What would it do?

How do you think you might react to the prospect of the Church in the UK being persecuted / marginalised? Do you feel this is already beginning to happen?

How can you increase your support to Christians who are already facing persecution?

Homework:

Check out the Christian Institute & Christian Concern’s websites

If you ahven’t already done so, read the article: Are Christians in the UK being persecuted?

Prepare for Invitation Week:

How has this term changed the way you think about being a Christian? What inspires you? What has caused anxiety? Why do you think that is?

Do you think it is getting harder to be a Christian in the UK? Why / Why not?

How confident would you be facing a growingly hostile context?

How does the prospect of that impact how the Church might pray for and prepare (and where appropriate, parent / grandparent) children and young people? How should this affect children’s and youth work?

What is life looking like for you after DTP? How are planning to engage differently with the mission and ministry of [our Church]? How is your discipleship looking different?

How is your Rule of Life shaping up?  What changes did you (plan to) make?  Have you kept them going?  Reflect on your experience of trying to follow a Rule of Life.

How could DTP develop going forward?

Would you be interested in teaching this material in a small group?