Lesson One: Crossing barriers
Objective:
To explore the
barrier-crossing impulse of the gospel, and reflect on its implications for
followers of Jesus in a nation at war.
Opening
exercise: Invite people
to turn to their neighbor (groups of 2 or 3), and discuss the following
questions:
-
What community or group do you identify
with most strongly? -
Describe a person you would feel
uncomfortable sitting beside on an airplane … in the pew on Sunday morning.
Invite the groups to share
their answers with the whole group. Take note of the strong identity markers
and the barriers that are offered. Are they religious, racial, ethnic, gender
or politically based? Note the commonalities and differences. What is the
source of the discomfort?
