Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendour and majesty. Psalm 104:1

Training Session: "Culture of Encounter with Jesus: The Call to Encounter"

 

Training Session: "Culture of Encounter with Jesus: The Call to Encounter"

Objective:
This training session aims to deepen participants' understanding of what it means to cultivate a culture of encounter with Jesus. Through reflective coaching questions, the session will encourage personal reflection and practical application in daily life.

I. Introduction: Understanding the Call to Encounter

  • Opening Prayer:
    Begin with a prayer asking for guidance and openness to the call of Jesus in our lives.
  • Brief Overview:
    • Explain the concept of a "culture of encounter" as a way of life that invites and embraces a personal relationship with Jesus.
    • Discuss the importance of encountering Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as a living presence in our daily lives.

II. Reflective Coaching Questions

1. Exploring Personal Encounters with Jesus

  • Question: Can you recall a moment in your life when you felt a deep, personal encounter with Jesus? What were the circumstances, and how did it affect you?
    • Follow-up: How has this encounter shaped your faith journey since then?
  • Question: What does an "encounter with Jesus" mean to you personally? How do you distinguish it from a general sense of spirituality or religious practice?
    • Follow-up: How might recognising these encounters impact your daily life?

2. Cultivating Openness to Encounter

  • Question: What are some barriers that might prevent you from fully encountering Jesus in your daily life?
    • Follow-up: How can you begin to address these barriers?
  • Question: In what ways can you create space in your life to be more open to encountering Jesus?
    • Follow-up: What practical steps can you take this week to make time for this?

3. Encountering Jesus in Others

  • Question: How do you see Jesus in the people around you, especially in those who are difficult to love?
    • Follow-up: How can you change your perspective to see these encounters as opportunities to meet Jesus?
  • Question: How can you foster a culture of encounter within your community, making it easier for others to experience Jesus?
    • Follow-up: What role can you play in this process, either in your church, family, or workplace?

4. Responding to the Call to Encounter

  • Question: How do you feel called to respond to Jesus’ invitation to encounter Him more deeply?
    • Follow-up: What specific actions or changes might this call inspire in your life?
  • Question: What are the challenges you might face in responding to this call, and how can you overcome them?
    • Follow-up: Who can support you in this journey, and how will you seek their help?

III. Group Discussion and Sharing

  • Small Group Sharing:
    Divide participants into small groups to discuss their reflections on the questions. Encourage openness and confidentiality, allowing each person to share their thoughts and experiences.
  • Group Feedback:
    Reconvene as a larger group, allowing a few participants to share insights or key takeaways from their discussions.

IV. Practical Application: Living the Culture of Encounter

  • Action Plan:
    • Question: What one thing can you commit to doing this week to cultivate a deeper encounter with Jesus?
    • **Encourage participants to write down their commitments and consider pairing up with a partner for accountability.
  • Closing Prayer:
    Conclude with a prayer asking for the grace to live out the culture of encounter in every aspect of life.

V. Conclusion

  • Wrap-up:
    Summarise the key points discussed during the session, reinforcing the importance of daily encounters with Jesus.
  • Final Encouragement:
    Encourage participants to continue reflecting on these questions and to seek out ways to deepen their relationship with Jesus.

This training session is designed to not only educate but also to inspire practical change in the lives of participants as they respond to the call of Jesus to encounter Him more fully.