Community of Christ.net

SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST

A missionary resource outline

SESSION 1: THE INVITATION

¨ Participation in a Christ-centered community transforms one's life. The Community of Christ affirms the worth of each and every person.

¨ An experience with Jesus Christ can be very personal, but always leads to relationships with other people.  Each person is on a journey with God.

SESSION 2:  THE SEARCH FOR MEANING AND HOPE

¨ Human beings have a longing for God that can only be filled by God.

¨ Each person asks important questions: What is the meaning of my life? Where can I find hope? Am I loved?

¨ Following Christ will change how we look at the world and others will ultimately change us.

¨ The journey with God is life-long and is best done in the company of others.

SESSION 3:  HE IS OUR PEACE, THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

¨ Jesus is God's presence with us and the example of what life with God can mean.

¨ God's nature is one of love, compassion, and personal revelation.

¨ Jesus is God's response to our needs and questions. Following Jesus, whether in baptism, mission, or service is our response to god's love.

¨ Following Christ is a life-long commitment to discipleship, that involves an active response in compassion, peace, and justice, and witness.

SESSION 4:  THE CHURCH AS THE BODY OF CHRIST

¨ For the human body, new energy comes when there is refreshment and renewal.  For the church "restoration," in its truest sense, is the reconciling and renewing activity of God in lives and creation.

¨ Describing the church as the body of Christ means that the church is the primary means by which the ministry of Christ continues in the world today.

¨ The church's history is an ongoing story of a people who seek to be faithful to God's call.

¨ The mission of the Community of Christ is to promote Christ-centered communities that demonstrate the love of Christ for all people.

SESSION 5:  COME, FOLLOW ME

¨ The call is for people to follow Christ. This includes baptism and being willing to commit to share one's gifts and abilities in ministry.  Priesthood is one expression of the principle that all are called to serve.

¨ The church expects to receive continuing revelation from God that will reveal new insights and truths for our time and for the future.

¨ The sacraments are ministries of affirmation and commitment that invite God's spirit to assist us as we grow in our journey with Christ.

¨ Stewardship is the wholehearted commitment of one's life and resources to the mission of Christ.

SESSION 6:  A GLOBAL COMMUNITY

¨ The purpose of the church is to empower individuals and congregations for service in God's world.

¨ There are many differences among us: of age, of cultures, of opinions, and yet, a strong sense of belonging or "family connection" exists throughout the church.

¨ The church is called to be part of a global community, and members are encouraged to address global issues wherever they live.

¨ Each disciple, of whatever age or culture, makes a difference by offering their individual gifts and desires to serve God and others.

SESSION 7:  RESPONDING TO THE CALL

¨ Baptism is, in some ways, the beginning of a journey with Christ.  It is the beginning of a new life and a new future.

¨ Each member of the church and each congregation is challenged to live out what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in ways which can be easily recognized.

¨ Commitment to Christ and participation in a congregation does not mean life without struggles.  The church community is called to provide an environment of acceptance, love, belonging, and accountability where individuals can grow in their relationship with god and where the struggles and joys of life can be shared.

¨ Being a brother or sister in Christ calls us to share with others how this commitment and relationship with god has made a difference in our lives.

¨ Every person is invited to discipleship with Christ and membership in the Community of Christ. 

October 22, 2004