PEOPLE OF THE BOOK
Because we are people of the Book, it is good to call on Scripture as we examine God’s call. Because we are human, it is fun if we can have a little friendly competition in the process.
Whether it is at a presbytery meeting or at a clergy retreat, divide your group into at least four (depending on size possibly more) groups. Number your groups, or even more fun, have your group convene and choose a name for their group. Set up a very visible score sheet with each group defined. If the group is large, an overhead projector on a large screen and a scorekeeper with a marker will serve well.
PLAYING THE GAME
The leader will point to the first group and ask them a biblical question about God’s call. If they can answer it, they will score a point. If not, the question will move from group to group until someone provides an answer and thus their group scores a point. Once the point has been scored, the process begins again but with the second group being asked the question.
I have proposed ten questions below for the first phase of the game. This is perhaps the easier phase and is designed for people to relax and enjoy the game. It also refreshes people’s memories to biblical events and reminds them that even as we enjoy the process, we are listening for God’s word.
QUESTIONS FOR THE GAME
The leader asks the first group if they can identify a biblical story about someone responding to God’s call by expressing a lack of confidence in their ability to do what God asks. (In many cases there will be more than one correct answer. You might even offer bonus points if the group can give more than one correct answer.)
- lacked confidence.
____________________
Ask the second group for a biblical example of someone called by God that the world would consider a failure.
- The world would consider a failure.
____________________
Group 3 is to name an example where the obedience to the call was not rewarded economically.
- Was not rewarded economically in responding to the call.
____________________
Group 4: The one called was ridiculed or mocked, even by other people of faith.
- Was ridiculed or mocked.
____________________
If there are four groups, then begin a second round. Adapt to fit your circumstances.
Biblical example where the person who was called was afraid.
- Was afraid.
____________________
Biblical example where the person who was called had doubts.
- Had doubts.
____________________
Biblical example where the person(s) trusted God to give them directions later.
- Trusted God but didn’t know where they were going.
____________________
Biblical example where the person called lacked energy to continue.
- Lacked the energy to continue.
_____________________
Biblical example of where the person called experienced deep depression.
- Experienced depression.
____________________
Biblical example of where the person lacked the skills to do what God asked.
- Lacked the skills to do what God asked.
_____________________
This is the first phase of the game. At this point, the score should be totaled and the winners should be asked to stay seated while the losing groups rise, face the winners, bow and say, “Hail O great Biblical scholars. We salute you.” Or some may add, “until the next time.”
AFTER REFRESHMENTS
Take a break for some refreshments. Then have everyone return to their group designations.
If they have given themselves fun names, you might have each group have a spokesperson rise, declare their name, and some single statement about how they are going to participate in the next phase.
GOD’S CALL TODAY
An Exercise in Excuses
Explain that we are engaging in a fictional and imaginary exchange. We will move around the room beginning with quadrant one. That group will have two minutes to formulate a reason that someone might offer for why they believe that they are no longer called by God to ministry in the church. Then they will have a spokesperson declare that reason to the entire room.
The other quadrants will have three minutes to formulate the best response that God might make to that excuse. Creative paraphrasing of the Scripture is encouraged. Each will share their conclusion, and the first quadrant will declare which response they think is the best. That winning quadrant will score a point.
The process will repeat itself with the second quadrant providing the excuse, and Quadrants 3,4,& 1 having 3 minutes to formulate their response. The initiating quadrant will declare the winner. The best response scores a point.
The process repeats itself with quadrant 3 initiating, etc. There will be two full rounds.
Winners get a reward:
The quadrant scoring the most points will stay seated and the other three quadrants will rise, face them, bow, and declare “We celebrate (give the name of the group) and praise you for your wisdom.”
LITANY OF THE CALL
God’s Been There Done That
PEOPLE: God, I can’t afford to give up the security of my profession to answer your call unless you can be more specific about what’s ahead.
LEADER: That’s what Abram said when I called him and Sarai to leave their country, kindred, father’s house and land. (Gen 12:1)
PEOPLE: God, I’m too young and I lack the courage to be a good pastor.
LEADER: That’s what Jeremiah said when I wanted him to call the nation to repentance. I’m only a boy and I am afraid. (Jeremiah 1:7-8)
PEOPLE: God, I’m not a good speaker and pastors have to be eloquent.
LEADER: That’s what Moses said when I asked him to go and persuade Pharaoh. “I have never been eloquent . . . I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Ex.4:10)
PEOPLE: God, I’m not a leader and could never get enough people to follow me to be effective.
PEOPLE: That’s what Gideon said and I told him that if he had a large army and defeated the enemy, they would brag about how good they were and never give me credit. I like working through people who everyone says aren’t capable. (Judges 7:2)
LEADER: God, I’m not a good enough person to be a pastor. Pastors should be people beyond
LEADER: That’s what Isaiah said when I called him but I had an angel touch him and said “your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out.” (Isaiah 6:7)
PEOPLE: God, you must be in error. I rejected the church a long time ago.
LEADER: That’s what Saul said when I met him on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:1 ff )
PEOPLE: God, maybe you don’t understand how the world works. You have to have a position of power and wealth if you are going to make a difference.
LEADER: You mean Jesus was in error when he said to his disciples, “I’m sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.”? (Luke 10:3-4)
PEOPLE: God, I don’t have the wisdom to debate all those skeptics out there. What would I say to convince them of the truth?
lEADER: So let me get this straight, you don’t know the future, consider yourself too young, lack courage, get tongue tied when you speak, don’t know how to lead others, lack high moral qualities, and have been a visible opponent of my church. Sounds just like the type of person I can work with.
I’m giving you just one piece of advice. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
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