Welcome & Vision | 5 Mins
Welcome everyone and particularly any newcomers this week.
Remind each other of the vision of CIS and the purpose of the weekly group meeting. (Consider using CIS videos and resources to keep this fresh each week).
Remind those graduating to fill in this form using a non-university email address so Christians in Sport can stay in touch with them after they leave university.
Prayer & Evangelism | 10 Mins
In pairs look back on your week of sport and discuss how last week’s group meeting helped you. Follow up with anything people asked for prayer about.
In pairs share prayer points for the week of sport ahead and spend time praying for each other.
Some weeks pray more widely for other clubs and teams in your university which are not represented in the group. Alternatively, you can also use the CIS prayer diary to pray for the whole mission of CIS.
You might also want to use this slot to discuss and plan your evangelistic event for the term and pray specifically about it.
Reach the world of sport for Christ | 20 Mins
Intro
As we connect our sport and faith this session will help us to tackle head on some of our fears as we look to make Jesus know.
Read
Mark 4:1-20
Reflect
What catches your attention in this parable?
Explain
As we evangelise, we get the immense priviledge to participate in God’s salvation work. So what stops us from sharing the gospel?
For many of us, the answer is simply the fear of rejection.
While rejection is inevitable, Jesus encourages his followers to remain steadfast, knowing that the gospel will bear fruit. The parable of the sower teaches that some will turn away, but others will receive the word and experience life-changing transformation. Recognising these two realities keeps us focused on the hope that God is working through us.
Four points that help us overcome fear and keep sharing Christ.
God’s Grace - Our identity is found in Christ, not in others. Remembering that salvation is by grace builds confidence and security.
God’s Judgement - Jesus consistently spoke about judgement, urging people to recognise the reality of hell. Rejecting God leads to judgement.
Our Idols – Let’s not let fear of losing status, comfort, or relationships hold us back from faithful witness.
Our Godliness - Being like God means caring for the lost, which means sharing the gospel is a vital part of godly living.
Discuss
What stops you from sharing the gospel?
How do those four points encourage and challenge you in your witness?
Which of those four points do you particularly need reminding of this week?
Pray
Pray that God’s grace and judgment would stir you to share Jesus boldly in your sport.
Pray that God will convict and expose in you any idols of the heart that hold you back from speaking for Christ.
Pray that godliness will grow in you as you trust the Holy Spirit to bear lasting fruit in both your life and the lives of your sports friends.
Notices | 5 Mins
Update everyone on the key messages for the week. These might include:
Promoting your evangelistic event for the term
Reminding people about carol services and other events the group can make use of.
Resources to share
Encourage group members to sign up for Back Pages Online to stay up to date with the latest videos, blogs, stories, podcasts and prayer content from Christians in Sport.
