(25 minutes)

Materials

• 4 x 6 index cards, one for each participant
• Pencils or pens
• Clock or timer
• Bell or chime

Description

This non-drawing-oriented activity is a good alternative to Activity 4, What Is My Faith?

Invite participants to consider how they have formed images of God, positive or negative, over time. Say:

Perhaps you recall teachings from childhood or chance conversations with others. Perhaps your experiences include a rejection—or an embrace—of the idea of God. Perhaps you recall spiritual and theological questions you had as a youth or a young adult. Perhaps you remember when your notion of the existence and nature of God somehow did not make sense anymore. Perhaps you lost your comfort with the word “God” and began using other terms, such as “the divine,” “the ultimate mystery,” or “a force greater than humans.” Perhaps you have experienced moments of spiritual crisis or a crisis of meaning.

Hand out index cards and writing implements, and ask people to divide the cards into four quadrants. Say, “Title the quadrants Age 5, Age 15, Age 25, and Today. Describe or draw your notion of God—or whatever term you choose—at each age.” Allow several minutes for participants to fill their index cards.

Invite participants to form groups of four and share the ways that their notions of God have developed over time. Tell them they will have 15 minutes for this sharing. Ring a bell or chime every three or four minutes to remind participants to switch speakers if they haven’t done so.

After 15 minutes, reconvene the group. Ask participants to quietly consider two questions: “How will your faith, as you understand it today, ground you as you fulfill your leadership role? How will the strength or wisdom of your decision-making grow from your faith?” Allow a few moments of silence for participants to reflect.