Session 2

Session 2: We Are God’s Family

Time: Each session is designed to be 45-60 minutes.
Supplies: Notebook, pencil/pen, technology to watch the videos

Biblical Text 

The Moses journey in Exodus 2-7

Facilitator’s Notes

Key learnings for this session:

  • God called Moses to a diverse journey from multi-cultural, cross-cultural to intercultural.  
  • Moses had to learn to use new tools. What were the new tools?
  • Moses’ challenges were opportunities for change. Identify some of Moses’ opportunities for change?
  • Moses had to learn the culture. What were some indicators that Moses was able to navigate different cultures?
  • Moses becomes countercultural. What was an example of Moses as functioning in a countercultural* mindset?
    (*Counterculture reflects a culture of values and norms of behavior that differ from mainstream society.)

Observations to highlight: 

  • Change is a process.
  • Patience is needed.
  • Moses had a relationship with God.
  • Moses was willing to respond to God’s call despite the challenges. 

Opportunities to present: 

Think about your context. How might you…? 

  • Participate in power with God.
  • Use new tools that work: love, reconciliation, words of freedom.
  • Speak up.
  • Expand your circle of relationships.

Opening Prayer 

Based on Exodus 3

Lord, here I am, be with me as I go…
As I go to where you lead,
As I go to new places and meet new and unfamiliar people and cultures,
As I go towards obedience.
You who are I Am Who I Am.
Like Moses, I will go.
Like Moses, I will speak.
Not by might, not by power, but by your Spirt, oh Lord.
Amen.

View “We are God’s Family” Video Sermonette by Pastor Jason Storbakken. (7 minutes – Link)

View Young Adult Video by Erick Martinez. (5 minutes – Link)

Group Discussion Questions

Use the “We want to know” resource questions from the Introduction. 

Think About It

Many people enjoy traveling and assume it is a cross-cultural experience. But intercultural competency  is broader than a travel experience. It is a personal commitment to work toward transformational thinking. It is an invitation to renewed thinking around difference and to learning appropriate responses as we explore community and relationships with others who are different from us. Intercultural is beyond noticing a difference. It is the process of engagement that transcends our thinking into learning, listening and building relationships.

Journaling Questions 

  • What is your experience interacting across cultures?
  • Looking at the cultural flower (to the right), what are aspects of your culture? How has your culture influenced where you live and who you interact with?
  • What does the term “gather under the Christ banner” mean to you?

Action Steps: Take notice of your community and church 

  • Where is liberation needed?
  • Are there opportunities to participate in power with God?
  • How do you feel about the word power?
  • What do you want to say to your community, family and church?

Making a Connection

  • Write a love letter to your community. 
  • Make an invitation to invite in someone who has been treated like an outsider.
  • “Lord, give me the words.” Intentionally have a conversation with someone you do not usually speak to because they are “different” from you.

Closing: Spoken Word Poem

“We are God’s Family” by Tiara Downer (Link)

Spoken Word text:

We have been saved by grace and now we stand free
As children of God, we are family
And although we come in many different shades
From the breath of God, we each were made
Hatred, confusion, pride, and defeat
Exist like weeds on our family tree
But we stand firm — we know who we are
Like a city on a hilltop our lights shine far
You are my brother, and I will cover you
I will catch you when you fall and pray for you too
You, dear sister, I will love you the same
I will speak good of you and honor your name
We are family under God’s unfailing grace
Together as one we will finish this race
Because I need you and you need me
One body, many parts of God’s family.