On Behalf of All and For All: Introduction

Study Sections

Purpose

This Bible Study studies the theme of the Twelfth All-American Council: “On Behalf of All and for All. “The biblical passages focus on what we personally, and in our families, parishes, and the Church can offer to each other and to the world. The Reflections on the Text section presents ideas for discussion, while the section Relating the Bible to Our Lives offers questions for personal and group reflection and action.

As the Christian life is experienced in community and is essentially ecclesial in nature and not understood individualistically, each section of the Bible Study explores our offerings within the context of our various relationships, those in our family, with our friends, our fellow parishioners, and with our neighbors.

Who Should Use the Study? The Bible Study should be used as widely as possible in the parish to help all members understand how and to what extent they are to offer their gifts and talents to each other, the parish, to the Church, and to the world. This Bible Study can be also used in conjunction with previous bible studies prepared on the topics of community life and vocations, which are available from the website of the Orthodox Church in America or by writing P.O. Box 675, Syosset, NY 11791.

How and When Should the Study be Used? It may be used at any time as a separate study unity, apart from preparation for the Council. Each participant should have his/her own copy of the study. The study may be photocopied or downloaded from the OCA website.

Leadership

Leadership requires a facilitator to keep the discussion process moving. This could be a priest, teacher or lay leader in the parish. The leader should function primarily as a facilitator rather than as a teacher conducting a lesson.

Time Frame

Five weekly sessions are recommended, or several sessions during a weekend retreat (Friday evening and Saturday, ending with Vespers). Each session can be 45-60 mm. or 60-90 mm. long, depending upon the size of the group (larger groups will require more time for discussion). A person should be appointed to keep track of time for each segment and for the total period. Beginning and ending on time will encourage attendance at successive sessions.

Suggested Format - Small Groups

(a) Ask a person to read the Bible text while others follow in their own books. (3-5 mm.)

(b) Let group members point out important ideas from the text (have one person list these on a large sheet of paper) - elaboration on these points should be left until the small group discussions. (10 mm.)

(d) Let everyone read silently the “Reflections on the Text” (5 mm.)

(e) Each group will then turn to the questions under “Relating the Text to Our Lives” and discuss them in the light of what they have read in the biblical text and in the “Reflections.” Groups may choose to focus on one question or several questions or issues. (20-30 mm.). One person in each group should serve as a recorder of the main ideas and questions coming out of the discussion.

(f) Bring the groups back together to share their ideas and findings in one or more of the following ways:

What did we learn from the text or the reflections.
What is important for our parish life? (Issues, problems, challenges, possibilities for growth.)
What can we do, either personally or together as members or groups of the parish, as a result of what we learned today?

Suggested Format - Large Groups/Parish-Wide Study

(a) Follow the same format as described above, except divide into groups immediately after the reading of the biblical text. The biblical text could be read separately in each group. (See also Option 2 below)

(b) Groups may consist of more than 5 persons, but should not exceed 8—10. Let each group list important points on large sheets of paper. Large groups may divide according to functions or organizations in the parish, e.g., parish council, women’s group, youth, etc. and focus on what their sub-group in the parish can contribute to the life of the whole parish in the light of the issues discussed.

(d) Same as above.

(e) Same as above.

Other Options

For large groups, a one-day session on a Saturday could be organized, with a meal included to allow more time for discussion or to cover one or more sessions from the Bible Study booklet.
Each group could focus on a different biblical text, and present their topic and reflections to the whole group at the end.

As the discussion leader, you have an opportunity to help people think through and express their ideas about the theme On Behalf of All and For All.

Here are some suggestions to help you.

Before the group meets, become thoroughly familiar with the contents and information found within the Bible Study. Make notes on your own thoughts and insights so that you can share them with the group.
Establish and adhere to a beginning and ending time for your gathering. If the group wants to continue after the time allotted, you can set a second meeting time or continue your initial meeting after a short break, so that those who must leave may do so without embarrassment.
Try to meet in a place that is inviting and comfortable (avoid harsh light and uncomfortable folding chairs). Have paper and pencils for group members, and a chalkboard or butcher paper on an easel or wall with markers to write words or information you want the whole group to see. Arrange chairs at a table or in a semicircle, depending on group size and meeting space.
When the group meets, encourage everyone to take part. But be aware that some people talk more than others, which is fine. Don't be afraid of silence, or be too quick to fill a silence after a question is presented. Also be genuine in welcoming each group member’s presence, opinions, and contributions. Here are a few suggestions on how to address the group when one or a few participants seem to monopolize too much of the group conversation.
Break in politely, thank the speaker for his or her ideas, and raise a new question.
Don't respond to a speaker if she or he goes on too long. A response only encourages more talk.
Ask a question and then say, “Could we have some responses from whose who have not spoken yet?
Go around the group taking turns responding to a question (but only a few times - not for every question) and end with the talkative person. Try to start with someone who has spoken at least once before, not with someone who has been silent and might be uncomfortable going first.
Everyone should feel free to “pass” on responding.
Try to maintain the delicate balance between flexibility and the need to keep the discussion on track. Always have the original question in mind. Of course, if discussion of the question leads to a topic that everyone seems eager to talk about, you should continue with it. Real irrelevancies, however, should be pulled back into line by your courteous reminder to the group to get back to the original question.
Remember that these sessions are designed to encourage common exploration and reflection on the theme. The leader should avoid lecturing or dominating the discussion.