Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It's a good time to try the exercise below–in a board meeting, small group, staff retreat, Sunday school class, ministry team, or other small group setting.
This activity takes its cue from the words of thanksgiving in Paul's prayer for the Philippian Christians. Paul began by thanking God for his fellow believers, thus deepening his connection with them in the most foundational way. When believers today follow his example, expressing thanks for one another, the bond among them also grows stronger.
Exercise
1. Read Philippians 1:3-8 aloud.
2. Explain to group members that you'll use the next 30 to 45 minutes simply expressing thanks for each member. When we affirm fellow Christians, we honor God, who has placed these people in our lives.
3. Start with one group member and say something like: "Let's take a few minutes to thank God for Jeff. What do you see in Jeff's life that prompts you to thank God for Jeff? What brings you joy when Jeff comes to mind?"
Be prepared with a comment or two if no one speaks up immediately. After one or two comments, the affirmations should start bubbling forth naturally.
People should tell brief stories or share brief descriptions of qualities in the person's life. For example, "I thank God for Sarah because she always has a kind word even when she's having a tough day." Or, "I thank God for Ron because he's always volunteering his time to help people with their computer problems." Or, "I thank God for Linda because she prays so faithfully for friends who need the Lord."
4. Budget your time so each group member will be the subject of discussion for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the number of participants and the time available. Be careful not to spend inordinate time on the first couple of members. Otherwise, you may run short of time.
5. At the end of the session, ask group members to join hands as they sit or stand. Lead in a closing prayer that reflects Paul's words in Philippians 1:3-8 and offer praise to God for the believers in the group. Close by asking God to solidify the bond that holds you together in the unity of the Spirit.
Excerpted from our free sample Creating Community
