SHARE
Encourage members to share their thoughts on the following questions:
What is a piece of advice an older relative gave you that you didn’t understand until much later?
Who in your life has impacted your faith, and what was it about them that inspired you?
Thought
There is a model called The 3 M’s of Connection. There are a few ways to interpret the three M’s, one being they stand for mirror, mentor and model. The idea is that in life we need three types of people to support us, and we can all be these three types of people for others.
The mirror
These are the people at a similar age and stage of life to you. They are the ones who are experiencing similar issues and similar joys. They get to say ‘Me too’ to the things you thought you were the only one experiencing – and you get to do that for them too!
The mentor
These are the people who have already walked the path that you are just starting. They get to offer their hindsight as your foresight. Their wisdom is invaluable.
The model
These are those who are yet to start the paths that you have walked. You get the privilege of reaching back for them.
If we take this model, and the idea that we each have a responsibility and an invitation to join in with the Kingdom of God, we see that if we are all in our right place, no one falls through the cracks of faith formation.
CRAFT
Paper chains of faith
Give each member three strips of card, each a different colour, though members may wish for more strips. On the strips write …
Colour one
Those who have passed faith on to you, thinking about what it was that inspired you. Write their names and characteristics. Members may also wish to colour and draw.
Colour two
Those that encourage you by being at the same point; those you rub shoulders with.
Colour three
Name a few people who you might have the opportunity to mentor. In big and small ways, who do you give advice to, or ask how they’re doing? Who do you see yourself in? If this is hard, think about the gifts you have or the areas you care about. Write those down instead / as well.
When members have finished, ask them to make paper chains with their strips. The chains can then be taken home and hung somewhere to help them remember in thanks those who support them, and to pray for those younger / coming behind them. Alternatively all the chains can be linked together so the longer chain of faith can be a visual aid for your group to pray that faith is passed on through them.
DISCUSS
Group wisdom
If the group has members of different life stages / generations, or perhaps is larger, this activity could work well. Intergenerational relationships don’t have to just be about mentoring the youth of our church; it’s about those in their 50’s and 70’s connecting too!
Hand out the sticky notes and ask members to record their thoughts on:
Sticky note 1
What is one question you have for other Christians or people at a different stage of life from you?
Sticky note 2
What is one piece of encouragement or advice you would give to those who are following behind you?
Discuss the questions as a larger group, or in smaller ones. Encourage the conversation to flow, and wisdom to be passed between the group’s members.
