• Welcome everyone and particularly any newcomers this week.
• Remind each other of the vision of CIS and the purpose of the weekly group meeting. (Consider using CIS videos and resources to keep this fresh each week).

1. In pairs look back on your week of sport and discuss how last week’s group meeting helped you. Follow up with anything people asked for prayer about.
2. In pairs share prayer points for the week of sport ahead and spend time praying for each other.

Some weeks pray more widely for other clubs and teams in your university which are not represented in the group. Alternatively, you can also use the CIS prayer diary to pray for the whole mission of CIS.

You might also want to use this slot to discuss and plan your evangelistic event for the term and pray specifically about it.

Week 12 | Helping a sports person become a Christian

Introduction

As we Pray Play Say Together as a group this session seeks to equip us in helping a friend who wants to become a Christian.

Read

Read Mark 8:34-38

Reflect

How does this passage emphasise the importance of following Jesus when it comes to being a Christian?

Explain

After a conversation with his disciples about his identity Jesus helps them understand that to become a Christian is linked with a deep conviction about who he is, what he came to do and what it truly means to follow him in the world.

As we seek to help our friend become a Christian it is essential we talk with them about who they think Jesus is and what he came to do. We also need to help them understand what a life of obedience following him will look like, and what to expect if they reject Jesus.

This journey can be different for everyone. As we help our friend, praying with and/or for them is essential. Ask God to help them see more fully who Jesus is, and pray that they would know Jesus' help with them by his Spirit, as they explore the gospels and being to follow him.

Discuss

1. How does Jesus’ teaching counter other views people have about what it means to be a Christian?
2. How can we journey with our sports friends and live in such a way that they see the cost of following Jesus as attractive?
3. What prayer could you pray with your friend if they wanted to become a Christian? (Admit sin, Believe Christ, Commit to following him)

Pray

• Pray for each other, that you would model a life of faith and obedience to Jesus in your sports clubs.
• Ask God to give your friends a conviction of their sin and cause them to turn Jesus.
• Pray for three people in your sports club and ask for opportunities to talk and pray with them this season.

Update everyone on the key messages for the week. These might include:

• Sharing the student sign up link
• Promoting your evangelistic event for the term
• Plugging New Year Training
• Reminding people about carol services and other events the group can make use of.

Share these resources with your group at the end or immediately after the meeting to encourage them.

Listen

Should I smoke to have gospel conversations with my teammates?

Watch

How can I help my sports friend become a Christian?

Read

How can I help my friend become a Christian?