• 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 9 | Inviting a sports friend to hear the gospel proclaimed

Introduction

As we continue to reach the world of university sport for Christ this session will help us see how God works through his proclaimed word and our role in bringing our friends to hear it.

Read

Read Romans 10:9-15

Reflect

How does this passage help you see the value in giving your sports friends the opportunity to hear the gospel?

Explain

Here we see the heart of God as he richly blesses all people who call on him and saves them from their sin (v13). Notice the connection Paul makes between someone hearing, believing and declaring. As someone hears the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, their hearts burn with belief, which flows to a declaration with their mouths (v9).

In light of this, as followers of Jesus in the world of university sport, we have the privilege and opportunity to invite our sports friends to events, services or conversations where they will hear the gospel being preached. And what can give us the courage to do this? Because we can be confident in knowing that God will work through his proclaimed Word.

Discuss

1. How does seeing God’s heart for all people encourage or challenge you today?
2. How does knowing what God will do through his proclaimed Word help you in your desire to share the gospel?
3. Practically what could you do to give your sports friends more opportunities to hear the gospel being proclaimed whilst at university? How are you going to be the “beautiful feet” described in v15?

Pray

• Pray that God would increase your confidence in the truth and power of God’s Word
• Ask God to give you courage to invite friends to places where they will hear God’s word proclaimed.
• Pray for wisdom as to how best to follow up and help your friend continue to explore the gospel further.

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

How do people become Christians today?

Watch

University football, fat chillis and gospel chats

Read

How do I bring a sportsperson to hear the gospel proclaimed?