Talking Points

Discussion questions for selected articles from THE LIVING CHURCH March 11, 2012 By the Rev. J.D. McQueen II News
General Synods Phony War I want to give the House of Bishops the chance to see whether the situation can be salvaged. What are some of the common obstacles to be overcome in reaching an effective compromise? Talk about a time when you experienced a conflict that could not be resolved through compromise.

Features

Parish Evangelism for a Different Era Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit that men might come to trust him as Savior and serve him as Lord in the fellowship of his Church. What are the things that get in the way of your trusting and serving Jesus in this way? What might it look like if everyone in your parish overcame those obstacles? Would evangelism or service be problem areas in ministry there? Receptive Ecumenism What kind of ecumenical relationships does your parish have? How are people able to participate in those relationships? Walking Together in Haiti Doing follows being. Do you agree with how Mark Harris describes the difference between transaction and transformation and how the two relate? Can you think of examples of this in your own relationships? Josephs Sheltering Arms Have you, in past or present, had male role models that fit the description offered on page 21? Texans Read, Mark, Learn Have you benefited from reflection or teaching offered by someone besides your regular parish priest? How would a program like the one described work in your parish?

Cultures

Art of Forgiveness How often do you make an examination of conscience and a confession? What keeps you from doing it more often? How would your life, your family, or your parish look different if everyone made more frequent examinations and confessions?

Catholic Voices

An African Text for an African Crisis What are the daily issues and crises in your immediate geographical area? What is your parish doing to address those issues and meet those needs?