Group leader’s guide

This is for leaders to prepare with. If you are a group member, you are welcome to read it—next time it may be your turn to lead.All leader’s guides

IntoOne Learning Map · Group leader’s guide

Seeking Path · Lesson 1: Does Life Have Meaning?

This lesson in one sentence: We were made with care; the meaning of life was placed in us when we were made.

Read aloud at the start: you don’t have to speak · you can ask anything · no pressure

If you described your life lately in one word, which word would you choose?

God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27 · WEB

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 · WEB

Reading “God created man in his own image,” (Genesis 1:27) what is your first reaction? Belief, doubt, curiosity—any is fine.
What do you think is the biggest difference between humans and other animals?
“For we are his workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10)—if that is true, how would it change the way a person sees themselves?
So far, what do you feel gives your life meaning?

If people really were ‘made with great care’, how would that change the way you see yourself?

The leader prays briefly (optional), or simply thanks everyone for coming and agrees the time for next session.

This is the first meeting, and the most important thing is that people feel safe. Read the three lines at the start: you don’t have to speak, you can ask anything, no pressure.
When someone raises a sharp objection, thank them for asking first and don’t rush to argue. You can say, ‘That’s a good question; we will come to it over the next few sessions.’
Don’t ask anyone to declare whether they believe. Today we are just thinking about one question together.
If you pray at the end, the leader alone prays briefly, explaining beforehand that nobody has to close their eyes and anyone who would rather not listen is free to leave first.

The leader is not a teacher but someone who walks alongside everyone.
Give everyone a chance to speak; with someone who talks a lot, you can gently say, ‘Let’s also hear from friends who haven’t spoken yet.’
Don’t rush to give answers. If someone is silent, wait a few more seconds.
For a question you can’t answer, you can say, ‘I don’t know either; let’s look it up together,’ and note it down for next time.
What is said in the group stays in the group.
At the opening, the leader can give their own answer first, showing that it can be simple and honest.