MODULE 6: THE VISION MEETING

One of the most important parts of the process is sharing the vision of Alongsiders with the young people in a church. We call this The Vision Meeting.

We often use a flipchart to share the vision because it gives you a simple set process to follow along. The front of the flipchart has pictures and the back has text to remind you.

In this module you will learn how to use the Alongsiders flipchart to explain the Vision, Commitments, and Steps to Joining.

Bible Study

In Acts 4:1-22 Peter and John were sharing the vision of the Kingdom of God at a Vision Meeting. The people who listened were surprised and challenged:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognised them as companions of Jesus…” (verse 13)

What does the phrase “companions of Jesus” mean to you? When people think of you would they say the same thing?

Peter and John were not educated men with high positions in society. There was no reason for people to listen to a couple of fishermen. Yet they had a powerful impact! The vision they shared impacted many lives. In verse 4 it says 5000 people believed their message.

The power lay in the fact that Peter and John were "companions of Jesus". They had spent time with Jesus and everyone could tell.

As you speak and share the vision of Alongsiders, which is nothing more than the vision of the Kingdom of God where everyone is making disciples and caring for the poor, will you also be recognized as one who is a "companion of Jesus"?

Richard Rohr, a great teacher, theologian and community organizer says:

“Basically I’m saying this, what you are going to be able to hand on to your young people is who you are. Transformed people transform people, just by being who they are”.

Are you being transformed every day through a close relationship with Jesus? This is what will bear fruit as you share the vision to care for orphans.

Questions

List 3 reasons pastors might be interested in Alongsiders

How old are the LBS?

4 years old to 14 years old

5 years old to 15 years old

5 years old to 18 years old

16 years old to 30 years old

How old do Alongsiders have to be?

At least 14

At least 15

At least 16

At least 17

At least 18

Why is it so important that Alongsiders choose a little brother/sister close to their home (within 1 kilometer)

How will you answer if someone asks to have more than one LBS?

Why don't we allow Alongsiders to choose a child they are related to?

In your context will the Alongsiders choose children within or outside the church? Why?

List the 4 steps to joining

After sharing with young people at the Vision Meeting what documents will you give them?

How would you follow up after the Vision Meeting?

Any other comments, questions or concerns?

Your name?

Inspiration

Be inspired by the story of Phearom, one of the Alongsiders movement leaders in Cambodia. He came from a very poor background himself. Now God is using him to raise up young Christians all over the country to walk alongside vulnerable children.