The Journey of a Thousand Steps

The Metanoia Series is designed to be used in a variety of ministry settings. Ideally, the course is to be undertaken by a small group brought together for the specific purpose of exploring a particular topic. A small group approach is important to assure that each individual plays a vital role in the group and is able to personally interact with all of the other group members. A group of four to sixteen persons is ideal. Larger groups can be broken down into two or more small groups, as needed. The series is best suited for relational style youth ministry. That is, ministry that focuses on the building of relationships in an effort to create Christ-centered closeness. This ministry style uses scripture and prayer as the foundation for all programming. As you will see, The Metanoia Series builds on this foundation throughout the entire experience. This focus serves to separate the series from the world and ties the individuals together in a unique way. The honest sharing of self, which is a hallmark of this type of ministry, helps to forge the bonds of Christian friendship which is an inevitable result of the experience. A group which is not prepared to share in this way will not experience the same effect and may not enjoy the same impact on their lives and relationships.

The series can be used by youth groups, young adult groups, Bible study groups, or Sunday church school programs. The courses are best experienced as a whole, but individual pieces can be used to fit a specific ministry need. The deep nature of the topics explored typically requires a mature group, high school students or above are best suited to this level of seriousness. This is not to say that the journey will be too arduous for today's Christian young person. On the contrary, these young people are searching more and more for meaning in their lives and in the world around them. By this point in their lives, they have often nurtured a committed desire to live a more Christ-centered life. It is with this in mind that this course was designed.

Step by Step

This course, Metanoia: A Changing of the Mind, is part of a larger youth ministry programming initiative entitled The Metanoia Series. The series, and this course in particular, focuses on personal growth and enrichment, as well as Christian education. The Greek word metanoia is literally defined as a changing of the mind. This concept of personal renewal is often used in conjunction with confession and repentance. The creation or re-creation of a new person is a result of the forgiveness which is ours through Jesus Christ, as a gift of grace. This belief is at the very heart of The Metanoia Series. A turning away from self and a returning to God is the first step of this faith journey. A desire to take these steps and a commitment to the journey is all that is required of the individual.

"Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty"

Malachi 3:7

This scriptural promise serves as the foundation for the curriculum and reminds the individual of the task required.