First Dialogue

After the talk on Repentance and Faith ending Module One, the discussion group leaders meet individually with each of the members of their group. These meetings should be held within the week prior to the start of Module Two.

The purpose of this meeting is to see how the participants are doing, and more importantly, to see whether they are ready to go on.

Readiness to go on consists in being willing to repent and turn away from serious wrongdoing. Has the person repented for serious sin? You need to ask them directly and get a direct response. If they are unclear as to what is serious sin, go through the list. Note that what is important is willingness to turn away from sin. Sometimes the actual turning away may not be accomplished in a single, immediate act (e.g. breaking off with a partner in a premarital sexual or adulterous relationship or giving up addiction to liquor). But if they are willing to repent and continue with the CLP, they may be allowed to go on. Work out with them a timetable for finally setting their lives right, and follow up on them through the succeeding weeks. NO ONE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TAKE MODULE TWO IF THERE ARE SERIOUS THINGS THAT THE PERSON IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE STEPS TO AMEND.

Readiness also involves a willingness to follow Jesus and to learn more about Him.

These individual meetings may be held at any place convenient to both leader and participant. It may be at either's home or office, in a church, in a restaurant, at a park, etc. The only requirements are privacy and a peaceful atmosphere.

If there are any issues on wrongdoing that you cannot resolve, refer them to the team leader. Also inform the team leader of any participant who cannot be allowed to go on, prior to the start of Module Two.

Reminders:

• The principle of confidentiality is still very much in force. Keep to yourself whatever information is brought out, except what you cannot handle, in which case you should bring the same to the team leader. Any discussion of serious problems should be only with the team leader (or if necessary with the supervising Unit Head or the Chapter Head), and should not be specifically taken up during the team meeting. The team meeting is a time of sharing in general, to see where people are at. Always avoid gossip, slander, or any wrong way of speaking about any participant.
  

• Inform the team leader immediately of any problem you cannot handle or of any obstacle to being prayed with for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Don't wait till prior to the prayer session itself.

Guide Questions for the Meeting:

• We have been talking and discussing basics of our faith. Are there any questions that have not been answered? Is there any unclarity that I can help you with? Is there any objection to any of the sessions?

• How is your prayer time?

• The first step to a full and committed life with the Lord is repentance, i.e., turning away from serious wrongdoing and turning toward the Lord. If there is serious wrongdoing in your life, are you willing to make a definite break with it? Serious wrongdoing includes the following:

  • Non-Christian religions and non-Christian practices (e.g., Freemasonry, New Age, Transcendental Meditation, yoga, etc.)

  • All forms of the occult, spiritualism, witchcraft.

  • Not yet married in church but already living together

  • Sexual wrongdoing (adultery, premarital sex, masturbation, active homosexuality, perversity, use of artificial contraception, abortion, etc.)

  • Murder, stealing, cheating.

  • Lying, slander, gossip.

  • Drunkenness, drugs.

  • Note for Catholics: To make repentance full and effective, go to sacramental confession and make a firm resolution to lead a new life acceptable to Jesus.

• Have you been receiving the sacraments of the Eucharist and reconciliation?

• Is there anything you wish to share or discuss with me? Is there any other way I can help you?

• Are you ready to turn away from sin, confess (if there is serious wrongdoing) and commit your life to the Lord? Accept Him as Lord and Savior?