Gospel Culture: Walking in the Light
Note: this resource is part of our gospel culture series, written by Vince Greenwald, the student ministry director at Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN. As part of an effort to embody a gospel culture in their student ministry, they practice Honor Time, Walking in the Light, and Burden Bearing Time together during their regular Wednesday night meetings. These regular practices are centered on the idea that gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. They help students see that the gospel shapes their real lives and is more than just a good idea. For more on these, listen to the YPT Podcast with Vince on episode 10, “Growing Gospel Culture in Student Ministry.”
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. — 1 John 1:7
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. — James 5:16a
Christian community often drifts towards dishonesty, with individuals presenting themselves to be polished and impressive instead of truly known and honest. But the Bible teaches us that we have real sins and a real savior, and it calls us to confess sins to one another and to pray for one another. We are called to come out of the darkness of sin and dishonesty and “walk in the light, as He is in the light.” Walking in the Light time is a simple, repeatable rhythm of confession of sin and prayer within a small group.
How do we share during Walking in the Light?
Scripture - Introduce the time by reading the passages above and explaining what we are about to do, confess sins to one another and pray for one another.
Get Small - Break up into small groups (3-6) or pairs.
Confession - The leader of the group should go first in confessing a sin. This could range from specific sins committed in the past or confessing idols or sinful dispositions.
Prayer - Immediately after the person shares, their partner or the person to their right will jump in and pray for them, asking for God’s help for their fellow believer, for healing, for repentance, for felt forgiveness.
Repeat - The next person in the group has a chance to confess. And the next person prays for them.
Ground Rules:
We don’t joke or gossip about things shared during Walking in the Light.
Confession of sin is not forced. Feel free to simply pass when it’s your turn.
This is not a time for offering each other advice or silver bullet answers (“Well what you really need to do to fix that is …”).
This is not a time of commiserating with one another or downplaying another’s sin (“I do that, too! It’s not a big deal”).
Note for Youth Leaders:
Leaders should not confess anything that glorifies sin or exposes young students to new sins. This doesn’t mean a lack of honesty but rather more simplicity.
Leaders should communicate with parents if a student confesses something related to self-harm or potential abuse.
The deep significance of this time won’t stick unless students see you lead the way in confessing real, specific ways you need Jesus and his Spirit’s renewing power.