An important aspect for assessing several competencies for this course will be done through the development and delivery of Group Presentations. There are three (3) Group Presentations that you will be required to present throughout this course on a Biblical, Contemporary Ethical, and Personal theme or question. There will be one Group Presentation per term, which will be presented at times that will be negotiated with you as a class so that this fits in best with your other subjects.

Each Group Presentation provides the opportunity for you to explore from a biblical perspective, themes, or questions of most interest to you. This can include aspects of your life and/or Christian faith that you may have questions about, have been wrestling with, or felt challenged by, or it could be exploring a new concept or ancient truth that you have heard about but would like to know more about.  

You will then present your findings by delivering your presentation to the class in a deep and engaging way. In addition to talking, your presentation can include a PowerPoint presentation, video, music, handouts, etc. There is a Group Presentation Development and Delivery quiz that will guide you through the process of preparing for and presenting each presentation. There is a Presentation Review Form that will be used to assess your competency that can also be used to assist with your competency in each area. Please click here to see what this looks like.

Presentation Review Form

Remember that competency is either you did or did not achieve this in your Group Presentation. It does not result in a mark or percentage outcome to indicate the level to which this competency was achieved. The most important aspect is that you demonstrate engagement with the topic in a deep and engaging way, revealing enough depth to allow you to develop your own understanding, but also the understanding of others as you communicate your findings to others in the Discipleship Group.

You may want to start preparing for these now by considering some of the potential topics that you would like to explore so that you can start thinking about them and gathering resources. It is an essential requirement that you research your topic. You are required to demonstrate competency in this and therefore, you will be required to record your research as part of the Presentation Development and Delivery Quiz. Hence, be sure to select a topic that you can research adequately. 

DISCUSS

• What are some big questions that you have about the Christian faith? 
• What are some of the challenges that your culture or environment presents to people trying to live out the Christian life?
• What big issues or concerns have you wrestled with in relation to the Christian life? 
• Share some of your reflections with your peer group and discuss the kinds of topics/issues/questions you think you would like to explore further.

Biblical Issue ideas may include:

• Jesus and the parables
• The connection between Old and New Testament
• Predestination
• Why does the Bible exist?
• Reliability of the Bible
• Why does the gospel appear to contradict each other?
• Why didn’t the Jews want the Gentiles to hear the gospel?
• How relevant is the Old Testament to us today?
• If God loves everyone, why did he allow his nation to destroy the surrounding nations in exodus?
• Resurrection of Jesus
• Can a Christian lose their faith?
• What is the Church?
• Intelligent Design
• Is the Bible true?
• The End Times
• Servant Leadership
• Why is virginity treated too harshly in the Bible?
• What is the Gospel?
• What was the fate of Judas (and was it fair)?
• Covenants in the Bible
• Creation narratives
• Women in the Bible
• Women in the Church Leadership
• Justice and Prophets
• Finding connecting between the Old and New Testaments
• What is the significance of Leviathan and Behemoth in the Bible?
• Baptism- Does the Bible teach Infant baptism or believers’ baptism?
• Miracles
• Spiritual Gifts

Contemporary Ethical Issue ideas may include:

• Euthanasia
• Mental Health/ Depression/Suicide
• Abortion
• Same-Sex Marriage
• Contraception/ IVF and the use of other medicines
• Women’s Rights.
• Terrorism
• Why does God allow suffering?
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders: Australia’s First Peoples.
• Equal Love: LGBTI Rights to adopt
• Homelessness.
• Bullying and Harassment.
• Multiculturalism.
• Seeking protection – refugees and asylum seekers.
• War for Christians? (murder)
• Death Penalty
• Transgender athletes
• Terrorism
• Racism
• Climate Change
• Poverty
• Globalisation
• Mission in the Australian scene
• Christians in Sport/Sport on Sundays
• Christian Music/Music
• Gambling
• Pornography
• Christians and Science
• Sexualisation
• Consumerism
• Materialism/ Stuff
• The Environment
• World Religions
• Islam
• Evolution
• Creation
• Youth in Australian Society
• The Role of the Father in Australian Society/Father Hunger
• Divorce
• Addictions
• Vaccinations

Personal Issue ideas may include:

• Identity
• Gluttony
• Laziness and work ethics
• Fear
• Stress
• Anger
• Hypocrisy
• Holding grudges
• Relationships
• Responding to parents
• Procrastination
• Doubting your faith
• Pride
• The words I speak
• Jealousy/comparison
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-doubt
• Self Esteem
• Self-Image
• Body Image
• Self-Harm
• Suicide
• Drugs
• Family Breakdown
• Teenage Drinking
• Becoming a Christian
• Bullying
• Gaming and being a Christian
• Online Bullying
• Depression
• Coping when a loved one is sick or dying
• Christians in Sport
• Being a Young Christian Today
• Sharing My Faith
• Christian Music
• Being a Leader
• Sexuality
• Dating