Bible Study 10.5: Bearing One Another’s Burdens

Topic Connection

Topic 10 examines four different ministry situations:

• current Scientologists

• questioning Scientologists

• disaffiliating Scientologists

• former Scientologists

Each situation may involve different spiritual, relational, emotional, vocational, financial, housing, and community concerns.

Christian leaders must not treat every person in the same way. They are called to listen carefully, protect privacy, remain within appropriate ministry boundaries, make responsible referrals, proclaim Jesus Christ clearly, and provide patient Christian belonging.

This Bible study trains ministry teams to bear burdens without taking control of another person’s life.

Ministry Training Purpose

This study prepares leaders serving through a:

• local church

• church plant

• Soul Center

• Christian ministry

• chaplaincy

• Christian life-coaching ministry

• community outreach team

Participants will learn how to:

• distinguish burden-bearing from controlling

• listen before giving advice

• protect confidentiality and testimony

• recognize the possible costs of religious change

• provide practical help without manipulation

• identify needs requiring professional referral

• create patient Christian community

• proclaim the gospel with permission

• trust the Holy Spirit with conversion and spiritual growth

Primary Scripture

Galatians 6:1–5

Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else. For each man will bear his own burden.

Supporting Scriptures

• Romans 12:9–18

• 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

• 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

• James 1:19–20

• James 2:14–17

• 1 Peter 3:15–16

• Colossians 3:12–15

• Matthew 11:28–30

• Psalm 34:18

• John 13:34–35

Ministry Training Outcome

By the end of this study, participants should be able to create a ministry response that combines:

• gentleness

• truthful Christian witness

• practical support

• respect for freedom of conscience

• appropriate confidentiality

• professional referral

• accountable Christian community

• trust in the Holy Spirit

60-Minute Ministry Training Schedule

1. Welcome, Opening Question, and Prayer

Time

5 minutes

Opening Question

Ask participants:

Think of a time when someone helped you through a difficult transition. What made that help feel supportive rather than controlling?

Allow several brief responses.

Listen for themes such as:

• patience

• presence

• practical help

• respect

• confidentiality

• honesty

• freedom to make decisions

• prayer

• wise advice

• dependable friendship

Opening Prayer

Triune God, you are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Teach us to bear one another’s burdens with gentleness, humility, wisdom, and love. Protect us from pride, manipulation, careless speech, and the desire to control another person’s journey. Help us proclaim Jesus Christ truthfully, serve people practically, recognize the limits of our roles, and trust the Holy Spirit with every outcome. Amen.

2. Scripture Study One: Bearing Burdens Gently

Time

10 minutes

Read Galatians 6:1–5

Ask one participant to read the passage aloud.

Observation Questions

1. Who is responsible for helping restore a person who is struggling?

2. What spirit or posture must guide restoration?

3. What warning is given to the person offering help?

4. What does it mean to bear another person’s burden?

5. Why does Paul also say that each person must carry an individual burden or responsibility?

Interpretation

Galatians 6 brings together two truths that ministry leaders must not separate.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Some burdens are too heavy for a person to carry alone.

A person questioning or leaving Scientology may face:

• fear

• grief

• family tension

• marriage concerns

• employment uncertainty

• financial pressure

• housing instability

• loneliness

• spiritual confusion

• loss of community

• difficulty trusting others

• uncertainty about Christian beliefs

The church should not respond only with theological arguments. Christians are called to help carry real burdens.

That help may include:

• listening

• meals

• transportation

• friendship

• prayer

• Scripture study

• church connection

• employment resources

• housing referrals

• professional referrals

• accompaniment during difficult transitions

Each Person Bears Personal Responsibility

Burden-bearing does not mean taking control.

The person receiving care remains responsible for personal decisions before God. Ministry leaders should not decide:

• when the person must leave Scientology

• when the person must tell family members

• whether the person must change employment

• whether the person must move

• when the person must be baptized

• when the person must share a testimony

• whether the person must participate in outreach

• when the person is ready for leadership

The ministry team may offer biblical wisdom, but it must not replace the person’s conscience or personal responsibility.

Restore With Gentleness

Gentleness is essential because a ministry leader possesses influence.

A pastor, chaplain, Soul Center leader, coach, or volunteer can misuse spiritual authority by saying:

• “God told me what you must do.”

• “You need to leave immediately.”

• “Your hesitation shows weak faith.”

• “You must tell your story publicly.”

• “If you really trusted Jesus, you would take this step today.”

Galatians 6 rejects this proud posture.

Christian leaders examine themselves, remember their limitations, and serve with humility.

Scientology Ministry Connection

A person moving away from Scientology may already feel that others are trying to define reality, direct decisions, or evaluate spiritual progress.

Christian ministry must not simply replace one controlling environment with another.

The law of Christ is fulfilled through self-giving love, not through spiritual domination.

Leadership Principle

Bear the person’s burden without taking possession of the person’s life.

3. Scripture Study Two: Love, Listening, and Practical Care

Time

10 minutes

Read James 1:19–20

So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

Read James 2:14–17

What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled”; yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.

Observation Questions

1. What order does James give to hearing, speaking, and anger?

2. Why might Christian leaders be tempted to speak too quickly?

3. What is wrong with offering spiritual words while ignoring practical needs?

4. What kinds of material or relational needs may arise during religious transition?

Interpretation

Swift to Hear

Listening is not passive. It is a disciplined form of love.

A current Scientologist may want to explain sincerely held beliefs.

A questioning Scientologist may need space to explore uncertainty.

A disaffiliating Scientologist may need to describe possible consequences.

A former Scientologist may need the freedom not to discuss the past.

The Christian leader listens before categorizing the person.

Helpful questions include:

• “How would you describe your present situation?”

• “What are you most concerned about?”

• “What kind of support would be helpful?”

• “Would you like a Christian perspective, or would you prefer that I simply listen today?”

• “Who else is affected by this decision?”

• “Are there practical or safety concerns we should take seriously?”

Slow to Speak

Being slow to speak does not mean hiding the gospel.

It means that Christian truth is offered in a way that responds to the person’s actual question.

A leader may be prepared to explain salvation by grace, but the person may first need help locating safe housing. Another person may want to discuss Jesus but may not want advice about leaving Scientology.

Wise ministry does not force every conversation into the same pattern.

Practical Love

James teaches that Christian care must take embodied needs seriously.

People may need:

• food

• transportation

• employment resources

• temporary housing assistance

• childcare

• medical support

• mental-health care

• legal information

• protection from immediate danger

• ordinary friendship

• a dependable Christian community

Practical assistance must not be used as leverage.

A church must never communicate:

“We will help you only if you leave Scientology, attend our church, become a Christian, or share your testimony.”

Christian generosity reflects grace. It is not a religious transaction.

Leadership Principle

Listen carefully, speak truthfully, and respond to spiritual and practical needs without manipulation.

4. Topic Comparison and Ministry Interpretation

Time

10 minutes

Four Ministry Situations

Discuss how ministry posture changes according to the person’s present situation.

Current Scientologist

The ministry emphasis is:

• respectful friendship

• accurate understanding

• transparent Christian identity

• permission-based comparison

• freedom of conscience

• genuine neighbor love

Do not assume the person wants to leave or is interested in conversion.

Questioning Scientologist

The ministry emphasis is:

• patient listening

• safe exploration

• clarification of shared religious language

• protection from pressure

• permission to examine Scripture

• freedom to remain uncertain

Do not interpret questions as proof that the person has already rejected Scientology.

Disaffiliating Scientologist

The ministry emphasis is:

• confidentiality

• recognition of possible conversion costs

• practical assistance

• safety awareness

• grief care

• professional referral

• patient spiritual presence

Do not promise that leaving will be simple or without consequences.

Former Scientologist

The ministry emphasis is:

• identity beyond the past

• patient Christian belonging

• long-term discipleship

• testimony protection

• freedom from constant public attention

• unhurried service and leadership development

Do not turn a person’s past into a permanent ministry assignment.

Christian Comparison

Scientology commonly presents spiritual development through a graded route involving knowledge, practices, advancement, and increased spiritual ability.

Christianity proclaims that salvation is received through the grace of God because of the completed work of Jesus Christ.

A person does not earn reconciliation with God by:

• knowledge

• auditing

• control

• spiritual rank

• emotional achievement

• religious performance

• extraordinary ability

God came to humanity in Jesus Christ. Jesus died for sins and rose bodily from the dead. Forgiveness and eternal life are received by grace through faith.

Christian discipleship involves real growth, but sanctification is not a system of earning divine acceptance or attaining spiritual self-sufficiency.

Christian maturity is expressed through:

• love

• humility

• truthfulness

• patience

• faithfulness

• service

• justice

• gentleness

• self-control

• dependence upon God

Conversion Costs

Religious change may affect:

• family

• marriage

• friendships

• employment

• housing

• finances

• community

• identity

• emotional stability

• spiritual confidence

Jesus calls people to follow him faithfully, but Christian leaders must not manufacture costly situations to test another person’s commitment.

The team should distinguish between:

• the genuine cost of discipleship

• unnecessary harm created by impulsive or poorly guided decisions

• pressure created by ministry leaders

• consequences requiring legal, clinical, financial, or safety expertise

Grief and Faith

Grief does not prove weak faith.

A person may rejoice in Christ while grieving lost relationships. Relief and sorrow may coexist. The Psalms, the life of Jesus, and the writings of Paul show that lament and dependence belong within faithful Christian life.

Weakness is not spiritual failure.

Ministry Interpretation Question

Ask the group:

How can a church clearly proclaim the cost of following Jesus without pressuring a person into unsafe, impulsive, or ministry-controlled decisions?

Leadership Principle

Proclaim Christ honestly, recognize real costs, and refuse to create artificial tests of faith.

5. Team Scenario and Ministry Practice

Time

10 minutes

Scenario: “I Am Not Ready for Anyone to Know”

Elena has attended a church community meal several times. She privately tells Jordan, a ministry volunteer, that she has been involved in Scientology for fifteen years.

She has recently begun questioning some teachings and has been reading the Gospel of John.

Elena says:

“I am interested in Jesus, but I am not ready for anyone to know. My husband is still deeply committed. Several of my closest friends are Scientologists, and my employment is connected to people in the community. I am afraid that asking questions could change everything.”

Jordan wants to help.

At the ministry-team meeting, another volunteer says:

“We should tell the pastor all the details so the whole team can pray specifically.”

A second volunteer says:

“She needs to leave immediately. If she delays, she may be pulled back in.”

A third volunteer says:

“Her story could become a powerful testimony. We should record her journey from the beginning.”

Elena later asks Jordan:

“Can you tell me whether my employer could legally fire me? Should I move money before I tell my husband? Could the church find me a place to live?”

Team Discussion

Divide participants into small groups or discuss as one team.

Question 1: Privacy

What information may Jordan share with the ministry team?

A responsible response should recognize that:

• Elena has not granted permission to reveal her identity or details.

• Jordan may seek supervision using minimal information.

• Information should be shared only with leaders who genuinely need it.

• Prayer requests should not disclose identifying details without permission.

• Safety and mandatory-reporting concerns may create exceptions.

Question 2: Pressure

What is wrong with insisting that Elena leave immediately?

A responsible response should recognize that:

• Elena retains personal responsibility and freedom of conscience.

• Her marriage, employment, housing, and finances may be affected.

• Jordan does not know all the circumstances.

• Immediate departure should not become a test of faith.

• Safety, legal, and practical concerns may require professional guidance.

• The Holy Spirit, not ministry pressure, brings conviction.

Question 3: Testimony

Why should the team reject the idea of recording Elena’s journey?

A responsible response should recognize that:

• Elena’s story belongs to her.

• She has requested privacy.

• Public exposure could affect family, employment, and safety.

• A person should not be turned into promotional material.

• Consent must be informed, voluntary, specific, and revisited.

• Spiritual formation is more important than publicity.

Question 4: Referral

Which questions exceed Jordan’s ministry role?

Jordan should not provide unqualified:

• legal advice

• employment-law conclusions

• financial advice

• marriage directives

• housing guarantees

• clinical assessment

Jordan may help Elena locate:

• a qualified attorney

• a licensed counselor

• a domestic-violence or safety resource when appropriate

• a financial professional

• a housing organization

• pastoral supervision

• community-assistance services

Question 5: Gospel Care

How could Jordan respond to Elena’s interest in Jesus?

A permission-based response might be:

“I would be glad to continue reading the Gospel of John with you and explain what Christianity teaches about Jesus and salvation. You are free to move at a pace that allows you to ask honest questions. We will also respect your privacy and help you identify qualified resources for concerns beyond our ministry role.”

Role-Play

Assign three roles:

• Elena

• Jordan

• ministry observer

Practice a five-minute conversation.

Jordan should demonstrate:

• listening

• permission

• Christian transparency

• respect for privacy

• awareness of ministry boundaries

• appropriate referral

• a noncoercive invitation to continue Scripture study

The observer should identify one strength and one area for improvement.

Leadership Principle

A ministry team protects the person before protecting its opportunity for publicity, influence, or rapid results.

6. Local Leadership Application

Time

10 minutes

Ministry Team Review

Ask the team to evaluate its present ministry practices.

Question 1: How Should a Team Leader Teach This Truth?

The leader should teach that burden-bearing involves:

• practical presence

• spiritual care

• appropriate confidentiality

• respect for personal responsibility

• wise referral

• patient community

• gospel clarity

• trust in the Holy Spirit

Question 2: How Should the Team Speak About Scientologists?

The team should:

• speak respectfully

• avoid mockery

• distinguish official teaching from personal experience

• avoid stereotypes

• avoid sensational claims

• treat each person as an image-bearer

• describe disputed matters carefully

• acknowledge the Christian standpoint openly

Question 3: What Behavior Should the Leader Correct?

Correct team members who:

• pressure immediate departure

• seek confidential information

• spread rumors

• give unqualified legal or clinical advice

• share identifying information unnecessarily

• promise easy outcomes

• use assistance as leverage

• pursue testimony before trust and maturity

• treat a person as an evangelistic trophy

• claim divine authority over another person’s decisions

Question 4: What Safeguards Are Needed?

A local ministry should establish:

• confidentiality guidelines

• safeguarding procedures

• mandatory-reporting policies

• referral relationships

• documentation standards

• financial-assistance accountability

• temporary-housing safeguards

• testimony and media-consent policies

• ministry supervision

• volunteer role boundaries

• procedures for immediate danger or suicidal intent

Question 5: What Should Be Referred to Qualified Professionals?

Referral may be needed for:

• mental-health concerns

• suicidal thinking

• trauma symptoms

• medical concerns

• threats or violence

• domestic conflict

• housing instability

• legal questions

• employment disputes

• child-protection concerns

• financial planning

• substance misuse

Question 6: How Does This Topic Shape Local Outreach?

Local outreach should include:

• open Christian identity

• community meals

• patient friendship

• permission-based conversations

• accessible Gospel studies

• trustworthy pastoral care

• practical support

• clear referral pathways

• accountable leadership

• protection of personal stories

Question 7: What Should the Team Practice Together?

The team should practice:

• asking open questions

• listening without interrupting

• requesting permission

• explaining salvation by grace

• responding to grief

• maintaining confidentiality

• recommending referrals

• setting boundaries

• correcting manipulative language

• inviting people into community without pressure

Question 8: How Will the Team Remain Accountable?

Write the name or role of the person who supervises this ministry:

Identify the church, Soul Center, or ministry providing oversight:

Identify the team’s referral contacts or resource categories:

Question 9: How Does This Topic Create a Gospel Bridge?

Possible gospel bridges include longings for:

• spiritual freedom

• forgiveness

• truth

• identity

• security

• community

• transformation

• eternal life

• reconciliation

• hope

The leader may ask:

“Would it be helpful for me to explain how Christianity understands freedom and salvation through Jesus Christ?”

Question 10: How Will the Team Trust the Holy Spirit?

The team commits to:

• pray without manipulation

• speak truthfully

• avoid forced decisions

• allow time for questions

• respect freedom of conscience

• depend on Scripture

• welcome people patiently

• leave conviction and regeneration to the Holy Spirit

Local Outreach Planning

Complete the following statements.

Our Team’s Strength

Our ministry currently does well in:

Our Team’s Risk

Our ministry may be tempted to:

Safeguard We Need

We will establish or strengthen:

Referral Resource We Need

We need a relationship with:

Belonging Opportunity We Can Offer

We can welcome people through:

Gospel Practice We Will Develop

We will practice explaining:

Leadership Principle

Healthy Christian outreach combines clear gospel proclamation with accountable care, freedom of conscience, practical wisdom, and patient belonging.

7. Commitment and Closing Prayer

Time

5 minutes

Personal or Team Commitment

Invite each participant to complete one statement:

Because of this study, I will change the way I minister by:

Possible commitments include:

• listening longer before giving advice

• asking permission before presenting a comparison

• protecting personal information more carefully

• learning the ministry’s mandatory-reporting policies

• developing professional referral contacts

• avoiding promises about outcomes

• separating practical help from religious pressure

• preventing premature testimony requests

• welcoming people into ordinary Christian friendship

• trusting the Holy Spirit rather than demanding immediate results

Team Covenant

Read together:

We will treat current, questioning, disaffiliating, and former Scientologists as persons created in the image of God. We will listen before speaking, ask permission, protect privacy, remain within our ministry roles, refer responsibly, provide practical care without manipulation, proclaim Jesus Christ clearly, welcome people patiently, and trust the Holy Spirit with the outcome.

Closing Prayer

Father of mercy, thank you for bearing our burdens through Jesus Christ. Forgive us when pride, fear, impatience, or the desire for visible results shapes our ministry.

Lord Jesus, teach us your gentle and humble way. Help us speak truth without hostility, serve without manipulation, protect those who are vulnerable, and welcome those who are searching, grieving, or beginning again.

Holy Spirit, give us discernment. Show us when to listen, when to speak, when to refer, when to act for safety, and when to wait patiently. Bring conviction and new birth according to your sovereign grace.

Make our churches, Soul Centers, chaplaincies, and ministries communities where people encounter truth, accountability, compassion, freedom of conscience, and genuine Christian belonging.

Help us bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. Amen.