Companions in Christ : A Small-Group Experience in Spiritual Formation

by Scott, Gerrit; Grana, Janice T.; Thompson, Marjorie J.; Bryant, Stephen D.; Gonzalez, Adele; Hinson, Glenn

• ISBN13: 9780835809153
• ISBN10: 0835809153
• Edition: Teacher
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-04-01
• Publisher: Abingdon Pr

Summary

The Companions in Christ Leader's Guide may be the most user-friendly and comprehensive guide available. It provides leaders with a complete outline for each of the 28 weekly meetings, full content for each meeting including simple worship experiences for opening and closing times, music suggestions, lists of items needed each week, and notice of any unique needs in future weeks.

All weekly group gatherings follow the same general outline:
-- Opening time of worship and centering
-- Sharing insights from the weekly readings and exercises
-- Break
-- Deeper explorations through a group experience
-- Closing worship

Leading a spiritual formation group requires distinctive leadership skills. The Leader's Guide helps leaders identify and develop such qualities as patience, trust, listening, and acceptance.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	5	(7)
Introduction	7	(12)
Preparatory Meeting	19	(6)
Part 1 Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ
Introductory Leader's Notes for Part 1	25	(2)
The Christian Life As Journey	27	(6)
The Nature of the Christian Spiritual Life	33	(8)
The Flow and the Means of Grace	41	(6)
Sharing Journeys of Faith	47	(2)
Living As Covenant Community	49	(6)
Part 2 Feeding on the Word: The Mind of Christ
Introductory Leader's Notes for Part 2	53	(2)
Why Do We Call the Bible God's Word?	55	(6)
Studying Scripture As a Spiritual Discipline	61	(6)
Meditating on the Word	67	(4)
Directing Imagination	71	(6)
Group Meditation with Scripture	77	(6)
Part 3 Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ
Introductory Leader's Notes for Part 3	81	(2)
Prayer and the Character of God	83	(4)
Dealing with Impediments to Prayer	87	(6)
Prayers of Petition and Intercession	93	(6)
Praying As We Are	99	(6)
Psalms, the Prayer Book of the Bible	105	(4)
Exploring Contemplative Prayer	109	(8)
Part 4 Responding to Our Call: The Work of Christ
Introductory Leader's Notes for Part 4	115	(2)
Radical Availability	117	(6)
Living Reliance	123	(6)
Bearing the Fruit of the Vine	129	(8)
Gifts of the Spirit	137	(4)
The Body of Christ Given for the World	141	(8)
Part 5 Exploring Spiritual Guidance: The Spirit of Christ
Introductory Leader's Notes for Part 5	147	(2)
How Do I Know God's Will for My Life?	149	(8)
Spiritual Companions	157	(6)
Small Groups for Spiritual Guidance	163	(4)
Re-Visioning Our Life As Companions in Christ	167	(6)
Discerning Our Need for Guidance	173	(4)
Closing Retreat for Companions in Christ	177	(8)
Evaluation	185	(2)
Supplemental Music Resources	187	(4)
Notes	191	(1)
About the Authors	192