Follow this step-by-step approach to learn more about contemplation in small groups.
by Tony Jones
Exodus 14:14
A small group of high school seniors meets at our house on Monday evenings. Every week, they gather with Julie and me on our couches in the basement, munching popcorn and drinking Diet Coke. We've spent the year trying to get our arms around the entire Bible, reading a chapter each week from Walt Wangerin's novelized version called The Book of God.
A knowledge of God's love leads to an ability to be obedient to him.
by Life Together
Some years ago, Dave went looking for his first house. After several months, he finally found one that had all the appearances of being "the one." It was cute with a tiny yard, a white picket fence, and was within walking distance to the beach. His family gave him the thumbs up. He couldn't go wrong, they thought.
But when Dave had the house inspected, he learned it had a huge crack in the foundation. ...
Reflection is an important practice in the life of a small group.
by Diana Bennett
Whenever I guide a group through the spiritual disciplines, I ask the question, "What comes to mind when you hear the words spiritual disciplines?" Often, the response is "fasting" or "working harder" as they study the Bible!
While these two topics certainly are part of the picture, there are numerous options for understanding and experiencing spiritual disciplines that become the root of our spiritual ...
Reflect on Scripture that reminds us to take time to be still.
Tami Rudkin
Leader: So often our lives are hectic, to say the least. Our lives are full of duties and demands. Some of the things we are called to do bring contentment and pleasure. Some of our day to day living is wrought with disappointment and pain. But we can experience something that those who do not know Jesus cannot … we can experience peace and pleasure and protection even amidst the craziness ...
As a part of your worship, take communion together. Taking the Lord's supper as a group is a beautiful and touching experience. Go into this activity with lots of prayer that your group will be ministered to by the Holy Spirit. (In Acts 2 we read of the early church breaking bread together. We follow their example by meeting in homes to worship, pray and take the Lord's Supper together)
Bring a pair of eye-glasses to the meeting and use as a prop. As you pass around the glasses ask the question, "What helps you focus on life more clearly?" i.e. getting away by myself, journaling, worship, Bible study.
Read through Scripture passages that remind us of our new identity in Christ.
Tami Rudkin
Take a few minutes and let your group look over this list. Explain that each describes our identity in Christ. As a part of worship have your group randomly pray thanksgiving using these descriptions. (See the one sentence prayer below.) Encourage them to pray "popcorn" style, praying short phrases several different times. Be sure, as the leader, to model what you expect.
Partcipate in a symbolic activity that focuses on the cross.
Tami Rudkin
You will need:
A votive candle for each person in your group
A lighter or matches
LEADER:
1. Arrange 12-15 votive candles in the form of a cross (you may want to put the candles on squares of paper or a paper plate).
2. READ the excerpt below and ask your group members to pray out loud and then light their candles. If you have a small group, you may want to have some pray more than once (and light another ...
Lead your group in worship by focusing on the names and character of Jesus.
Tami Rudkin
Leader: Ask your group to speak about what comes to their minds when you mention a certain title. For example: You (leader) say, "Mom," and your group responds in popcorn style saying, "nurture, laughter, compassionate, disciplinarian, etc.
Once you have exhausted one title, move through the list. You will end with Jesus. After the group has shared, have several people help you read the following ...
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