QUESTION: What are spiritual formation groups?
ANSWER: They are gatherings of two to eight people who meet together regularly for the purpose of mutual and loving nurture and encouragement in their spiritual lives.

QUESTION: How do I start a spiritual formation group?
ANSWER: The first part of A Spiritual Formation Workbook is devoted to answering this question.

Finding a Spiritual Formation Group: RENOVARÉ does not maintain a listing of Spiritual Formation Groups and is not able to put you in contact with an existing group. We do, however, encourage you to put together your own group for accountability and encouragement.

QUESTION: What is the suggested size for a spiritual formation group?
ANSWER: No smaller than two people and no larger than seven, and preferably five people or less.

QUESTION: After a group goes through A Spiritual Formation Workbook, what do they do next?
ANSWER: We suggest that the group do the evaluation as set out in the Workbook and then use the "Order of Meeting" at every meeting with an evaluation every six months for as long as the group meets together.

QUESTION: Do you have training for the people who lead Spiritual Formation Groups?
ANSWER: Leadership in RENOVARÉ Spiritual Formation Groups is shared by all of the members, so there is no need for us to sponsor leadership training seminars.

QUESTION: Should groups be composed of only men or only women, or can they be mixed?
ANSWER: That will be up to you. We have learned that the level of intimacy and sharing is much deeper and develops much quicker if group members are the same gender. Why? The more a group of people have in common, the more they can relate to each other. They share similar struggles and talk about them with fewer inhibitions. And yet, there is something to be said in favor of a mixed group whose members tend to add variety, to have more life experiences, and to bring different perspectives to the group. The makeup of the group is ultimately up to you.

QUESTION: Can husbands and wives be in the same group?
ANSWER: Yes. But many groups that include husbands and wives report that it is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it can be a tremendous way for a couple to grow closer as well as add incentives in the area of mutual accountability. On the other hand, some people report struggling over what they may or may not feel free to share. Spouses may hesitate to share a private struggle, feeling that they should try to work it out on their own, thus preventing them from asking for the help of the group. On the other hand, numerous couples do the program by themselves. They meet regularly to review how they are doing and to make plans for the future, sharing their joys and concerns with one another. Whether husbands and wives should be in the same group depends upon what the individuals find the most beneficial.

QUESTION: Is a Spiritual Formation Group for "saints" only?
ANSWER: No. While the title may sound a bit ominous, Spiritual Formation Groups are designed to meet the needs of people who have little knowledge of the spiritual disciplines and minimal experience doing them. The Workbook uses a step-by-step approach to teach and model the disciplines, explaining the "whats" and "whys" and especially the "hows." Does this mean the Workbook is too easy for the more spiritually mature? No. The exercises that you will do are basic and foundational and meet you where you are. At the same time they challenge you to move ahead, to grow spiritually.

QUESTION: What can I expect to happen to me in a Spiritual Formation Group?
ANSWER: There is nothing magical about Spiritual Formation Groups. They contain no secret formula and they offer no easy shortcuts. What they do offer is a plan that helps you put yourself in a place where God can transform your life from the inside out. By providing you with the balance (the six dimensions of discipleship), the knowledge (the "Ideas and Exercises"), and the encouragement (the loving accountability), your participation in a Spiritual Formation Group may very well be the beginning of a renewed and deepening spiritual life. And, with the questions answered, your group is ready to do Session One during the next meeting! God bless you in your ongoing efforts to be an effective disciple of Jesus Christ. Always remember, ultimately the work is God's, not ours