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RENOVARÉ
Spiritual
Formation Groups are small fellowships that exist for mutual
support, mutual encouragement, and mutual accountability as
we participate in our transformation into Christlikeness.
Drawing their format from small group models that span the
centuries—from the Benedictines in the 6th Century to Methodism
in the 17th Century to Alcoholics Anonymous in the 20th Century—participants
in these gatherings of between two and seven people ask one
another in various forms the old question, "How is it
with your soul?" And this is how members of these groups
help one another in their life for Christ.
After
covenanting to confidentiality and to become better disciples
of Jesus Christ, participants use an Order
of Meeting as a format for gathering from week-to-week.
The Order contains Common
Disciplines and Questions of Examen based on the six RENOVARÉ
Traditions, reminders of and prompters for reflection in our
desire to grow into a balanced life with God.
At some point during each meeting individuals make plans for
how they intend to partner with God in the growth of their
souls before the next meeting. Example exercises include making
a one-day retreat (focusing on growth in the Contemplative
Tradition) or reading a book of the Bible (growing in the
Evangelical Tradition). At the next meeting Formation Group
members ask one another how their plans went by using the
Questions of Examen. The end of each meeting includes sharing
prayer requests and saying together The Lord's Prayer.
While
using the Order of Meeting creates a habitat for growth into
godliness, it is best that a group use only those parts that
are helpful rather than legalistically following a format
and not achieving good results. However, the core components—balance,
encouragement, accountability, and intention—should not
be neglected. We need all of these and more if we are to partner
with God in our growth into the image of Christ.
To
learn more about Spiritual Formation Groups and the Order
of Meeting you can watch a brief slide
show. For a beginning workbook that provides guidelines
for starting a group, study plans for the first nine sessions,
and a questionnaire that maps the way ahead, purchase A
Spiritual Formation Workbook by James Bryan
Smith.
Please
Note: RENOVARÉ
does not maintain a listing of Spiritual Formation Groups
and is not able to put you in contact with an existing group.
If you would like further information about starting a group
please feel free to contact us.
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