And finally, let us make God's joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and in purpose. Let us refrain from gossip or selfishness but, in humility, count others better than ourselves, looking not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others.

TWO: THE COVENANT--to be read by all in unison. The covenant gives focus and direction. All are expressing their commitment to the risen Christ who is present among his people to forgive, instruct, lead, and befriend. By the power of Christ we seek after continual renewal through spiritual exercises, spiritual gifts, and acts of service.

THREE: THE COMMON DISCIPLINES--to be read by individual members. As each share in the reading of the five common disciplines it reminds us once again of our commitment to draw from the five great Christian traditions--Contemplative, Holiness, Charismatic, Social Justice, Evangelical. This gives us a balanced vision of Christian faith and practice.

FOUR: THE SELF-EXAMINATION QUESTIONS--to be discussed together. This is the heart of the meeting. The questions gently probe into our practice of discipleship. They also provide a spring board for each one to tell his or her story. There are two aspects to answering the questions: how has it gone this past week, and what are your plans for next week? Initially you will want to focus on each specific question, but in time all the questions will form a backdrop to your discussion.

FIVE: PRAYER CONCERNS. After allowing the self-examination questions to probe our faithfulness, the leader asks for needs and situations that need prayer. It is often helpful for members to write down these needs so that they can pray over them throughout the week.

SIX: INTERCESSIONS. Now the group enters into prayer for each other. Flow freely with this

ministering to the needs of one another. Bring forgiveness, grace and mercy, and encouragement as the Lord prompts you.

SEVEN: CLOSING WORDS--said by the leader. Please remember that what you have said here and what you have heard here was spoken in confidence and therefore should remain here when you leave. May the love, the peace, and the power of God be with you this week as you endeavor to do his will. Let us close our meeting by praying the prayer that our Lord taught those very first disciples, saying, "Our Father . . ." (together pray the Lord's prayer). Amen.

Using these seven steps, nearly anyone can lead a Formation Group. It only takes two people, and Christ will be among you as your ever-living Savior, Teacher, Lord, and Friend.

GROWING PAINS

Sorry we are late with this issue of Renovaré Perspective. We were busy with all the details of the Local Conference held at First United Methodist, April 12-13 which, by the way, was a wonderful success. A total of 325 attended. We are now in the process of evaluating the gathering and setting up a local committee. They plan to establish a local expression and follow up on needs for Spiritual Formation Group participation.

Local expressions of Renovaré have also been established in the Southeastern United States and in Costa Rica. Regional Directors are Steve Harper, based at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and Don Lorenzo Long who is with the Spanish Language Institute, San José.

Thank you, Devotional Reading subscribers, for your patience in waiting for the third quarter. Richard has had a busy speaking schedule this spring, and, with the Local Conference, we got swamped! We'll finish them as soon as we can.