Spiritual Formation Group: A community of disciples to Jesus meeting together regularly for mutual support, encouragement,
and accountability and for helping one another see the footprints of God in their lives.
Complementing the Renovaré Balanced Vision for Spiritual Formation is a Practical Strategy we call Spiritual Formation Groups.
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 ask one another the old question, "How is it with your soul?"
Many Spiritual Formation Groups get their start by making use of A Spiritual Formation Workbook. This is an eight-week small group resource that considers Jesus and his life, covers the six Traditions emphasized by Renovaré, and introduces an Order of Meeting for Spiritual Formation Groups.
While making use of A Spiritual Formation Workbook is helpful, it is not essential. If already familiar with the spiritual life of Jesus and the six Traditions a group could step directly into using the Order of Meeting. It is meant to be used as a guide for growth rather than a legal document to be followed to the letter. It contains:
• Opening Words, that begin the meeting, state the intention of the group, and remind us of the need for confidentiality.
• The Renovaré Covenant, a statement of our intention to be daily disciples of Jesus.
• Common Disciplines, practices that we engage in regularly that correspond with the six Traditions.
• Questions of Examen that encourage reflection and help us see the work of God in our daily lives.
• Looking Ahead, a time for planning our own, individually suited next steps on the journey with Jesus.
• The Lord's Prayer, a time for praying for one another and saying together this most foundational of prayers.
• Closing Words, which bring the gathering to an end and remind us of the need for confidentiality.
Most of all the Order of Meeting, and Spiritual Formation Groups themselves, provide a structure and a relational space where discipleship to Jesus is THE topic of conversation. Having this kind of environment on a regular basis is absolutely vital for people who wish to place following Jesus at the center of daily life. Unfortunately conversations about our day-to-day walk with Jesus do not just "happen." We need be intentional about it. Making use of the Spiritual Formation Group model for spiritual community creates this space for our intentions.
Informational Slide Show | Order of Meeting | Find a Group (available soon) | FAQ