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What does the group do?
In this group we will be learning to pay attention to the Spirit. This is not a traditional Bible study discussion group, support or therapy group. This a learning group, a lab, where the Spirit is the teacher and continues to teach as long as participants are willing to listen. For this reason, it is important to have a willingness to be open and surprised by the Spirit. It is important to remember that God is infinite, therefore, never limited and never done. This group is to learn together how to distinguish the Spirit's voice from the other voices and to reflect on the Spirit's voice in your own life as well as in the life of the group.
What is expected of group participants?
The ideal climate is one of openness to others, authentic speaking and reflection. There are no right or wrong answers. All that is asked is that participants come to group with an open mind and heart, and a sincere desire to listen for, not control, the Spirit. Since the focus will be on everyday experiences, it is important that participants are not experiencing an inordinate amount of stress or extraordinary life circumstances over an extended period of time. This will inhibit the participant's capacity to be open and honest with him/herself, the group and the Spirit.
What about confidentiality?
Participants are expected to treat whatever is shared in the group as confidential. Participants may tell others what he/she learned and experienced, but not what others said or did.
What if a participant can't make a session?
Showing up for sessions and showing up to do the weekly practice is foundational to listening to the Spirit. It builds an awareness, therefore, a trust in the listening process. The effectiveness of the group relies on full and consistent participation, therefore, it is important to attend all sessions. Emergencies are an exception.
Why provide feedback to the facilitator?
Feedback from group participants is essential to the group listening process. Though the group reflects on the group process at the end of each session, it is important that participants contact the facilitator with additional comments, suggestions or insights throughout the month. Again, feedback is instrumental and confidential.
What if I'm not comfortable sharing something or participating a certain way?
The facilitator will continue to remind group participants to share only that which is comfortable. Instructions are only suggestions, not commands.
What will be the focus of the group?
The group will be focusing and practicing the three rules of discernment. The group will be doing this in a variety of ways during sessions and at home between sessions. Questions will focus on the following:
- What happened?
- What does it mean? Is God teaching something?
- Now what? Next step?
For more info, contact Vera at discernmentgroup@brynmawrchurch.org.
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