Hello –
Dear Friends-
I believe each of you has expressed some level of interest in Basic Discipleship and Discipleship Groups. I write to let you know that Basic Discipleship starts this Sunday at 11:20am. It will be in the playground by the parking lot, in the shade, for easy access and air circulation.
It’s important that all who intend to take this round of Basic D are at the first meeting. If you can’t make this Sunday, please know that I intend to offer Basic D again in the fall.
Basic D teaches three things- a daily rhythm of prayer, how to begin to share your spiritual autobiography and the healthy norms of small groups, particularly listening and confidentiality. In the first session I teach the “who, what, when, where, how and why” of daily prayer and then tell three stories from my own life when I felt closest to God. Subsequent sessions begin with a check in on our daily prayer and then each participant has the opportunity to tell three stories. The sessions are marked by respectful listening and the understanding that what is shared in the group, stays in the group.
Basic D is the perfect preparation for being in a Discipleship Group. People in Discipleship Groups vow to meet “for a season of their lives.” They tend to meet weekly and regularly encourage participants to “practice the disciplines Jesus teaches,” beginning with daily prayer. Participants also share spiritual autobiographies, help each other clarify vocations and read meaningful books and essays together. Discipleship Groups are the most important spiritual foundation for the long term growth of the people of St. Paul’s.
I hope you will join me, either this Sunday or this Fall, for Basic Discipleship. This work is at the heart of my vocation and is my best hope for the future of the church.