In our local congregations we seek God and, both individually and collectively, nurture each other by sharing experiences of God’s love and grace. We may engage in various spiritual disciplines – the practices which we incorporate into our lives that enable and compel us to encounter and experience God. Traditionally, those disciplines are:

• Private practices: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study
• Public practices: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service
• Corporate practices: confession, worship, guidance and celebration

“Companions in Christ” is a small-group study that takes participants on a journey through spiritual disciplines. Companions in Christ offers small groups a powerfully transforming experience in opening yourself to God’s presence and guidance. Participants will explore classic spiritual practices, and develop new daily patterns that can open their lives to a deepening relationship with God and with their group. Each week of study begins with a reading by a recognized author in spiritual formation. In addition to the weekly reading, they will respond to questions and daily scripture readings that guide private reflection. The week closes with a two-hour group session where group members share their thoughts, reflect together, and take part in diverse group learning experiences.After completing that journey, many groups choose to continue their formational studies with other resources in the Companions series: The Way of Grace; The Way of Blessedness; The Way of Forgiveness; The Way of Transforming Discipleship; The Way of Prayer; and The Way of Discernment.

There is also a version of Companions for children: The Way of the Child. The Way of the Child helps children develop an intimate, personal relationship with God, but it’s more than just a church school or Sunday school class. The Way of the Child can be used as an extended Sunday school, in small play/pray groups, by individuals who “home school” their kids, by grandparents who care about their grandkids, or as part of a Vacation Bible School experience.

There is also a group study for youth: The Way of Pilgrimage. Embark on a journey into a deeper understanding of the Christian life through a pattern of scripture, daily exercises and short readings. The Way of Pilgrimage is a five-volume experiential, peer study designed for older youth and written by young adults active in youth ministry. Its focus is to guide our deliberate progress as Christians living out our day-to-day lives.