you will still end on time and determine how best to process the “extra blessings” that are occurring. Just as we keep faith with the time, we also trust God to guide us in knowing how to respond to what is happening in the group.
Rather than lay out a one-size-fits-all group plan, turn to page 37 (“Day Seven: The Group Meeting”). Use this outline for your first discussion as an example of the type of format members can expect each week. This will help members get a feel for where they are headed, as well as have a sense of confidence that the group dynamic is not threatening. As you browse through the session, make clear that any and all comments made in the meeting will be strictly confidential. Ask this question and call for response, “Are you committed to the discipline of confidentiality as part of the group experience?” (If you sense hesitation or if there are questions about this, simply point out that confidentiality is an ancient spiritual discipline that some groups have adopted as part of their covenant and that John Wesley promoted in his group meetings.)
Next, turn to page 21 (“Day One: Man of Challenge”). Walk through this section and explain the process as people familiarize themselves with the material. Ask if the format is clear. Again, give time (without moving too slowly) for everyone to feel at home with what is going on. In most cases, silence, nods, or eye contact will let you know that everyone is in agreement. Explain that Day One begins tomorrow, and Day Six is the day before the group meeting. Day Seven is intended to be a day of rest, reflection, and preparation for the weekly group meeting on that day. Do not get bogged down, but do not rush this orientation either. The goal of the initial meeting is to let people know that the group is safe, the material is friendly, the leadership is nonthreatening, and the process is positive.
Finally, ask each person to write the names of all group members inside the front cover. Use this list as a reminder to pray for one another during the week. If you are the group leader, include your telephone number along with your name, so that people can contact you between meetings. Let the group know that the weekly sessions are not a prayer meeting as such, but that opportunity to share prayer requests will be given—even if there is not enough time for formal prayer. Also make it clear that no one will be expected to share or pray aloud as a condition for group participation. The central purpose is not to learn to pray, but to grow in grace.
This part of the initial meeting should take about thirty minutes. Likely, one hour will be enough for the session. With the remaining half hour, use about fifteen minutes for group members to tell about their happiest moment in the past couple of weeks. When all who wish to speak have done so, sing the “Doxology.” Use the final fifteen minutes to allow members to tell briefly their expectations for the group—why they are looking forward to the opportunity of using the workbook privately and meeting corporately. End this time with a prayer of thanksgiving and a request for God’s guidance. You might say words such as, “It is good to believe God has brought us together. It is good to anticipate that our meetings will be times of special insight and blessing. It is good to know that as we go, we go in the love of God, in the name of Jesus, and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
As the group closes, say something like this: “Remember, our next meeting is ______, at ______(place)______, from ______to______. I look forward to seeing you then. Call me if you have any questions.”
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