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Small Group Spiritual Disciplines
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Connections: Transformational Small Group Spiritual Disciplines
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Discipline is just about my least favorite word in the dictionary. The word reminds me of doing homework, going to the gym regularly, or saving money for retirement. None of these things are much fun today, but each one has a huge payback tomorrow, doesn’t it?
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Soul Care
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Whenever I guide a group through the spiritual disciplines, I ask the question, “What comes to mind when you hear the words spiritual disciplines?” Often the response is “fasting” or “working harder” as they study the Bible! While these two topics certainly are part of the picture, there are numerous options for understanding and experiencing spiritual disciplines that become the root of our spiritual formation. Without paying attention to and implementing these valuable and necessary practices, we cannot develop an intimate relationship with Christ, mature in our spiritual journey, or be the witness for Christ to which we have been called. The on-going practice of reflective story telling, reflective Bible reading and listening, reflective journaling, and reflective prayer, to name a few, can become significant experiences within a small group setting.
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Community: The Wellspring of Spiritual Disciplines
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Spiritual disciplines help us to grow as learners and followers of Jesus Christ. Since small groups are relational by design, they help believers activate spiritual practices that mature them in Christ and further the mission of the Church. We will look at a list of key spiritual disciplines that can be exercised in community, result in life-transformation, and keep your small groups and church on mission. Emphasis will be placed on why community is integral to the actual nature and effective outworking of spiritual disciplines. Also, “growth tips” will be offered on how to strengthen the development of each spiritual discipline in small group life.
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How to Have a Prayer Vigil
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To electrify your prayer time, schedule a prayer vigil for your small group, mission team, or entire church. A prayer vigil is a watchful, awake time set apart for the purpose of prayer. Over the years, I have organized a two-hour vigil for our small group, a 12-hour prayer vigil for my short-term mission team, and a weekly (for eight weeks) four-hour prayer vigil for our church. Here are some ideas that worked for our 12-hour vigil. They will help you organize and make your next vigil a success.
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