The Companions in Christ series for adults begins with the foundational 28-week resource. This resource guides participants through the original Companions in Christ small group experience.
Additional resources in "The Way of . . ." series build on the foundational resource. The foundational Companions experience takes groups through a journey of five parts, each lasting 5-6 weeks. Participants follow the same pattern each week—a weekly reading and five daily exercises followed by a two-hour group meeting. During the meeting, participants share their insights from the past week’s daily exercises, and then engage in a deeper exploration together.
The foundational 28-week resource includes a Leader’s Guide and a Participant’s Book. The Participant’s Book comes in two formats—a single volume or five individual volumes. Participants are encouraged to keep a journal or use a notebook to record additional thoughts.
The Companions in Christ 28-week journey
• Preparatory Meeting (1 week)
• Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ (spiritual formation, 5 weeks)
- An exploration of spiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness, individually and in community, through the grace of God.
• Feeding on the Word: The Mind of Christ (scripture, 5 weeks) -
An introduction to several ways of meditating and praying with scripture.
• Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ (prayer, 6 weeks)
- A guided experience of various classic forms and styles of prayer.
• Responding to Our Call: The Work of Christ (vocation, 5 weeks) -
A presentation of gifts and call, giving ourselves to God in willing obedience, and receiving the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• Exploring Spiritual Guidance: The Spirit of Christ (spiritual companionship, 5 weeks)
An overview of different ways of giving and receiving spiritual guidance from one-on-one relationships with a spiritual guide, to spiritual growth groups, to guidance in congregational life.
• Closing Retreat: Developing a Rule of Life (final week)
Do I need a training in order to lead a group of Companions in my church or community?
The training is not required to lead a group of Companions. The ... read more
Can Companions in Christ be used in my Sunday School class or small-group setting?
Companions in Christ includes a two-hour weekly meeting and builds a strong ... read more
Training Opportunities
The Companions Leader's Guides are thoroughly written, and reading these guides... learn more
Leading Formationally
Discover the differences between teaching a class and leading formationally. learn more
Getting Started Guide
The Companions Getting Started Guide by Larry J. Peacock is now included in the foundational 28-week Leader’s Guide...
download the PDF guide