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. 

 

 

• 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)