Spiritual Growth
Rev. Amy Bowden Freedman
Date:___________________
Small Group Ministry 
Group Session Plan

Opening Words:	We are here to grow in wisdom
			and learn how to love better.
			As we do this in our own ways,
			we slowly become a blessing to those around us
			and a light to the world.	-Rachel Naomi Remen
Check-in

Topic:  
Spiritual growth requires thoughtful intention and practice.
"By spiritual, I mean the ancient and abiding human quest for connectedness with something larger and much more trust-worthy than our egos—with our own, with one another, with the worlds of history and nature, with the invisible winds of the spirit, and with the mystery of being alive."       —Parker Palmer 
                                                                                      
The Buddhist path upholds three treasures, or "jewels," 
1.	Buddha (ultimate example of Enlightenment)
2.	Dharma (written and spoken teachings)
3.	Sangha (Buddhist community)

Henri Nouwen, in his book on Christian spiritual direction outlines three practices: 
1.	The discipline of the Heart (connecting with God through contemplative prayer)
2.	The discipline of the Book (reading, studying and following the Bible)
3.	The discipline of the Church (community of faith).

•	In what ways do you connect with the sacred?
•	What teachings do you read, study or follow for inspiration and guidance?
•	Why is community important for spiritual growth?   
•	How might you be more intentional in your spiritual direction? 

Sharing/ Deep Listening
Conversation:  How can this group encourage our spiritual growth?
Likes & Wishes
Closing Words:                                   Expect to see 
                                         more light in what you’ve understood;
more beauty in all you still admire;
more truth in all you’ve long believed;
more goodness in all you’ve learned to love.
–Gerhard E. Frost