Appendix Small Group Discussion Guide

The soul-training exercises involve various steps toward and ways to experience forgiveness. Each of these three questions correlates to the three soul-training exercises; in groups of three or four, answer the questions that apply.

If you divided into subgroups for your discussion of the soul-training exercise, you may regroup for your discussion of the chapter. If time is limited, read through the following questions and note which ones you especially want to discuss, and then begin with those questions.

Have a volunteer read aloud the following Scripture passage and quote from the book:

In response to this passage the author writes:

Conclude your time by having partners pray for each other to know God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in a deeper way.

The next chapter explores encouragement and accountability within the Christian community. The soul-training exercise is meeting with an accountability friend. You will need to work out the details for this meeting early in the week.

Begin with five minutes of silence. At the conclusion of the silence someone in the group may offer a brief prayer, ring a meditation chime or simply say amen.

If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the questions below to discuss your experience of meeting with an accountability friend.

If you divided into subgroups for your discussion of the soul-training exercise, you may regroup for your discussion of the chapter. If time is limited, read through the following questions and note which ones you especially want to discuss, and then begin with those questions.

Have a volunteer read aloud 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Notice that there are specific gifts that are offered to people with specific needs, for example, idleness receives warning, and encouragement is given to the timid.

Have a volunteer from the group read the following quote:

The next chapter focuses on generosity. The soul-training exercise is applying frugality to your time, treasures and talents in order to create margin to then be more generous.

Begin with five minutes of silence. At the conclusion of the silence someone in the group may offer a brief prayer, ring a meditation chime or simply say amen.

If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the questions below to discuss your experience of applying frugality to your time, talent and treasures so you could then be generous with those resources.

If you divided into subgroups for your discussion of the soul-training exercise, you may regroup for your discussion of the chapter. If time is limited, read through the following questions and note which ones you especially want to discuss, and then begin with those questions.

Have a volunteer read aloud 2 Corinthians 8:13-14.

Have a volunteer read aloud this quote from the book:

Let us go out seeking the kingdom!

The next chapter looks at the role of worship in Christian community. The soul-training exercise gives us five steps to prepare for worship.

Begin with five minutes of silence. At the conclusion of the silence someone in the group may offer a brief prayer, ring a meditation chime or simply say amen.

This chapter’s soul-training exercise moved us through five steps that prepared us for worship, helped us focus during worship and applied what God was calling us to do following worship. If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use these questions to explore these five steps.

If you divided into subgroups for your discussion of the soul-training exercise, you may regroup for your discussion of the chapter. If time is limited, read through the following questions and note which ones you especially want to discuss, and then begin with those questions.

Have a volunteer read aloud Psalm 95:1-3.

Have a volunteer read the following quote aloud as a benediction for your time together:

The final section of the book gives guidance for creating a soul-shaping plan. The next session will give the group a chance to reflect on their soul-training plans and possibly create a soul-shaping plan for the entire group.

This session is intended to help groups process their experience with the individual rule as well as provide guidance for creating a group rule.

Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a short prayer of thanksgiving for the journey your group has shared.

Utilize the following questions to explore the process of creating your individual rule and learn from others in the group.

As a group you will need to decide if you will follow the author’s suggestion and create a group rule. It may be helpful to clarify that the group will not necessarily be gathered together to observe each of the spiritual practices that make up the group rule. Here are some steps to follow and points to consider if you decide to create such a rule.

Other considerations:

Use this suggested outline when the group gathers to reflect on the rule and how God is at work in their lives.

Begin with five minutes of silence followed by an opening prayer, ringing a meditation chime or simply saying amen.

Review the group rule and remove disciplines that do not seem connected with your journey as a group (remember, individuals can still observe these practices). Are there any disciplines that should be added? Formalize this new rule and use it until you meet again.

Conclude your time by reading a Scripture passage or helpful quote or reciting the Lord’s Prayer.