Companions in Christ

The Way of Scripture Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:42:41 GMT

The Way of Scripture Participant's Book is also available for small-group members.

Do you search the scriptures to validate your own beliefs and decisions, or do you allow the Word to search you? If you're looking for a deeper experience of God's Word, this study will support you in going beyond simple Bible study. You'll find ideas to help you lay aside preconceived notions and daily worries, creating a place for a transforming encounter with God.

The Leader's Guide for the 8-week small-group study provides the following:

The structure of each weekly 2-hour group meeting
A list of materials for all meetings
Simple worship suggestions for opening and closing the meetings
Instructions for facilitating shared insights and learning
A variety of practical approaches to lectio divina

Sessions address these topics:

Silentio: Preparing to Be Read by Scripture
Lectio: Ingesting the Word
Meditatio: Wrestling with God
Oratio: Letting God Know How We Feel
Contemplatio: Abandoning Ourselves to God in Love
Incarnatio: The Word Becoming Flesh in Us

The Way of Scripture Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:43:34 GMT

The Way of Scripture Leader's Guide is also available.

Join other committed Christians in an 8-week study (includes a preparatory session) designed to help you experience scripture as a place of transforming encounter with God. This Companions in Christ resource promotes the classical practice of lectio divina to develop patterns of being engaged by God in scripture. The following topics are addressed:

Scripture: A Place of Transforming Encounter
Silentio: Preparing to Be Read by Scripture
Lectio: Ingesting the Word
Meditatio: Wrestling with God
Oratio: Letting God Know How We Feel
Contemplatio: Abandoning Ourselves to God in Love
Incarnatio: The Word Becoming Flesh in Us

The Way of Discernment Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:08:27 GMT

The Way of Discernment Participant's Book is also available for small-group members.

This guide provides everything you need to prepare and lead small-group studies. The Way of Discernment provides:

Principles of personal and group discernment
Daily exercises to help you move from information to experience
Weekly meeting plans designed for group sharing and worship
Penetrating questions to aid the process of discernment

The 10-week study focuses on the ancient spiritual discipline of discernment for individuals, congregations, or larger bodies of the church. In addition to a preparatory meeting, sessions include:

The Beckoning of Discernment
The Heart of Discernment
Fruit as Touchstones
Core Identity as Touchstone
Growing in the Gift
In the Hard Places
Communal Discernment: Beginnings
Communal Discernment: Going Farther
Elements of Perpetual Challenge
The All-Encompassing Audience

The Leader's Guide contains step-by-step instructions for sessions and a list of materials needed for the weekly group meetings.

The Way of Discernment Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:38:57 GMT

The Way of Discernment Leader's Guide is also available.

How do you discover God's guidance for personal and congregational decisions? Explore paths to clarity in The Way of Discernment, a 10-week study for small groups.

Who is this book designed for?

People yearning to hear the Holy Spirit's guidance
Individuals looking for direction in vocation or life changes
Church leaders seeking clarity about their congregation's distinctive mission
Christians searching for God's will in matters of belief, ethics, and faithful living

Part of the Companions in Christ series, The Way of Discernment offers a biblical, theological, and practical framework for understanding the practice of discernment. Sessions include

The Beckoning of Discernment
The Heart of Discernment
Fruit as Touchstones
Core Identity as Touchstone
Growing in the Gift
In the Hard Places
Communal Discernment: Beginnings
Communal Discernment: Going Farther
Elements of Perpetual Challenge
The All-Encompassing Audience

The Way of Prayer Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:18:06 GMT

The Way of Prayer Participant's Book is also available for small-group members.

Everything you need to guide a small group on a 10-week journey into the heart of prayer is contained in this Leader's Guide. Find the practical help you need:

Ideas for a session to introduce the resource to participants
A list of Weekly Needs at a Glance
Detailed instructions for leading 10 weekly meetings

Help your group members become the people God wants them to be through this study. By exploring the nature of prayer and a variety of its forms, participants will discover expressions of prayer that draw them closer to God and give them a deeper sense of spiritual vitality. Sessions address these topics:

How Do You Pray?
Images of God
Praying by Heart
Praying with Music
Praying by Gaze
Praying with Our Bodies
Scriptural Prayer
Contemplative Prayer
Praying with and for Others
Prayer and Social Transformation

The Way of Prayer Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:14:52 GMT

The Way of Prayer Leader's Guide is also available.

It's said that prayer is so primal an urge for humankind that we're born into the world praying. Yet, something so natural and seemingly so easy comes hard sometimes. The Way of Prayer is a 10-week small-group study about the nature, practice, and results of prayer. Some forms of prayer arise in our lives spontaneously, some are learned by rote, and others are stumbled upon as we move through life.

"All prayer, formal or informal, is about our relationship with God," the authors write. "Somewhere deep inside us resides the experience of being so deeply connected to God that we long to express the wonder of that relationship. We pray because we can — and must." Honor the ways you were taught to pray while expanding your understanding to include new ways to pray. Topics covered include:

How Do You Pray?
Images of God
Praying by Heart
Praying with Music
Praying by Gaze
Praying with Our Bodies
Scriptural Prayer
Contemplative Prayer
Praying with and for Others
Prayer and Social Transformation

Companions in Christ Journal

Sat, 14 May 2022 03:50:18 GMT

"Journal writing is a sharing between our true selves and God."

It's a powerful yet simple spiritual practice. Journaling goes beyond the nearly constant inner conversations we have with ourselves every day. The mere act of putting our unedited thoughts on paper, in our own handwriting, leads to eye-opening insights, clarity of thought, and deeper reflection. That's why a journal is an integral part of Companions in Christ.

Respond to exercises contained in your Participant's Book. Highlight the answers or questions you want to share with others in your group meeting. Reviewing and writing in your journal will be an important part of preparing for each group session.

The Companions in Christ Journal complements the entire Companions in Christ series. The 160-page journal features clean, open pages with faint lines to guide your writing. The book's lay-flat binding is flexible and conducive to easy handwriting and yet strong enough to withstand a well-thumbed lifetime. A thoughtful quotation designed to guide your reflection is included in the margin on every other page.

An introduction by journaling expert and author Anne Broyles will inspire both the new and experienced journaler. This beautiful journal was designed for participants of Companions in Christ, but anyone can use it.

As one of the quotations in this journal says, "Silence becomes like a creative space in which we regain perspective on the whole." Let this journal be a bridge between you and God so that you may be whole!

Companions in Christ Leader's Guide (Revised)

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:01:52 GMT

Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume is available for small-group members.

Companions in Christ Leader's Guide is designed to develop you as a leader in guiding the spiritual life of your congregation. This resource gives you an overview of the Christian spiritual life and the practices that help people enter into the formative pattern of Christ's life: a life of prayer, study and service. Help your small-group members move from information (knowledge about) to experience (knowledge of) in the means of grace — ways in which Christ meets people, renews their faith, and deepens their life together in love.

This revised Leader's Guide provides detailed guidance for leading a small group through the 28 weekly sessions. The plans have been tested and refined by groups in churches across the country. This book contains all you need, including:

the Getting Started Guide, which was formerly a separate piece
a revised plan for a Closing Retreat
Weekly Needs at a Glance
page references for both the comprehensive 1-volume Participant's Book and the new 5-volume series

"I found that the Leader's Guide was complete, easy to use, and filled with a vast wealth of worship experiences and leadership tools," writes one Companions in Christ group leader. "I haven't found this content in other resources." Lead your group deeper into the heart and mind, the work and spirit, and the very life of Jesus Christ!

Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:08:11 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

This revised edition combines the first five Companions in Christ Participant's Books in one volume. If you're considering Companions in Christ for your church, begin with this book. This one-volume introduction to Companions in Christ moves through an uninterrupted 28-week study of five topics:

spiritual formation
scripture
prayer
vocation
spiritual companionship

This Participant's Book is recommended for groups that will continue their study together for the full 28 weeks.

Companions in Christ offers a powerfully transforming small-group experience in opening yourself to God's presence and guidance. Explore classic spiritual practices, and develop new daily patterns that will open your life to a deepening relationship with God and with your group.

ALTERNATE OPTION: Also available are separate Participant's Books for each of the 5 topics mentioned above, which gives your group a chance to take a break between study modules:

Embracing the Journey (spiritual formation)
Feeding on the Word (scripture)
Deepening Our Prayer (prayer)
Responding to Our Call (vocation)
Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)

Deepening Our Prayer, Participant's Book, Vol. 3

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:40:15 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ is a guided experience of various classic forms and styles of prayer. Discover new dimensions of prayer, try fresh ways of opening to God, and learn what it means to practice the presence of God.

This book is the third segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups that will take breaks between the other four volumes:

Embracing the Journey (spiritual formation)
Feeding on the Word (scripture)
Responding to Our Call (vocation)
Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)

OPTION: Groups that wish to experience an uninterrupted 28-week study of Companions in Christ should order Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume.

Embracing the Journey, Participant's Book, Vol. 1

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:11:38 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ focuses on an exploration of spiritual formation as an individual and corporate journey toward wholeness and holiness through the grace of God. This book is the first segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The 5-piece participant series is designed for groups that will take breaks between the other four volumes:

Feeding on the Word (scripture)
Deepening Our Prayer (prayer)
Responding to Our Call (vocation)
Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)

OPTION: Groups that wish to experience an uninterrupted 28-week study of Companions in Christ should order Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume.

Exploring Spiritual Guidance, Participant's Book, Vol. 5

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:38:16 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

Exploring Spiritual Guidance: The Spirit of Christ presents an overview of the different ways to give and receive spiritual guidance — from a one-on-one relationship with a spiritual mentor to congregational or small-group accountablility. Learn how to grow together as a part of a Christian community and how small groups become settings for guided spiritual development. This book is the fifth segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups that will take breaks between the other four volumes:

Embracing the Journey (spiritual formation)
Feeding on the Word (scripture)
Deepening Our Prayer (prayer)
Responding to Our Call (vocation)

OPTION: Groups that wish to experience an uninterrupted 28-week study of Companions in Christ should order Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume.

Feeding on the Word, Participant's Book, Vol. 2

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:01:17 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

Feeding on the Word: The Mind of Christ is an introduction to the many ways of meditating and praying with scripture. Explore the depths of the Word, learn to listen to God through it, and allow your life to be shaped by it. This book is the second segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups that will take breaks between the other four volumes:

Embracing the Journey (spiritual formation)
Deepening Our Prayer (prayer)
Responding to Our Call (vocation)
Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)

OPTION: Groups that wish to experience an uninterrupted 28-week study of Companions in Christ should order Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume.

Responding to Our Call, Participant's Book, Vol. 4

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:17:41 GMT

A revised Companions in Christ Leader's Guide, containing a "Getting Started Guide" and new plans for a closing retreat, is also available.

Responding to Our Call: The Work of Christ examines the meaning of discipleship and how obedience leads to the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on Christ's call in your life and discover anew the gifts that God is giving you for living out your personal ministry. This book is the fourth segment of a five-volume study of the original 28-week Companions in Christ resource. The five-piece participant series is designed for groups that will take breaks between the other four volumes:

Embracing the Journey (spiritual formation)
Feeding on the Word (scripture)
Deepening Our Prayer (prayer)
Exploring Spiritual Guidance (spiritual companionship)

OPTION: Groups that wish to experience an uninterrupted 28-week study of Companions in Christ should order Companions in Christ Participant's Book in 1 Volume.

The Way of Transforming Discipleship Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:00:59 GMT

The Way of Transforming Discipleship Participant's Book is also available for small-group members.

Everything you need to guide a small group in a 6-week exploration of authentic Christian spirituality is contained in this Leader's Guide. Find the very practical help you need:

Ideas for a session to introduce the resource to participants
A list of Weekly Needs at a Glance
Detailed instructions for leading five weekly meetings
Meaningful Deeper Explorations of the spiritual life
Plans for a Closing Pilgrimage and Retreat

Help your group members become the people God wants them to be. Lead them to reflect on what faith means in terms of who we are, how we must change, how to deal with pain, and how to move toward reconciliation and belonging. Be challenged to live the whole gospel by connecting spirituality and discipleship. "The Upper Room has crafted a practical tool for assisting pilgrims on the journey of transformation," writes one reviewer. "The Way of Transforming Discipleship is for anyone who is on the way to becoming a true Christ-follower. Not only is this a must-read, but even more so, it is a must-do resource!"

A group experience of this resource consists of a preparatory meeting, 5 weekly sessions, and a closing retreat. The Way of Transforming Discipleship is appropriate for any group that has completed the Companions in Christ 28-week foundational resource, or it may also be used as an introduction to this powerful program.

The Way of Transforming Discipleship Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:18:30 GMT

The Way of Transforming Discipleship Leader's Guide is also available.

Are you becoming the person God wants you to be? Discover a way to authentic Christian spirituality through this 6-week study. By shining the light of God's Word into the darkness of our lives, Hudson and Bryant will lead you to a pathway of discovery and growth. Explore the markers of the journey:

Becoming a Christ-Follower
Knowing Who We Are
Changing from the Inside
Listening to the Groans
Experiencing the God Who Heals
Discovering Community Together

"The Upper Room has crafted a practical tool for assisting pilgrims on the journey of transformation," writes one reviewer. "The Way of Transforming Discipleship is for anyone who is on the way to becoming a true Christ-follower. Not only is this a must-read, but even more so, it is a must-do resource!" Join this journey to experience more deeply what it means to live as a follower of Christ. Understand the meaning of spiritual formation and how it leads to a spirituality that's authentic and grace-filled. Reflect on what your faith means in terms of who you are, how you must change, how you deal with pain, and how you relate to others. Be challenged to live the whole gospel by authentically connecting spirituality with discipleship.

Exploring the Way Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:38:42 GMT

Exploring the Way Participant's Book is available for small-group members.

This user-friendly Leader's Guide provides complete guidance, content, and background material for each of the weekly meetings. Also included is general information about Christian spirituality and disciplines. It's the perfect condensed orientation to Companions in Christ! All weekly group gatherings follow the same basic outline:

Opening time of welcoming, centering, and worship (5 minutes)
Sharing insights from the week's spiritual exercises (10 minutes)
Teaching narrative (20 minutes)
Deeper explorations into a specific spiritual practice (20 minutes)
Closing worship (5 minutes)

Find the tools you need in this comprehensive Leader's Guide to make your group study both thought-provoking and full of lively discussion, including a full explanation of spiritual formation, a complete list of materials needed, and an outline for each session with suggestions for what to say.

Exploring the Way Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:00:14 GMT

Exploring the Way Leader's Guide is also available.

Do you long for something more? Maybe you can't explain your yearning, but you want to make a difference in the world, and you're never quite satisfied with your life. You're not alone. Even people raised in church can feel disconnected from God.

Exploring the Way will help you understand and deepen your experience of God. You'll be able to ask questions about issues and faith in a safe place. You'll discover (or rediscover) a way of grace, joy, and peace — indeed, the way of Christ himself. Ideal for the novice and veteran alike, this book defines and explains the most basic concepts and language of the Christian spiritual life: prayer, the Bible's message for our lives today, spiritual gifts, listening, journaling, and much more. It's the ultimate 6-week orientation to spirituality and the essential elements of faith. Sessions include:

Beginning the Journey
Sharing the Adventure
Bread for the Journey (Scripture)
Drink for the Journey (Prayer)
Companions on the Way
Reaching Out in Love

Stories, scripture, and exercises in each chapter will help connect your beliefs with daily experiences. Through independent and group study, you'll establish a rhythm of daily time with God, weekly time in Christian community, and a lifelong attentiveness to possibilities for serving the world. Feed your hungry soul, and use both your head and your heart while rejuvenating your own spiritual journey.

The Way of Grace Leader's Guide

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:24:47 GMT

The Way of Grace Participant's Book is also available for small-group members.

The Way of Grace Leader's Guide provides all the tools you need to guide small groups through this 9-week journey. You'll reflect on "the way of grace" in our lives through the lens of 8 encounters between Jesus and various people described in John's Gospel. In the guide you'll find:

An explanation of spiritual formation
A description of the leadership skills called for when leading formational groups
A complete list of materials needed for each weekly meeting
Weekly outlines with full content for opening worship, sharing of insights, deeper explorations, and closing worship

The Way of Grace Participant's Book

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:49:20 GMT

The Way of Grace Leader's Guide is also available.

Grace is a gift. Even before we recognize its need in our lives, God extends us favor. This 9-week study in the Companions in Christ series explores the Gospel of John and how divine grace is at work in our lives today, just as it was in the lives of biblical characters 2,000 years ago. "God's grace comes to us in the distinctive shape of our personal histories, needs, and possibilities," Indermark writes. "Yet divine grace also reveals the depths of what we share across all boundaries of time and place."

Participants in this small-group study will explore the central stories of John, focusing on people who discovered God's grace through their encounters with Jesus. This is more than a survey of the biblical stories of Andrew, Simon, Philip, and Nathaniel; Nicodemus; the Samaritan woman; the lame man; the woman caught in adultery; the blind man; Mary and Martha; and Simon Peter. The Way of Grace is a transforming interaction with the events and the characters, a chance to identify with what God provided for these people — a provision they could never achieve for themselves.

Groups new to Companions in Christ or to spiritual formation will find The Way of Grace to be a good introductory course. If you long to open your heart to a deeper knowing of God's grace — to recognize the "soul's deep compass steering us Godward," this is the study for you.