A prequel to the 28-week Companions in Christ core resource, this six-week study (plus a preparatory meeting) provides an excellent introduction to the language of spiritual formation and some basic practices of the Christian spiritual life. No previous training or experience is required.

Exploring the Way is a six-week introduction to Christian spirituality for small groups or classes. Ideal for Christian novice and spiritual veteran alike, it explores the basic concepts of the Christian spiritual life, along with the biblical texts that undergird them. Participants will discover the spiritual practices that will sustain them on their journey -- practices like sharing faith journeys, lectio divina ("sacred reading"), breath prayer, holy listening, daily examen (a spiritual self-assessment), and simple journaling. As they're easily learned, these practices will gradually contribute to faith formation and spiritual renewal.

Provides complete guidance and background material for each of the weekly meetings* including general information about Christian spirituality and disciplines. The Leader's Guide takes an "accordion style" approach, which allows the leader either to expand or contract the information to an hour or hour-and-a-half time frame. All weekly group gatherings follow the same basic outline:

Opening time of welcoming, centering, and worship (10 minutes)
Teaching narrative (20 minutes)
Deeper explorations into a specific spiritual practice (20 minutes)
Closing worship (10 minutes)

*Weekly meetings precede participant reading and reflection exercises. Learn more about how this model differs from other resources in the Companions Series.