A
Guide for Fellowship Groups
Welcome: Welcome to our spiritual warfare fellowship. Spiritual warfare is not about fighting against others, or fighting for any particular political or social cause or religious belief. It is a personal spiritual battle against the demons, destructive tendencies, addictions, compulsions, evils and falsehoods within each individual. It is a very real battle which takes place in the minds, hearts, and lives of all those who choose to live spiritually. This fellowship supports each individual in fighting these battles, in preserving hope, in offering companionship on the spiritual battlefield, and in helping to pave the way toward spiritual victory. The only requirement for membership is a desire to live and grow in love and integrity.
Because of the personal nature of these battles, it is absolutely necessary
to keep everything that is said in these sessions in confidence, and for
each individual to reserve judgment on others. No one wins every spiritual
battle, but one can find healing, grow in spiritual strength, and achieve
lasting victory if given a safe place to share what is going on inside,
and an opportunity to learn and to grow. It is our hope that this fellowship
will be such a safe and sacred place.
In order for this to take place, abide by these basic guidelines during
our sessions:
1. What is said here stays here.
2. You can choose to pass when it is your time to talk.
3. Be considerate of others, in sharing equal time for speaking.
4. Do not interrupt others who are speaking.
5. Do not offer advice.
6. Do not attempt to "fix" another's "problems" inside
or outside of the group.
7. Reserve judgement and become a caring listener.
Through dedication to your own personal spiritual work, and the support of this fellowship, may you gain victory over your spiritual enemies, and find wholeness, spirituality, and inner peace.
Reading: Read aloud the lesson at the beginning of the chapter you are reviewing this session.
Gems from the Masters: Have people take turns reading aloud each gem from the masters.
Sharing the Struggle: Going around the room, each person has an opportunity to share how this particular reading and meditation reflects insights into his/her life, and about the week's struggles, victories and triumphs. The questions for discussion can be used to assist in this process.
Meditation: Leader assists others in a relaxation exercise and reads the meditation in the pertinent chapter.
Process: Follow the directions given for the group process for the particular chapter the group is reviewing.
Closing Thoughts: Going around the room briefly, each participant
can share a sentence or two about anything he or she desires in order
to bring about a sense of completion and closure.
Closing Huddle and Prayers: Participants stand in a circle and clasp hands.
Individuals may offer a prayer, or the group agrees to close regularly
with a specific prayer.