Companions in Christ: A Small-Group Experience in Spiritual Formation : Participant's Book

by Adele Gonzalez, Rueben P. Job, E. Glenn Hinson

Over 28-weeks, the Companions in Christ Participant's Book moves through five areas:
-- Embracing the Journey -- an exploration of spiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness;
-- Feeding on the Word -- several ways of meditating on and praying with scripture;
-- Deepening our Prayer -- an experience of various classic forms and styles of prayer;
-- Responding to Our Call -- a presentation of gifts and call;
-- Exploring Spiritual Guidance -- different ways of giving an receiving spiritual guidance.Well-known writers for Upper Room Ministries introduce weekly themes. Gerrit Scott Dawson, Adele Gonzalez, E. Glenn Hinson, Rueben Job, Marjorie Thompson, and Wendy Wright combine personal, firsthand accounts with wisdom from the Christian tradition to provide focus and background for the weekly exercises.

Following each reading are five daily exercises that help participants reflect on the theme more deeply and prepare for the group meeting. These exercises involve some combination of scripture reading, spiritual practice, and reflection questions. Responses are recorded in a journal each day and reviewed during the opening portion of the weekly gathering.

319 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Terri Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the basis for a fabulous study I facilitated with a very Biblically sized group of 12. We did not meet for as long each week as the leader’s guide suggested, but I found all of the materials there to be very easily adaptable to our group and timeframe. Looking forward to having a closing retreat (also in the leader’s guide) in early June and seeing what is next for the group as a whole and as individuals.

[cj Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for a small group building discipleship and accountability. Have been participant and leader, but as a layperson, I don't feel I did the program justice as leader. It really needs trained clergyto lead to get the most out of it.
I took the course in 2001-2002. There were not all the additional books and supplemental materials then. It was led by the pastor of our church, and was an intimate group of 8 participants which grew into a family. A wonderful program!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

26-week study in "spiritual formation." Great group, good enough book. For us, a wonderful way to get close to a group of people and involved at a new church.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My good rating is a credit to my facilitator and my fellow companions in Christ who make up my small group. It’s an honor to go through this study with them and I expect the group cohesion affects the experience of this work. (I can’t imagine this being an effective read alone and wouldn’t suggest doing this read without a group.)

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to the small group experience. It was a sponsored study at my church. Next to Rick Warren's model in The Purpose Driven Life, this was my foundation for forming, leading and maintaining covenant/small groups.

[Jjaekley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read every page of this book, though I've looked it over carefully and received good reviews from several friends. I'm looking forward to leading a small group through the first 4 segments this fall and spring. We will be meeting on average, twice a month, so we'll see how that goes.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful guide to growing closer to God through small group experience. Can't wait to do a new group again in the fall!