Small Groups and Retreats
Small Groups
Ever feel like a fish out of water? Ever feel like you are going one direction while everyone else is going the opposite way? Ever feel alone, even in a small group? You are not alone—well, at least in one sense.
Many people experience a sense of isolation. Just because seven or eight people get together with you once a week and talk about spiritual insights doesn’t necessarily mean that you will feel connected with them.
Connection is more about heart experience than head knowledge. Sometimes the people in your group don’t share common personal interests, and sometimes you are simply in a different place emotionally or spiritually. Sometimes it doesn’t feel “safe” to share your thoughts, especially when you feel inadequate.
All Consuming Fire won’t automatically take care of these concerns, but it lends itself to the kind of discussion that allows for a small group to experience the movement of the Holy Spirit. Even in a group where stories are shared, where hurts are exposed, and where lives are laid bare, life transformation may not necessarily be taking place. This is especially true if the focus of those conversations is about fixing myself or someone else or to make our lives better. The movement of the Holy Spirit often includes a conviction of sin, and the wonderful life-giving and powerful experiences of healing and restoration. That’s what small groups should be about.
Retreats
All Consuming Fire is a great way to plan your next retreat. Choose three or four lessons that you think will be the most helpful to you or your group. The presentation already exists in the Consider This section of each lesson. The Personal Reflection questions are great for those times when you want people to go away by themselves, and the Engagement section is just right for small group interaction. As you spend significant time away from the distractions of life, be prepared to meet with God in very personal ways!
If you are a retreat speaker and not simply a local church using this material for a one-time retreat, please contact us for licensing usage.