Where Two or Three Are Gathered: Spiritual Direction for Small Groups

by Daniel L. Prechtel

Overview

Much has been written about the practice of one-to-one spiritual directions, but much less about small group communities that offer in-depth mutual spiritual support and guidance to its members. But small groups are most likely the more usual setting for spiritual companionship and have strong biblical, theological and historical foundation in the Christian tradition.

This book offers a detailed presentation of ten small group models, plus guidance in group leadership dynamics. It also presents material related to group retreat work, spiritual guidance with organizations and peer supervision/consultation model for supporting leaders of spiritual companionship groups and retreats.

Church leaders, spiritual directors and educators are looking for the kinds of resources this book provides to assist them in understanding and leading groups and retreats.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780819227720
Publisher:	Church Publishing, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/01/2012
Series:	Spiritual Directors International Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Daniel L. Prechtel is a spiritual director, educator, church consultant, retreat leader, and priest in the Episcopal Church who draws on more than 30 years of experience in spiritual guidance. His previous book, Where Two or Three are Gathered: Spiritual Direction for Small Groups, has been widely received for its contributions to the field of spirituality and spiritual guidance. He is founder of Lamb & Lion Spiritual Guidance Ministries and teaches at the Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership (CALL) at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California, and at The Chaplaincy Institute.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

1 The Power of Small Groups for Spiritual Companionship 5

The Importance of Small Groups

Development of Traditions of Spiritual Guidance

Theological Foundations

Psycho-Spiritual Foundations

2 Essentials of Spiritual Companionship Groups 35

Core Elements

3 - Groups for Sharing Spiritual Practices and Exercises 44

Model 1: Circle of the Spirit

Model 2: Holy Reading

Model 3: Contemplative Prayer

4 Groups for Cultivating Inner Awareness and Discernment 62

Model 4: Spiritual Friends

Model 5: Dreamwork

Model 6: Communal Dreaming

5 Groups for Building a Spiritual Community of Support 84

Model 7: Benedictine Community

Model 8: Companions in Transition

6 Groups for Compassion and Social Action 97

Model 9: Healing Prayer

Model 10: Covenant for Justice and Peace

7 Leading, a Small Group 113

Establishing the Foundations

Leading a Group

Training and Care of Group Leaders

Model 11: Leaders Group

8 Special Applications 137

Retreat Leadership

Organizational Spiritual Guidance

Interfaith and Secular Groups

Internet Virtual Groups

Other Long-Distance Groups

Conclusion: Gathered in the Name of the Divine 152

Appendix: Spiritual Exercises for Circle of the Spirit Groups and Retreats 155

Bibliography 181

Endnotes 189

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This book is not for the person looking for an easy resource to plan a retreat or small group study. It is designed for Church leaders, spiritual directors and educators who are looking for assistance in understanding and leading groups and retreats."
—Dorothy S. Linthicum, Episcopal Teacher

Editorial Reviews

"This book is not for the person looking for an easy resource to plan a retreat or small group study. It is designed for Church leaders, spiritual directors and educators who are looking for assistance in understanding and leading groups and retreats."
—Dorothy S. Linthicum, Episcopal Teacher

From the Publisher