I use Learning Circles as a discipleship vehicle that focuses on obedience-based growth, prayer and mission. In a Learning Circle, you will learn foundational habits of listening to God in scripture, prayer and mission. Learning Circles are encouraged to discover their own unique mission and to engage with that mission. Learning Circles are the main focus of Love First Church. They flow out of our church's mission to "love all people and lead them to live in God's love." Learning Circles help people learn how to do that.
The tools of a Learning Circle are simple: we follow a daily Bible reading calendar, reflect on and pray about what we learn, and use a prayer calendar and conversation chart to help us engage with others in mission. As you find other folks who are being drawn into the same rhythm, you will launch a new Learning Circle with them. (I provide ongoing coaching and training for Learning Circle leaders.)
The daily Bible reading and prayer rhythms are these:
Bible Reading
The Bible reading questions help us pay attention to the Bible reading, with an emphasis on obedience-based growth (rather than simply knowledge accumulation). They are open-ended so to encourage reflection on outreach and mission. The prayer prompts help us to engage with God in prayer by seeking his face before we seek his favour.
A typical Learning Circle gathering moves through the following questions:
Learning Circles go "around the circle," which means everyone participates. The first two questions help Circle participants to check in with each other and provide a way for the group to minister to one another. A time of prayer and worship follows the first two questions. The third question permits healthy accountability to challenge Circle participants to follow through on their Bible reading and prayer commitments. The fourth and sixth questions provide for group discernment, encouragement and prayer. Finally, the fifth question helps group members process where and how God is leading them on mission. It wouldn't be unsurprising to see new Learning Circles launch out of discernment on this question!
If you are interested in learning more about starting your own Learning Circle, contact me. I provide help for people desiring to embrace discipleship and disciple-making, and coaching and training to start Learning Circles that lead to multiplication.
The tools of a Learning Circle are simple: we follow a daily Bible reading calendar, reflect on and pray about what we learn, and use a prayer calendar and conversation chart to help us engage with others in mission. As you find other folks who are being drawn into the same rhythm, you will launch a new Learning Circle with them. (I provide ongoing coaching and training for Learning Circle leaders.)
The daily Bible reading and prayer rhythms are these:
Bible Reading
- What most catches your attention in this reading?
- What is God saying to you?
- What will you do about it? (Be specific; make an actionable spiritual growth “next step”)
- Praise: Praise God for his praiseworthy characteristics taught in this text.
- Petition: How does this text lead you to pray for yourself and others?
- Power: Pray for where you need God’s power in your life.
The Bible reading questions help us pay attention to the Bible reading, with an emphasis on obedience-based growth (rather than simply knowledge accumulation). They are open-ended so to encourage reflection on outreach and mission. The prayer prompts help us to engage with God in prayer by seeking his face before we seek his favour.
A typical Learning Circle gathering moves through the following questions:
- What are you thankful for?
- What challenges are you facing?
- How is going with your Bible reading and prayer habits and with loving others?
- Go around the Circle with the Bible Reading questions
- Who is God leading you to love first and how will you do this?
- Pray (follow the 3Ps format)
Learning Circles go "around the circle," which means everyone participates. The first two questions help Circle participants to check in with each other and provide a way for the group to minister to one another. A time of prayer and worship follows the first two questions. The third question permits healthy accountability to challenge Circle participants to follow through on their Bible reading and prayer commitments. The fourth and sixth questions provide for group discernment, encouragement and prayer. Finally, the fifth question helps group members process where and how God is leading them on mission. It wouldn't be unsurprising to see new Learning Circles launch out of discernment on this question!
If you are interested in learning more about starting your own Learning Circle, contact me. I provide help for people desiring to embrace discipleship and disciple-making, and coaching and training to start Learning Circles that lead to multiplication.