Christian Meditation Group Workshop

A CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP WORKSHOP

( SECOND SESSION)

ON STARTING A GROUP

BY PAUL HARRIS

A) HOW WOULD ONE CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION, AND MEETING TIME FOR A GROUP?

SOME POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

. Parish, home, institution, church, place of work etc. . As quiet a location as possible. . Upright, comfortable chairs. . Parking. . Geographic location. . Choice of turning lights off during the meditation period. . No rental payments if possible. . Available on bus routes. . Choose a suitable time for the group meeting bearing in mind the . availability of a location.

B) HOW WOULD ONE APPROACH THE PASTOR OF A CHURCH REGARDING THE START UP OF A NEW GROUP?

. Pre reading of the booklet: A Pearl of Great Price: Share the Gift of Meditation by Starting a Group . Appointment with a pastor to discuss a new group . Resource material on the teaching .A one page fact sheet with an outline of the teaching and the role of the group . A list of any other groups in your local area

C) HOW WILL THE WEEKLY MEETING BE PUBLICIZED?

. Sunday church bulletin. Pulpit announcements. . Posters on church notice boards in all area churches. . Letters to pastors of all churches in the area announcing a new group. . Community media notices, including, newspapers, radio and TV. . Shopping centre notices. . Public libraries. . Health food stores. . School newsletters. . How will notices be phrased.

D) WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST A LEADER IN STARTING A GROUP?

. Attend an introductory course on the teaching if available in your area. . Discussion with local area coordinator. . Discussion with other experienced group leaders in the area. . The booklet: “A Pearl of Great Price: Share the Gift of Meditation by Starting a group.

E) WHAT OTHER MATERIAL RESOURCES ARE REQUIRED FOR STARTING A GROUP?

SOME POINTS FOR DISCUSSION . A wide variety of 300 pre recorded talks on the teaching by John Main, Laurence Freeman, and other teachers, available on tape/CD. Talks can be borrowed from other group leaders, area coordinator, or purchased? . Tape/CD player? . Candle. . Meditation period timer. . Hand outs for newcomers on the teaching. . Books for sale or loan. . Current issues of local, country, or International Christian Meditation newsletters. . List of over 20 Christian Meditation websites. . Coffee/Tea, biscuits and a social period after the meeting? Optional.

F) WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT QUALITIES IN A GROUP LEADER?

POINTS FOR DISCUSSION

. A group leader is not required to be a “guru” or “expert” but simply someone who says “yes” to the desire to share the teaching with others. . The only quality necessary is the personal commitment to the teaching and the daily practice. . Sometimes a Christian Meditation group is a collective effort with various members sharing leadership in the regular group meetings.