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General

SFG study groups are learning communities. Learning takes place when the individual cooperates in the group by participating in the discussions, actively listening and thinking about others' comments and perceptions, and formulating her/his own ideas.

The main difference between an in-person SFG group and an internet SFG group (ISG) is the fact that in ISG members do not meet face to face. Moreover, their communication happens through writing, each member at a time of their own convenience. In essence, however, an ISG is very much like an in-person study group. Both are learning communities with a common ideal. The members work cooperatively and interdependently towards greater understanding and growth. In addition members of both groups form a team together, with each playing a particular position based on her or his special gifts and talents.
 

ISG Characteristics

1. Members share the group's ideal and work cooperatively towards it.
The ideal is the motivating force behind all the group's activities and decisions. The Introduction to A Search for God, book I and II shows the sense of purpose the members of the very first SFG study groups shared. Through dialogue, members of each group decide upon their specific profile. Part of a group's ideal or mission may be to adopt a project for the benefit of people outside the group.

2. Members share responsibilities and leadership.
Each member has equal responsibility and opportunity to participate in each step of the process. 

• Chapter leader: This member is responsible for leading a chapter, guiding the discussion if necessary and encouraging participation and the sharing of new perspectives. This task is often combined with the task of posting a weekly experiment.
• Experiment/exercise facilitator (In some groups the chapter leader does this as well). Experiments serve to help members apply concepts from the lessons in daily life. Ideally, all members report back to the group during or at the end of the week to share their experiences with the experiment. 
• Keeper of the prayer list: This member collects submitted names and posts a monthly prayer list.
• Bible  study facilitator: If the group has members on board who are able to guide a Bible study, they may facilitate in turn.
• Contact person: This member stays in contact with the ISG coordinator and thus with the ARE study group department. This member may also help with new member start-up, by becoming a temporary new member mentor.
• Participants: These members are responsible for 'listening', sharing their thoughts and experiences, and ensuring that everyone gets a chance to participate.

3. Members trust and support each other.
The intimacy that develops over time creates the right environment to share personal feelings and inner thought processes.

4. Members communicate openly, respectfully and effectively. 

• Acknowledge or follow up on each other's messages, especially when personal issues are concerned; this will help build loving relationships.
• Reinforce points made by members, by rephrasing or saying, e.g., "That's  interesting", especially in the beginning. It will encourage participation.
• Allow two others to post before you post again; thus you create room for all to participate.
• Paraphrase, when a statement bothers you, to make sure you understand the point.
• Offer your own experience and start your statements with "I think..." or "It's been my experience that...", rather than making a general statement that applies to all.
• Avoid negative remarks and personal comments about others.If you have a difference of opinion, state your opinion in a caring manner such as, "I see it another way... perhaps it would be helpful to have another perspective on this...."
• Avoid 'playing shrink' or trying to psychoanalyze another person's remarks.
• Openly resolve conflicts and differences.
• Preserve the confidentiality of all that's discussed.
• Use the group mailing list only for study group work; for other uses, always ask permission.

5. Members value the unique contributions of each member.
Each group will develop its own 'flavor', which is hard to put into words. Each participant plays a part in the creation of the group's character.

6. Members meditate and pray daily. 
The twenty-four lessons of A Search for God are preceded by a chapter on meditation, indicating meditation's crucial role in spiritual growth. ISG groups maintain a prayer list. The prayer list consists of the following parts:

• affirmation of the current chapter
• healing list for those who have asked for prayer. This list includes the names of the members of the group. "Our Father and our God, may the light of Thy wisdom, Thy power and Thy strength, guide me as I seek to become a channel of Thy healing power. In His name I seek."
• surround list. "We pray for those for whom we are concerned. Please surround them in the Light, that they may be protected and guided by Thee."
• departed list: "Father, in Thy love, in Thy mercy, be Thou near to those who are in, or have just entered, the borderland. Use me as Thou seest, that I may aid them."
• optional prayer for incoming souls, for those who have no one else to pray for them, for organizations (e.g. A.R.E., A.R.E. study groups) for countries and their leaders, and for world peace.

Required starting literature

1. A Search for God, Book I (Book II optional).
2. Bible.
3. Experiments in a Search for God, by Mark Thurston, keyed to A Search for God, book I.
(Experiments in Practical Spirituality, by Mark Thurston, keyed to A Search for God, book II, optional)

If you are not used to reading the Bible, discuss with the group how you feel about using the Bible as a spiritual text. Perhaps you can suggest another text to alternate with the Bible.
 

First steps

1. The coordinator sends a message "ISG#.. Opening message" to the newly formed group, listing each member's address in the address box. Save the addresses in your address book. Print, and save this message in a file for future reference. For clarity, the subject heading for messages to the group always start with ISG#. When you want to post a message to the group, either choose "reply to all" (changing the subject line if necessary) or use your address book to address all members. 

2. The coordinator will ask all members to send a personal introduction to the group, so members may get acqainted with each other. Include how you became interested in the spiritual path and in the EC readings.

3. Send in your prayer requests to the group so that all may start praying for each other and for loved ones, and the Keeper of the rayer list may compile the first prayer list.

4. The group needs to reach a decision regarding the distribution of responsibilities and the way the group operates. Not everyone comes to the group with the same set of assumptions and experiences with group work. Discussing format and roles will help clarify the group's workings. The coordinator will guide the group through this process, if desired. These are the points that need to be considered:

• distribution of responsibilities.
• meditation/prayer meeting time. Some groups decide on a daily time period when all members meditate and pray. Other groups, especially those with members in various time zones, do not adhere to one specific time for all. 
• weekly lesson time frame. Decide whether to have a 'deadline' for posting comments on the current lesson or to 'go with the flow.'

6. Make sure you touch base with the group at least once a week. In a virtual world out of inbox is almost out of sight. Let the group know if you cannot participate for a period of time. 

7. Make a commitment to stay with the group for at least three months. A new study group will take some time to really get going. You'll have to spend a week or two discussing the format and administrative issues before you can do too much actual study group work. Be patient and kind. Give each other the benefit of the doubt.

In general, each new group will have to discuss and decide on format and guidelines. In a way there is no set format. Groups work out a format that fits and works for them. 

Avoid worrying too much about your progress through the A Search for God books. Some groups take three years to complete Book I. It took the first study group eleven years to complete the twenty-four lessons.
 

Group dynamics

It can be  helpful to understand that groups develop and evolve over time. Generally, groups go through stages that have been called:

• Forming
• Storming
• Norming
• Performing

2. Storming
In the next stage, the members may argue and disagree about issues. There may be some defensiveness and competition. Some members may feel they are not comfortable with the group's approach.

3. Norming
In this stage, members may attempt to seek group harmony and avoid conflict or differences of opinion. There is more friendliness, sharing of personal information, playfulness, and discussing group dynamics. A sense of cooperation evolves. Members feel safe in expressing constructive criticism. There is an understanding of the "ground rules" of the group process.

4. Performing
In this stage, members are effectively communicating and conducting the work of the group. A strong attachment to the group is apparent. Members understand each other's strengths and weaknesses and help each other learn to develop strengths and overcome weaknesses. There is a feeling of unity. Work is accomplished. Members enjoy their time together and have fun!

Groups may cycle through these stages when new members are added, when a member leaves, or when the task or focus of the group changes.
 

Finally...

Be patient and kind with each other. Some of us may be in different time zones and other countries; we each have different daily schedules and commitments. It may take several days for everyone to read and respond to the messages - especially at first.

The ISG can be a very valuable part of your transpersonal growth and development. Like anything else, the more effort and energy you put into it, the more you will get out of it. By participating actively, applying the principles of the lessons, and continually looking for opportunities to cooperate and be of service to others, you will find a peace and joy you may not have thought possible.

We hope you have found these brief notes helpful. We encourage your comments and contributions and hope that we may continue to update and expand this guide. 

Special thanks go to Sally Thibodeau whose guidelines for in-person study groups served as a starting point for this guide.