Questions Google Can't Answer

I had invited 30 women to come to my home to explore some of the toughest questions about God and faith issues in the spring of 2002. Fifteen people came that first day. There were three of us that had agreed to co-lead the group - Judy, Kristin, and I. We had been friends for a long time. Throughout the years we had spent time together on school field trips, fundraisers, and praying for our kids. We all knew the women that came that day. They were neighbors and friends from our Portola Valley community.

I think each of us walked into this new situation with a little fear that we would somehow be expected to have all of the answers. So we quickly made it clear at the very beginning that we didn't have all of the answers. If that's what they were looking for, they'd be disappointed. They would need to discover the answers for themselves. All of us would be learning together in the process. Over time, we might share some of what we have discovered, but that was not our main job. Our job was to keep the conversation and the group a safe place to explore the questions and answers. I think everyone was relieved (including us) when we made that simple declaration.

This sign board in front of a church was indicative of what we found in our group. The richness of the questions about God will not allow a simple Google search to find the answer. It is the process of self-discovery which is best done in a safe and caring community, where there's laughter, love, safety and respect that slowly produces answers for the spiritual seeker. And it starts the first time you get the group together to set the tone for all future gatherings. That's why the first meeting is so important. -Mary

Comments

[Bruce Stryd]

I am running a short term version of a seeker group from people inside the church. One man that attends is moving this week, but has been very engaged. The process you describe, Mary, has worked well with him. In at least two the othe four gatherings we have had, I did not think we had accomplished much. His recap was, however, "This was helpful, I get a bit more of this now." It is him doing the digging that is God's opportunity for new treasure in his spiritual life. This would not have happened in a "teaching" situation. Thanks for the article.

[Fran Goodrich]

Thanks, Mary! This helps me picture what to do with my neighbors. We've had a neighborhood Bible study with 5 women and we are learning much. Three have not crossed the line of faith, but have come a long way. They say things like, "If you are wrong about Christianity, you've still lived a good life and it hasn't hurt you. If I am wrong about it, I'm in big trouble!" They love Bible study, but I think it would be good for them to explore their questions and beliefs in order to get more buy-in. So as a next step my husband and I are going to suggest that we use the Tough Questions series and invite their husbands. I'd appreciate your prayers!