Getting Started . . .
Sponsoring a group is an exciting opportunity. It is important to be familiar with the material. If there is a group nearby that you can visit, it is very often helpful just to get familiar with the process. If you have not already done so, contact your region Search for God representative. They are prepared to assist you in the process of getting your group going.
There are 2 common ways that groups get going.
Often several people have gotten together to talk about starting
a group. In this case, the group can begin whenever these friends
feel ready. There are handouts available from the region
and from headquarters that can assist
you.
Often someone wants to get a group started but does not know others who might be interested. Your region representative along with headquarters can assist in getting the word out to members in you area. The success of any effort to locate members will be enhanced if you will take the time to add one small but important step: use the creative power of your mind to imagine people responding to your efforts. Be positive! Believe in what you are doing and the right group of people will be drawn together.
The A Search for God Book I and II present a lesson-by-lesson growth in spiritual awareness. Discussion in the group focuses on understanding and application of this specific material. The Cayce material insists that everything one needs lies within self. In this sense, each person becomes their own teacher, and each become a teacher to others in the group as they show the results in their lives.
Some of the Details
Most groups meet in private homes. However, public meeting places can also be used. Many libraries and banks make rooms available without charge.
The recommended size of a group is form 2 to 12 people. Larger groups make individual participation more difficult. If your initial response to a mailing is larger than you had anticipated, remember that initial participation in a group can be misleading. Group size fluctuates during the first several meetings until a core group emerges. If a larger group of people continue to show interest, your efforts are being rewarded! Often, the opportunity presents itself to form a second group.
There are handouts that are available, such as Purposes of Search for God Groups and Suggested Meeting Format are among those that are helpful to have on hand in the beginning.
After a core group has emerged, fill out the Affiliation form during the business portion of the meeting. Affiliating the group allows us to connect the group to the mainstream of our group activity, where the group can both benefit and assist the group movement. Affiliated groups are on our roster and as new seekers come to us looking for a group in your area, we can refer them to you.
Congratulations!
You have decided to take a step that has proven to be one of the simplest yet most effective methods for spiritual growth and discovery of our times: starting A Search for God group.
