This document provides an agenda and summary for a session on spiritual journeys. It includes: - An agenda that covers connecting activities, small group discussions, Q&A, and teaching segments. - Discussion questions about Jesus' image of the vine and branches and questions raised. - Recommended reading and quotes about spiritual transformation coming from yielding to God. - A diagram showing different phases of spiritual journeys including encounter with truth, awakening, and union. - Closing with small group discussion questions and preview of the next session topic on loving God with the mind through Bible study.

1. Week 2: Session 1 - Introduction

2. Tonight’s Agenda 6:00-6:10 -- Connecting Activity 6:10-6:30 -- Small Group Discussion 6:30-6:40 -- Q&A 6:40-7:15 -- Teaching 7:15-7:30 -- Small Group Discussion

3. Connecting Activity: Divide into Geographical Regions What is your name? How long have you lived where you live? If you were a fruit, what would you be?

4. Regroup into original tables Turn to page 11 #2 - What was Jesus trying to communicate with his image of the vine and the branches? #6 - What questions did this study raise in your mind?

5. Q & A

6. Recommended Reading Invitation to a Journey M. Robert Mulholland Jr.

7. Striving for a B “ There is nothing we can do to transform ourselves into persons who love and serve as Jesus did except make ourselves available for God to do that work of transforming grace in our lives.” (p. 26)

8. Striving for a B “ Our spiritual journey is not our setting out (by gathering information and applying it correctly) to find God (as an object “out there” to be grasped and controlled by us). It is a journey of learning to yield ourselves to God and discovering where God will take us.” (p. 32)

9. Where Am I? Your Personal Style Impacts Your Spiritual Journey Evangelistic Style Uncomfortable Neighbor Love Language Comortable Neighbor Spiritual Gifts, Natural Skills, SHAPE BODY Sacred Pathway SPIRIT Learning Style MIND

10. Phases of the Journey Encounter with TRUTH - about God, Self, the Universe… Awareness Invitation to Change Awakening Purgation Illumination Battle against Sin Old Self vs. New Self Spiritual Disciplines most important Bearing fruit “ good works” come naturally Aware of God in everything Experience gratification Quiet peace No need for human reinforcement or approval Loss of Self ONE WITH GOD WALKING WITH GOD OBEDIENCE TO GOD ATTRACTION TO GOD DARK N I GHT OF THE SOUL Union

11. Small Group Discussion Answer one of the following questions: #3, #4, or #5

12. Next Week Session 2: Loving God with My Mind [ Studying the Bible ]