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Big things happen in small groups. It is the ‘bread and butter’ of what we do as a ministry.

We work at cultivating an authentic, trusting environment where we can do real life together. Incredible things happen when we put down our masks and honestly embrace ‘what is.’

‘Real’ is an important word; so is ‘messy.’ Both are signposts along the road to renovation.

Is Theodyssey for me?

WHAT TO EXPECT

Six-Week Studies

Groups are typically 5-10 people, but can be any size. They meet for six weeks plus and introduction night. These groups include:

  • Approximately 3 hours time commitment per week. One hour of preparation plus two hours within the group.
  • Attitude of a ‘Franchise Owner’— Attendance, preparation, and participation are not optional. This is an investment
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Nine-Month Journey

Groups are typically 5-10 people, but can be any size. They normally meet for 9 months, which is necessary to dig into the ten Conversations found in the curriculum. These groups include:

  • Silence & Solitude 10-15 minutes every day.
  • 4-6 hours time commitment per week between group time, readings, and interactive & reflective exercises within the curriculum.
  • A weekend group retreat. This is vital to break routine to spend time with God.
  • Attitude of a ‘Franchise Owner’— Attendance, preparation, and participation are not optional. This is an investment
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IS THEODYSSEY FOR ME?

Are you hungry for ‘something more’ in life? Are you seeking clarity about God, self, direction? Is there something stirring within? Theodyssey could be a great fit. But only if you can eliminate hurry and busyness from this season of your life. You will get the most out of the process when you give God the space to do the work.

Due to the nature of spiritual formation, Theodyssey is NOT a good fit for you if any of the following are true:

1.  You have just entered a recovery process.

You need a solid emotional foundation for this journey. There are seasons where we need to grieve and heal, and that needs all of our focus.

2.  You’re ‘burned-out.’ 

If you constantly feel tired and busy, you need to take things out of your schedule instead of adding things in. Relax and rest. That won’t happen here.

3.  You are looking for another Bible study/information/analysis.

This is about formation, not just information. While formation is good, it is not safe and it requires courage. If there is not a deep desire for ‘something more,’ for a new experience, this is not a good fit. You can buy the curriculum for information, but the group will encourage change and transformation

4.  You object to the Christian tradition or the approach of spiritual formation.

Our framework is 1) Basic historic Christian doctrine (e.g. the deity of Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, sin, salvation, etc.) and 2) Principles of spiritual formation (whole person, process, historic Christian wisdom, principles of personality development, etc.). You are encouraged to be discerning; at the same time, you have to be able to spend your energy being for something, not against it. Please email us if you have specific questions about the approach.  

5.  You are overcommitted already.

You are expected to attend every session (illness and emergency aside). The bar is set high for a reason. Balance and rhythm of life are non-negotiable. It is better to wait for your life to slow down than to try to cram spiritual formation into your schedule.

6.  You prefer to passively watch and learn.

As with swimming, learning happens in the ‘pool.’